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Is Istanbul Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Turkey : Safety by City

Istanbul is Turkey’s most popular as well as the most populous city with an estimated population between 12 and 19 million people.

It is one of the largest cities in the entire world as well as Europe, and it’s the cultural, architectural, social and financial center of Turkey.

A geographically peculiar and unique trait of Istanbul is that it spreads along both sides of the Bosphorus, between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.

If you go to Istanbul, you won’t easily forget its skylines, filled with domes and minarets of various sizes and heights and its vibrant streets filled with vendors, Turkish markets, restaurants, and unique eastern culture.

What tourists often emphasize as their favorite part of Istanbul experience is the unique Middle Eastern cuisine, with baklavas as their number one dessert specialty.

• Warnings & Dangers in Istanbul

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Istanbul is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it that are considered somewhat dangerous. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Generally, transport in Istanbul is rather safe and reliable, if you succeed to avoid pickpockets from public transport. If you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the city are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As for pickpocketing, it is a huge concern on the streets of Istanbul, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Places, where you should watch out for pickpockets, are Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, earthquakes have been known to hit Turkey, as well as severe droughts causing the lack of tap water in some parts of this country.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The majority of violent crime happens sometimes in Istanbul, and there have been reports of tourists being mugged, drugged and stolen from. Passports have known to be stolen from tourists, so be careful and leave them in your accommodation.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists, as it's been active in Turkey in recent years. The last terrorist attack happened in January 2017. Most of these attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The common scam in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this city. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.

• So... How Safe Is Istanbul Really?

Istanbul is mostly safe when it comes to crime and its biggest risks stem from the political situation in Turkey as well as terrorist threats.

However, that isn’t to say that violent, as well as petty crimes, don’t exist in Istanbul: snatching, pickpocketing, and mugging are the most common kinds of petty crime.

However, lately, with the newly developed camera network that supervises the streets of Istanbul 24/7, the mugging and purse snatching declined.

It is useful to know that once you leave the big city of Istanbul, you’re in a mostly safe zone where tourists have had nothing but positive experiences.

Another advice that might come in handy in Istanbul is that you should take every precaution while driving, as drivers in this city are mostly reckless and completely ignoring traffic signs, commonly causing traffic accidents.

Apart from this, transport is mostly safe in Turkey and works quite well.

The real danger in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey and the reason many tourists are skeptic when it comes to safety in this city, are the continuous and frequent terrorist attacks all around Turkey that have to do with the political situation in the state and most of them are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

However, recently the situation has settled and the last attack happened in January 2017.

• How Does Istanbul Compare?
• Useful Information

Some nationals do need a visa to enter Turkey, but they can be purchased online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/ before traveling to Turkey. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival to Turkey. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Turkish lira is the official currency in Istanbul. ATMs are widespread throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.

No worries when it comes to climate - Istanbul has a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by a continental climate. This means the city boasts hot and humid summers, though it does have cold, wet and occasionally snowy winters.

Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main and busiest international airport serving Istanbul and the biggest airport in Turkey. It is located on the European side of the city, about 24 km west of the city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Istanbul, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Istanbul Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Turkey - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

27 Reviews on Istanbul

As a native.

Speaking as someone who lived in Istanbul for 15 years, remember that there’s all types of people that you could possibly see all over the world. Housing roughly 14 million, there are many people that moved from the eastern parts of Turkey, eastern and western neighbors of Turkey, US, UK and other Turkic countries. The information about terrorism is outdated as there hasn’t been any terrorism act for years. Go with the crowd, be careful at night as people of all intentions might be out there. Also don’t speak your opinion about inner affairs of Turkey as everybody is just very tense about it.

Do not mix with locals who speak good English. Stay alert.

Istanbul is famous for tourist scam which generally targets solo travellers. Locals speaking good English befriended with solo traveeler and take them to guide turkey in evening then tskes them to taksim square . Where lot of Turkish dznce bar are available. They serve you raki and persuade you to dance with girls. At the end the bills presented to tiu which is eye popping. I was trapped very first day and payed around huge euro. They will take you to atm to withdraw money. Due to fear of physical harm you better pay and leave and come back hotel. Very bad experience.

Don’t go drinking with strangers

That’s pretty dumb, did you do any research before you went to Istanbul? In your home country do you go drinking with friendly strangers? Duh 🙄

Good advice — this happened to me when I was working as a young professional based in Istanbul all the way back in 1991 (lived in Istanbul for 18 months) then returned to NYC. I should have paid more attention — a seemingly nice English speaking guy befriended me at the Whimpy burger restaurant …. then suggested we go to a local bar …. as soon as we walked and the “b girls” came to sit with us, I knew I was in trouble so immediately ask for the check. I ended up paying the equivalent of several hundred USD (a lot back then, for me anyway). Kind of stupid I know…. Lesson learned.

You could be jailed for speaking about politics. Don’t criticise anyone to be on the safe side. Also don’t get into arguments with racists, as some see Kurdish and Armenians as the enemy.

Please don’t give wrong info

Great destination

My wife and I visited and stayed a week. The place is very busy but it is fantastic. Never felt threatened and would recommend it to anyone.

I am going there and I haven’t been able to find any travel agencies to get a ride with. Would you know of any? Please and thank you

I went in 2010 to visit and I was not told Turkish men like black women. I was approached and immediately panicked. Told the man I was married and he continued to flirt stating he liked the way my hips looked. I thought I was going to be taken, walked passed police and showed I was in distress. No assistance forgot how to get to my hotel that was on the strip, never been so scared. But other than that Izmir and Istanbul was a lovely place to visit.

So, how was he? 😂😂

My Turkey Review

I have been to Istanbul four or five times over hee past 14 years and it is just wonderful.

I never had a problem and the people are helpful and friendly, most speak fairly good English.

I have been four times for several days and we made day trips all over Turkey. The people are handsome and friendly.

There might be a bad apple here and there but in five or more trips I never saw any of that anywhere!

Torley is beautiful, friendly, and flooded with American and European tourists.

There is some wonderful food all over Istanbul, walked in the parks and took hotel taxis if we went out at night, Turkey is a truly wonderful country and the people are just handsome and friendly.

Turkey and its cities, and people are world-class and I just love Turkey and Izmir is just as wonderful.

Ephesus is a marvel. I have been many times. I don’t care what some say about Turkey. Turkey is wonderful, beautiful and the people are just the best.

Go when you can, it is glorious! In my next life, I am going to live in Istanbul. Ephesus is truly a wonder.

Turkish men are similar to Italian men and take care of their mothers way more than other cultures usually do.

Is it dangerious

Ukrian conflict? I am scared to come?

No conflict at all, you can visit peacefully 🙂

came back today 22/3/22…had a wonderful time here…..prices of good cheaper than home country zar. had lovely experience in snow,,,,came to old crown plaza which was very central.lots of things to do there.

Avoid showing interest in Retail environment

Cultural diversity and customs are very traditional still in Turkey and interpretation is very much in default of maintaining the status quo there. Business and conduct in retail is on a different wavelength. If you “stroll” through a Bazaar, the retail owners see your very presence there as an intended purchase of their wares. Browsing and window shopping are Western concepts that the Eastern business world do not comprehend the same way we do. If you find yourself in a hotel where the ” put on ” entertainment events and you do not immediately get up and leave, then that is considered you are staying for the show which has additional costs associated with it. Belly dancers do not dance for nothing in return. Salmone in the Bible expected King Harod to honour his promise. Whilst you are unlikely to pay with your head on a plate, you will however be expected to discharge money for photos taken of you at a belly dance . Your presence at these shows is a demonstration of intent to buy in East style business. As for friendly drink or dinner invites from locals to tourists, immediately decline with a smile or expect you will pay if you agree to the social interaction. Asking questions in a retail environment is an indication that you ” want” to buy. They don’t do product information demos in Turkey. Accept a free sample at your peril.

It’s Salome I think, but true about no concept of browzing. Same in Greece.

Wonderful and safe for family travel

Traveling here currently with my husband and 3 kids. Felt pickpocketing was not an issue like Paris and Barcelona. We have felt very safe despite the crowds and free to browse the shops. The metro is safe and clean and the waterfront is great for evening strolls. Just as any big city-be street smart. We will be back!

I would never recommend Istanbul to anyone because of the horrendous experience we had. With my wife and a 3 year old daughter, I wanted to find a hotel to keep our bags after we check out from a 5* hotel and before we catch our midnight flight, we went to hotel in Fatih area. They asked for $40 to keep bags for 5 hours but they insisted me to check the room size before taking it. Leaving my wife and daughter at the lobby, I followed an young guy who claimed himself as the care taker of the hotel property. We took the lift to the 3rd floor and as we reached the room, he opened the room. After opening the door, he was keeping his hands on doors to block me since he didn’t want to let me in. His attitude has completely changed then he and started to scream and rushed to the lobby using the emergency exit staircase. I had no clue what was happening. Since I didn’t want to stand there alone and I decided to use the same stairs and as I reached the lobby, I noticed the the same guy was screaming at my wife in Turkish and telling something in their language to a senior guy from the hotel front desk. My wife and I started to run away without waiting a second there out of fear and sniffing something these guys are cooking up. But they chased us and one guy did beat me up right on my face and started yelling that I can’t leave the place before the cops arrives and they said they have already called the cops. Someone there translated to us in English that this guy is claiming that I have grabbed his buttocks when he was unlocking the door and they are ok to settle it before the cop arrives. My wife and I struggled to run away from the scene with an young child on pram. As much as we tried to run, the guys chased us and finally we found a few guys at an another alleyway who helped and talked for us holding the main guys and in the meantime, we ran from there and we did hide ourself in an car garage for good 15 mins. Finally we escaped from their and rushed to catch a cab to hagia Sofia and saved ourself from the ordeal. Never again to Turkey.

Unlucky choice of area

Fatih is a terrible area in Istanbul, I avoid those areas as someone who grew up there. Sad that you had to go through this

Hi, where is a good area to stay in Istanbul and within the touristy areas? I have booked hotels near the blue mosque area. Thank u

There is no good area in istanbul

We stayed at a hotel in Taxim area, it was really great and we had a good time. I think wherever you decide to go, you should make sure to read Hotel reviews from different places like booking.com or google map and then book your hotel. Never stay at a place without researching it in prior.

Know common scams and issues and stay sharp and you should be fine.

dream of istanbul

istanbul is really my dream. i visited it 6 times only one time i was stolen in the train. but after corona covid i m afraid to go there. but my hope is to continuou my life in istanbul nd buy a little apartment in sultan ahmet nd stay there

Istanbul: several scams

I was the victim of a scam at Istanbul Airport (IST) these days.

I had booked a transfer service even before the trip. However, when I arrived in Istanbul, I did not meet my driver at the agreed departure gate. I spoke to another driver at the same location and he allegedly called the person who was supposed to pick me up. I was induced to run the race with what I found at the airport. The price was charged in Turkish Lira and in the end I paid almost 4 times the usual amount for the distance covered. I didn’t know the Turkish Lira exchange rate.

I went to the police, but they did not file a report. The manager of the hotel where I stayed said that there is a big mafia in car transport in that airport and in the city as well. Uber, for example, does not work in Istanbul.

The guide I had hired did not show up the next day. At the hotel, you receive less than the amount paid and they try to overcharge you whenever possible.

I was robbed and there is a lot of tourist opportunism and exploitation in Istanbul. The experience was terrible and I came back very disappointed. I do not recommend Istanbul and Turkey to anyone.

I’m sorry for the negative experience you had. However, it is not rational and unacceptable for you to blame the whole country. I have traveled to many European countries. Sometimes we can experience unpleasant situations, even if we don’t want to. When coming from the airport to the city center, you should only prefer commercial taxis. And soon the metro line will be opened. Please report your negative experience at the hotel to the Ministry of Tourism or TURSAB. Surely they will be interested. Turkish people are extremely hospitable.

Horrible police ,beat up tourists

Corrupt police and a lot of arbitrary detention

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Article Contents

• Istanbul : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Home » Middle East » Turkey » Istanbul

Is Istanbul SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

It was Constantinople, now it’s Istanbul. Before that, it was Byzantium. This world city has been a lot of things and you can see this in the richness of its culture. Incredible sights can be found all over this liberal urban sprawl that straddles Europe and Asia. Oh, and the food is just as unbelievable.

But in recent years there’s been some trouble with terrorism. High profile attacks, like one on the airport in 2016, and the constant threat of violence make it a bit concerning. Couple that news with seemingly endless tourist scamming and we get why you’d ask, “ Is Istanbul safe for tourists ?”

Don’t worry. We have created a huge insider’s guide on the best things to do to stay safe in Istanbul.  We’re all about smart travel and believe you should be able to go anywhere you want as long as you’re equipped with some great tips on staying safe. And we’ve got a lot of those.

So if you’ve got reservations about backpacking in Istanbul because of the terrorist threat, or you’re concerned since it’s your first solo travel adventure, or whatever – don’t sweat it! We understand. Our guide to staying safe in Istanbul is here for you.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Istanbul Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Istanbul.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

Is Istanbul Safe to Visit Right Now?

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Yes! Most backpackers to Turkey pass through its capital. Istanbul is definitely an awesome destination. There are plenty of things that are drawing you to this world city. History, food, and culture are just a few of the city’s appeals. It’s often cited as the crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Unfortunately, safety in Istanbul has been a concern in recent years. Sharing a border with Syria doesn’t help matters. Though Istanbul is 900 miles away from all that turmoil, there is the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks.

Though according to Euromonitor, in 2023, Istanbul was the most visited city in the world , with 20.3 million visitors ! As one of the top visited city, tourists definitely have a positive experience.

That said,  Istanbul is pretty safe.  The situation has calmed down. You may see authorities stopping people to check IDs, but that just means that security is heightened. Being vigilant and monitoring media reports is what the UK government recommends .

It’s a fairly liberal city. People stay out late and there’s a decent nightlife scene going on here. It’s fun and people are friendly.

But like most cities in the world, being aware of your surroundings will help you stay safe. Pickpockets, street beggars, and scams are less likely to affect an alert traveler.

But overall? Yes, Istanbul is safe.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Istanbul so you can start your trip right!

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Istanbul, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Istanbul below.

• Sultanahmet : Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of the city and is surrounded by bodies of water to the north, east and south, and old city walls to the west. This district is the best place to stay in Istanbul if you’re visiting the city for the first time as many attractions are within walking distance.
• Karaköy : Today, Karaköy is one of the city’s most hip and stylish Istanbul locations. Here you’ll find an array of vendors and stylish restaurants as well as independent shops. With its own fair share of historic and cultural attractions, this is also where you’ll find some of the most amazing views of Istanbul.
• Galata : In recent years, Galata has emerged as one of the coolest Istanbul locations. It’s in Galata where you will find the city’s hottest nightlife scene. From trendy bars and stylish clubs to relaxed pubs and funky cafes, this neighborhood has it all.

Places to Avoid in Istanbul

Is Istanbul dangerous ?!

Nope, but we recommend you avoid these unsafe places during your visit:

• Tarlabasi : Long considered Istanbul’s most dangerous neighborhood, Tarlabasi is extremely poor and crime rates are high. Even though it’s only a few blocks away from the much-loved Istiklal Street, tourists never actually end up in Tarlabasi.
• Dolapdere : A bit north of Tarlabasi you’ll find Dolapdere, which is another impoverished neighborhood. Far from being one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, you’ll still want to avoid the area unless you know a local resident.

Quick side note : It’s important to know that all of the places we’ve just listed CAN be visited. They just have a higher crime rate than others, but those crimes are usually not targeted toward tourists. 

Keeping your money safe in Istanbul

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

There may be a bit of a terrorist threat in Istanbul, but in general, when it comes to safety in Istanbul you’ll be fine. It’s super ready for tourists. And you’ll be even finer if you travel smartly, use your street smarts and common sense to make sure you avoid potentially dodgy situations. But since you can never over-prepare, here are a few tips for keeping safe in Istanbul.

• Keep your belongs close to you in tourist areas  – this is where pickpockets operate
• Walk around in groups if you go out at night  – just a normal city tip for almost any city.
• Watch out for ‘street children’  – near the Süleymaniye Mosque they’ve been known to surround and pickpocket unsuspecting tourists, so keep an eye out.
• Try to dress like a local  – some areas are more European, others are not. Try to be aware of where you’re visiting. But mainly everything’s quite open-minded.
• AVOID taxi scams  – these are a BIG thing (more on that later).
• Be wary of strangers  – the classic is “Would you like a drink my friend…?” One thing leads to another, you’ve got a HUGE bill and your new “friend” has scarpered.
• Don’t get a shoeshine  – you might think it’s free, it’s not. If you DO want one, definitely agree on a price beforehand. Otherwise, it will cost you, arguments ensue, a crowd can develop. Best to just NOT.
• Use a reputable tour agency  – in Turkey, these need a license. Check the TURSAB website.
• Don’t use the ‘ok’ sign?  – this means you are calling someone homosexual. This won’t go down well with Turkish men especially
• Be careful if you want to buy a Turkish rug  – there are many fakes. Research needed
• Same goes for gold coins  – fakes galore. Do your homework.
• Negotiate prices in lira  – unless you want to pay a hefty price. Plus you’re in Turkey, you shouldn’t be using US Dollars or Euros ANYWAY.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Carry small denominations  – want to pay a small amount? Have small amounts to pay with. People can be ‘forgetful’ with change!
• Don’t agree on the first price for ANYTHING  – it’s inflated, every single time. Taxis, souvenirs, whatever. Offer half and go from there.
• Never accept food or drink from a stranger -it’s been known to be laced with a sedative. Then when you’re passed out, you get robbed
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Learn to say NO  – there are a lot of scams in Istanbul. The best way to avoid getting into any bad situation is to just say “no”. Have a sense of humor and walk away.

