Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Turkey? With the right preparation and research, absolutely. While I’ve done a lot of solo female travel in Turkey, I’m not an expert — that’s my friend Katie Nadworny, who has been living in Istanbul since 2013 and has traveled Turkey more extensively than anyone I’ve ever met.
I love Turkey. The jagged landscapes, the steam-filled hamams, the warm hospitality, the blue Mediterranean, the endless tulip-shaped cups of tea. I wish more people realized this! Turkey is a destination that gets a lot of bad publicity, particularly for women on their own — but if you have at least a little bit of travel experience, Turkey is a great destination for solo female travelers.
Turkey is a fascinating country with a rich history, incredible cuisine, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. As a solo female traveler, you may be wondering – is it safe to travel to Turkey as a woman? The short answer is yes, Turkey can be a safe destination for women traveling alone if you take proper precautions.
As an experienced solo female traveler myself, I’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring Turkey on my own. While there are certainly cultural differences to be aware of, I never once felt unsafe or in any real danger during my trips. By using common sense, dressing appropriately, and taking basic safety measures, Turkey can be a rewarding destination for any solo female traveler.
Here are my top tips for staying safe and having an amazing time while visiting Turkey as a woman traveling solo
Research the Culture and Know What to Expect
While Turkey is a secular country, it is predominantly Muslim so it’s important to have a basic understanding of local cultural norms and Islamic practices before your trip. Be aware that more conservative dress (long sleeves, pants or skirts below the knee) may be expected, especially when visiting mosques. Public displays of affection, even hand-holding, is taboo.
As a foreign woman you may get more attention from men in the form of stares, curious questions or attempts at conversation. This is generally harmless but can feel uncomfortable. The best approach is to politely decline, avoid eye contact, and keep walking. Dark sunglasses can help avoid unwanted eye contact.
Simply being aware of cultural differences will help avoid any awkward moments or misunderstandings. While Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable overall, do your research beforehand so you know what to expect as a female traveler.
Dress Conservatively
One of the easiest ways to draw unnecessary attention to yourself as a foreign woman in Turkey is by wearing revealing clothing Even in big cities like Istanbul, it’s best to cover up. Opt for loose fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and legs Bring pashminas or scarves to use as cover ups when needed.
While a headscarf is not required, consider bringing one along in case you want to be more modest at mosques or conservative neighborhoods. Avoid flashy jewelry and follow the lead of local women. The more you blend in, the better.
Use Caution with Local Men
Turkish culture is very male-dominated so lone foreign women may spark curiosity or unwanted advances from local men. Be cautious when interacting with shopkeepers, waiters, taxi drivers or men offering unsolicited “help”. Smiling and being overly friendly can be misconstrued. Don’t give out personal details.
If a man asks personal questions, say you don’t understand Turkish or pretend you don’t speak English. Just politely say “no thank you” and keep walking confidently. Don’t feel pressured to respond to every man who tries to talk to you. Use your best judgment when interacting with men you don’t know.
Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Location matters, especially as a solo female traveler. Seek hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs in busy tourist districts, not remote residential areas. Request rooms close to reception or on lower floors if possible. Check reviews and choose places with good security. Hotels with room safes, secure entry access, and 24-hour staff are ideal.
Let hotel staff know you’re a solo female traveler. If you get unwanted attention from male staff or drivers arranged through your hotel, report it immediately to management. A good hotel should take your concerns seriously.
Use Ride Share Apps Over Taxis
As a solo woman traveler, ride share apps like Uber offer several safety advantages over hailing traditional taxis. All drivers are GPS tracked, you can share your ride details with a friend, and payment is handled electronically without the need to hand over cash.
This minimizes the chances of getting stranded with a dishonest driver. Only get in yellow licensed taxis if absolutely necessary. Ask your hotel to arrange a reputable company or set the rate in advance. Avoid unmarked taxis.
Stick to Well-Lit, Populated Areas
Avoid wandering down empty side streets or alleys, especially at night. Stick to brightly lit, crowded streets and public areas. Ask your hotel for sightseeing route tips. Have them mark main attractions on a map so you can easily navigate between popular spots.
Shopping areas and tourist sites with security guards are always safe bets. If possible, explore with a companion or join group tours for added safety. Getting lost on your own can make you vulnerable, so have an offline map or compass on hand.
Act Confident in Public
Walking with purpose – even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going – gives the impression that you belong. Scammers and creeps often seek out people who look lost or vulnerable. Looking relaxed and confident, even if you feel out of your element, keeps you safer.
Have some key Turkish phrases memorized so you can handle basic interactions if needed. Knowing a few phrases shows you have local knowledge. Don’t walk around glued to your phone or staring at a map for too long. Stay alert and trust your instincts in public.
