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

The question we get asked the most; is Istanbul safe to travel? It’s a valid question, as there have been a number of terrorist attacks over the years that has shaken many people’s faith in Turkey’s safety, the last major one only happening in November 2022.

Although Istanbul does have its troubles, it is generally a very safe city to visit. Yes, of course, there are still dangerous parts of the city, and some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of, but as long as you stay on the tourist path and follow the right safety precautions, you can still have a wonderful time in Istanbul.

Generally, the biggest concern travelers have when visiting Istanbul are petty crimes such as pickpockets, and falling prey to scammers, particularly taxi scams.

To make sure you stay safe and don’t run into these unsavoury characters, we’ve prepared this guide on safety in Istanbul.

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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 January 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.

Another attack happened in March 2015, when the Istanbul Justice Palace came under seige, and then a bomb was planted in the metro at the beginning of December 2015, and another bomb planted at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at the end of December.

In 2016, the terrorist attacks got much worse, and the city had 5 bombings and shootings in the entire year. Another major attack took place in 2017, which was a mass shooting took place in a nightclub in Istanbul, and 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 political instability in Turkey, has made Istanbul a very dangerous city to visit in the past.

However, because of these events, police presence in these areas has been massively increased, and the safety situation in Istanbul has gotten significantly better. Although attacks still happen, they are usually on a smaller scale and are not targeted at tourists.

However, it is worth noting that Turkey is in an economic crisis, and political demonstrations still take place throughout the city. Istanbul is not clear of its threat from terrorism, and there is still a large percentage of the population living in poverty.

While becoming victim to a terrorist attack is rare, the number of scams and petty thefts in the city has grown in recent years.

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Is Istanbul Safe For Tourists?

On the whole, Istanbul is a safe city for tourists to visit, but just like any major city, it has areas that are less safe than others.

To stay safe in Istanbul, you should plan to stay in one of the tourist neighborhoods, such as Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and don’t wander too far off the beaten path.

While these neighborhoods are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions while exploring the city.

As we mentioned, there are dangerous parts of the city, but those areas usually offer nothing in terms of tourist attractions, so there is little reason to be there. Some neighborhoods to be cautious of due to high crime rates are Taksim Square (although usually fine, when events and demonstrations happen, it’s best to avoid it), Aksaray, Laleli, Sultanbeyli, Küçükçekmece and Esentepe.

Typically speaking, travelers won’t just randomly get themselves into a risky situation and there is no reason to visit these areas where crime rates are higher.

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!

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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 if you stay in touristy areas, but you should take extra precautions.

Walking around at night in neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet or Kadikoy is quite safe. The places that you should be careful of are the nightlife districts in Istanbul (Beyoglu), 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 and try to extort money from you. It ends with you paying for all the food and drinks of the party, and it won’t be cheap.

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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 unwanted attention as you explore the city. Men will 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, robbed or worse at night from the people we’ve met, but you do hear horror stories. 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! We’d recommend any solo travelers find some travel buddies to go out with at night, not just women.

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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

Another popular area to stay in is Karakoy, specifically around the Galata Tower or Istiklal Avenue. This is a popular place for travelers looking for nightlife or shopping malls.

Most of the tourist hotspots are on the European side of Istanbul, so you’ll find most accommodation on that side. However, if you’re looking for safe places to stay on the Asian side of Istanbul, Moda is a quaint and safe neighborhood with a modern vibe.

As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods to avoid are: Taksim Square, Aksaray, Laleli, Sultanbeyli, Küçükçekmece and Esentepe.

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Are Taxis Safe In Istanbul?

Taxis are generally safe in Istanbul, but we’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, though it still uses taxis.

We’ve heard of taxi drivers asking tourists to cancel trips on the app, or taking a phone from traveler’s hands to “check directions” and then canceling the trip and charging more. No matter how you look at it, taking a taxi in Istanbul will always be a scamming risk.

However, taxi drivers are not known to rob tourists, they’ll most certainly try to scam them. One of the most common taxi scams in Istanbul is by taking a detour or the driver “getting lost.” Taxis in Istanbul are on the meter, and drivers like to take a longer route than needed to earn more money.

Sometimes, they’ll even drive in the opposite direction. Some drivers will even negotiate a fixed fee before you get in the car, and then say that you need to pay for tolls that don’t exist (we even were told to pay for a toll for his return to the city center, even though we weren’t in the car with him). If a driver tries to negotiate, this 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.

Fortunately, public transport in Istanbul is very good and you can get almost anywhere on trams, ferries, or the metro. All tourist destinations can be reached by public transport, as well as the airports, so you really can avoid them if you plan ahead.

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Is Public Transportation Safe In Istanbul?

The public transportation in Istanbul is incredible (aside from taxis as we’ve mentioned above). 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, especially the tram. 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.

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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. We joke that if you haven’t been scammed in Istanbul, you’ve just met a very good scammer!

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, and we’ve made some incredible friends and connections with the locals during our many visits to the country. We love Turkey for its people, and on the whole, 90% of the people you meet are incredible…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. A prime example of this is when your waiter puts a meze platter on your table. It’s implied the dish is free, and then you end up paying for it.
• 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.

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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 Syria border and Ankara, the capital of Turkey, though there is always a risk that one could happen in Istanbul.

There have not been any major terrorist acts in Istanbul since the bombing on Istiklak Street in 2022, but most governments warn only essential travel to Istanbul due to the unknown.

Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. It’s unlikely travelers will become victims of serious crime in Istanbul, so long as you stay away from political demonstrations and protests where things can turn ugly.

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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.
• Aksaray – This area can be busy and has a reputation for petty crime, such as pickpocketing. It’s best to be cautious and avoid wandering too far from main streets.
• Laleli – Known for its textile shops, Laleli can be crowded and is sometimes associated with petty crime. It’s advisable to stay aware of your belongings.
• Sultanbeyli – This neighborhood is located on the outskirts of the city and is less frequented by tourists. It may not be as safe for those unfamiliar with the area.
• Küçükçekmece – While not inherently dangerous, this area is less tourist-oriented and may have higher crime rates compared to more central neighborhoods.
• Esentepe – Similar to Küçükçekmece, this neighborhood is less known to tourists and can be less safe, especially at night.

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.

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Natural Disasters in Istanbul

Istanbul is located in a seismically active region, making it susceptible to earthquakes. This is the most significant natural disaster risk in the area, though major earthquakes are infrequent and you’re only likely to feel small tremors even if there is an earthquake. Nonetheless, the potential for earthquakes exists.

Additionally, Istanbul can experience heavy rainfall leading to flooding, particularly in the winter months.

Visitors should check the weather conditions before visiting, but generally, there is no real need to be concerned about natural disasters or extreme weather.

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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!
• Know the address of your embassies – Should you ever encounter any problems, it’s a good idea to know where your consulate and embassy is so you can ask for help.
• Wear a money belt – This is a great way to keep your cash and credit card safe and away from pickpockets.
• Secure documents and passports in your hotel safe – Only leave things of value in the safe in your hotel room, don’t leave them in your bag or left out.

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Safety In Istanbul FAQs

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So, Is Istanbul Safe?

Generally speaking, Istanbul is safe to visit for tourists, but there are some places where the risk of crime is higher and there is always the potential of being scammed.

Hopefully this guide has helped you become aware of any potential dangers in the city and given you some practical advice to stay safe when you visit.

We don’t want to scare monger, and we love Istanbul and have not encountered any dangerous activity, but we want you to be as informed as possible. As long as you use common sense and follow our safety tips, your trip to Istanbul should be enjoyable and safe!