A Solo Guide to Istanbul, Turkey
Solo Female Travel Guide to Istanbul, Turkey
So you’ve made the decision to travel solo to Istanbul. Maybe you’re a first time solo traveler, or you’ve been all over the world on your own. Either way, you’re looking to make Istanbul your next destination, and I couldn’t be more supportive.
Istanbul is an incredibly culturally and historically-rich city absolutely bustling with life and energy. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to Palace Museums, to Mediterranean sea ports and much more, Istanbul has so much to offer visitors. Its easy-to-navigate streets and well-connected transportation systems make it a special treat to visit solo.
Solo travel comes with a certain connotation. Especially for women. Either you’re an uber-introvert who likes keeping to themselves, or you’re crazy to be venturing alone to these “dangerous” destinations. Honestly, neither of these are true. Solo travel doesn’t have to be a solitary experience, and you’re probably not crazy! Traveling solo can be one of the best ways to get to know a new place as well as meet some interesting new people.
While this guide is called “A Solo Female Travel Guide to Istanbul”, of course it aims to be helpful for any new traveler to the city. Throughout this guide I highlight accommodation, my top choices for things to do as a solo traveler, and some safety tips for traveling solo.
So, without further ado, here’s my Solo Female Travel Guide to Istanbul!
Where to stay in Istanbul as a solo traveler
Istanbul is a huge city with plenty of worthwhile neighborhoods to stay in. If you want to be closest to the main tourist sights of the city, I’d recommend staying in the European Side of the city.
I always use HostelWorld or Booking.com to find accommodation.
When I visited Istanbul, I stayed in Cheers Hostel and I cannot recommend this place enough! I’m a frequent hostel-stayer when I travel, and I have to say that Cheers is one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Ever. Their rooms are super clean and well-furnished, the showers are hot and have great water pressure, and the staff is incredibly friendly. They also have this amazing rooftop bar with an absolutely spectacular view. It’s seriously the social hub for its neighborhood in Istanbul. When I visited, travelers from other hostels would come to Cheers to socialize over a drink. It’s definitely the place you want to be!
This is the view from the rooftop view at Cheers. And yes, that is Hagia Sophia!
Here are 8 Top Things to Do in Istanbul as a Solo Traveler
Hagia Sophia
One of the most iconic sites in all of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia should definitely be at the top of any Istanbul itinerary. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this famous landmark has undergone several major transformations before becoming the mosque that it is today.
Hagia Sophia’s interior is beautifully adorned with preserved frescoes and mosaics. Gazing at these beautifully intricate paintings gives you a glimpse into Istanbul’s incredibly rich and unique history.
Also women, don’t forget to bring a scarf to cover your head with before you enter! As Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, it is customary to take off your shoes and cover your head before entering.
Pro-tip: Many people don’t realize this, but Hagia Sophia is open 24/7! If you want to beat the tourist crowds, you can plan your visit for later in the evening or early in the morning. Also, keep in mind the prayer times (especially on Fridays), so you can steer away from the crowds.
I ended up going to Hagia Sophia 3 or 4 times during my stay (my hostel was so close to it, it was hard to justify not going back multiple times). The coolest experience that I had in Hagia Sophia was around midnight and we were the only ones in the entire mosque. This would be a great option if you find a group of friends or fellow solo-travelers at your hostel to explore with! (I would definitely not recommend walking around any city alone at night!!)
Blue Mosque
Another iconic sight of Istanbul. Located right across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a must-see in the heart of the city. The Blue Mosque is much larger than Hagia Sophia, and feels very more open and mosque-like. One of my favorite parts about the Blue Mosque was the informational section near the exit which gave visitors information about Islam, Muslim prayer practices, and the Mosque itself.
Grand Bazaar
After having lived in Morocco for a year, I thought I had the whole market thing down. Boy, was I wrong. The Grand Bazaar was truly unlike any market I had ever experienced. The sights, colors, smells, and sounds of the Grand Bazaar truly transports you to another time and place.
Snack on Turkish Street Food
The Turks are known for their street food, and Istanbul is the holy grail for delicious Turkish treats. Many shops sell sweets like baklava and turkish delight all throughout the city, and most shopkeepers are eager to let you try a sample. Additionally, Istanbul has plenty of street carts with durum, kebap, and of course, Simit! Simit are circular breads that are typically encrusted with sesame seeds (they sort of resemble a thin bagel). They are typically served with spreads like cheese or nutella, so you can try a few to figure your favorite combination!