On the whole, Istanbul is safe. And at the end of the day, the best way to avoid getting into any unsafe situation is mainly to just  watch out for strangers.  Scams are rife in Istanbul and exercising simple stranger danger (why wouldn’t you!?) and not believing everything at face value is bound to keep you safe and sound.

No doubt, Istanbul is safe to travel alone. This is a city that is very, very used to tourists visiting. Perhaps a little too used to tourists…

By which we mean, making money off tourists through scams is pretty rife. As a solo traveler, wandering around tourist sights by yourself, you’ll be more of a target. Single males especially . So here are some top tips to help you stay safe as a solo traveler in Istanbul.

• If something doesn’t feel right, like if someone starts talking to you out of the blue and being overfriendly, offering to take you somewhere “recommended”, just walk away. Don’t worry about not being polite about it.  It’s properly rife  and many fall for it since the set-ups can be pretty convincing. The general rule of thumb: don’t talk to strangers (at least when it doesn’t make sense to strike up a conversation).
• Since solo travelers are often targeted for scams, get some travel buddies! The best way to do this is by staying at a well-reviewed, well-situated, social hostel in Istanbul. This will also be a good chance to swap travel tips, stories, make actual friends , and rid yourself of the solo traveling blues. (It can get lonely!)
• But with all that said, don’t be afraid to shop. It can be  a lot of fun!  Just keep your budget in mind, know not to take the first price as the actual price, haggle your heart out and go for it.
• Learn some Turkish.  You’ll get mad respect for it. Plus it will help you get rid of people, get around, just open up the city to you – if only a little bit.
• Don’t tell people the exact address of where you’re staying. Not only is this kinda risky anyway, but this may also just bring the scams right to your doorstep!
• Walking around by yourself at night is a mixed bag. Keep an eye on what other people are doing around you. If there are a lot of people out, including families, being out after dark in this area is fine. If it’s empty and sketchy looking, it probably IS sketchy.
• Get yourself a pre-paid sim . You can get these at the airport. You’ll never get too lost, you’ll get to keep up to date with people at home, and they’ll know where you are too.
• Since scammers seem to be everywhere in Istanbul, look like you know where you’re going at all times.  Looking lost is the best way to get the wrong sort of attention, and Turkish authorities aren’t able to do much for thefts.

You’ll be happy to know that it’s safe for solo female travelers in Istanbul. As opposed to Turkey as a whole, Istanbul is pretty liberal and you’ll be basically free to do what you want when you want.

But at the end of the day, traveling solo as a female always comes with its own unique challenges . But this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying what the city has to offer. Here are a few personal safety tips and tricks below:

• Istanbul is as much a European city as it is an Asian one and as a result, the dress code is pretty casual. Women here wear pretty much what they want to wear. You won’t have to worry about  covering up  – shorts are fine, for example. Some women do cover up and dress modestly, and some women wear short skirts and show their shoulders. It’s about how comfortable you feel , as much as it is dependent on where you are. Visiting a mosque? Dress conservatively. Keeping an eye on how locals are dressing is a good gauge of what’s ok and what isn’t.
• Avoid going out by yourself late at night. It can be a bit intimidating with men in certain areas like  Istiklal Avenue  or in  Taksim . You may not actually be threatened but it can feel scary.
• Stay in a good hostel or hotel, especially one where you might be able to make friends in common areas or on tours. It’s a good idea for  staying safe in numbers , plus it’s always nice to share your experiences with someone else.
• On that note, if you feel like hitting the town, go with a group of people. And whilst you’re out,  don’t get crazy drunk . Getting tipsy is fine, but you don’t want your senses completely gone. Also, accepting drinks from strangers is a hard no.
• Understand that the culture IS different . As a woman, you might receive attention from men that feels quite hassle-y, and sometimes it is. Anything from “you’re beautiful” to practically offering marriage (seriously, this is an actual thing) is normal. Most men are polite  and will stop hassling if you politely decline any advances. If it continues, make a fuss and head to a busy area and/or alert nearby  tourist police.
• Basically, be careful of men who are overly forward and want your number, etc. They are most likely after your money.
• Catcalling is par for the course. It’s annoying and can be upsetting, but try to ignore it. This is basically  part of being a woman in Istanbul . Sad but true.
• Be confident, keep your wits about you and pretty much try not to look like an easy target. Having maps on your phone, planning routes, and getting acquainted with your local area are all good ideas.

But all said and done, Istanbul is safe for solo female travelers. You might feel intimidated, uncomfortable, and upset that people may try to scam you, but many female travelers visit Istanbul and have a great time. So will you!

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the city’s most popular tourist destination. Home to Istanbul’s most iconic attractions, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this neighbourhood is perfect for first-time visitors to the city and an awesome base for your Istanbul itinerary.

Being a pretty well-trodden tourist city, Istanbul is totally safe for families. There might be some practical problems, it might be a bit stressful, but there’s nothing to stop you from visiting with your family.

In fact, Turkey as a whole is focusing on  attracting family travelers,  which makes Istanbul a more family-oriented place.

Finding yourself a good place to stay that’s close to the main sights that you want to see is a good place to start. Make sure the reviews are good and that it genuinely does have all the facilities you need for your family. There are some pretty epic, family-friendly Airbnbs in Istanbul to choose from.

Breastfeeding in public isn’t normal, so it’s better to do it somewhere private to avoid unwanted attention.

Make sure you  agree on a meeting place  if you go to a busy area and get split up. Some sort of landmark that you can all spot will help you find each other again if you get split up.

Other than that, Istanbul is a society that  loves children! Having your children with you may even help to defuse potentially tense situations with market stallholders and shopkeepers as well as touts and hecklers.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

As Istanbul’s traffic is insane, you definitely do NOT want to drive here. There’s really no need to anyway.

Not only is the public transportation system in Istanbul  very comprehensive , but public transport in Istanbul is safe. Great news.

First things first, get yourself an  Istanbul Kart . This is a contactless card that will make traveling around Istanbul super easy . You can use it all over the city on public transport. And there are loads of different types of public transport in Istanbul.

• Trams : Trams are quick and cheap. There are five different networks.
• Metro : Our firm favorite. There are two systems, which connects large portions of the city.
• Funicular : It goes uphill (obviously) and is pretty fun.
• Ferries : Because it’s coastal, and  spans two continents . Also pretty fun!

Buses  are another story though. There are 400 different routes making it pretty confusing. It’s not very quick since they have to contend with Istanbul’s awful traffic. They get very crowded which makes pickpocketing easy. try to avoid them if you can.

In a city that seems to run rife with scams, taxi drivers are heavy offenders. Everything from simply not putting the meter on (in which case, tell them to put it on ) to taking you a massively long way around to rack up the cost.

Top tip: download the BiTaksi  app which will estimate how much your fare should cost. Good grounds for haggling! You can even book a taxi through the app.

Cycling in Istanbul is not the easiest, but it does have a vibrant and loyal number of cyclists. If you really want to get a feel for the city on two wheels, do so in a park or other bicycle-friendly locale.

Pickpocketing is the most common type of crime you’ll encounter in Istanbul. Unfortunately, it’s all too common these days and is absolutely something to prepare for. Areas of particular concern include popular tourist hotspots like Taksim Square, The Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, and The Spice Bazaar.

Use a money belt or other hidden compartment for your wallet and phone. We’d also recommend leaving hard-to-replace valuables in your hotel room.

Terrorist attacks are a legitimate concern when visiting Istanbul. In November 2022, 6 were killed and dozens more were injured in a Taksim Square explosion . While events like these are rare, they do happen. Avoid crowded, touristy areas when and where you can.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Istanbul without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Istanbul.

What should I avoid in Istanbul?

These are the things you should avoid in Istanbul: – Don’t disrespect the culture or religion – Don’t give the ok sign (this is very offensive) – Avoid shoe shining stalls – Don’t be afraid of haggling

Is Istanbul safe at night?

Yes, it is safe to walk around the streets in Istanbul at night. While it’s still safer during the day, you’ll be unlikely to wander into a sketchy area. We’d recommend sticking with a friend or a group, just to add some extra safety to your nightly stroll.

Is Istanbul airport safe?

Absolutely! The new Istanbul Airport is one of the nicest places in the world to transit through. It was recently completed at the end of 2019 and is super safe, modern and secure.

What are dangerous areas in Istanbul?

While Istanbul is a safe city, there are areas to avoid such as the Tarlabasi neighborhood which is the most dangerous part of the city. Even locals try to avoid it. It’s unlikely that you’ll end up in there as a tourist, but if you do, make sure you get out!

Can you drink the water in Istanbul?

Nope. While it’s fine to brush your teeth with it, Istanbul’s tap water is not safe to drink. Many locals have filtered jugs that they frequently replace.

You can totally visit Istanbul, see the sights, even as a solo female traveler, eat the food, even live there – safely, too!

Honestly, though, Istanbul is  known for its scams.  This is what’s going to be instantly noticeable in tourist areas and especially the Old Town.

Don’t get a shoe shine and basically just follow the simple advice that you’ve heard since you were 3 years old: don’t talk to strangers. There are a lot of savvy scammers in Istanbul, so it pays (literally) to be savvy yourself.

Explore Istanbul, eat the food, get wrapped up in the history and culture of the streets. You’ll be fine!

Looking for more info on traveling to Istanbul?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Istanbul
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures !
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Istanbul travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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Very good and mostly accurate review but the part about Wikipedia being blocked is not. I just pulled it up from my Turkish ISP.

It was blocked at the time the article was written and may be blocked again in the future should it offend the ruling establishment!

I have however updated the copy to reflect this.

Thank you for the information. Thankfully I have learned alot about Turkey! I started watching Turkish series 4 years ago and I love them. I loved the first series so much that I never stopped watching them. I started to watch many historical series as well and learned so much of their history. I find Turkey fascinating. The ottoman empire days were just awesome to me. I plan to visit there soon. I am a Canadian citizen although I live in the USA and I am Ukraine descent. I just can’t get enough of these turkish shows. I stopped watching American TV. No offense but I love Turkey’s traditions!

Usefull! Regarding the name of the city, all the names now and past, are Greek names since all turkey was Greek territory at the ancient years before Turkey exists as a nation!

So, the name Istanbul is combined of 3 Greek words – ???- ???- ????- which means – to the city-.

Through the years the words combined from the three Greek words into one.

Thank you for the great tips I really enjoyed reading this article I’m planing a trip to turkey with my family soon and just by reading this it felt as if i actually was there. One more issue that yiou had not addressed is the internet connectivity. Am planning to place an order for the Pocket WiFi with rent n connect let me know of this is the right choice or if there are more options on this that are better.

If you need to be connected to the internet pretty frequently for high-volume work, definitely stick to your pocket WiFi plan. If you just need it at night, your accommodation’s WiFi should be enough. 🙂

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Home > Is Istanbul Safe To Visit Right Now? – Written By A Local

Is Istanbul Safe To Visit Right Now? – Written By A Local

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

One of the most commonly asked questions people ask me as a Turkey local would have to be, “Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?”

In this post, I will show you how safe Istanbul is and how to keep safe on the streets of Istanbul while you are in this iconic Turkish city.

You might think there should be a simple yes or no answer here, but nothing about traveling to Türkiye is ever that simple. The truth is that Istanbul, as with any large city, has its dodgy spots. Every city in the world requires you to be careful about personal safety, and Istanbul is no different.

However, asking this question in 2023 is understandable because you’ve undoubtedly heard a few stories.

Let’s lay those doubts to rest.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Past Terrorist Attacks In Istanbul

The main reason why people ask about safety in Istanbul is that the city has, in the past, been the victim of several terrorist attacks. The most recent was in November 2022, when an explosion occurred on a busy Sunday afternoon on Istiklal Street, Taksim. This is one of the most active parts of the city.

Before that, the city suffered in 2015 when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb close to Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia in Sultanahmet . Again, this is a bustling and touristic part of Istanbul. Further suicide bombings occurred in 2016, and in 2017, a mass shooting happened at a busy nightclub.

Of course, from reading that, you undoubtedly decide that Istanbul is dangerous, but you have to put this into context. During these years, many cities worldwide were dealing with terrorism due to the rise of ISIS and its deadly campaign of terror. Unfortunately, Türkiye suffered very badly during this time too.

Since 2017, Turkey’s safety record has increased a significant amount. The last attack in November 2022 came to us locals as a huge surprise simply because we assumed that after a period of calm, such tragedies were a thing of the past. Unfortunately, terrorism is a global problem, and it’s not only Istanbul that has had to deal with it.

The point here is that, yes, Istanbul has suffered very severely in the past at the hands of terrorist groups. Still, visitors should not be overly concerned about visiting as long as they learn a little about the city before they arrive.

If there is a terrorist threat while you are in Istanbul, always follow the local authorities’ directives and contact your embassy just as you would while you are in any foreign country.

As I write this, I am in Istanbul, and I do not feel unsafe in the slightest.

Evening & Solo Female Travel Safety In Istanbul

Rather than worrying about personal safety in Istanbul, you’d probably be better off worrying about being ripped off more than anything else. There are several well-documented scams that many tourists fall foul of. To help you out, we’ll talk about those in a moment.

For now, let’s talk about whether Istanbul is a safe place during the evening hours and for solo female travel .

Istanbul is a large and bustling city, so there are some dangers during the evening hours. This is the same for every large and busy city worldwide. Walking alone at night is not advisable, and you’d be better off taking a taxi wherever you want. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t flash your valuables during the day or not.

Is Istanbul Safe For Women?

As for solo female travelers, you will see many females traveling on their own, and for the most part, they experience a very pleasant and enjoyable time. The key here is to stay within busy tourist areas. In that case, the worst you’ll ever experience is a rather over-eager waiter who wants to talk to you. A simple “no, thank you” will suffice.

Read our solo travelers’ guide to Turkey here

Obviously, make sure that you dress sensibly. While you can wear whatever you want in Istanbul (unless you’re visiting a religious site), walking around with short skirts or low-cut tops doesn’t pay. Aside from anything else, it’s cold in the winter! Cover up a little, and you won’t attract unwanted attention.

Read what to wear in Türkiye here. 

Is istanbul safe with kids.

Istanbul is a beautiful city for families with kids . The city has much to offer regarding history, culture, and fun activities for the whole family. However, as with any large city, there are also some safety concerns that parents should be aware of.

Here are a few tips to help keep your family safe while enjoying all that Istanbul has to offer:

• First and foremost, always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, especially when they are near busy streets or crowded areas. If possible, stick to well-lit and populated areas when out and about after dark
• Secondly, be sure to educate your children about stranger danger. Teach them not to talk to strangers or accept gifts from them. If they do get lost, they should know to go to a police officer or security guard for help
• Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have a plan in case of an emergency. Know where the nearest hospitals and police stations are located, and make sure everyone in the family knows how to reach you if they get separated. By following these simple safety tips, you can rest assured that your family will have no safety issues and will have an enjoyable trip to Istanbul
• Public breastfeeding is not permitted in Istanbul, especially in conservative neighborhoods. If you need to breastfeed, you must do so discreetly

Editors note: I was in Istanbul with my two sons (aged 5 & 10) in 2023, and I can say we never once felt unsafe. I made sure to hold the boys’ hands and reminded them each day not to run ahead or move away from me – just because the city was so packed! But I do that in every big city we visit as a precaution. 

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Is there much violent crime in istanbul.

With a population of 16 million – or 2o plus million, if you ask the locals, there is undoubtedly some crime in Istanbul.

Crime Against Tourists

The highest form of crime against tourists in Istanbul (and Turkey) is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in tourist attractions like Taksim Square , Sultanahmet, The Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Taking precautions beforehand can mitigate your risk of being pickpocketed in busy areas or tourist destinations.

If you want to be extra safe, wear a money belt under your shirt rather than putting your belongings in your pockets.

Some victims have reported their bags being snatched or slashed, so keeping your travel documents secured in a safe in your hotel room is better.

Other than that, crime rates are not anything to worry about in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s Safest Neighborhoods And Not-So-Safe Areas

Let’s repeat the same line here – Istanbul is like any other city, which means it has very safe areas and dangerous areas that you should probably avoid.

You’re generally very safe in any touristic area, so we’re talking about Sultanahmet , Fatih, Kadikoy, Besiktas, Ortakoy, etc. You still need to use your common sense and not walk alone at night, but overall, you’re very safe in areas like this.

The question arises when we talk about Taksim and Beyoglu . Now, Taksim isn’t unsafe per se, but it’s a very large and busy area with many winding back streets, and this is also where the city’s main nightlife is located. This part of the city literally doesn’t sleep. You’ll find trouble if you deliberately open yourself up to it.

