Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

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In just one week, I will be back in one of my favorite cities on the planet: Istanbul, Turkey.  As a solo female traveller I have visited Istanbul several times before, both in my twenties and in my thirties. It has long been one of my favorite cities thanks to its rich history, breathtaking views, spectacular architecture, delicious food and welcoming people. However, people are often surprised when I tell them that I love traveling solo to Istanbul, and one of the first questions I inevitably get asked is, “Is Istanbul safe for solo female travellers like you?”

The issue of safety for solo female travelers in Istanbul is a nuanced one. Certainly, female travelers in the city face different challenges than their male counterparts, and there may be elements of Turkish culture and gender norms that seem confusing, inconvenient or frustrating at first.

However, I obviously believe that Istanbul is fundamentally a safe city for solo female travelers… because I keep going back, again and again!  In this guide I’ll talk about my own personal experiences traveling solo in Istanbul, including how I’ve stayed safe on every trip, the few occasions where I’ve found myself in an uncomfortable situation, and what I would recommend for other girls and women traveling solo to Istanbul, Turkey.

Is Turkey a Safe Country?

For the average traveler, Turkey is a safe country. Canada currently recommends travelers to Turkey “exercise a high degree of caution”, while the US suggests that travelers “exercise increased caution”.

These warnings are in place primarily due to political instability and the dangers associated with political protests and terrorism. I’m no actuary, but based on my own personal feelings I’ve never felt or witnessed any risk associated with either of those dangers while I was in Turkey. Millions of foreign tourists visit Turkey every year, attesting to the fact that feels safe.

At publication time (July 2023) there are some areas of Turkey where foreigners are advised not to visit.  The Canadian government recommends avoiding all travel (including essential travel) within ten kilometers of the Syrian border. They also recommend avoiding all non-essential travel to regions affected by the 2022 earthquake and to a number of provinces in the country’s southeast.

Is Istanbul a Safe City?

In this article I’m going to be focusing on Istanbul, which is the city in Turkey I’ve visited the most as a solo female traveller.  I looked at data comparing Istanbul to Toronto and Paris, two large cities I know well.  Overall, the data was very similar, and this matches what I have observed and experience during my own time in Istanbul and other major cities. Istanbul feels as safe as other cities of a similar size, and that is reflected in the statistics.

 

It is true that Istanbul experienced a terrorist attack in November 2022, when a woman planted a bomb on Istiklal Caddesi, the most popular pedestrian street in the city. Six people were killed in the attack, and more than 80 other people were injured. This was a terrible tragedy, but it doesn’t shift my personal feelings about Istanbul being a safe city.  The USA is seeing a horrifying wave of gun violence, and other countries such as Canada and the UK are seeing a rise in unprovoked stabbings (mostly due to drug addiction and mental illness). I absolutely feel safer in as a solo female traveler in Istanbul than in most parts of the USA.

Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes, Istanbul is safe for solo female travelers. I say that based on my own experiences visiting the city several times, and based on a review of the actual statistical data.

The key to having a safe visit to Istanbul is to have a good plan, including an awareness of local cultural and gender norms, an itinerary focused on visiting popular areas of the city and staying in a safe neighborhood, and knowledge of how to avoid situations that could potentially become unsafe.

In this article I’m going to share my own experiences staying safe as a solo female traveller in Istanbul, including what to wear, where to stay, how to get around the city, what to do at night and a few bonus safety tips that apply across all different situations. If you have any questions about the advice I’ve given here, leave a comment at the bottom and I will reply as soon as possible.

My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler in Istanbul

The first time I traveled to Istanbul as a solo female traveller I was 26 years old, and I have since visited Istanbul again in my early and late thirties.

I have never had a serious negative experience as a solo female traveller in Istanbul. Occasionally I’ve had a man catcall me in the street, or make that weird hissing sound, but that is more annoying that unsafe.

For full transparency, on my most recent trip to Istanbul an older man did try to grab me by the arm as I walked past. I was in one of the bazaars in the morning, right as it opened, and there weren’t many people around yet. I simply shook him off and walked away. I definitely don’t believe I was in any real danger, as he was far too old and frail to be a genuine threat.

