Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Istanbul is generally safe for solo female travelers with some caution required. Although crime rate is relatively low, it is advisable to stay vigilant especially in crowded tourist areas due to occasional pickpocketing and scam incidents. It's also important to respect the local customs and dress modestly to prevent unwanted attention. Stick to well-lit areas at night and always inform reliable contacts about your whereabouts.

Safety rating

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How safe is Istanbul?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Istanbul, a vibrant city, presents a mixed experience at night-time. While it's generally safe to walk around, especially in the bustling areas like Taksim Square and Sultanahmet, there may be less crowded, darker streets where you'd need to exercise more caution. The local police are available round the clock, there are plenty of people out till late and many stores and restaurants are open 24/7. However, as a solo female traveler, vigilance should always be maintained. It's best to avoid poorly lit areas and not to share personal information with unknown persons.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Istanbul, including buses, trams, ferries, and the metro, is generally safe and efficient. The staff is used to dealing with tourists and locals alike, and you should be able to navigate the city without much difficulty. It's recommended to always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid traveling late at night if possible. In spite of these precautions, instances of crime are relatively low, especially during daytime hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

In Istanbul, one could experience different levels of street harassment depending on the area and time of day. These could range from stares and catcalls to aggressive touting. While it is generally safe, incidences of harassment are more noticeable in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square. It's advised to dress modestly, avoid late-night outings in secluded areas, and ignore without engaging if harassed. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, as with any other destination.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Istanbul, much like any other bustling city, has instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and minor scams. These incidents tend to be more prevalent in areas crowded with tourists like Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. The city is generally safe but it is vital to stay alert, be aware of your belongings, and avoid flashing expensive items. Use common sense as well as caution when approached by strangers.

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 86 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Eva

Eva

Norway

Family travel

Istanbul was my first Islamic city. I really liked the vibes and people in Istanbul. They were so hospitable and friendly,food is amazing. When I came back to Oslo I stoped to buy food because it was awful 😆. I felt very safe, even at night. But only one thing which I dislike is a lot of Russians people and their behaviour. They behaved like animals and were very loud

Posted: December 29, 2024
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Maria

Maria

Bulgaria

Group travel

Istanbul, one of the oldest cities, full with historical heritage. • transport: Everything in the city centre is almost walk-by distance but if you want to go to some place a bit further I would suggest taking the “Istanbul card” as in some public transportations do not accept credit card, plus it is also cheaper. • budged: Feel free to bargain with the sellers 😂 Most of the times the prices are high as the ceiling. Be ready to hear - “For you, 10% discount) There are a lot of scammers, don’t fall for them and be careful.

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Şeyma

Şeyma

Turkey

Solo travel

First of all, I can't give you information about accommodation because I stayed with my brothers. I didn't have a car so I only traveled by public transportation. I think public transportation in Istanbul is clean and accessible. However, it is a bit expensive and especially very busy during working hours. You can find any cuisine or food you are looking for in Istanbul. Since Istanbul is a metropolitan city, I would say do not trust anyone. There are so many activities to do in Istanbul. Concerts, museums, art exhibitions, ferry tours, visiting palaces, walking on the Bosphorus, trying Turkish food... Whatever kind of holiday you want, Istanbul can offer you that. If you don't know where to go other than the most touristic places, you can send me a message :)

Posted: December 24, 2024Experienced: December, 2022
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Gulnoza

Gulnoza

Uzbekistan

Solo travel

It was amazing I googled the best places to go and I have been to all locations! The places were very beautiful and I enjoyed a lot. I visited galata tower, Osmanli palace, the colorful stairs, the historical other places.

Posted: November 21, 2024
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Solo travel

I’ve traveled solo in Istanbul and I felt incredibly safe. Common sense and street smarts. Using the tram is easy. There’s so much to do. Not knowing Turkish is fine.

Posted: November 1, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe but sometimes cat called by some people. Or at night street get too empty with no police around. Overall very late at night it's not super safe to be around shady places. Generally i had nice experience amd i enjoyed it

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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shomaila

shomaila

Turkey

Group travel

I felt moderately safe. Public transports you have to be very careful. Bosphorus Tour, blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and castle are a must visit. Try lahmacun, pide, eskender, Adana kebab for food. Istanbul is very expensive lately. Find good cheap hotels. I stayed in MLS ŞIŞLI hotel, booked from Agoda. Transport is very easy. Use public transport and use googled maps for it.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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Solo travel

It was very nice experience in Istanbul, people were nice and friendly, food was amazing and their portions are crazy, the weather in may was perfect to walk, and also to take a ride on a boat, which is really cheap (1$) .

Posted: September 12, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe in most areas. Using public transport was easy and safe. Some nice experiences are hidden from sight e.g photo experience in the Basilica cistern. Food is large in portion and tasty. The airport is far from the city but multiple bus options.

Posted: September 11, 2024Experienced: October, 2020
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Solo travel

It was the first time that I went on a solo trip. It was a great learning experience and the people were quite hospitable. Although, late at night I would feel a bit unsafe thinking that I am a tourist who doesn't even speak the same language but I always found someone with whom I could communicate.

Posted: August 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2022
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Is Istanbul safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 85 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 85 local experiences

It's very safe in general. But be careful in touristic areas, they might try to scam you by increasing the price. Especially in taxis. Always use Uber for taxi or public transportation is moderately safe too.

Posted: January 10, 2025
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Şule

Şule

The people here are really kind and helpful but there are a minor population. And they are maniacs. I have never experienced anything bad but a lot of other woman have. You could always get help if anything happens tho.

Posted: January 5, 2025
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Meet locals in Istanbul

Seda

Seda

About Me

I live in Istanbul. I am 26 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 39 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.

Speaking

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Dilay

Dilay

About Me

I am an 20 year old engineering student in Istanbul, Turkey and I like to travel when I can spare time from school. I am also a part time musician and I play the flute in a youth symphony orchestra. I would like to meet new people around the world and become friends. I enjoy hosting the people I met and and showing them around. I would also be very excited to visit them in their country.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Istanbul

Seda

Seda

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I live in Istanbul. I am 26 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 39 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.

Speaking

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Dilay

Dilay

Istanbul

Can host for:

4 days

About me

I am an 20 year old engineering student in Istanbul, Turkey and I like to travel when I can spare time from school. I am also a part time musician and I play the flute in a youth symphony orchestra. I would like to meet new people around the world and become friends. I enjoy hosting the people I met and and showing them around. I would also be very excited to visit them in their country.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Istanbul

Doha

Doha

About Me

I am doha live in egypt

Speaking

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Dorra

Dorra

About Me

Hey there! I’m Dorra, a Tunisian living in Paris who’s always up for an adventure. I’ve done a bunch of trips, including solo ones where I got to meet awesome people and create fun memories. I even did an AIESEC exchange for 4 months, which was a cool way to dive into new cultures. I love meeting people, sharing laughs, and learning about different ways of life. If you’re into good vibes and exploring, let’s hang out!

Speaking

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Safety in Turkey