Beyoglu is the area around Taksim, which also includes Istiklal Street. You only have to visit there during the daytime to understand that it may be a little dangerous during the evening hours if you don’t speak the language and don’t know where you’re going.

So, while you shouldn’t necessarily avoid these areas, use common sense and caution, especially during evening hours.

That being said, there are a few neighborhoods to avoid in Istanbul:

This neighborhood is within walking distance of Taksim Square and Istikal Street. Extreme poverty and violence related to that poverty color daily life here, and taxi drivers won’t even venture this way if they can avoid it.

Another run-down neighborhood near Taksim Square and Istikal Street, technically in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, is Tarlabaşı. If you aren’t aware, it is easy to walk into this area accidentally. Don’t detour too far to the east or northeast of Istikal to avoid this area, known for its sex workers and aggressive vibe.

Sultanbeyli

This neighborhood is on the outskirts of the Asian side of Istanbul , so it’s unlikely you would venture this far. It is calm during the daytime; yes, there isn’t anything to do here. At night, things get more unruly.

It’s another location not high on tourists’ radar, but just in case it comes up in your searches, it’s another place to avoid. It can be quiet during the day but is a top spot for street fights and drug deals.

Gaziosmanpaşa

Located near the historic center, this disadvantaged city area was built with poor infrastructure. It is an area where weapons are more common, and the population is dense, so avoid it.

This is a working-class neighborhood in the Beyoğlu district, and not so much dangerous as it is poor. Many buildings are falling apart, and streets are dirty. A large population of the city’s scammers live in the neighborhood, so it’s more prone to petty theft.

This neighborhood is in the Sisli district. The Sisli district is an incredible part of town. Still, the Kustepe neighborhood, just a tiny portion of the district that you can walk around, has a history of crime: drugs, beggars, and other sketchy behaviors you want to avoid on your travels.

Laleli-Aksaray

These neighborhoods are in the Fatih district. While not dangerous, they also aren’t super comfortable places for travelers, especially women. Laleli is known for prostitutes, and Aksaray is where the most conservative live, so if you wander into these areas, dress as modestly as possible.

Is It Safe To Walk Around Istanbul At Night

Yes, the city of Istanbul is a very safe city. However, as with most major cities worldwide, it can be a little more troublesome during dark hours. Istanbul is precisely the same, but that also means you need to use your common sense as you would anywhere else.

There are certain parts of Istanbul where it’s just not a good idea to walk around after dark, but if you stick to the main areas, such as Sultanahmet, Besiktas, and Kadikoy, to give a few examples, you’ll be fine. Just don’t wander into quiet residential areas, as these will likely cause you a few more problems when it’s quiet and dark.

However, Taksim and Beyoglu are two places (strictly speaking, they run into one another, so it’s just one area) where you should be careful at night.

This is where most of the nightlife is located, so there could be fights, people getting drunk and causing problems, etc, which is the same in any active nightlife hotspot. It’s best to stick to the main roads and avoid alleyways in these areas.

Take a taxi back to your hotel if you need to walk any distance, and you should be more than fine.

Is It Safe To Use Public Transport While In Istanbul

I would totally recommend you make use of Istanbul’s fantastic public transport network and it’s very safe and easy to use. The only thing to be careful of is if you’re carrying a bag with you, especially if it’s a backpack.

Public transport, such as Metros and buses, can get extremely busy, to the point where you’re sharing personal space with people you’ve never met before. Trust me, it can get CROWDED. Of course, this is prime time for pickpockets and petty thieves.

Keep a hold of your bag in front of you, and make sure you don’t carry valuables around with you. You’ll notice that a lot of locals have their backpacks on their fronts, so follow their lead and do the same.

I wouldn’t use the Metro late in the evening, but that’s just my opinion. I would much prefer to get a taxi in that situation, especially if I was alone or just with another person. That’s only because Metro stations can be quiet during the late evening hours.

Istanbul’s Well-Known Scams

There are some well-known scams that most tourists fall foul of at least once during their first stay. After your first visit, you’ll know what to look for and be savvier!

Taxi Issues

The most common is when you choose to use a taxi. Now, this is less of a problem these days because there are more rules that taxi drivers have to adhere to, but it doesn’t completely rule out the chances of this happening.

The good news is that public transport is effortless and very cheap, so that you can avoid this to a certain degree. A taxi driver may decide to take you on the scenic route to your destination, which costs you a lot more because the fare is determined by the meter and, therefore, by kilometer. Efforts, that plus, not every taxi driver will try to do this to you – it’s just the minority that may.

Shine Those Shoes

You’ll usually see someone drop a brush before you and walk away as though they’ve accidentally dropped it. This is usually a little older man. You’ll probably pick it up and call him back, thinking you’re doing a good deed. What you’ve done is fall for a scam.

The person will then offer to thank you for picking up their brush by giving your shoes a shine. They will refuse to take no for an answer, but you don’t know that they’re not doing this for free, and you’ll end up paying for their services.

“It’s Turkish Hospitality”

Now, I can vouch for the fact that most Turks are very hospitable and will treat you with great respect. But, in Istanbul, you’ll find this scam that takes that to another level and misuses it.

You’ll meet someone, and they will want to speak to you, usually because they want you to help them with their English. They’ll tell you that chatting like this is all part of Turkish hospitality.

You’ll have a friendly little chat, and everything will be great. But you don’t realize that you’re paying for the drinks they’re consuming. And often, the bar or restaurant is in on it, and you’re not getting away with not paying, no matter how much you complain.

It’s really best to say that you’re busy and walk away.

Wrong Change

Always check your change when you pay in cash, and try not to give large notes if possible. One common scam is that they will provide you with the change for a smaller note and then refuse your explanation that you gave them a larger note.

Pay with the right money if you can, or use your debit/credit card, which is widely available.

Lira Or Euro

In shopping malls, prices are set in Turkish lira , but some scrupulous traders will take your credit cards and process the sale in euros. Needless to say, the difference is drastic. You can avoid the charade by always paying in cash, which Turkish people like anyway.

Another way tourists are swindled is through the restaurant scam . Let’s say you go to a restaurant, review the menu, and order food. Your waiter comes over with a dish you haven’t ordered but insists you try. You might think it’s free, but it’s not. If you read reviews online and ask what’s included in the dish before ordering, you can avoid being scammed by restaurants.

Read all about scams in Turkey here. 

Storms & earthquakes in turkey.

Natural disasters are impossible to prevent, but keeping up with storm and snow weather forecasts and the news may help you stay safe.

In Istanbul and throughout Türkiye, earthquakes and tremors are common. Although they cannot be avoided, you can mitigate your own risk by following safety protocols during an earthquake.

If you’re caught in an Earthquake, flood, or snowstorm in Turkey, listen to the local authorities and follow their safety instructions.

Istanbul Safety Tips To Know

Using your common sense will ensure your safety in Istanbul. To help you out, here are a few pointers.

Learn A Few Words Of The Local Language

You’re far less likely to be scammed if you speak Turkish, even just a little. Plus, it’s nice to talk to locals in their mother language.

Avoid Backpacks

This is especially the case on public transport when there are usually many people in a small space. Keep your bag very close to you, and if you use a backpack, have it on your front instead.

Find anti-theft bags here. 

Don’t show off your valuables.

It goes without saying, surely? Just leave them at home or in the hotel safe.

Get A Local SIM Card

Turkcell and Vodafone offer tourist sim cards with packets that give you internet , call, and text allowances. This will help you to get around more efficiently, and you’ll always have the ability to call someone if you need to

Don’t Go For The Cheapest Accommodation

If you search for accommodation in Istanbul, you’ll undoubtedly find a considerable amount, which is very reasonable. However, the cheapest options are usually not in the greatest of spots. Do your research and make sure you’re staying in a safe area.

Find the best accommodation in Istanbul here. 

Use the istanbul kart.

This is a pre-paid card you can use on public transport. You buy the card from a Metro station or the airport , or alternatively, a small kiosk on the street with the sign. Then top up your card and use it on buses, trams, Metro, and ferries.

Read all about transport in Istanbul here. 

Watch your drinks.

It’s always best to drink bottled beer and always keep your drink with you. Remember, drink measures vary from country to country, and you don’t want to find yourself drunk and unable to find your way back to your hotel.

As you can see, Turkey is a safe country, and you will have a safe trip to one of my favorite cities in Türkiye.

Is tap water safe to drink in Türkiye?

Turkish authorities claim tap water is safe to drink , but most tourists and locals prefer bottled water. It’s always best to buy bottled water when visiting another country , regardless of whether authorities claim tap water is safe.

Is English widely spoken in Turkey?

Turkish is the official language of Türkiye; that said, English is widely spoken , especially in Istanbul. But learning a few Turkish words or phrases for your vacation to Turkey is still a good idea . It is also highly appreciated by the locals.

Is Istanbul a safe city for tourists?

Yes, Istanbul is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, taking usual precautions is always best, such as being aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Are there any specific areas to avoid in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a large city, and while most areas are safe, it’s recommended to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas, especially at night.

Is it safe to use public transportation in Istanbul?

Yes, public transportation in Istanbul is generally safe. However, being cautious in crowded places is advisable, especially during rush hours.

What should I do if I encounter any issues or emergencies in Istanbul?

If you encounter any issues or emergencies, seek assistance from the local authorities or your embassy/consulate. Istanbul has tourist police specifically trained to assist travelers.

Are there any specific safety tips for solo travelers in Istanbul?

While Istanbul is relatively safe for solo travelers, it’s essential to remain vigilant and avoid walking alone in remote areas, particularly at night.

What is the current security situation in Istanbul?

As security situations can change, checking with your government’s travel advisory for the latest updates and safety information before traveling to Istanbul is recommended.

Is it safe to visit popular tourist attractions in Istanbul?

Yes, popular tourist attractions in Istanbul are generally safe. However, be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded places and tourist hotspots.

• The Do’s And Don’ts Of Visiting Turkey
• Best Places To Visit In Turkey For Every Type Of Traveler
• How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia
• Best Nightlife In Istanbul
• Day Trips To Take From Istanbul
• Greek Island Day Trip From Southern Turkey
• Gardens & Parks In Istanbul To Escape The Noise
• Ephesus, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• How To Get From Pamukkale To Cappadocia
• Best Islands In Turkey To Visit This Summer
• Things To Do In Cappadocia 
• Honeymoons In Turkey – Where To Go & What To See

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Is it safe to travel to Türkiye right now? Latest travel advice

Here is everything we know about travelling to Türkiye amidst the conflict in Israel

Türkiye’s abundance of cultural heritage, fascinating historical sites, great architecture, food and people have made it a go-to holiday destination for decades. Istanbul is an incredibly vibrant city, which straddles two continents, but the country is also known for its beautiful landscape and coastlines. 

However, its proximity to the continuing conflict in Israel , which erupted on Saturday October 7, is causing concern about how safe it is to travel to this region of the world. Here is everything we know about travelling to Türkiye amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

Is it safe to travel to Türkiye at the moment? 

Türkiye  has not been impacted by the conflict in Israel.  It depends on where in the country you’re travelling, but the majority of destinations in Türkiye are safe and tourist-friendly. Certain areas have experienced wildfires over the summer, and the UK Foreign Office estimates that the terrorist threat is ‘very high’. However, travelling to Türkiye is not advised against. 

How about Antalya? 

A city with gorgeous beaches which is full of ancient Greek and Roman remnants, Antalya is one of Türkiye’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.  

The province experienced wildfires earlier this year, which began in the forests of Kemer. However, the region has been considered a safe place to travel since the fires were brought under control. 

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

There is currently no official advice stating that it is unsafe to travel to Istanbul.

What is the UK Foreign Office saying? 

The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to anywhere within 10km of the border with Syria. It also advises against all but essential travel with Sirnak (city) and Hakkari (province). 

Travellers are free to visit the rest of Türkiye, but the advice is to remain vigilant. Political protests can break out unexpectedly and the country is considered to have a ‘very high’ threat of terrorist attacks. The webpage also states that Türkiye is prone to experiencing wildfires during the summer, and recommends taking care when driving through woodland areas. 

What about the Turkey Travel Advisory? 

The advice from the Turkey Travel Advisory is similar to that of the UK Foreign Office. It marks Sirnak, Hakkari and anywhere within 10 km of the Syrian Border as a level four, which means ‘do not travel’. 

Advice about the rest of Türkiye encourages travellers to stay alert, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and to monitor local media for up-to-date information. You can read more about the Turkey Travel Advisory’s recommendations on their webpage. 

How far is Türkiye from Israel? 

Türkiye is 879 km from Israel, or about an hour and a half flight. Türkiye is north of Israel, and the two countries do not share a border. 

Is travel to other countries near Israel safe?

The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to countries bordering Israel, but advice may change quickly as the violence escalates. 

Read more about the latest  travel advice for Israel and Egypt  and Jordan . 

For more information on how to help those affected by the conflict, you can read our guide on where to donate here . 

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• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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Is It Safe to Visit Istanbul Right Now?

By Ashlea Halpern

On January 12, 2018, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Turkey , asking its citizens to "reconsider travel … due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions." Specifically, it cautioned against traveling in the southeastern provinces along the Turkey-Syria border, and to be vigilant in places with large crowds, such as airports, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and clubs.

The Level 3 classification puts Turkey in the company of Sudan and Haiti , and one step below no-go zones like Afghanistan and North Korea . (Iceland, by contrast, is classified as Level 1, where “normal precautions” apply.) The United States isn’t alone in its assessment; the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office has also cited a heightened risk of a terrorist attack in Turkey , listing “Kurdish groups, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), and far left organizations” as potential perpetrators.

Does that mean you shouldn’t go to Turkey right now? Not necessarily.

“The question of safety is sadly one that now affects every major tourism destination, as we’ve seen in Paris, Nice, London, Madrid, Sydney, Berlin, Copenhagen, New York, Boston, and even Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida,” says Ralph Radtke, general manager of the five-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski hotel in Istanbul. It’s important to keep some perspective. “In Turkey, for example, the distance between Istanbul and the farthest regions in its southeast is roughly 900 miles—greater than the distance between London and Rome or New York and Texas,” observes Radtke.

How exactly, then, does the State Department come up with its ratings?

“We look at the totality of circumstances, including such factors as crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, health and natural disaster, and current events,” explains a State Department official, speaking to Condé Nast Traveler on condition of anonymity. “The primary drivers of the [Level 3] classification are terrorism and arbitrary detention. So while street crime in Turkey is relatively low, that’s separate from terrorism. And what makes terrorism challenging is that terrorist attacks can occur with little or no warning.”

The administration works with government partners to assess credible threat information and determine which types of places are most likely to be targeted by terrorists. “That’s not solely Istanbul-specific,” the official continues. “That’s the kind of target in any place with a heightened terrorist risk.”

Unfortunately, a string of high-profile attacks—including a 2016 suicide bombing in touristy Sultanahmet Square (near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia) and a mass shooting at ritzy nightclub on New Year’s Day— crippled Turkey’s tourism economy . But the biggest blow, at least for many working in hospitality, was the June 28, 2016 attack at Istanbul Atatürk Airport . Forty-one people died and 230 were injured.

“The attack at the airport and then the coup were the final straw,” says Earl Starkey , an Istanbul-based Turkey travel specialist from Protravel International. “After that we got no bookings at all. Maybe one or two in 2017.”

By January 2017, tourism had fallen 19 percent from the previous year. Hotels slashed room rates in an attempt to increase occupancy. Tour guides went a year or more without work; other were forced to lead outbound tours or focus on the Asian market. Some tour companies, like London-based outfitter Travel the Unknown , suspended trips to Turkey altogether.

But with the passage of time, and international media focusing its attention elsewhere, things have slowly begun to rebound. Locals working in the service sector have suffered for years, says Riza Yenice, one of Starkey’s most trusted Turkish tour guides, but the recovery now is palpable. “There are really long lines getting into museums and mosques and even markets,” says Yenice. “Seeing [the return of] tour groups and individual travelers is really cheering us up and giving [us] hope.”

Intrepid Travel , which offers a dozen small-group itineraries in Turkey, reports that the country is currently its fastest growing in terms of global bookings, with a 368 percent increase over last year. While travelers appear keen to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate, warnings from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have pushed Intrepid to rethink some of its itineraries.

“We wouldn’t consider going to a region with a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning. However, Istanbul and Van are categorized at the next level and we do travel there,” says Jen Hartin, Intrepid’s Istanbul-based destination manager for Turkey and the Middle East. “Our team in Turkey have the local knowledge and contacts to avoid any situations. For example, we’re still being cautious and ensuring our leaders avoid taking groups into public events, fairs, and parades while they’re on a trip.”

By Starkey’s estimate, the U.S. State Department’s Level 3 warning may be driven by the fact that Turkey is technically still in a state of emergency since the coup. A snap election has been planned for June 24, around which he would advise travelers to “avoid political rallies or large crowds until the elections are over.” But mostly, he believes the warning has “more to do with politics than any real danger,” noting that Russia also has a Level 3 categorization right now.

Yenice concurs, noting that there are “crazy leaders everywhere.” Turkey is a melting pot, she says, adding that “we have always lived [in] harmony with cultural and religious diversity. Despite these difficult times, it will always continue this way. If we felt unsafe due to the instability, we would have already left. But we didn’t, and we have no regrets.”