Visit Some of Istanbul’s Museums
With such an extensive history, it’s no wonder why Istanbul has so many incredible museums. While it’s impossible to fit in all of the museums Istanbul has to offer in a couple of days, you should definitely make room for one or two museums during your solo trip.
Topkapi Palace
Located right near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (did I mention how walkable this city is??), the Topkapi Palace Museum is just as its name suggests–a museum situated in a historic Palace. Here, you can venture from room to room to get to know the history of Istanbul through the libraries, living quarters, studies, and gardens of sultans past.
Istanbul Archeology Museums
As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire and , it’s no surprise that Istanbul has tons of history. And some of that history is ancient history. The Istanbul Archeology Museums are a series of museums that showcase some of Turkey and the nearby region’s artifacts from the past.
Galata Tower
While it might seem like just an observatory tower, the Galata Tower is actually its own piece of Istanbul’s history. Built in 1348, Galata Tower (then known as the “Tower of Christ”) was Istanbul’s (then Constantinople) tallest structure. Now, it hosts a museum and spectacular viewing deck overlooking all of Istanbul. It’s definitely a great opportunity for some pics!
Take the Ferry to Asia
One of Istanbul’s many claims to fame is that it’s the only city to span 2 continents! While most of the touristy-attractions are located on the city’s “European” side, you can take a quick ferry to the “Asian” side to experience a different flavor of the city.
The Ferry to Asia is part of Istanbul’s normal transportation system, so a ride will only cost you around 1.50 Turkish Lira (around $0.10). It’s a spectacular way to take in the skyline of the city, and how many other times can you say you took a ferry to another continent?
All along the Asian side of the city were really cool, hip restaurants, coffee shops, and clothing stores. This is definitely the more residential part of Istanbul, and it is such a beautiful and lively area to walk around. I only wish I got to spend more time here! If you can, I’d definitely suggest spending at least an afternoon or more exploring this side of the city.
Some Solo Travel Tips & Tricks
Pay attention.
This one kind of goes without saying, but be attentive and aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t be looking at your phone while walking and pay attention to where you’re going. Always look like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t have a clue!
Use the right gear.
Use the right type of bag and don’t flash any valuables. Amazon has plenty of amazing anti-theft bags that can help protect your things from pickpockets. These bags are not a necessity (just a bag that zips close and crosses over your body usually suffices), but they can definitely give you some extra peace of mind. Obviously I was walking around Istanbul with my camera, but I only took it out of the bag after I had stopped walking and scoped out the area. Use your head and keep a hold of your things at all times.
If in doubt, say no.
In Istanbul, like many other “Middle Eastern” cities I’ve visited, shopkeepers and salespeople were very eager to get you into their shops, chat you up, and hopefully get you to make a purchase. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing (honestly it can be really fun and lead to some interesting conversations), it can be pretty uncomfortable if they’re relentlessly pressuring you to go somewhere/buy something. Just remember to listen to your gut, and don’t be afraid to say no. Remember that no matter how awkward you might feel, you don’t owe anyone a “yes” or even a smile. Be as polite yet firm as you can and hold your ground.
Don’t be afraid to lie.
Okay, we all know “honesty is the best policy” and the golden rule and all of those inspiring things they teach you in elementary school. Forget that completely. If someone is asking you too many questions, or where you’re going, where you’re staying, if you’re here alone etc. don’t be afraid to just make something up. If they don’t need to know, they don’t need to know!
Honestly, one of my go-tos if I don’t want someone talking/selling something to me is pretending that I don’t speak English (or any discernible language for that matter) and putting on a polite yet confused face and walking away. It sounds pretty stupid, but people usually leave me alone afterwards.
Catcalling/Street Harassment.
I got followed a few times by guys asking me where I was going/for my number etc. I basically ignored them or slipped into a nearby store once I noticed that I was being followed and they luckily lost interest. Even with instances like these, I never really felt unsafe while in Istanbul. Just be mindful to avoid alleyways or places without people around.
Keep in contact.
Always have a charged phone on you with Google Maps downloaded (in case you don’t find wifi). Send a message to family/friends throughout your stay in Istanbul and let the, know what you’re up to. If you’re concerned about not having internet during your trip, you can always buy a prepaid SIM card upon your arrival to Turkey. You can also check in with the concierge at your hotel or hostel and get their number in case of emergencies and ask them about the best routes back to your accommodation.