Avoid Dark, Secluded Areas
When you’re exploring solo, it’s easy to wander down an alley to check out a shop or cafe that looks intriguing. Resist that urge after dark or anytime an area seems sketchy or deserted. Empty parks, dark underpasses, isolated streets, and rail yards are best avoided.
Ask locals or your hotel which neighborhoods or areas to steer clear of. As tempting as spontaneous exploring is, if an area gives you a bad vibe, just avoid it. Prioritize safety over adventure when you’re unsure.
Use a Fake Wedding Ring
A simple trick is to wear a fake wedding band on your left ring finger. This signals you’re “taken” and averts unwanted male attention. A simple silver or gold band does the trick. In conservative cultures like Turkey, a “married” woman garners more respect and less advances.
A ring alone won’t solve all problems, but combined with conservative dress and confident body language, it can help you blend in and avoid harassment as a foreign woman.
Stay Sober
It’s easy to let your guard down after a few drinks, but even one or two can impair judgement. When drinking alcohol, either abstain completely or limit yourself to one drink. Never accept drinks from strangers. Watch bartenders pour your drinks and don’t leave them unattended.
Spiking drinks with “date rape drugs” is uncommon in Turkey but a possibility. Staying sober allows you to stay alert and avoid risky situations that seem tempting after drinking.
Carry a Fake Wallet
Petty theft like pickpocketing exists in Turkey, predominately in crowded tourist areas. Carry a small day pack or cross body purse with a zipper or flap. Keep your cash and cards in an inexpensive second wallet to hand over if demanded.
Only keep a small amount of Turkish lira in this decoy wallet along with an expired bank card. Keep your valid credit/debit cards and extra cash in a hidden money belt under your clothing.
Learn Basic Self-Defense
While violent crime against tourists is extremely rare in Turkey, knowing basic self-defense techniques boosts confidence and allows you to better respond in the unlikely event of an attack.
Even just learning how to throw off an assailant and run to safety could potentially save your life. Check if any martial arts studios in your hometown offer self-defense classes before your trip.
Have Your Hotel Arrange Transport
Avoid hailing taxis on your own, especially at night. Pre-arrange airport transfers and other transportation through your hotel. Reputable hotels only work with licensed, professional drivers. This ensures someone monitors your safe arrival.
Before getting into any car, check that the taxi number/name on the vehicle matches your transportation. Only get into marked, licensed cabs with working meters. Ask your hotel concierge to write sightseeing destinations in Turkish so drivers understand where you need to go.
Avoid Eye Contact with Men
Prolonged eye contact between sexes can be considered flirtatious. Avoid the urge to stare back if a man is looking at you. Simply divert your gaze and keep walking confidently. Don’t feel the need to smile at every man who makes eye contact either. Being overly friendly can be misinterpreted.
If speaking to a man, focus your eye contact at a point just above eye level. This avoids charged eye contact that may be unwanted. Sunglasses also minimize unwanted eye contact with strangers.
Know Emergency Numbers
Program the numbers for your country’s embassy, the local police, and emergency medical services into your phone. You likely won’t need them, but having these numbers handy provides peace of mind in case an emergency arises.
If you feel threatened or unsafe at any point during your trip, don’t hesitate to dial the emergency number and report it. Turkey takes tourist safety and its reputation seriously.
Leave an Itinerary with Trusted Contacts
Leave a printed itinerary with trusted friends or family back home detailing your accommodation details, contact numbers, and daily plans. Agree to check in with each other at
Is Turkey Good for First-Time Solo Female Travelers?
Turkey is terrific for first-time solo travelers who already have travel experience but haven’t traveled by themselves before. There is a pervasive culture of hospitality here, and locals are almost always eager to help visitors experience their country.
The main complication in Turkey is that, once you leave the heavily touristed parts of Istanbul (like Sultanahmet), fewer people speak English. Which doesn’t mean people won’t try very hard to help you get around! Anyone you ask will be happy to give you directions, even if they don’t know where you are actually going.
Turkey is quite safe and I find that pickpocketing and stealing are much less common here than you would expect, both in Istanbul for a city of its size and in throughout the country.
Here’s a story that illustrates this: I went on vacation with my cousin to a beach in the south of Turkey. After spending most of the morning by the sea, we went to get lunch at a nearby restaurant.
We ordered and chit-chatted when suddenly my cousin realized she was no longer wearing her watch — her high-tech, quite expensive watch. She freaked out, jumped up from the table and went back down to the beach, hoping maybe she had dropped it, fearing it was stolen.
A few minutes later, she returned with her watch.
“What happened? Where was it?” I asked.