With the first phase of the Istanbul New Airport slated to open in late October, Turkey has a golden opportunity to reboot its tourism economy. By the airport’s intended completion in 2020, it is expected to be the largest transit hub in the world, serving 200 million passengers a year. Because the State Department reassesses Level 3 and 4 countries every six months, Turkey will also be up for re-evaluation next month. (Level 1 countries, by contrast, are examined just once a year.)

Ansel Mullins, the Chicago-born founder of food tour company Culinary Backstreets , spent 15 years living and working in Istanbul. He moved to Lisbon a year and a half ago, coincidentally flying out six hours before the attempted coup. But Mullins still visits Istanbul regularly and considers it to be as safe as ever. Like Starkey and Yenice, he pins the Level 3 rating on troubled U.S.-Turkey relations.

“Worrying about being the victim of a terrorist attack feels, to me, like worrying about being struck by lightning,” says Mullins. “Set that aside, and you’ve got what? The threat of an angry mob? As an American citizen, I’ve lived and traveled widely throughout Turkey in times when the country’s reputation was at its worst. From Diyarbakir to Mardin to Mus, I’ve always been mobbed... with hospitality! Honestly, I've never felt anything but safe here.”

While Mullins concedes that the current political situation does not make Turkey “as ‘free’ a place (for activists, journalists, academics, free-thinking folks) as it was a few years ago, it is probably more safe. Once you hit the ground, it’s all free tea and the beautiful chaos that makes the city so enchanting. For the visitor, paradise.”

Tip: If you decide to travel to Turkey (or anywhere really), sign up for STEP , the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The free service keeps you alerted to country-specific travel advisories and helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of an emergency.

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Is Istanbul Safe To Travel? Must-Have Tips For Tourists

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

“Is Istanbul safe to travel?” has to be one of the most popular questions we get asked, and it is not surprising why. Just a little more than 5 years ago, the country (especially Istanbul) was a victim of terrorist attacks that destroyed many people’s faith in Turkey’s safety.

But nowadays, Istanbul is generally a very safe city to visit. Yes, of course, there are still dangerous parts of the city, but travelers won’t have to worry about them as long as they stay on the tourist path. The biggest concerns when visiting Istanbul nowadays are petty crimes such as pickpockets, and the rampant scams throughout the city.

That is what we are here for! After falling for numerous scams ourselves, and wandering off the beaten path into sketchy neighborhoods, we are here to tell you all the safety tips in Istanbul so you can have the perfect trip!

Planning a trip to Istanbul last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Istanbul:

• Airport Shuttle From Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gocken International Airport (SAW) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Istanbul:

• Luxury Bosphorus Cruise At Sunset (A must-do In Istanbul)
• Whirling Dervishes Show (Unique experience!)
• Historical Turkish Bath Experience
• Istanbul Food And Culture Tour

Here are our recommended places to stay in Istanbul:

• Magnuara Palace Hotel (Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre!)
• Pera Palace Hotel
• Cheers Hostel (Budget hostel near the Blue Mosque!)

History Of Safety In Istanbul

If Istanbul is safe, why do so many people have the perception that Istanbul and Turkey are dangerous? It all started in 2015.

Beginning in 2015, there was a series of terrorist attacks in Istanbul that really shook up the city. The first one happened in 2015, when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Sultanahmet Square, right next to two of the most historical sites in Turkey – Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

In 2016, the terrorist attacks got much worse , and the city had 5 bombings and shootings in the entire year. The last terrorist attack was in 2017, which was a mass shooting in a nightclub in Istanbul.

More recently, a terrorist attack took place in Istanbul in November 2022 , when a bomb was detonated on the famous Istiklal Avenue, which killed six people.

These terrorist attacks, combined with the Syrian refugee crisis and the political instability in Turkey made Istanbul a very dangerous city to visit in the past.

But since then, the safety situation in Istanbul has gotten significantly better. Millions of tourists visit Istanbul annually, and nearly all of them have a safe and pleasant trip.

However, it is worth noting that Turkey is in an economic crisis, which means that some of the locals are poorer than ever. This has had an impact on the number of scams and petty thefts in the city, but nothing that would jeopardize your safety.

Is Istanbul Safe For Tourists?

If you are traveling to Istanbul, then it is worth knowing that Istanbul is very safe for tourists. But that requires you to stay in one of the tourist neighborhoods, visit popular tourist attractions, and don’t wander too far off the beaten path.

As we mentioned, there are dangerous parts of the city, but those areas offer nothing in terms of tourist attractions, so there is little reason to be there. Typically speaking, travelers won’t just randomly get themselves into a risky situation.

It is worth noting that there are some pretty bad scams targeted at tourists. Because of the economic meltdown in the country, the locals are relying more and more on tourists for income. Some of these scams are small, but some can set you back a few hundred dollars! We’ll talk more about those below!

Is Istanbul Safe At Night?

Any city in the world is more dangerous at night than in the daytime, and Istanbul is no exception. Luckily, Istanbul is still quite safe at night, but you should take extra precautions.

Walking around at night in one of the tourist neighborhoods in Istanbul such as Sultanahmet or Kadikoy is quite safe. The places that you should be careful of are the nightlife district in Istanbul, especially near Taksim.

Petty theft and pickpocketing usually happen in crowded nightclubs and bars, and Taksim is one of the most popular areas for nightlife in Istanbul , especially for travelers.

Another risk is getting approached by people who want to show you this place they were recommended. Usually, they’ll say they want to have a drink with you, and then take you to a place that is going to be in on the scam. It ends with you paying for all the food and drinks of the party, and it won’t be cheap.

Is Istanbul Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Solo female travelers are not in any particular danger when traveling in Istanbul, but there are some risks they should be aware of.

If you are a solo female traveler, you are very likely to get more attention as you explore the city. Men’ll come up to you for a chat, call you beautiful on the street, and try to befriend you. Turkish people are known for their hospitality, and some will be genuinely nice, but there are lots of them that are just after your money.

If someone is extra nice to you and wants to take you somewhere (their cousin’s carpet shop, this nice restaurant, etc) other than where you want to go, then it is usually a scam.

If you are a solo woman traveling in Istanbul, you should be extra cautious about going out at night. We’ve not heard of anyone getting drugged or robbed at night, but we have heard of Turkish men being very aggressive, persistent, and not taking no as an answer.

If possible, we recommend solo female travelers make some friends on their travel either through a Facebook Group or by staying in one of the social hostels in Istanbul. If all else fails, check out one of the pub crawls in the city if you want a fun and safe night out!

Safe Areas In Istanbul And Where You Should Stay

Staying in a safe area in Istanbul can highly increase your chance of not encountering any dangerous situations. There are many areas to stay in Istanbul, but when it comes to safety and a tourist’s point of view, there is nowhere better than Sultanahmet, the historic center of Istanbul.

This area is home to the best things to do in Istanbul – from the Grand Bazaar to the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Since this neighborhood is quite sacred, there is no nightlife here, which means there are no drunks or people under the influence.

Here are our favorite places to stay in Sultanahmet:

• Best Hostel In Sultanahmet – Cheers Hostel
• Best Hotel In Sultanahmet – The Magnaura Palace Hotel

Are Taxis Safe In Istanbul?

Taxis are safe in Istanbul, but I’ve not encountered a taxi driver that did not try to scam us. The situation has gotten so bad that we have started to take only Uber in Istanbul , which is always cheaper because the price is fixed beforehand.

Taxi drivers are not known to rob tourists, but they’ll most certainly try to scam them. One of the most common taxi scams in Istanbul is by taking a detour. Taxis in Istanbul are metered, and drivers like to take a longer route than needed.

Sometimes, they’ll even drive in the opposite direction. Some drivers will even negotiate a fixed fee before you get in the car, which is a quick indicator they are trying to scam you.

The worst part of this detour scam is that most of the time it is unavoidable. When you realize you’ve gone the wrong way or taken a detour, it is already too late. If you confront the driver, they’ll often say they took the detour because there is road construction or traffic, so the detour is actually the best way.

It is almost always better to get an Uber in Istanbul, or an Uber Alternative like BiTaksi.

Is Public Transportation Safe In Istanbul?

The public transportation in Istanbul is incredible. With many modes to choose from, public transport is a traveler’s best friend in Istanbul, especially if your budget is low. It can get you to the majority of the sights and even to Adalar, one of the best day trips in Istanbul.

The best part is that public transportation is fairly safe in Istanbul. However, travelers should be aware of pickpockets and thieves, especially if you have a backpack. You should always try to wear your backpack in front of you, and you’ll see that’s what the locals do as well.

Public transportation in Istanbul can get so crowded that you cannot even move. And that is one of the easiest times for thieves to take something out of your pocket or unzip your backpack and take something from inside. Be extra aware of your surroundings on public transportation, especially when it’s busy.

Common Scams In Istanbul

Perhaps the biggest safety concern in Istanbul is the number of scams. We’ve fallen for a few on our visit to Istanbul, encountered plenty of scammers coming up to us, and met tons of people who have gotten scammed.

One of the reasons why so many tourists get scammed is that Turkish people are very friendly and they are not shy to approach you. And when they offer something, they’ll say it is Turkish hospitality and that it is part of their culture.

So naturally, tourists will take up on their offer because they don’t want to offend anyone. Yes, many people in Turkey are very hospitable, but there is a bad bunch that ruins it for everyone.

Here is a list of common scams in Istanbul: (Yes, there’s a list…)

• Taxi Detour Scam – We mentioned this above. This is the taking a detour scam that usually ends up with tourists paying at least 20% more than they should. Take an Uber to avoid this.
• The Dropped Brush, Shoe Shine Scam – A random person will drop his brush in front of you. When you reach down and pick it up for him, he’ll thank you and offer you a “free” shoe shine. He’ll insist until you say yes. Then he’ll charge you for it after he is done.
• “Free” Things – To elaborate a bit on the point above, anytime that someone says something is free in Istanbul, it usually isn’t. And once you accept your “free” thing, you’ll be asked to pay. This is more common in touristy neighborhoods in Istanbul, such as Sultanahmet and Taksim.
• Menu With a Different Price – This scam is most popular in restaurants. The price of your food from the menu you ordered from is not the same when you ask for your bill. Sometimes a server will even tell you there’s no menu or that the prices on the menu are not updated due to inflation. This usually doesn’t happen in renowned places, but just to be safe, take a photo of the menu before ordering your food.
• “Let’s just have a drink” scam – This is a very popular nightlife scam in Istanbul. We briefly talked about this above. Usually, someone will approach you in a very friendly manner. After exchanging a few lines and getting to know each other, the locals will invite you to have a drink with them. He’ll take you somewhere he recommends, then orders lots of food and drinks (and sometimes women). Then he’ll make you pay the bill in cash, and the entire establishment is in on this. If you don’t have enough money, they’ll escort you to an ATM and make you take out cash
• Swapping Bank Notes Scam – When you try to pay for something, the person swaps out your banknote so it looks like you gave them a smaller bill than what you actually gave them. Alternatively, they swap out for a fake one and tell you that they can’t take that one for whatever reason.

Crime And Terrorism in Istanbul

Crime and terrorism in Istanbul used to be a real concern, but now the situation is much better. Most of the issues nowadays happen near the Syrian border and Ankara, the capital of Turkey. There have not been any terrorist acts in Istanbul since 2017, and from the way the politics are going, it looks like they’ll be unlikely to occur in Istanbul.

Violent crimes against tourists are also extremely rare. In fact, we have not heard of any travelers becoming victims of serious crime in Istanbul.

Dangerous Areas In Istanbul

Though Istanbul is safe, there are dangerous areas. Most of these areas are situated very far from the tourist places in Istanbul, so travelers don’t have much to worry about.

There are a few that tourists might stumble on. Though these are not the riskiest, your chances of becoming victims of crime are higher here, which is why we have decided to mention them.

Here are the neighborhoods that you should avoid:

• Tarlabasi – A very poor neighborhood with lots of minorities. This area is a few blocks away from the famous Istiklal street . Tourists don’t usually come here (or even stumble here), but it is worth including just in case.
• Dolapdere – Another poor neighborhood in Istanbul. This one is northeast of Tarlabasi and north of Taksim Square. Not super dangerous, but don’t visit here unless you know what you are doing.

It might appear that the areas near Istiklal Street and Taksim Square are a bit sketchy, and that wouldn’t be exactly incorrect. It is safe enough for tourists nowadays, but increased caution should be exercised near Istiklal and Taksim.

Safety Tips For Istanbul

• Pick Up A Few Turkish Phrases – Knowing a few Turkish phrases or words can help you get out of sticky situations. Plus, it is a nice way to acquaint yourself with the locals, which might make it less likely for them to want to scam you.
• Watch your Belongings – There are over 15 million people in Istanbul. Though Istanbul spans both Asia and Europe, that is still a ton of people. The city is very crowded, which makes it easy for pickpockets and thieves. Keep an extra eye on your belongings.
• Get a Sim Card – We highly recommend getting a sim card in Istanbul . That’ll help you navigate the city and make you look confident, which makes it less likely for people to approach you. You are also going to need a Turkish number for using some of the local apps such as BiTaksi.
• Stay In Sultanahmet – As much as we like to go off the beaten path, staying in the historic center of Istanbul not only puts you within walking distance of the city’s best attraction, but it is also one of the safest places in Istanbul. Your visit will be much safer if you stay in Sultanahmet.
• Purchase Travel Insurance – If you want peace of mind, we recommend getting travel insurance. For a small cost, you can be completely insured for anything that could happen on your trip!   ✔️  Check out our recommended travel insurance here!

Safety In Istanbul FAQs

Is istanbul airport safe.

Istanbul Airport was one of the places that terrorists attacked in 2016. But nowadays, Istanbul Airport is very safe. In fact, they built a new airport and it is one of the most modern and incredible airports in the world!

Is Istanbul Safe to Walk Around?

Istanbul is very safe to walk around, as long as you are in the tourist areas. There are dangerous areas in Istanbul that tourists might be more at risk when walking around, but typical tourists won’t end up in one of those neighborhoods.

Is Tap Water Safe To Drink In Istanbul?

Tap water is treated in Istanbul, so it is actually safe to drink. Though you might find that locals don’t drink tap water in Istanbul , and that is because the taste isn’t exactly the best. If you are a tourist, we recommend drinking bottled water instead.

Is Istanbul Safe to Live?

For the most part, Istanbul is safe to live. This culturally rich city has plenty to offer, and more and more expats are calling this city their home. As long as the political situation stays the same, Istanbul is safe to live.

Is Istanbul safe for LGBTQ+?

Though Istanbul is one of the more liberal Muslim countries, public affection, especially between LGBTQ+ members, is looked down upon. Same-sex relationships aren’t illegal in Turkey, but some of the older generations might show discontent about them. But generally speaking, LGBTQ+ members are not at any major risk.

Is it safe to drive in Istanbul?

Local drivers in Istanbul are known to be aggressive, and there are plenty of unusual hazards that drivers might need to be aware of, such as animal crossing, kids playing on the street, and more. Istanbul is also known for its horrible traffic. So, driving in Istanbul might not be the safest, and since public transportation is so great, there is little reason to drive in Istanbul.

So, Is Istanbul Safe?

Generally speaking, Istanbul is very safe, especially for tourists. But there are some things travelers should be aware of, and that is the number of scams in the city and the possibility of ending up in a sketchy neighborhood. But as long as you use common sense and follow our safety tips, your trip to Istanbul should be enjoyable and safe!

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

12 thoughts on “Is Istanbul Safe To Travel? Must-Have Tips For Tourists”

Very useful information. Is there a British or Canadian consulate in Istanbul?

Yes there is! The British consulate is in the center of Istanbul but the Canadian consulate is a bit out of the center in the Levent district.

My next trip to Istanbul is in the next month, mid december! Is it safe to visit at this time?

Hey Pam, it is hard to predict what will happen in a situation like this. Obviously, with what has occurred, the chances of another attack are higher than usual. Whether you decide to continue with your trip, or reschedule it for a different time is up to you. We recommend you to stay up-to-date with the latest news regarding the issue so you can make the most informed decision.

Hi, wow such useful information. We are have a nine hour lay over in Istanbul in January and were thinking of catching a dinner at the Grace Rooftop Restaurant or one of the other beautiful rooftop restaurants in that area. Is that area particularly safe in the evening. Was also thinking of taking a romantic walk along Kennedy Cd. next to the bay in the evening. Is this area safe to walk at night. Any thought would be much appreciated. Thank you kindly.

Hi Bogdan, that sounds like a wonderful way to spend a layover! The Grace Rooftop Bar is in the Sultanahmet District which is a historic part of the city and very touristy. We stayed in this area the last time we visited and felt it was safe at night. You should be ok walking along the path by Kennedy Cd but be mindful of the traffic on that road as it can be busy.

Thank you very much for the info, I’m looking forward to it

This is really helpful as I am planning for two weeks holiday in Istanbul with my husband and my 4 years old! Been travelling to the Middle East most of the time but never read as much as I did when planning to visit Turkey!

We are having a family reunion meeting up in Istanbul late October 2023.. Is there a prettier area in Sultanahmet, that isnt as touristy? Can you recommend any cruises down to the coastal areas?