Other than that, I’ve never had a bad experience in Istanbul. I’ve found men and women, from Turkey and from other countries, to be very kind, welcoming and accommodating.

Safe Places to Stay in Istanbul for Solo Female Travellers

As a solo female traveller in Istanbul, you want to stay in busy neighborhoods with good access to public transportation and tourist amenities. Any money you’d save by renting a cheap apartment in a far-flung residential area would be negated by the cost (in time and money) of getting into the center each day, and by the risk associated with being in an isolated area.

Personally, I always enjoyed staying in Sultanahmet as a solo female traveler in Istanbul. There are many hotels here, so you’re around other travelers and business operators who speak English. As well, you’re only minutes on foot from the most famous tourist attractions, like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.

The downside of staying in Sultanahmet is that it can feel a bit touristy.  Good alternatives include Sirkeci (down the hill from Sultanahmet, on the waterfront), Galata (around its eponymous tower) and Karakoy (also nearby). I go over all my recommended Istanbul neighborhoods and hotels in this guide to where to stay in Istanbul.

As a solo female traveler, I probably wouldn’t stay in Taksim. Since the highlights here are mainly shopping and nightlife, it’s probably better suited for a return visit with friends than for a solo trip. Taksim itself is very safe for solo female travelers, but be careful as some of the surrounding districts, like Tarlabaşi and Dolpadere, are considered to be among the more dangerous in the city.

What to Wear in Turkey as a Woman

Although Turkey is officially a secular country, more than 99% of the population is Muslim. This means that Islamic values do impact the way local women dress, and may impact the way that solo female travellers’ clothing is perceived.

In the summer, you will find some solo female travellers in Turkey wearing the same clothes they would wear on the streets of North America or Europe, including crop tops, short shorts, miniskirts and dresses with thin straps. However, this attire is definitely not appropriate at any religious sites, and may attract unwanted attention from local people.  (Personally, I also find it a big uncomfortable in the summer heat!)

So what should you wear in Turkey as a woman?

• Lightweight linen and cotton pants are breathable, provide sun protection, and align with local norms around modesty.
• Midi and maxi skirts that fall below your knees are always appropriate.  In the winter, you can layer a pair of opaque tights underneath for extra warmth.
• Pair your pants with a t-shirt or tank top with wide straps. It can be breezy along the waterfront, so consider layering a button-down top or kimono-style cardigan
• As a tourist, you will only need to cover your head inside mosques and some other religious sites. Most girls like to pack their own scarf for hygiene, but if you forget they often have loaners at the entrance.
• Most of the clothes in my guide to sun protection clothing for women travelers would be appropriate in Istanbul and the other touristic places in Turkey.

Winter clothing naturally tends to be more modest than summer clothing, and pretty much any winterwear from North America or Europe would also be appropriate in Turkey. That includes jeans (skinny or wide), sweaters, skirts with tights and boots.

How to Get Around Istanbul as a Solo Female Traveller

Personally, I believe that there is safety in numbers, and that’s why I prefer to travel around Istanbul on public transportation. I have always felt safe using the bus, tram and metro in Istanbul. As a solo female traveler, I feel comfortable using transit because there are usually other women around (sisterhood!), as well as the driver or operator.

Both of Istanbul’s airports are connected to the city center by public transportation, but most destinations will require one or two transfers. If you suspect you’ll be too overwhelmed or jet-lagged to manage that on your own, I recommend pre-booking an Istanbul airport transfer.  Here are a few options with good reviews:

• Istanbul Airport Transfers – This company has more than 1,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 at publication time.
• Private Transfer from IST to the Old City – This company has almost 300 reviews with an average rating of 4.8/5 at publication time.
• Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers – If you’re arriving or departing from the airport on the Asian side, this highly-rated transfer service can get you to your destination.

Typically, I try to avoid using taxis as a solo female traveler in Istanbul. I don’t always feel comfortable being alone in a vehicle with the driver, and while I haven’t personally been scammed by a driver, stories of Istanbul taxi scams are all over the internet.

If a taxi driver asks you to get in the front seat with him, do not do this. If possible, choose a different taxi, but if there’s absolutely no other way to get to your destination, take a photo of his license plate, text it to a friend or family member, and sit in the back (like all local women would).

