Istanbul is about to become your latest obsession, and trust me, resistance is futile. As a self-proclaimed expert in getting lost and finding hidden gems (usually by accident), I'll share with you all you need to know before you go.
Having traveled to Turkey more than 10 times since my first solo visit in 2020, I always make time for this fascinating city in my itinerary. Lets start with the basics:
What are basics for visiting Istanbul?
Get ready to jet-set to Istanbul like a pro with the "know before you go" tips on transportation, currency, and language essentials for your next solo adventure to Istanbul, Turkey.
Currency: The Turkish Lira, is the local currency in Turkey. While most area's accept credit cards...cash is still king. You don't need to worry about getting Lira before you arrive, just go to a Bank ATM (not currency converter machine), and get a small amount for taxi's, tips and smaller shops. There are 15 reputable bank ATMs located at Istanbul airport. You can ask airport staff if you need assistance locating them.
Transportation to and from the airport: If you haven't prearranged transportation from your hotel, you can feel safe taking a taxi. Only take official taxis. They are bright yellow and have a sign on the roof with the word taksi. The black cabs, will be the "luxury" cabs and you can expect to pay more. The taxis are set up to work on a meter, so always insist to switch it on before you take off and you should be fine.
Transportation around the city: Beyond the obvious taxi, the key to navigating Istanbul's public transportation is the Istanbulkart, a reusable travel card used for buses, trams, metros, ferries, and funiculars. You can purchase them at kiosks near stations and add credit to them. Ridesharing services like Uber also operate in the city, but they don't work in the traditional sense. It connects you with Taxi drivers in the city, but just be watchful of what the charge shown in Uber shows vs what the drivers enters, and request an adjustment from Uber if you feel they tried to be sneaky and enter a higher amount. The T1 Tram line line, is a popular route that connects the key areas. The ferry services you see that cross the Bosphorus, connect the European and Asian sides of the city.
Language: The local language is Turkish. English is widely spoken in the tourist areas. Many younger people, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, tend to speak it and are eager to practice!
Tipping Culture in Istanbul: In Istanbul, tipping is generally expected. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill (make sure its not already included as "Service Charge".) For taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common. In hotels, tipping bellhops and housekeeping is customary, usually a few Turkish lira per service. (40 TL = $1.25)
Is it safe to solo travel to Istanbul Turkey?
There is a lot of misconceptions about the safety of Istanbul, and Turkey in general, some I admit crossed my mind before visiting there. I recall getting a lot of surprised reactions when I said I was going there alone the first time with questions like "Oh wow, Turkey alone? Is it safe for women there? Don't they not like westerners? " All not true. Here are some common misconceptions.
"It's in the Middle East and unstable." Turkey is geographically considered part of the Middle East, but culturally it has a lot more in common with Europe. While its true that Islam is the overwhelming majority religion in Turkey, freedom of religion is enshrined in the Turkish constitution. Visitors are often surprised at how warm and welcoming the locals are to all visitors, with a genuine curiosity and excitement to engage in conversations. It's probably smart to not engage in political hot-button topics such as the Kurdish issue & foreign policy.
"Turkey is dangerous." Turkey, especially Istanbul, is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is uncommon, and Istanbul is statistically safer than many major European and North American cities. While terrorism is a threat everywhere in the world, Istanbul is not specifically more at risk than other major cities in Europe or America.
Tips:
Wearing headscarves or ultra conservative clothing around the city is not standard nor expected, even from the women who live there. You should be more mindful about what you're clothes are communicating to them, especially men. If you're wearing short shorts and a tube top vs more modest clothing, you're likely going to notice a difference in attention.
EXCEPTION: When entering religious sites or mosques, women should not have any bare arms, shoulders or legs and covering your head with a scarf is expected. They will stop you if you are not covered enough, and some provide an additional wrap. (Unless you are a Muslim coming to pray, our of respect avoid visiting most mosques within a half hour before or after the call to prayer)
Women will likely encounter some flirtatious banter while travelling in Turkey. Turkish women have perfected tactics like avoiding eye contact with men and looking as confident and purposeful when walking around town. Even wagging their finger as in "you're being shameful" usually shuts it down.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay for first time solo travelers?
One of the biggest decisions you'll make? Picking the perfect neighborhood to call home base during your Istanbul adventure. Here are some of the top 3 neighborhoods to stay for first-time solo travelers:
Beyoglu: This is a trendy and lively neighborhood, perfect for those who want to experience Istanbul's nightlife and cultural scene.
Sultanahmet: Nestled close to historical sites like the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. This historic Ottoman era neighborhood, is home to a charming array of restaurants, cozy cafes, and lively bars.
Karaköy: Karaköy is known for its artsy vibe, independent shops, trendy cafes, and hipster bars. This area is also well-connected with public transportation, making exploring other parts of Istanbul a breeze.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
For wander lusters need some help with their Itinerary, or looking for a fabulous place to have a cocktail, check out my blogs on Istanbul:
As you get ready to pack you're bags for Istanbul, remember: common sense is your best travel companion, no matter where your solo adventures take you. Check out my destination guides at hotspots around the world here. Check out my destination guides for more insider tips on destinations around the globe:
In 2018, I took my first solo trip to Italy, igniting my wanderlust and love for new travel experiences. It also helped me get over my fear of solo travel. Like many I juggle a 9-to-5 job in Atlanta, and have mastered the art of travel with limited time off. If you are visiting a destination for the first time, say hello Zingaro Anthology's simple, carefully crafted destination guides offering straight to the point tips on where to stay, play and party at hotspots around the globe.
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