All of Sultanahmet is rather touristy. If you want to avoid the touristy parts of Istanbul, you could consider staying on the Asian side of Istanbul. For the cruises, are you referring to the Bosphorus Cruise? If yes, you can see our recommendation near the top of the article! 🙂

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul now? Is Atasehir a safe place to stay?

As of right now, government officials are saying that it is quite safe to travel to Istanbul. Terrorist threats are fairly low, but there is still a small risk in our opinion. We’ll let you decide whether you think it is worth it or not. Atasehir is a safe and residential area. It is a little bit far from the tourist attractions of Istanbul though.

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Is Istanbul Safe? 13 Tips to Stay Safe in Istanbul

Whenever I travel to Turkey, my family and friends back home raise their eyebrows. “Okay, but is Istanbul safe?” they always ask me. And yes, for the most part, Istanbul is a safe city for travelers. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you need to know to make sure you stay safe in Istanbul so you can enjoy your trip. Here’s what you need to know about crime in Istanbul and important Istanbul safety tips to help you while you’re in the city.

Don’t have time to read now? Pin for later!

Is Istanbul Safe? 5 Things to Know about Safety & Crime in Istanbul

Here are five facts about the current state of crime in Istanbul that you should be aware of. I address how to protect yourself in the next section. So while these things exist, there are things you can do. Being aware of them is the first step.

Travel Advisories

Most of the terrorism threats in Turkey are at the border with Syria – far, far away from Istanbul

Turkey is a large country. Whenever the US State Department or other nation’s government issues a travel advisory for the country, check which part of the country the advisory is referring to. For example, currently, the US is advising people not to travel to Turkey due to terrorism threats that are located near the Turkey/Syria border. 

No tourist heading to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum, etc. would be anywhere near this region.

While terrorism threats exist in Istanbul (like they do in Paris, Barcelona, etc) there’s no current heightened threat in Istanbul. 

Check the US Travel Advisory for Turkey before your trip, just read them carefully to see what they actually reference. 

Potential for Detainment

There have been incidents of Americans being detained and not allowed to leave the country.

Right now, press freedom is being deeply curtailed in Turkey, even for foreign journalists. According to the current (July 2019) travel advisory:

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.   U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government, including on social media, can result in arrest.   The U.S. government has very limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van, as the U.S. government restricts its employees from traveling to specific provinces in these regions without prior approval.

Now the first half of this is all great advice for someone traveling to Istanbul. Be careful what you post on social media. Don’t go after the government before or during your trip, etc. If you are a journalist, be extra cautious. 

The second half is where things can get a bit confusing. The regions are all far form Istanbul, and if you stick to the main tourist areas in Turkey you will not be near any of these. 

Crime in Istanbul is Low

While you should use common sense, be happy to know that crime is quite low!

Yes, threats of terrorism are possible in any major western city, Istanbul included. And yes, you need to be smart about what you say on social media and avoid political protests. That being said, actual crime in Istanbul is actually quite low.

According to the Turkey 2019 Crime & Safety Report for Istanbul:

There is minimal risk from crime in Istanbul. Even though Istanbul is Turkey’s largest metropolitan city, Istanbul’s crime rates as they relate to foreigners are very low. Remain aware of the potential for petty crimes such as pickpocketing in popular tourist areas and other crowded locations.   Although not very common, petty crime can also occur in locations such as the airport as well as on public transportation, including on buses,  dolmuses  (hop-on hop-off for pay mini-bus), trolleys, and the metro. Credit card and ATM usage is relatively safe with few reports of fraud, including in locations catering to international clientele.

Be Wary of Tourist Scams

Be extra cautious of scams when touring the most important sites in the city!

Of course, there are tourist scams that happen in Istanbul just like they happen in all major cities that get a lot of tourism. The most common tourist scam goes like this:

U.S. citizens have reported a particular kind of scam in Istanbul that targets male tourists traveling alone. The victims are unsuspecting tourists lured into bars in the Taksim area or near Fatih neighborhood.   The ultimate goal of the perpetrator is to get the victim intoxicated and then relieve him of his belongings such as backpacks, bags, electronics or other valuable items. Instances of this type of scam occur more often in the summer, at the peak of the tourist season, and are most likely underreported.

Another scam is for someone to just start guiding you around without asking you if you want a tour guide. Then they guilt you into paying for the tour. Avoid talking to strangers and don’t go anywhere with anyone you don’t know.

Beware of shoe shiners guilting you into getting a shoe shine. They’ve targeted you because you are an obvious foreigner, and they will overcharge you.

Always check that your bill only includes the dishes you ordered. Most restaurants would not pull a scam and overcharge you, but a few scrupulous ones will. 

Finally, avoid pickpockets by keeping your stuff put away. Never leave your bag unattended (I like to sit with a chair leg through one of the loops on my bag). I also use bags with anti-theft features to help make sure I’m a less desirable target.

Don’t Try to Drive in Istanbul 

Skip driving in Istanbul for your own safety

Unless you have a death wish, the safest way to travel around Istanbul is to either use public transit or go with an experienced Uber / Taxi driver. Even if you plan to drive in other parts of Turkey, skip driving in Istanbul:

Traffic frequently congests Istanbul’s roads, as transportation infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the city’s growing population. Drivers regularly ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and changing lanes without first assessing surroundings. Many of Istanbul’s side streets are extremely narrow and overwhelmingly congested with parked cars, blocked easily by accidents or delivery vehicles.   Roads can abruptly turn into dead ends or change into one-way passages with little or no warning. Drivers must pull to the side of the road to make way for oncoming traffic that, at times, can escalate into road rage by some overly aggressive drivers. Drive defensively at all times, and leave room to maneuver…   Due to Istanbul’s unique topography and historic environs, road travel can often prove treacherous during periods of inclement weather, which can include snow and ice. For more information on driving, review OSAC’s Report  Driving Overseas: Best Practices .

13 Istanbul Safety Tips

Here are our essential Istanbul safety tips.

Avoid Political Demonstrations

Stick to Turkish coffee and steer clear of Turkish politics while you’re in the country

I know it’s tempting. It happened to me in Tunisia and Iceland. You see a large protest rally and you just have to know what’s going on. 

Well, in Turkey, stay away. The government views attending unsanctioned political rallies as a criminal act, which could get you detained or arrested. Plus, there’s a heightened risk of violence in these situations. 

So just stay away from political demonstrations of any kind while in Turkey.

Avoid Criticizing the government online 

In America, freedom of speech is a concept that protects you from the government attacking you for your speech. This gives you the right to criticize the government openly.

This right does not exist in Turkey. In fact, online speech against the government is cracked down on, even on social media. 

To keep yourself safe, avoid openly criticizing the government online or on social media while you’re in the country.

Know what to do if something goes wrong

Keep certain pieces of information handy in case you need to use them.

It’s a good idea to know what you would do in a country if something were to go wrong. Besides your embassy’s contact information, keep these numbers handy:

Ambulance : 112  Police : 155 Fire : 110  Tourism Police : (0212) 5274503 

Enroll in your government’s safety program

If your government has a travel safety program, use it!

If you’re an American and you are concerned about the possibility of terrorism or political unrest while in Turkey, you can enroll in the  State Department’s STEP Program . This lets the government know your travel plans, and they will also email you to alert you if anything happens on the ground.

To be honest, I don’t use it when I go to Turkey (though I probably should) since I feel pretty safe there. I have used it while traveling in Tunisia during protests, and I appreciated the up-to-date emails with what to look out for and areas to stay away from.

There is a similar program for  Canadians . If you are a citizen of another country, check with your government to see if they provide these services. 

Do not drink and drive 

If you will be drinking any amount of alcohol, it’s illegal to drive!

We love going to Turkey for the wine and raki, but you cannot mix this with a night drive. Even a tiny bit of alcohol in your blood is illegal and will get you arrested (not to mention Istanbul is not a place to drive if you don’t know what you’re doing).

Have your travel insurance information handy

Have a copy of your travel insurance information in your luggage and your day bag

Since you’re a smart, safety-first kind of traveler, you know it’s a good idea to get a  travel insurance  policy before you leave for your trip.

But what do you do with it once you have it? First, it’s a good idea to have easy access to your policy information so you can make a claim if needed. You can also give the policy info to an emergency contact who’s not traveling with you. In a worst-case scenario, they can access the benefits to help you if you’re unconscious.

Something no one likes to think about:  In an absolute worst-case, your family can use the policy to have your remains repatriated (provided this is part of your coverage, obviously. I look for policies that include this). No one likes to think about this stuff, but it would be worse if something happened and then your family had to figure out what to do.

Of course, the most likely scenario is you have travel insurance and everything goes right on your trip. That would be awesome. You’d have the peace of mind while you travel but you wouldn’t actually need to deal with anything. 

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip. <<

Keep your money safe

I like to use a bag that had anti-theft features like my Pacsafe Citysafe

Don’t every flash your cash. Use a mix of credit cards and cash in the city, and keep everything tucked away. 

I use a Pacsafe Citysafe   backpack, which has a pocked inside with RFID technology. This helps to make sure my credit cards won’t get scanned from afar.

It also has interlocking zippers, which means if someone does see that I have extra cash on me, it will make it harder for them to pick pocket me.

If you don’t want to buy a new backpack with safety features, you can use a moneybelt   instead. 

Don’t drink with strangers

In Istanbul, drinking with friends is great! Drinking with strangers? Not so much.

If you read the section above on tourist scams, you’ll know that one of the most common is to invite solo travelers for drinks. 

Be wary of being intoxicated in public if you’re alone or in a small group, and be wary of any stranger wanting to talk to you. Istanbul gets millions of tourists a year (you’re not a previous snowflake here), so it’s possible that this is someone who is a scam artists. 

Have a hard copy of your card numbers, phone numbers, and passport information

What would you do if your passport got stolen?

If something does go wrong and your cards and passport get stolen, you need to be able to get them replaced. Have a hard copy in case your phone also gets stolen. This way you can call your banks, your embassy, and then your travel insurance company to get everything replaced without needing access to the internet.  

I like to have one copy in my backpack, one copy in my day bag, and email a copy to myself in case I literally get everything stolen. 

Never leave your stuff unattended

Even in a hammam, you get a locker to lock up your stuff!

It’s tempting to leave your stuff unattended when you’re in a restaurant or cafe, especially if you’re traveling solo. How much easier would it be to just leave your backpack at the table while you go to the restroom.

Don’t! Never leave your stuff unattended. Don’t leave your cell phone out on the table. If you’re out in a public place that has a lot of tourists, sit with one of your chair legs through the loop of your backpack.

Be the hardest target, not the easiest. That starts with not letting your stuff be easily snatchable! 

Pay attention to your surroundings

Keep an eye on your surroundings at all times

Pay attention to your surroundings. The one time I thwarted a pick pocket (in Italy, of course) was because I saw him out of the corner of my eye. He caught me looking at him, and he removed his hand from my backpack. 

If I hadn’t have been paying attention, he would have gotten my cell phone, my cash, and my passport! 

Don’t get lost on your phone in transit or in a taxi. Don’t keep your headphones on when you’re walking alone. 

Make sure you can generally see and hear what’s going on around you so that if something is about to happen you’ll be aware. 

Don’t drink the tap water

Don’t drink the tap water – but the wine is delicious!

When I first visited Istanbul in 2011, the tap water was not safe to drink. Since then, they’ve improved the water supply, and technically you can drink it now.

I still would not. It tastes funky and you never know how complete the plumbing fix truly was. 

Instead, opt for bottled water or bring your own Grayl Water Filter   so that you can filter the tap water yourself. 

Women need to use extra caution – just like everywhere in the world 

Ugh…you know it’s true

There are very low rates of reported crime against women in Istanbul, and it’s not a city where catcalling is a real problem.

However, that doesn’t mean women shouldn’t be just as vigilant in Istanbul as they would be in their home towns or other big cities.

Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t drink too much if you’re traveling alone, be wary of any men who try to get your attention, etc.

Another thing to consider is that while there are low levels of sexual assault reported in Istanbul, you should be just as wary of other travelers you meet as any locals. 

So, How Safe is Istanbul?

Overall, I find Istanbul to be a safe place to travel (at least as safe as other major cities) when it comes to crime and terrorism. Yes, both tourist scams and terrorism happens in Istanbul, just like London, Paris, and Barcelona. But it doesn’t happen more often than in Europe’s most popular travel destinations. 

What does set Istanbul apart from the rest of Europe is the need to hold your tongue on social media and avoid criticizing the government. Stay away from political protests, and don’t make yourself a target while you’re in the country. 

Turkey is less free than many parts of Europe when it comes to internet censorship and freedom of the press. This kind of government-sanctioned violence is targeted mainly at its own citizens and foreign journalists.

This is not the kind of thing that will affect the average tourist in town for vacation. However, be smart about your surroundings and keep up to date if there is any unrest. 

These are great reasons why you should visit Istanbul. The more connected the world stays (even when our governments try to force us apart), the harder it is to lie to people. 

5 Things to Pack to Stay Safe in Istanbul

There are a few things you can bring with you that will make your trip even safer!

The Lonely Planet Turkey :  a good guidebook can help you with the kinds of safety tips you need if you’re out in the city and feel a bit lost, especially if you don’t have internet or a cell signal. These also have specific neighborhood information that will help you in different parts of the city. 

Unlocked Cell Phone:  Allison and I both have unlocked cell phones that we bought in Europe (I use a Samsung and she uses and iPhone ). This allows up to get sim cards when we travel so that we always have the internet. This has gotten us out of so many jams! 

If you don’t have an unlocked cell phone that can use a Turkish sim card, you can buy a cheaper unlocked phone online and bring it with you!

Pacsafe Citysafe or Other Anti-Theft Bag:  This is the bag both Allison and I use (and they also make men’s versions). It has a pouch with RFID technology so our credit cards can’t get scanned from afar, interlocking zippers to make it harder to pick pocket, and it’s roomy enough to be a perfect sightseeing day bag. 

A Sturdy Moneybelt :  If you don’t want to get a new bag with anti-theft features as I use, you can use a moneybelt instead. I prefer to have these features built into my bag instead, but I know for a lot of people a money belt is a less expensive investment than a new bag. 

Grayl Water Filter :  While the water is *technically* safe to drink now, I would still avoid it. If you don’t want to be buying millions of plastic water bottles, you can get a reusable water bottle that comes with a water filter so that you can stick to the tap water and reduce your plastic waste. 

Where to Stay in Istanbul

The lovely Hammamhane – my top pick for where to stay in Istanbul.

Accommodations in Istanbul offer great value compared to other cities in Europe. Here is a general range of what we mean by each budget category:

• Budget:  A room in a hostel, usually $5-12 USD per night for a dorm bed or under $40 for a double.
• Mid-range:  Around $40-80
• Luxury : Around $100 per night or more

Budget:  For a great budget-friendly hotel, you can stay in single or double rooms at the  Dreamers B&B . Colorful and cozy, the B&B boasts a fabulous location in Beyoglu, less than a kilometer from Taksim Square. You can explore all of Beyoglu from here, and then head to Sultanahmet when you’re ready to see the old city. 

>> Check the pricing, reviews, and availability here. <<

Mid-Range:  For an affordable, yet trendy boutique hotel, we recommend  Peradays . It’s perfect for all Istanbul visitors, from first-timers to Istanbul veterans. The lofted rooms are generously large, so you can spread out and relax after a long day of sightseeing. They also have two cats that live here, Pera and Daisy, which you’ll be happy to greet after counting cats all day when out in the city. 

Luxury:  Istanbul has no shortage of fabulous hotels, but we love   Hammamhane , a boutique apartment-hotel that was originally a hammam, and the sister hotel of Peradays. Built in a historic hammam (Turkish bath), the suites are spacious and luxurious. Located in the heart of Cukurcuma, the antique district, Hammamhane is within walking distance to art galleries, design stores, antique shops, and chic cafés. 

Still can’t decide? Check out our guide to the  best Istanbul neighborhoods and hotels.

More Istanbul Travel Resources

We have a ton of resources to help you plan your trip to Istanbul! We’re working on our massive post on  things to do in Istanbul  and Istanbul travel tips , plus you can check out our  guide to the best Instagram spots around Istanbul,  our favorite  Istanbul neighborhoods and where to stay , and tips for  shopping in Istanbul .

If you will be visiting in winter, we have a special  winter in Istanbul  guide plus an overview of  Istanbul weather in January.

If you want to be in the city for just a few days (four or less), check out our  Istanbul city break guide , which breaks down the best of the city so you won’t miss anything!

For more general Turkey information, check out this guide to  planning a trip to Turkey (including visa information)  and this guide to other  beautiful places to visit in Turkey . You can also check out our  Balkan currency guide , which explains how the Turkish lira works and guidelines for tipping in Istanbul.

We have tons more Turkey and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our  Turkey  and  Balkans  travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!

Finally, Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

It’s always a good idea to travel to Turkey or anywhere in Europe with a valid  travel insurance  policy. Istanbul is a very safe place to travel, but accidents or theft can easily ruin your trip if you don’t have the travel insurance coverage to recover the losses. Recently my aunt fell on a train in France and needed surgery, but luckily her travel insurance covered the costs in full. Thank goodness!

