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

Make travel friends

Meet new friends while traveling, go on trips together, and create memories you’ll never forget
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Istanbul for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.9 /5

based on 124 experiences from female travelers

Marion

Marion

Austria

Couple travel

Istanbul is a beautiful city. I was there with my Boyfriend and it felt quite Safe in the big places. Once you get into smaller streets some men Look weird at you Even of you are dressed very modest. The Nightlife and the Food is incredible good and I can definetly recommend a shiptour on the Bosporus.

Posted: February 10, 2026
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Aleksandra

Aleksandra

Poland

Solo travel

I loved the city. The most important thing is that the city is HUGE. You need months to see the whole. People are the friendliest I've ever met. Drank tea like an addiction. Mosques are beautiful, but some tourist attractions can be hell expensive.

Posted: February 8, 2026
favorite_border 12
mode_comment 3
Shahrzad

Shahrzad

Iran

Solo travel

Istanbul for me is the city of dreams 😍♥️ love the vibe … People are friendly and the food is fantastic … Cultural, Artistic and fun experiences are available❣️If into art don’t forget to visit the Istanbul Modern✨ … it was my 3rd time there and will be back probably again & again 🙃

Posted: January 23, 2026
favorite_border 18
mode_comment 9

How safe is Istanbul for women?

Local safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 392 local experiences

Local crime index

3 /5

Based on 392 local experiences

Overall, it's a city very accustomed to tourists. The locals are very helpful. However, of course, you can find all kinds of people everywhere, so avoid going to secluded areas late at night if possible. Be careful with your belongings in tourist areas.

Posted: February 10, 2026
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Nisa

Nisa

Generally safe but I suggest high vigilance and being aware of your surroundings is important. Don't go into dark alleyways, don't follow strangers to a "party" or a cool place. Crowds are your friend.

Posted: February 9, 2026
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

As a local, I believe Istanbul is great for solo women if you stay in the right areas. For the safest and most vibrant experience, I highly recommend staying in or visiting Kadiköy, Beşiktaş, or Nişantaşı. These are student-friendly, modern, and very safe areas where you can walk comfortably at almost any hour. Quick Tips: Always use apps like BiTaksi or Uber for transportation to ensure a safe and fair trip. Stick to central, crowded streets and use the Metro/Ferry lines.

Posted: February 4, 2026
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety map

The safety map shows areas in Istanbul where women have reported feeling unsafe.

Safety in Turkey

Hospitality Exchange in Istanbul

Fatma

Fatma

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello everyone! I’m Fatma. I have been working as a teacher in İstanbul for six years. I love travelling and solo-travel has become kind of a therapy for me over the years:) If you are in İstanbul, I can show you around at weekends and give you some tips as well. You can ask any questions, please don’t be shy. My home is a bit far from the touristic places, but if you need a place to crash you can come over:)

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Ece

Ece

Istanbul

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Heyy, I'm Ece. I recently moved to Istanbul for my first job, and I'm saving up for masters (which will take quite some time -so wish me luck!) I like going into the nature, music and food exchange and the beauty of daily simple pleasures. My biggest passion is cooking international food. I also enjoy reading books and sharing quotes with my friends so we can reflect together. I've been to Balkan countries, Italy, Germany, Czechia(where I did my Erasmus, so it has a special place in my heart. ) Poland, Oslo(my first ever solo trip was unbelievably smooth and full of adventures), Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. In my travels, I like to check off my must-see spots first so that I can get lost in streets, connect with locals, try all the local food, and do some shopping. I know I shouldn't hold on to the things I buy while traveling, but they make me feel alive haha I love international environments, deep talks about our 20s, cozy candle light book sessions, minimalism. Sometimes I feel the urge to get out of my comfort zone - after all, we only live once, right? "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be."

Speaking

mode_comment 2