A solo female traveller’s guide to Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural city
updated the 7 March 2018 à 13:15
If you’ve always dreamt of a trip to this city, but feel apprehensive on doing it as a solo female traveler, we’re here to tell you: go for it!
The Lonely Planet calls Istanbul the place where continents (i.e. Asia and Europe) collide – and this could not be a more accurate description.
Once the heart of the Ottoman, Roman and Byzantine empires, it comes as no surprise that the city is arguably one of the most historically and culturally rich destinations in the world. With the imposing minarets in Sultanahmet juxtaposed against the vibrancy of Beyoglu, it is the beautiful melding of old and new; history and modernity; conservatism and secularism.
Which is why we’d heartily recommend a visit to Istanbul to anyone – yes, even if you’re a female intending on going solo. If you’ve always dreamt of a trip to this city, but feel apprehensive on doing so as a solo female traveler, we’re here to tell you it’s not only just safe, but also an extremely rewarding experience.
1) Where to Stay: Beyoglu vs. Sultanahmet?
Beyoglu and Sultanahmet are both located on the European side of Istanbul, but are separated by the Golden Horn (pictured below). With its contemporary art galleries, bustling shopping districts, quaint cafes and thriving bars, Beyoglu is great for that electrifying taste of Istanbul’s modern city.
Sultanahmet, on the other hand, is all kinds of charming, with the city’s cultural and historical icons just a mere stone’s throw away. So ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking to experience from your trip! (Personally, we preferred the vibe in Beyoglu!)
Besides Sultanahmet and Beyoglu, there are also other neighbourhoods worth a stay in Istanbul (i.e. Karakoy in the Asian side), but save that for subsequent trips! If it’s your first time to the city, we recommend a toss-up between the two as they’ll let you sink right into the heart of the city’s modern and historical landscapes.
2) Accommodation Options
There are great hotels, hostels and Airbnb options at different price points in both areas, so take your pick! To fully make the most of your trip, we suggest alternating your stays in both districts throughout your time there.
3) Getting Around: Transport options
Getting around in Istanbul is pretty easy: you have the options of taking an Uber, booking a taxi on BiTaksi (their local taxi booking app), the Metro (train), local bus, or flagging a cab from the streets. We’d strongly discourage flagging a taxi however, particularly from touristy sites, as the drivers will typically inflate the rates – and can get pretty rude if you disagree.
Our preferred traveling mode was using an Uber (which we found often to be cheaper or comparably priced to their local taxi metres) and the Metro, which has various stations serving most prominent attractions and sites in Istanbul.
3) Suggested 3- to 4-Day Itinerary
If you’re planning an extensive stay in Istanbul – great! A week is a great time to experience the different facets of Istanbul. However if you’re making the city your first stop in your Turkey tour, read on for the best way to maximise your few days in Istanbul.
We found that the best way to make the most out of your days in Istanbul is to explore it district by district – as it is possible to soak up all the best sights within each area in a day (since they’re mostly a walking distance from each other). Switch up the days however you’d like to, but here are our recommended pick of things to do:
Day 1 – Beyoglu (Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Istiklal Caddesi, Taksim Square, Dolmabahce Palace, Watch the whirling dervishes)
Day 2 – Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar)
Day 3 – E xplore the Asian side of Istanbul (i.e. Karaköy neighbourhood), Take the Bosphorus cruise
4) Travel Tips – For Solo Female Travellers
You might hear stories of flirty Turkish men and aggressive bazaar sellers; but from our personal experiences traveling solo as a young female in Istanbul was generally pleasant. The same rules apply for anyone travelling abroad anywhere, so as always, be mindful of the following:
- Carry your bag securely with you.
- Dress modestly.
- While they typically don’t mean any harm, avoid engaging in conversation with overly-enthusiastic or aggressive sellers, tour guides and more.
- Be careful of ‘unlicensed’ tour guides who wait outside the tourist sites – though this is not necessarily a safety issue, it is a shame that tourists sometimes get duped into being fed inaccurate information!
- Lastly, if you’re lost, always look like you know where you’re going. And then Google your way out!
Istanbul is a fascinating city – and there is no reason to miss out on it just because you don’t have a travel companion to experience it with. Head up to the gallery above for some of the best attractions in the city to check out – and bon voyage!
Sarah Khan
Photos: Getty Images
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