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. <<

Pin this Istanbul Travel Safety Guide for Your Trip

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

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Is Istanbul Safe to Visit in 2023? Guide to Staying Safe

Seren, a Turkish-American, has 23 years of experience traveling to and around Turkey and is now happy to help others learn more about Turkey.

Is Istanbul safe for tourists? Many travelers have this question before setting out to explore a big metropolitan city. Istanbul, a hub of diverse cultures nestled between Europe and Asia, is renowned for its ancient history, delicious foods, and much more.

But just because it’s so beautiful doesn’t mean that you can not care about safeguarding your personal safety. Thankfully, I’ve rarely felt unsafe in Istanbul and I’ve been there a lot over many years. But I owe a lot of that to following basic safety measures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to staying safe in the big city of Istanbul:

Safety Concerns in Istanbul

Avoid bad neighborhoods.

Some neighborhoods are rougher than others, so it’s important to stay aware of where you are. You won’t want to go anywhere near Tarlabaşı, Dolapdere, Gaziosmanpaşa, Laleli, Aksaray, Esenyurt, and Sultanbeyli – basically, just stick to the touristy, more suburban areas and you’ll be a lot safer.

If you’re a woman (especially traveling solo), this is even more important for you! These neighborhoods are more religiously conservative, so it’s important for a woman’s safety that you’re covered up as much as possible. If you don’t want to do that, just stay where other tourists are.

Safe Areas (And Where You Should Stay)

Some neighborhoods in Istanbul offer a lot of (safe) fun for tourists, so you’re going to want to take a note of these. Neighborhoods like Nisantasi, Beyoglu, Zincirlikuyu, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, and Karakoy are great on the European side. On the Asian side, neighborhoods like Kadikoy, Maltepe, Caddebostan, and Fenerbahce are great.

If you’re choosing between the European side or the Asian side, I’d recommend staying on the European side but doing day trips with taxis to the Asian side. That way, you’ll be much closer to the airport and get to experience both sides of Istanbul.

Warnings & Dangers in Istanbul

Transport & taxis risk.

In general, public transportation and taxis are safe for tourists and foreigners. According to locals, taxies on the European side have started to be ruder to tourists over the past few years. I’m not sure why, but that’s just the way it is. You’ll still be able to take a taxi places, but do a little research beforehand on how much taxi fares should cost. Also, illegal taxis do go around pretending to be legitimate – real ones always have a TAKSI/TAXI sign on top of their yellow car and the name of the taxi company with its phone number on the side of the car.

For your safety, always sit in the back seat of a taxi or Uber and if solo, sit right behind the driver. This prevents the driver from easily reaching back around and touching you. If riding in an Uber, please always double check that the license plate is correct – no matter how convincing the driver is, never get into a car without verifying it first!

When it comes to flying, Turkish Airlines is extremely safe . You can definitely feel at ease when flying domestically or internationally with Turkish Airlines – the incident rate in the airlines’ 89-year history is basically 0.

Risk: Low-to-Medium

Pickpockets, Scams, & Muggings Risk

It’s safe to say you can expect that there are pickpockets and muggers walking around the highly touristic areas of Istanbul. Did you know 16 million people visited Istanbul in 2022 ? With that many people flying in from literally every part of the world, you’re bound to attract thieves who target wealthy tourists.

One common scam or way of pressuring money from tourists is a group of 3 or 4 people will play some instruments and then a guy will walk up to people in the crowd and shove his trumpet in your face until you put cash into a hat. That happened one time when my family and I were walking down Istiklal Street several years ago. Nothing happened the most recent time I was on Istiklal Street.

To improve your safety against them, I’d recommend grabbing this anti-theft protected bag from Amazon here . I personally LOVE this brand for feeling safe while traveling!

Natural Disasters Risk

As you probably already know, southern Turkey experienced a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 6, 2023. That’s because, just like California and Japan, Turkey is on fault lines. Fault lines are where two of Earth’s tectonic plates meet.

As you can see, Istanbul is very close to a fault line on the North Anatolian fault. And it’s not good news. According to Professor Celal Sengor of Istanbul Technical University , “If a major earthquake doesn’t happen in the next 20 years in Istanbul, then we would all be very surprised. That’s how close it is. It’s only a probability, but the probability is high.”

The odds of anything happening while you’re visiting the country for a week are super low – let’s be real. Aside from earthquakes, other natural disasters that happen outside of the main city are forest fires, floods, and landslides. That’s why there’s not much risk to you from natural disasters.

Terrorism Risk

Unfortunately, Istanbul has seen its fair share of terrorism. There have been 29 incidents since 1896, resulting in over 200 casualties. The most recent one was a bombing on November 2022 on Istiklal Street.

I’ve personally never witnessed a terrorist attack. Again, the likelihood of anything happening while you’re visiting the country for a week are super low. If you’re really worried about it, I’d recommend staying away from super touristic spots like Eminonu, Istiklal Street, and The Grand Bazaar as much as possible.

Female Solo Travelers Risk

If you’re a solo woman traveling to Istanbul, you should take extra precautions. Unfortunately, about 4 in 10 women have suffered physical and/or sexual violence by a romantic partner .That extends to the streets, meaning you should definitely dress more conservatively and try not attract attention to yourself. Always carry something that could turn into a weapon – just for extra protection and security.

Risk: Medium-to-High

What Istanbul is Like Today

Today, Istanbul is FULL of beauty, culture, and delicious food! When the weather”s sunny with blue skies it’s fun to walk the streets of the city and pop in and out of different shops and cafes. It’s also a ton of fun to visit the big, super modern shopping centers. You can grab a Shake Shack burger and then go see the latest James Bond movie. Or sit down for an Iskender Doner Kebab and then sip on Turkish tea for the night.

Istanbul is a blend of the old and the new in many ways. Young people continue to drive change forward. New skyscrapers go up next to centuries-old mosques. New fusion flavors pop up left and right. Istanbul is constantly changing! The options are endless.

Context Matters

Istanbul is a huge, metropolitan city.

That’s right, Istanbul is a humongous (try 16 million people), metropolitan city smack dab in the middle between Europe and Asia. Before Istanbul, there was Constantinople. And Constantinople was founded way back in 330 AD. That means there’s been over 1692 years for people to build out the city we now know today as Istanbul.

Just like New York City, Berlin, and Paris, Istanbul also has its fair share of negative city elements. It’s important to remember that it’s a huge city in a foreign country. It attracts all kinds of different people, some good and some bad, just like any other major city.

Terrorism is a threat in many major cities in Europe (and the U.S.)

Terrorism is also a threat in many major cities in the Western world – it’s not just Turkey and the Middle East. Unfortunately, there were 15 terrorist attacks in the E.U. in 2021 and 77 terrorist attacks and plots in the U.S. that same year. It’s our sad reality that terrorist attacks do happen every now and then around the world and are impossible to accurately predict. To avoid them as much as possible, avoid highly touristic destinations and big crowds.

Islamophobia is at an all-time high

In a Gallup survey, among Americans who reported no personal prejudice toward Muslims, one-third (36% to be exact) said they had an unfavorable opinion about Islam . In the United Kingdom, a survey found that about 42% of surveyed mosques or Islamic bodies in the UK have come under attack in the last three years. Also, the UK Home Office statistics shows 6,377 religious hate crimes occurred between March 2020 and 2021 with almost 50% of them aimed at the Muslim community in Britain.

That’s just a sample of what’s going on in a couple of Western countries. Go all over the world and it’s the same thing unfortunately. There’s islamophobia in South Korea , Australia , India , Brazil , and even Canada .

Turkey is a Muslim country

Since 1453, Istanbul has been a Muslim city. And for thousands of years, Turkey has been a Muslim country. So understandably, the culture is deeply rooted in the religion. In general, that means 99% of food is pork-free, women are unfortunately treated more like second-class citizens, and religious holidays are taken seriously.

As a tourist, you should just be aware of the cultural differences so that you don’t do anything that could get you in trouble. Also, please be respectful of the culture as you explore around. If you’re disrespectful, don’t assume nothing would ever happen to you.

Tips For Solo Travelers in Istanbul

1. enroll in your government’s safe traveling program.

A lot of countries, including the U.S., have free safe traveling programs designed to keep their citizens safe while traveling abroad. Before traveling to Turkey (or anywhere for that matter), I’d recommend signing up to your country’s program and making sure all of the details (like your emergency contacts) are correct. For easy access, here are resources for a few countries:

United States citizens: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Canadian citizens: Registration of Canadians Abroad

United Kingdom citizens: Travel Aware

Australian citizens: Smartraveller

2. Never leave your stuff unattended

Sometimes people think their bags will be fine if they want to take a photo somewhere but don’t want to take their stuff. Please don’t do this! Especially if you’re in a touristic spot. Because you can bet that there are some pickpockets going around looking for easy targets. To not even put yourself into a situation where your stuff could be stolen, I’d recommend adopting the mentality of ‘better safe than sorry’.

Always be able to track your bags! Grab one of these handy bag trackers here on Amazon or a budget-friendly 3-pack .

3. Limit the number of valuable belongings on you

Passport. Money. IDs. Credit cards. These are all valuable belongings that you should either leave locked up in your luggage at the hotel or very safely packed away in your bag/purse. When traveling, I only carry some cash, a credit card, and my driver’s license on me at all times. I use an awesome anti-theft bag , so I always feel like my valuable belongings are safe and sound.

4. Keep your money safe

Keeping your money safe is definitely easier said than done. If you prefer to travel with a lot of cash on hand, then you should take extra care to keep it all safe. That means not carrying all of it on you all of the time and either locking what you’re not going to carry in your luggage at the hotel or using the hotel’s lock box. It’s up to you, but I’d recommend keeping it in your luggage (it’s less conspicuous than a locked lock box).

On the other side, if you’re just carrying credit or debit cards around, that means keeping your wallet and bag safe. I’d recommend just using this anti-theft bag from Amazon to make it easy and give you peace of mind. That brand tends to use RFID-blocking technology , which blocks scammers from walking around and electronically getting your credit/debit card details.

5. Keep a hard copy of your card numbers, phone numbers, & passport information

It’s easy to ignore making a hard copy of your most important details (I mean, who has the time?!), but I promise it’s so important to do! Just in case your bag got stolen, what would you do? Imagine your phone’s gone, wallet’s gone, passport’s gone. That’s why this is so essential.

Write everything down on a post-it note or small piece of paper and then tuck it away in a secure pocket while you’re out and about. You’ll feel a lot better knowing your most precious information is safely tucked away and that you’ll never worry about who to call or what to do if the worst case were to happen. Fingers crossed nothing happens to you, but better safe than sorry!

6. Keep a hard copy of your country’s consulate & the Istanbul tourist police’s address and contact information

In addition to writing down your personal and financial details, I’d also recommend having your country’s local consulate and the Istanbul tourist police’s address and phone numbers written down for easy access. This is just in case your passport gets stolen or a crime is committed against you. The consulate should be your first contact because they’ll know exactly what to do as a citizen of your country. Here are important details for a few countries:

United States:

Poligon Mahallesi, Sariyer Caddesi No: 75

İstinye 34460 Sariyer- Istanbul / Türkiye

(+90) 212 335 9000

United Kingdom:

Meşrutiyet Caddesi No 42

Tepebaşı Beyoglu 34435 Istanbul / Türkiye

(+90) 212 334 6400

Büyükdere Caddesi No: 209, Tekfen Tower, 4.

Levent 34394 Istanbul / Türkiye

(+90) 212 385 9700

Suzer Plaza

Elmadag Askerocagi Caddesi No. 15,

Sisli 34367 Istanbul / Türkiye

(+90) 212 393 3300

The Istanbul Tourist Police:

(+90) 212 527 4503

There are 2 offices: one near Taksim Square and Beyoglu, and the other one is near Hagia Sophia mosque – both heavily touristic areas.

7. Always pay attention to your surroundings

Paying attention to your surroundings might seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t do it. This is especially important if it’s nighttime and/or you’re alone. No need to run everywhere or anything, but it’s a good idea to look around and behind you every so often. Because Istanbul has many streets, alleys, and dark spots, I’d recommend staying where there’s light, other people, and cars.

As a woman, never walk around with earphones in and/or scrolling or using your phone. Bad people are known to look for people doing these things because they’re easier targets. Wear comfortable sneakers and, if you’re a solo female traveler, I’d recommend carrying a whistle just in case. Also, the word for help in Turkish is yardim – good to know!

8. Don’t join any political events, protests, or rallies

Even if your friends pressure you, try to avoid any political events, protests, rallies, demonstrations, or parades (like an LGBTQ+ parade). These can be magnets for terrorists, violence, and theft. But if you’re absolutely determined to go, I’d recommend taking as many safety precautions as possible like studying a map of the area beforehand, having your phone and valuable documents safely tucked away, and deciding beforehand what to do in case one of your friends feels unsafe and wants to leave immediately.

Tips For Female Travelers in Istanbul

1. ignore sketchy men selling things on the street.

Walking around Istanbul, you’ll see lots of shopkeepers and sellers at stalls/tables. Majority of the time, they’re harmless good people just trying to peacefully sell their goods. If you’re in a crowded area like Kadikoy or Ortakoy, the sellers there are all good and used to tourists. However, if you find yourself in a random area or on a random street with men trying to sell you stuff, then that’s a no-go just to be on the safe side. I’d recommend not engaging with these sellers, no matter how real that fake Prada bag looks!

2. Only go out at night in a group & don’t separate

There’s definitely safety in numbers, especially for female travelers. If you’re traveling solo, try to make friends at your hostel (if you’re staying in one) or use Meetup to join gatherings with locals and expats. I used Meetup in Dublin, Ireland a couple of years ago and found some really nice people through it. Also, be sure to stay with the group wherever it goes until you’re ready to split and head back to your accommodation. Even then, stick to well-lit paths and where other people are to either walk back or get a taxi. Just in case you might get separated, I’d recommend saving two people’s phone numbers (that is, two people who are a part of your group) in your phone so you can find the group again.

3. Don’t make yourself an easy target

Not to scare you, but an easy target looks like a drunk young woman walking alone at night who’s on her phone. Please please don’t make yourself easy to mug/attack. Stay off your phone as much as possible, look behind you every so often, don’t seem drunk or intoxicated, and make sure there are other people around you at all times. If you ever end up in a bad situation, try to find an open shop – shop owners would help you. Most importantly, DO NOT get into a car without checking first that it’s the correct Uber or checking that it’s a legitimate taxi (see the section ‘Transport & Taxis Risk’ above for how to tell if a taxi is legitimate or not).

4. Don’t look like a tourist or stand out

What’s a tourist look like? Stereotypically, they wear bright colors, khaki shorts/pants, and travel-ready backpacks. Whenever I visit touristic areas in Istanbul, the tourists are pretty easy to spot. To blend into the locals, I’d recommend wearing soft or neutral colors and not wearing anything more revealing than a t-shirt and mid-thigh length shorts. You’ll also blend in by walking straight ahead and not stopping to look at everything, like a local would. At touristic places, it’s perfectly fine to stop and look at everything. But in neighborhoods and suburban areas, you’ll stay safer by not standing out as a tourist.

5. Always dress appropriately

If you didn’t guess already, dressing appropriately in Istanbul is way more important for women than it is for men. For women, don’t wear anything more revealing than a t-shirt and mid-thigh length shorts. Even dressed liked that you’ll get stares from men on the street. So if you don’t want to attract male attention (you don’t), I’d recommend carrying a light sweater around just in case you have to cover up to go into a mosque or have to walk in a more religiously conservative area.

Men and young children can wear shorts and a t-shirt without any worries. Men can even wear a sleeveless t-shirt and be fine. For female children between the ages of 7 and 18, I’d recommend they stick to a minimum of thigh-length shorts and a t-shirt. Also, don’t let them go off and do their own thing! Always keep them in your sights.

6. Don’t smile at men on the street (even just to be friendly)

In Istanbul, most men are highly religiously conservative. Don’t forget, Istanbul hosts millions of people from strict religious backgrounds (like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, etc.) so it’s not just Turkish men you need to be aware of.

Especially as a solo female traveler, absolutely DO NOT smile or stare at men on the street (even if you just want to be friendly). Us Americans, I know we have a tendency to smile at strangers and be friendly towards strangers, but this is something you should be actively aware of when walking around Istanbul. Turkish women don’t go around randomly smiling at strange men, so a smile from a woman can be considered as flirting or an invitation. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where someone starts following you or tries to engage with you. Just in case that ever happens to you, seek safety in a nearby shop or restaurant, explain to them what’s going on, and stay there until you feel safe.

Tips For Family Travelers in Istanbul

1. never lose sight of your child(ren).

Children! You love ’em but they love to run around. If your kid likes to randomly walk away from you, then you should take extra precautionary measures before traveling to Istanbul. Things like packing them only bright colors (so they’re easier to spot from far away), this inconspicuous GPS tracker from Amazon , and maybe even creating incentives for your child to be rewarded with if they don’t wander off (like an hour of phone use or ice cream).