How to Stay Safe at Night in Istanbul as a Solo Traveller

To be transparent, when I travel solo to Istanbul I spend so much time walking around exploring the city that I rarely have the energy for big, late night on the town!  However, I don’t retreat to my hotel room at the first sign of darkness falling!  I generally feel safe at night when I’m traveling solo in Istanbul, because I follow some basic safety precautions:

• Have a transportation plan. Typically, the subway and trams stop running around midnight, and the last ferry back from the Asian side (Kadikoy) is around 9:45 pm. If you’re out later than that, your options will be walking or taxis.
• Don’t use drugs or drink excessively. One 2019 study reported that fewer than 10% of Turkish women drink alcohol. Choosing to drink excessively will likely result in unwanted attention and may make you a target for assault or robbery.
• Stick to busy areas. The areas that I recommend above for accommodation tend to have a decent amount of activity at night. When you’re walking around at night, choose well-lit streets with open shops and restaurants, or where you can see local women out and about.
• Party with other travelers. If you really want to go crazy in Istanbul, join an organized pub crawl or bar crawl where you’ll be guided to bars and clubs that are known to be safe. You’ll be in the company of other travelers and have a guide who understands the Istanbul nightlife scene. This epic Istanbul pub crawl looks awesome (just don’t plan any sightseeing for early the next morning!). Hostels often run their own pub crawls, so ask at reception (even if you’re not a guest you may be able to pay to join!).

Bonus Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Istanbul

There are a few other general safety tips that will help make your stay in Istanbul as a solo female traveler a bit safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable:

• Take your cues from the local women. Watch how the men in Turkey interact with local women, and also watch how the women respond. If you’re being treated differently (touching, hugging, being asked personal questions) leave the situation. You’re not being rude by leaving – the guy is being rude by taking his chances with you.
• Don’t engage with street harassment. If I get catcalled in Canada, I run my mouth right back at the harasser because public shaming tends to work here. In Turkey, however, I’m unlikely to change the harasser’s behavior so it’s just a waste of my time. If someone is hollering or hissing at you, act like you didn’t hear and walk away.
• But also don’t tolerate unwanted touching. If the street harassment escalates from verbal to physical, shut it down right away. Dramatically swat or slap his hand away and loudly yell “NO!” or “STOP!”
• Approach women first. If you need help, try to approach a local woman first. If there’s no woman around, ask a shopkeeper, restaurant owner or other worker. Approaching a random man in the street should be your absolute last option, as it could be misinterpreted as an expression of romantic interest.
• Understand regional differences. In this guide, I’ve talked about safety for solo female travellers in Istanbul specifically. The tips I’ve shared here also apply to other touristic destinations in Turkey, such as the Aegean Coast, the Mediterranean Coast and Cappadocia. However, if you’re traveling elsewhere in Turkey, especially in the country’s far east, you should seek destination-specific travel advice. Cultural and religious values may be significantly different in these areas than in Western Turkey.
• Take normal safety precautions. In this article I’ve focused on gender-specific safety issues, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about other safety precautions like safeguarding your possessions, avoiding fraud and following local laws. The UK government has important information about safety, security and legalities in Turkey for male and female travelers.

The more you travel, the more of the things I’ve shared in this post will become second nature, whether you’re in Turkey, Taiwan or Tuvalu. I wrote this article specifically because many people have asked me about staying safe in Turkey as a solo female traveller. There seems to be a widespread belief that Turkey is dangerous for women and girls who are traveling solo, but I haven’t personally found that to be the case.

As with any destination, Turkey has some unique safety challenges, but as a smart, informed, aware female traveller, you are unlikely to experience any significant dangers when you travel in Istanbul.

Before you go, check out a few of my other posts about solo female travel in Istanbul:

Where to Stay in Istanbul – The Best Hotels and Districts (Essential reading!)

Things to Do in Sultanahmet

My Favorite Istanbul Food Tour (It crosses two continents and it’s vegetarian-friendly!)

Things to Do in Kadikoy and Moda on Istanbul’s Asian Side

Planning a trip to Istanbul?  Pin this post for later!