“I went down to the beach in a panic,” she said, “and these two Turkish girls saw me looking around, and came up to me and asked if I was looking for a watch, they had found one on the beach.”
That’s Turkey.
Is Turkey Good for Experienced Solo Female Travelers?
Yes! If you are an experienced traveler, get out of Istanbul and go on an adventure!
If you feel comfortable hiking alone, take advantage of the waymarked Lycian Way along the southern coast; if you feel comfortable driving alone, head out on a road trip through the country’s varied landscape — perhaps a trip along the Black Sea Coast.
Go explore the complicated Southeast of the country to learn about the ancient and modern history of Diyarbakir or Şanlıurfa or Gaziantep. There is so much to do here, and you will not be bored.
“Is Turkey safe?” is something I am asked over and over and over again. Sometimes, I understand why; other times, the question seems so removed from real life here that I get frustrated.
Geographically, Turkey is sort of in the middle of everything, with Russian submarines slipping through the Bosphorus Strait, war continuing to roil the bordering Syria to the southeast, and refugees transiting on their way to Europe.
Turkey touches the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East; it’s one of the reasons there is such a rich cultural and culinary history here, and why Turkey always seems to come up in the news.
The hangover from the Very Bad Year of 2016 lingers when people think of traveling to Turkey. That was the year we had terror attacks from ISIS and others in Istanbul and throughout the country, with attacks on the since-shuttered Ataturk Airport and a nightclub and Sultanahmet Square.
That was also the year of the failed coup. I was living here then, experiencing what (in retrospect) was clearly a slow-building anxiety attack, and the coup still is the scariest thing I’ve ever lived through. AND YET.
Since 2016, the country has been quiet and safe, with no major terror attacks and no coups. Even in the thick of the Very Bad Days, life in Istanbul seemed to hum along. My parents even came to visit that year — six weeks after the coup! — and we had a splendid time together. It feels like everyone here let out a tightly-held breath sometime about 2017, and we’ve all been more at ease since. Life went back to normal.
As I always said then, until 2016, only one of the two cities I’ve lived in has had a terror attack, and that was Boston. The Boston Marathon bombing happened just after I left in 2013, years before terror came to Istanbul. (Note from Kate: I was actually at the Boston Marathon when the bombs went off. I wrote about that scary day here.)
We live in an age of terror, unfortunately, and I don’t believe that Turkey is any less safe than anywhere else in the world.
The fact that Turkey is in the middle of everything is actually one of the reasons it’s so wonderful. I meet people from all over the world here — from Iran and Nigeria and Iraq and France and Australia and Egypt and Israel and Mexico and Syria and Kyrgyzstan and beyond.
In an age where the news stokes such intense fear of “the other” (especially refugees and migrants), and when the US is shamefully closing its doors to so many people all over the world, Turkey is in many ways the perfect antidote — there’s nothing like meeting real, wonderful people to make you realize that all that fearmongering is shortsighted and idiotic.
I often walk around at night in Istanbul listening to music in my headphones, which is something I would certainly never do in the US, and pickpocketing is infrequent for a city of this size. Often, I see people leave their laptops or phones on tables at cafes while they wander off…and no one takes their devices.
That’s Turkey. There is a sense of neighborliness here that I never really experienced in the US. If your perception of Turkey has only come from the news, I really encourage you to come here. The country is so much more than what they are telling you.
READ MORE:
9 Things NOT to do in TURKIYE | Know This Before You Travel
FAQ
Do female tourists have to cover up in Turkey?
Is Turkey safe for female solo travel?
Is it safe for US citizens to go to Turkey?
Is it safe to travel to Istanbul as a woman?
Is Turkey safe for female solo travelers?
Yes, yes, and yes again. Turkey is safe for female solo travelers. A solo trip to Türkiye is no more dangerous than visiting any other country alone. You need to use your common sense when solo traveling in Turkey as you would anywhere else in the world.
Do women travel in Turkey?
With the right preparation and research, absolutely. While I’ve done a lot of solo female travel in Turkey, I’m not an expert — that’s my friend Katie Nadworny, who has been living in Istanbul since 2013 and has traveled Turkey more extensively than anyone I’ve ever met. I love Turkey.
Is Turkey safe for women explorers?
When it comes to solo female travel in Turkey and Istanbul, the good news is that Turkey is a safe and welcoming destination for women explorers. Here, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that safety and freedom are at the forefront of your experience. Is Turkey Safe for Women? Absolutely.
Is Turkey safe for first-time female travellers?
It is not that Turkey is not safe for first-time solo female travellers. It is just that it is not the easiest place to conquer independently. Outside of Istanbul and touristic parts of Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera, it can be tricky to find people that speak English. Travelling cross country through remote parts of Turkey can be daunting.