2. Give your child(ren) a GPS tracking bracelet

The best way to easily find your kids (if they ever went missing) is giving them this highly-rated GPS tracking bracelet before traveling. You can literally learn their exact location with this. I mean, imagine the relief knowing you can just locate them on your phone. Even if it didn’t work for some reason, I know $8 USD would be worth the extra safeguard.

PRO TIP: To make sure you can always find your child, I’d recommend purchasing a portable Wi-Fi device called VINN at a local Turkcell store because there’s no publicly available Wi-Fi in Istanbul. Keep it on whenever you and your family are out and about. As of publishing, a VINN costs about $77 USD. If your phone data still works in a foreign country, then you can just use that!

3. Avoid large crowds as much as possible

Would definitely recommend avoiding huge crowds as much as possible. It’s super easy to lose track of a small kid in a large crowd. That’s why that GPS bracelet is really useful!

If you’re visiting highly touristic spots, be sure to take extra precautions (especially if your kid tends to randomly walk away from you). There are lots of fun things for families to do in Istanbul that don’t involve crowds! Things like visiting Galata Tower, taking a boat tour of the Bosphorus ,  trying different foods, visiting malls/shopping centers, going on day tours , etc.

4. Bring lots of sanitizing wipes – these come in handy!

Especially with COVID-19, E. coli, and tuberculosis increasing around the world , it’s more important than ever to travel with an arsenal of sanitizing wipes. I promise, they’re worth it 100x over. You can wipe down your flight’s seats, sanitize your kids’ hands before snack time, sanitize door handles – you can literally clean anything that has a surface. Here are the wipes I specially recommend:

Zogics 800-Count Wipes

Purell Small Individual Packets of Wipes

Purell 20-Count Travel Pack of Wipes

A Feast For the Eyes: 7 Best Istanbul Restaurants With a View

Is Turkish Airlines Safe? How Safe Is It? (For 2024)

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Is Istanbul safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the biggest city in Turkey and serves as the country’s historic, cultural and economic center. The city of Istanbul has more than 15 million residents, which is roughly 19% of Turkey’s entire population. It is also one, if not the country’s most popular tourist destination, with an average of 16 million tourists every year. This is because of the city’s rich history and culture as well as its collection of world-renowned attractions; in fact, the Turkish city is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

While Istanbul is a year-round destination, the months from June to August are considered the peak season because of the summer weather and the range of events and festivals held during this period. If you want more manageable crowds, consider Istanbul’s “shoulder season”, which takes place from March to May. During this period, prices are generally reasonable and the weather is starting to get warmer as summer approaches.

The best time to visit Istanbul depends on your personal preference; for instance, summer has the best weather but prices do increase. Winter is colder and gloomier but the rates are at their lowest. Regardless of when you decide to come, use a Bounce luggage facility in Istanbul during your visit to make your trip convenient and hassle-free.

Flying into Istanbul Airport ? Read on for details on how to have an enjoyable and safe trip in this incredible city. Traveling to Istanbul is bound to be a terrific adventure.

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Is Istanbul safe to visit right now?

As a nation, Turkey is currently ranked Level 2 in the U.S. Government Travel Advisory, which means exercising increased caution when you travel. This does not necessarily mean that you should reconsider visiting Istanbul; the city itself is predominantly safe for tourists and has a lower crime rate compared to other places outside the city limits.

Like many holiday destinations around the world, there is the risk of tourists being victims of petty crimes in Istanbul. For one, pickpocketing is a common occurrence in some of the popular tourist areas that tend to be crowded. Another potential problem is taxi driver scams designed to get more money from you.

All in all, the Turkish city is a safe destination to visit and this guide will provide some Istanbul safety tips that you can apply during your trip. You should keep in mind that it is your responsibility to ensure your own personal safety and to do additional research about the city before your trip. It's best that you check with the government travel advisory of your home country to see if there are any potential threats regarding your destination, no matter your experience as a traveler.

Top petty crimes and scams in Istanbul affecting tourists

“Is Istanbul safe?” is a question that has been asked many times by travelers from all over the world. It is predominantly safe in Istanbul for tourists, whether solo travelers or family travelers.

There are some potential crimes and scams that you need to look out for during your stay. Turkish authorities are aiding in preventing these petty crimes to keep tourism alive in the city.

Pickpocketing and purse snatching

Perhaps the most common petty crime in Istanbul is pickpocketing; many tourists and locals in the city have reported occurrences of purse snatching. Most of these crimes are even carried out by children in tourist hotspots such as the Topkapi Palace and Taksim Square. To avoid falling victim to this wrongdoing, consider a belt or bag that is hidden from sight and leave your important items in your hotel safe.

Or keep your important belongings in a Bounce luggage location in Istanbul to ensure that they are secure. Another thing that you can do is purchase travel insurance before your trip, to help you recover the value of your stolen items if you do fall victim to pickpockets.

Taxi drivers scam

Another popular scam that can affect visitors in Istanbul is one pulled by local drivers of taxis. They either charge you a fixed rate that is double the usual fare that you would normally pay on a metered taxi or they pretend they don’t have change for your money so they can keep the excess. To avoid falling prey to this scam, insist that you stick to the metered rate and prepare small notes before you go on a taxi ride.

Shoe shine scam

One common scam that is unique to Istanbul is the “shoe shine scam.” Shoe shining is a traditional trade in the city and it is not surprising to find shoe cleaners in a busy area in the city. The scam involves the shoe cleaner pretending to drop their brush in the presence of a tourist. Once the tourist picks up the brush and returns it to the shoe cleaner, they then offer their services for free and share a story about making ends meet.

After the cleaning, the shoe cleaner will suddenly charge the tourist an exorbitant amount and guilt them into paying. The simplest way to avoid this is to not engage with the shoe cleaners no matter how hard they try to get your attention.

Currency scam

Beware of the currency scam, which is when shops and vendors charge a tourist’s credit card in Euros instead of Turkish Lira . Since the Euro has a higher value than Lira, you're essentially paying for items at an extra cost and will be charged expensive exchange fees. To avoid this, make sure that the shop’s card machine is charging in the local currency or simply pay using cash.

Is Istanbul safe to travel alone

The simple reply to, "Is Istanbul safe to travel alone" is YES. Safety in Istanbul is not that big of a concern, even for a solo traveler. What's more, the Turkish people are warm and welcoming to visitors. However, as mentioned, there are some instances that one has to be aware of when planning to visit Istanbul. For solo female travelers that are planning a trip, know that Istanbul is generally a very safe city for women. In fact, Turkey ranks 30th on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index , with little occurrence of crimes on females.

While Istanbul is safe in general, this does not mean that there is no likelihood of trouble, especially if you're a solo female traveler. Needless to say, it is still best to exercise common sense when you're out exploring on your own. Even though Turkish hospitality is a huge part of the city's culture, it is best practice to avoid instances such as accepting drinks from strangers.

Safest neighborhoods in Istanbul

Istanbul is a large city and there is no shortage of accommodations to choose from. You should definitely consider if the area you're staying in is safe and easy to explore. Below are some of the safest neighborhoods in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet

Located on the European side of Istanbul, Sultanahmet is the city’s historic district and the most popular area to stay in for tourists. The area is home to most of the city’s prominent attractions, such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the famous Grand Bazaar (also known as the Spice Bazaar). It is also home to Istanbul’s top-rated hotels and hostels, most of which are walking distance from the best sights.

While it is a popular tourist area, the neighborhood of Taksim is spacious and more conducive for walking. The district is home to the famous Taksim Square and has numerous public gardens as well as a pedestrian-only street filled with street food vendors, restaurants, shops and other bustling establishments.

Nişantaşi is an upscale district known as a luxury residential and shopping destination. The neighborhood is not part of the usual tourist route but it does offer a quieter and more lavish escape for those who want to get away from the crowds.

Is Istanbul public transportation safe?

You might be wondering if Istanbul is safe when it comes to using public transport, which is a valid concern. The city’s public transportation is efficient, affordable and easy to figure out. The downside is that public transport can get extremely crowded, especially during rush hour, hence why most pickpockets and thieves target places such as train stations and buses.

If you're using public transportation in Istanbul, be mindful of your belongings and your surroundings. Don’t leave your wallet or mobile phone in your pocket where it can be easily snatched.

Important emergency numbers in Istanbul

Despite having prepared everything for your trip, there are instances where you might need assistance from local authorities. It is good practice to take note of emergency numbers of the destination that you're planning to visit. For Istanbul, here are some of the vital contacts to take note of:

• Tourism Police: +90 212 527 4503
• Medical emergency: 112
• Poison Emergency: 114
• Police: 155

Additionally, it is best to be aware of your country's embassy number.

Visit Istanbul safely

Safety in Istanbul may be a concern for some but all in all, the Turkish city is safe for tourists and definitely worth making the trip for. Remember to exercise caution and use your better judgment when making decisions.

Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide for wonderful accommodation information. To learn about transportation, you'll find it helpful to read our guide on How to Get Around Istanbul .

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42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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The Best of Istanbul in One Place

Visiting Istanbul as an American: Safety, Restrictions and Requirements

Are you an American planning a trip to Istanbul? If so, you’re in for a treat. Istanbul is a city that bridges Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Istanbul as an American, including visa requirements, safety tips, and how to communicate with locals.

Page Contents

🚗 First Time in Istanbul? Be Prepared & Carefree!

Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Istanbul: Turkey and Europe eSIM Roaming Mobile Data 🌟 4.1 / 5 (216 reviews)

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch 🌟 4.5 / 5 (1101 reviews)

🕌 Discover Famous Landmarks of Istanbul

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide 🌟 4.2 / 5 (205 reviews)

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Visiting Istanbul as an American: Visa Requirements

Before you set off on your Istanbul adventure, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper documentation. American citizens traveling to Istanbul will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months past their arrival date, as well as a visa. Fortunately, obtaining a visa is easy and affordable.

You can apply for a sticker visa on the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs website , which costs $50 and is valid for 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, contact a Turkish embassy or consulate to apply for a residence or work permit.

Is Istanbul Safe for Americans Right Now?

Safety is always a concern when traveling, especially to a city with a different culture and language. However, Istanbul is generally a safe destination for American tourists. Like any major city, there are some areas that are more prone to crime, such as the Esernyit and Sisli districts. But if you exercise caution and follow basic safety guidelines, you can avoid most problems.

Is Istanbul Safe for American Tourists?

As an American tourist, you may be concerned about standing out and becoming a target for crime. However, Istanbul is a welcoming city with a diverse population, and tourists are generally treated with kindness and respect. That being said, it’s important to be mindful of cultural differences and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Read more about safety in Istanbul >>

Be Aware of Dangerous Areas in Istanbul

While Istanbul is a vibrant and historically rich city, it’s essential to be cautious of certain areas known for their higher crime rates. Notable neighborhoods to be mindful of include Kasımpaşa, Dolapdere, and Tarlabaşı. It’s always a good idea to research potentially unsafe areas and avoid them, especially during nighttime or when traveling alone.

For a comprehensive understanding of the areas to avoid and tips on staying safe, we recommend reading the article “ Istanbul Dangerous Places: Areas to Avoid and Tips for Staying Safe .” This guide will help you navigate the city while minimizing risks and ensuring a memorable experience in Istanbul.

Don’t Miss The Best Tours and Cruises in Istanbul

Book guided tours to enhance safety and see the real city.

To ensure safety while exploring Istanbul, consider joining guided tours led by experienced local guides. These tours not only provide valuable insights into the city’s history and culture but also help you avoid potentially unsafe areas.

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show 🌟 4.3 / 5 (2533 reviews)

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City 🌟 4.8 / 5 (81 reviews)

Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour 🌟 4.9 / 5 (243 reviews)

How to Communicate with Turkish People if You’re an American

While English is widely spoken in Istanbul, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Turkish phrases to help you navigate the city and connect with locals. Here are a few phrases to get you started:

• Merhaba: Hello
• Nasılsın: How are you?
• Teşekkürler: Thank you
• Pardon: Excuse me

Additionally, it’s helpful to have a translation app on your phone, such as Google Translate, which can help you communicate with locals and navigate menus and signs.

Save our guide with basic Turkish words to feel more confident while you are traveling!

Be Aware of Scams, Because Turkish People Know Tourists Have Money

Unfortunately, scams can occur in any city, and Istanbul is no exception. Some common scams in Istanbul include taxi drivers overcharging tourists , street vendors selling fake goods, and people pretending to be friendly locals in order to steal from unsuspecting tourists.

To avoid scams, be wary of anyone offering you unsolicited help or trying to sell you something. Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Avoid Taxi Scams at the Airport: Choose Private Transfers

To steer clear of potential taxi scams at the airport, consider using private transfer services like Welcome Pickups . These reliable services offer fixed prices, ensuring you won’t accidentally pay 2 000 TL instead of 500 for a ride (hard to believe, but it happens!). By opting for a private transfer, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free and trustworthy transportation experience from the airport to your destination.

Visiting Istanbul as an American: Our Conclusion

In conclusion, Istanbul is a safe and fascinating destination for American travelers. While there are some risks associated with any travel, taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international trip, visiting Istanbul as an American is an experience you will never forget. With a little bit of planning and a healthy dose of common sense, you can enjoy all that this magnificent city has to offer in comfort and safety. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Istanbul!

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• Hagia Sophia History Museum: Collection, Entry Fees & Opening Hours (2024)

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Is it Safe to Travel to Turkey

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

In my 50 years of experience traveling in Turkey, I have lived through times of difficult relations between the USA and Turkey. Some Turks would converse about the difficulties, ask questions, state their opinions, etc., but I never felt myself to be in physical danger. That was my experience.

However, there can be  no guarantee of complete safety , anywhere in the world, for any individual traveler that nothing unpleasant will ever happen. Too many individual factors come into play.

Travelers—including Americans—are still going to Turkey and most find a warm welcome, low prices, and all the beauties and advantages that make Turkey one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world each year.

Read the  TTP Safety Page   to learn more about common safety concerns and make travel decisions you can be comfortable with.

Join our Facebook group where you can hear more from long-term residents of Turkey and newly returned travelers who share their advice and experiences.

April 2024 Travel Advice

The current travel advisories remain at the same level. There have been recent reports of protests regarding the war, but there is no increased risk in traveling to Turkey. Tourist destinations remain safe and open for travel. As a traveler, it is generally wise to avoid any large demonstrations in any country.  Because protests may take place outside of the embassy of foreign countries, it can sometimes result in increased traffic in the area or (rarely) embassy closures.  Enroll in your country's travel notification system for the most updated travel warnings and advice (see below).

Is Turkey safe for solo female travelers?

Turkey is in fact a safe destinations for solo female travelers (see our video at the top of this page). But it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, as you would when traveling in any foreign country. It is wise to follow general recommendations such as to dress modestly, avoid traveling alone at night, and to be aware of the local customs and cultural norms. Additionally, it is a good idea to inform friends or family of your travel itinerary and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. Also consider registering with your government's foreign travel system. As with any travel, it is also important to stay informed about any potential safety risks or travel advisories in the area.

Is driving in Turkey safe?

Are there any recommended tips for staying safe while walking around turkey's cities and towns.

Here are 5 tips to stay safe when traveling

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and stay in well-lit and populated areas.
• Dress modestly and be aware of the local laws and customs as well as cultural norms. Try to blend in and keep a low profile. It's a good idea to keep your valuables, such as your passport and money, hidden and secure. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your valuables safe.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and ID (and visa, if applicable) in case they are lost or stolen.
• Be vigilant in crowded areas (such as tourist sites and in the markets) and on public transportation, as pickpocketing can be a common problem.
• Write down the emergency number (112) and the information for the nearest embassy or consulate.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey with children?

Yes, many families enjoy traveling in Turkey with their children.  There are many family-friendly destinations. You may find it more convenient to stay at a hotel or accommodation that caters to families. As with traveling in other countries, pay close attention in crowded areas and be sure to have an emergency plan in place for your family.

Travel Advisories

The US has revised the travel warning for Turkey by dropping it down to a 2   with only noteworthy warnings on the Eastern borders.

The terrorism incidents that caused travelers to avoid Turkey for several years are now in the past, with no large events being reported in the past 2 or 3 years. Tourism is in a period of recovery now and tourist numbers in 2022 nearly returned to their 2019 pre-pandemic figures.

I follow the diplomats' advice to avoid large gatherings, especially any that are political, etc. Please read these  Travel Advisories:

UK Foreign Office

The United Kingdom's  Foreign Office has the following information on its  website regarding travel in Eastern Turkey:

"The Foreign and Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Syria.

The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to:

• the province of Hakkari

Additionally, they advise tourists to always carry their passport and a copy of their visa with them while in Turkey. There's lots more. Here it is.

US Department of State

The  US Department of State  has a travel warning on its  website which includes this Level 2 warning :

"Exercise Increased Caution" is the statement for the whole of Turkey with only the below significant warning mentioned:

Do not travel to:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian border due to  terrorism .

Read the entire  Travel Advisory.

The  Embassy of the United States  in Ankara website  also issues useful advice.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Here is the warning for Australian travelers,  which is similar to those mentioned above.

Government Traveler Records

Many national governments maintain records of travelers visiting foreign destinations so they can alert travelers on the road to dangers as they may arise.

For example, if you apply to join the  US Department of State 's  Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , US diplomats in Turkey will have a record of your personal, passport, contact and emergency information in an online database. If they feel it advisable to alert you to a dangerous situation, the database can make it possible.

