based on 81 experiences from female travelers
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, 2024shomaila
Turkey
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, 2024It 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, 2024I 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, 2020It 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, 2022Purevmaa
Singapore
I transit in Istanbul for 13 hours which is enough time to go to the city and back, I took bus to the city and walked around, it was safe as I was in the touristy area, I spent around 180 sgd which more than I would like to but most of it went to local shops and local artists. So it’s good! Heart wrenching part was there are quite a few homeless kids. I could not walk past them without giving some donations. Overall I love it there, the culture and buildings was beautiful!!!
Posted: August 5, 2024Crystal
United States
I don't recommend Turkey as a country for solo female travel. Turkish men believe foreign women are all whores and are persistent to a level of being scary. I know other women from different countries who have had similar experiences there.
Posted: July 28, 2024Experienced: June, 2020I have been to Istanbul for many times, and never got disappointed. This city is always alive, the people are welcoming, eventhough the poor english skills, they try to help you anyhow. I recommened to try as many food as you can. The baked corn and the simit (with nutella) my favourites from the streets. I recommend to stay at Cihangir area, really cool vibes there, so many artists there. If you like techno/melodic-techno music, you should visit zoegarden, sumahan, klein garden…:)
Posted: July 26, 2024Celine
Spain
Istanbul was a dream coming true for me Every day was a blast I felt super safe as a solo traveler and stayed in a pension in kadiköy Istanbul is expensive but I could eat for 7 euros in local restaurants
Posted: July 10, 2024Sarra
Tunisia
Hey ladies! I’ve been to turkey 4 times and I highly recommend, it is safe for travelers, tamales specifically. The food was amazing specially Kofte and iskander , am a huge fan ahah Transport is well organised and safe also
Posted: July 4, 2024Based on 65 local experiences
Based on 65 local experiences
First thing is can say about Istanbul's safety is: It's hard to say a specific thing. Because mostly it depends on where you are. When we compare European and Asian side, Asian side is safer but European side is much more enjoyable. For example Beşiktaş, Bebek, Sarıyer. And for Asian part Kadıköy is enjoyable and fun. If you're going crowded places during night i suggest you to go with a friend. I think Istanbul is better for group travelling, not for solo travelling.
Posted: October 19, 2024You need to stay away from narrow streets and some neighbourhoods especially when its dark. When its dark if you need to use public transportation, stay close to other woman or safe people, bad people should think that you are not alone.
Posted: September 29, 2024Seda
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.
Gizem
I am visiting Clermont-Ferrand for Clermont-Ferrand film festival. Then I will go to other countries
Seda
Istanbul
3 days
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.
Dilay
Istanbul
4 days
I am an 18 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.
Arissa
Oi! My name is Arissa, I'm passionate about language learning, travelling, art, music, dance and cultural studies. I have lived in four countries and recently decided to come back to Brazil - an amazing experience so far :) I'm curious and eager to learn all about this world. I love to hear about what moves people, to connect with other people.
Annelise
Hi I’m Annelise! I am 26, a big art and coffee Lover and I absolutely love traveling, I think it is the best thing you can do for yourself as a person! I definitely base a lot of my travel events around trying as much local food as possible and seeing art, but am always open to trying new things