If you are not a US citizen, your country's government may have a similar program, to which you may wish to apply. It can't hurt, and it may help, if only to allay anxiety.

Economic Situation & Foreign Relations

In recent years, the Turkish lira has suffered a substantial loss of value versus the major currencies of the US dollar, euro, pound sterling and Japanese yen. This makes a visit to Turkey less expensive for travelers who convert those currencies to liras, but it also has created economic difficulties for the Turkish economy. Its effects are felt most by ordinary Turks, and Turkish businesses.

Relations between Turkey and the USA can be strained at times with trade tariffs being levied by both countries, and disagreements over foreign, military, and banking relations. However, Turkey is a NATO ally which adds an extra level of security.

February 2023 Earthquake

On February 6, 2023 the southeastern region of Turkey suffered a magnitude 7.8 earthquake . Currently, access to the affected areas has been restricted to allow for recovery efforts.

Travel to Turkey remains open and there is no increased risk in visiting other regions of Turkey. Read government alerts linked below for the most updated information.

COVID-19 Situation

There are no restrictions or requirements for entering Turkey. Visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination, quarantine, or wear masks. For travelers who still wish to take precautions, there are many options for visiting airy outdoor sites which allow you to maintain your distance.

—by  Tom Brosnahan , updated by Kimberly Price

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Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Latest travel advice

Here’s what you need to know about visiting turkey following iran’s strikes on israel, including the latest foreign office travel advice.

A mere few hours’ plane-ride away, Turkey has become increasingly popular for British tourists in the last few years. It has a one-time capital that straddles two continents, gorgeous beaches lining its Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, and, perhaps most attractive of all, a great exchange rate in the pound’s favour.

However, given the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, and reports of Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Iran on April 19, in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel on April 13, those travelling to Turkey may have concerns about safety — although the UK Foreign Office hasn’t updated its advice to warn tourists of the situation. Most of the country is considered safe to travel to by the Foreign Office, but it warns that demonstrations are taking place in Ankara and Istanbul, and that these could become violent. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit.

Has Turkey been affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict?

So far there have been no signs of Turkey being directly impacted by the conflict, although there have been protests outside diplomatic missions in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities, according to the UK Foreign Office. You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops.

On April 13, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, 99 per cent of which were successfully intercepted. Turkey was not involved in this latest escalation in the conflict, and the Foreign Office’s travel advice remains as it was previously.

The country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said at a congress of his AK Party that “we call for restraint from all parties” adding that both sides “must refrain from aggressive acts”. He has also said Turkey will do whatever it can to ease tensions and stop the violence.

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Is it safe to travel to turkey.

It depends on where you’re travelling to but most regions in Turkey are safe and tourist-friendly. However, the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria, and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

The Foreign Office also considers the threat of terrorism to be very high in the country (more below), and political protests and demonstrations have become violent. So, as with any destination, it pays to stay vigilant and follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office, as well as those issued by authorities on the ground.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Turkey • Best hotels in Turkey • 14 of the best hotels in Fethiye

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

Yes, there’s no reason not to travel to Istanbul right now. However, you should stay vigilant and pay attention to local government advice.

The Foreign Office says that most terrorist attacks in Turkey have taken place in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Separately, the country is also affected by political demonstrations in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

• Best hotels in Istanbul • Best things to do in Istanbul

Is it safe to travel to Antalya?

Yes, Ankara remains safe to visit. The Israel-Hamas conflict has not impacted the city, aside from the aforementioned demonstrations.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Antalya • Best hotels in Antalya

What is the Foreign Office travel advice?

The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria as well as all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari. In the rest of the country, it’s a case of staying vigilant.

The Israel-Hamas war has led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in cities across Turkey. The Foreign Office states that demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, and that visitors should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted.

Across Turkey more generally, crime rates are low but robberies and thefts are common, particularly pickpocketing. There have also been reports of passports being stolen from rented villas, including from safes, in Didim, Kas, Kalkan and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik areas.

Travellers are also advised to avoid any offers of food and drink, which may be spiked, and to be wary if someone offers to take you to a club or restaurant or to help you change currency. Sexual assaults and rapes have also been reported, and have mostly taken place during the busy summer period in coastal regions. In many cases, they involved someone the victim had met earlier on the day of the attack.

Most terrorist attacks in the country to date have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, and the Foreign Office states that it’s possible that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners such as public buildings, places of worship and major events.

What are Turkey’s entry requirements?

British citizens are able to travel to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. If you’re planning to be in the country for longer, you’ll need either a visa or residence permit.

Turkey requires you to have at least 150 days left on the validity of your passport from the day you arrive in the country. You’ll also need a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.

Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for neighbouring countries

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

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Is Istanbul Safe?

Travel Blog Last Updated · Jan 10th, 2024 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Is Istanbul safe for new and unsophisticated travelers?

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t heard of Istanbul? An iconic Turkish city with incredible mosques and some of the best food in the world.

Who wouldn’t want to revel in the smell of spices and the feel of a Turkish bath? When it comes to cities with history, very few can top the city of many names.

Whether you studied Constantinople in relation to the Crusades, or have a passing interest in Byzantium, you’d never guess that they’re all different names for the same city!

However, everything from Earthquakes to recent political events and evidence of corruption has begun an unsteady situation in the city. Is it a safe trip to make? Or are westerners targeted for crime? We’re here to give you the scoop!

Table of Contents

Is Istanbul safe?

In this travel guide, we will cover travel safety in Istanbul so you can ensure your trip to this unique European/Asian city is nothing but a safe one, that way you can avoid the common pitfalls that happen to some of the unfortunate that travel here.

How safe is Istanbul?

Overall, Istanbul is very safe for travelers coming from abroad. However, this doesn’t always mean that crime doesn’t happen.

Just like everywhere else in the world, you’ll want to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when flashing cash or walking down back streets.

For anyone looking to visit only the safest cities in Europe this is a good one to compare with. Overall though, the city is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it that are considered somewhat dangerous (which is not difficult by any means).

You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur.

It is rare for a tourist to see any violence occur, but in a city this size, it can happen. We still suggest carrying a money stash to conceal your belongings.

Istanbul crime rate

• The intentional homicide rate in Turkey in 2018 was 2.59 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is a quarter the rate of Russia, and almost half the rate of Chile, the lowest-rated country in South America.
• According to the UK Government, “British nationals made over 2.5 million visits to Turkey in 2019. Most visits are trouble-free.”
• Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists. The last terrorist attack happened in January 2017. Attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorists from south-east Turkey.
• Incidents of petty crime such as pickpocketing are quite high.
• The United States Security Service assesses Turkey at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution. Some areas outside of the Istanbul Consular District have higher Travel Advisory level designations.

Istanbul is recognized as one of the top 25 world city brands on its own journey to becoming a smart city that can compete with major cities around the world.

Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Istanbul is an interesting city when it comes to the question of safety. On the one hand, it’s just like any other major European city with petty crime problems and often common chances of crime happening to visitors being pickpocketed.

However, it’s still seen by some visitors as a more dangerous place than Gibraltar or Latvia, despite having a lower homicide rate than both.

This is due to the fact that there are ‘dangerous’ or ‘sketchy’ neighborhoods and inner cities that potentially target obvious-looking tourists.

It’s worth knowing what to expect when you get to Istanbul, as well as which spots to avoid. Keep reading below to see our recommendations.

Is Istanbul safe for solo female travelers?

Istanbul is a safe city for solo female travelers and over the year has become more common for solo females. Women traveling alone should take precautions as they would take in any other big city such as London or Paris.

Despite what many people think before visiting Istanbul, there’s no dress code and it is up to individuals to decide if and how to attract the attention of men.

There is no obligation to cover your hair with a veil or a scarf, except when you visit mosques. Avoid walking around the city alone at night, if you want to explore the city by night, it is safer to go with another person or as part of a group.

Is Istanbul safe for American tourists?

Yes, Istanbul is safe for American tourists. But more recently, the US Travel Advisory has recommended American visitors to be extra cautious due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions.

Tourists are advised not to travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces, and any other regions that share the border with Syria due to increasing terrorist activity.

Be alert at all times even in tourist spots and when frequenting famous attractions and shopping malls, where potential terrorists might be plotting an attack.

Is Istanbul safe at night?

Yes, Istanbul is safe at night. It’s preferable to walk around the city during the day, and avoid doing it alone after dark. If you want to explore the city by night, then it’s better to do it with another person or as a group.

The city center of Istanbul and most tourist areas are absolutely safe and you will have no problems wandering the streets even at a late hour.

The main area to avoid at night is Tarlabasi, usually even locals choose to not frequent it. Why not try this nightlife tour as a way to explore the nightscene?

No matter where you end up at night, always keep an eye on your valuables at all times, as pickpockets and bag snatchers are active even after dark. Avoid deserted and dark streets, where there are no people hanging around.

Where to stay in Istanbul

As you may have suspected there are some remarkable places to stay in Istanbul, let’s take a look at some of these neighborhoods below:

Sultanahmet

The biggest incentive to book a hotel in Sultanahmet (we recommend Pell Palace Hotel ) is obviously its proximity to major sightseeing spots.

Here you be in close proximity to attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and of course the Grand Bazaar. You can get skip the line tickets if you’re short on time.

They are all within just walking distance of most of the best hotels located in this spot. The only downside is that for those who love the nightlife, as Sultanahmet goes quiet once the sunsets.

After dark, the streets are empty and good night entertainment is scarce, which we know would still entice family travelers.

Beyoğlu, which is a district situated on Istanbul’s European side, is home to Dolmabahçe Palace and the Galata area with its famous tower and Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue).

As an area, it is mostly known for its cozy neighborhoods, wide array of restaurants and cafés, and world-famous Istanbul nightlife.

Beyoğlu is basically open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, like New York! But no need to worry, some of the best hotels in Beyoğlu are located in quieter areas, still within walking distance of all the action so you can still be close to everything.

If you’re on a modest budget or traveling with friends why not see one of the many hostels in Beyoğlu to find the perfect group stay.

Areas to avoid in Istanbul

Although there are many good areas, some of the neighborhoods in Istanbul are know to be turbulent, usually for political and ethnic reasons.

During political turmoil, these areas of the city turn into authentic theatres of clashes and guerrilla warfare between the police and the population.

Here’s a list of districts to avoid:

• Gazi Mahallesi

Apart from these places, avoid Taksim Square when there are demonstrations. They can be quite violent and use of tear gas is quite common.

Istanbul: Travel Safety Tips

Here are some tips to help you when you walk the streets of Istanbul.

We would recommend that you do the following:

• Watch out for pickpockets.
• You should carry your passport and a printed copy of your visa at all times. In some busy areas, the Turkish authorities are stopping members of the public to conduct ID checks.
• Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to receive fully comprehensive support when it comes to unforeseen travel compilications.
• Never argue about prices, haggle politely but never raise your voice in marketplaces.
• Make sure to take sunscreen with you. This is a place where you will get sunburnt without protection.
• If you’re traveling yo Istanbu on a budget be sure to check out Agora Hostel as a great way to save money and meet like minded travelers.
• Don’t go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes secluded places. A simple rule: if there are families around, you’re probably safe.
• If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. When in need of something sturdy, a PacSafe backpack is more than adequate for this.
• Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. Then once you’ve booked your room, book taxis or buses through the hotel.

Istanbul has been host to many football matches and scandals in the past, but the recent 2019 European Super Cup Final went without a hitch.

Best time to visit Istanbul

When is the best time to go to Istanbul when looking to enjoy the best of the best? Who wants to do a Turkish food tour while it raining after all?

According to our trusted source on this matter, Travel US, Spring is the opportune time of year for an Istanbul city break:

“The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That’s when crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit in the 60s and 70s. Peak season – from June to August – sees temps soar into the low 60s to low 80s, and accommodation prices increase to match the demand from incoming tourists.”

One of the cheapest times to visit Istanbul as a tourist, however, is the winter. If you want to save money then you’ll find more availability from December to February due to the less inviting weather.

Got travel insurance for Istanbul?

Is Istanbul Safe? Final Words

Istanbul is as safe as you want it to be.

If you arrive with the polo tops, shorts and flip flops take hundreds of pictures, and stop to apply sunscreen in the street – consider yourself a target for petty crime!

If you don’t care about how touristy and unaware you appear, you eventually will after your wallet has been pinched.

But Istanbul pickpockets account for a minuscule demographic for such a large city full of peaceful and welcoming people. Istanbul has a lot to offer, so stay safe!

Don’t hesitate to book a trip to Istanbul today and remember to see our sustainable travel tips to ensure your trip has a positive environmental impact.

Dear responsible traveler : This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.

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‘Is it sensible, safe or even good taste to visit Turkey now?’ A local guide offers advice

A tour leader finds that, beyond the areas devastated by the earthquake, the country is open for business and keen that visitors keep coming

T he desperate plight of those hit by the recent earthquakes in south-east Turkey and northern Syria, where the death toll now stands close to 50,000, moved many in Britain to donate towards the rescue effort.

Though such displays of foreign sympathy and generosity have been widely welcomed in Turkey, there is concern that the quakes may cause tourists to reconsider their Turkish holiday plans this year. In my own case the earthquakes occurred in the week that I was to lead a winter tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Prior to the disaster, we had arranged for two of our guests to continue on a private tour that would have taken them right through the area destroyed by the earthquake.

As a travel writer who has been leading small-group cultural tours to Turkey for a decade, I am practised at pondering the wisdom of visiting in times of Turkish trouble, regrettably frequent in this otherwise exceptional country, be it on account of Islamic or separatist terrorism, security clampdowns, civil unrest, attempted coups or refugee crises. But this was my first experience of how we should respond to a natural disaster. The question was whether it was sensible, safe or even in good taste to push on with our visit at a time of overwhelming national tragedy.

I was quick to commiserate with my contacts in Turkey, many of whom had lost friends and colleagues, and were clearly in shock. Guide, archaeologist and lecturer Yunus Ozdemir, who runs our tours, revealed that he had lost five students who had been training as tourist guides in Adiyaman, one of the worst-hit cities. Even so, he and others were clear that there was no raised danger to our guests from earthquake activity in either Istanbul or the volcanic hinterland region of Cappadocia; nor did they think our partners and suppliers there – hoteliers, drivers, guides and others – would thank us for cancelling out of respect. In the event, all 11 of our guests decided after some consultation to go ahead.

Even at a time like this, our Turkish hosts proved typically hospitable – as obliging, attentive and keen as ever to serve us. That may be because Turkey’s current turmoil is also economic, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ’s unorthodox fiscal policies widely blamed for a rapidly devaluing lira and soaring prices, not least for food and other staples. And with Brits alone making 3.8 million visits to the country in 2022, many Turks are highly dependent on tourism for their livelihoods. Ersin, one of the reception staff at Istanbul’s Régie Ottoman hotel, was not only grateful that our group had come but admitted that he and his colleagues were worried at the prospect of mass cancellations in the months ahead.

For some years we have run tours to Turkey, not only in the warmer months but in the winter when the queues, considerable for much of the year, are blissfully absent at major sites like Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and Cappadocia’s Open Air Museum. Another draw is that the winter weather, though obviously unpredictable, can be lovely for exploring. As it happened, we enjoyed a succession of bright and dry days, in contrast with the vicious cold which had gripped the country, to fatal effect, at the time of the worst quakes.

Not that the earthquake was ignored. It remained headline news all through our stay. On street corners digital displays detailed phone lines for donating in a range of currencies. Flight announcements were prefaced by expressions of national condolence and wishes for the country’s speedy recovery. In passenger lounges, the State Airport Authority displayed photographs of staff members lost to the quake. In Cappadocia, sufficiently near the epicentre (close to Gaziantep) that the quakes were strongly felt, hotels and restaurants had been quick to host and feed those made homeless by the quakes.

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“Naturally there were questions about enjoying a holiday in a country suffering so much,” said guest Dawn Reid, from Bath. “But what we experienced was an exceptional welcome and hospitality everywhere we went.”

For Gabrielle and Mike Abbott of Chichester, who were to have extended their stay travelling in the area fated to be hit by the earthquake, we set about creating an alternative itinerary. “We were shocked by news of the earthquake,” said Gabrielle, “Not least because our guided tour was to have passed through Antakya, Gaziantep and Urfa. As it was, our hosts rerouted us to take in Konya and Antalya, along with lots of fabulous ancient sites and hikes along the Mediterranean coast. Although we are saddened by the terrible events in the south-east, we have been made very welcome and have been having a wonderful holiday here.

Our tour showcased much that is exceptional about Turkey: the astonishing wealth of cultural sites, the fabulous food and the charming people. One afternoon we hiked along Cappadocia’s snow-covered Rose Valley, home to some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful geological formations. We stopped at the foot of one of Cappadocia’s many rock-carved churches where Emin single-handedly runs a little cave cafe. He brought us freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and made a point of thanking us for coming.

“You are always welcome,” he said. “And especially in the winter when the work is thin.” The message was clear: beyond the areas devastated by the earthquake, Turkey remains firmly open for business.

Jeremy Seal is the author of A Fez of the Heart and other travel books on Turkey

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