Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Travel in Turkey

Welcome to your “Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Travel in Turkey!”  I traveled there many years ago, as a young twenty-something.  And to be 100% honest: it’s a country that left me with mixed emotions.  On the one hand, it’s beautiful & exotic ~ with gorgeous beaches, wonders like Cappadoccia & the ruins of Ephesus, & Istanbul’s hauntingly beautiful mosques.  But on the other hand, it’s the place where I felt least safe as a female traveler ~ compared to the 35+ other countries I’ve traveled to. 

This doesn’t stop me from recommending travel there, because it’s such a fascinating place, but if you’re a female traveler, I definitely think you need to be informed about what to expect when traveling to Turkey.

The Hagia Sofia Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most defining features.

Turkey Travel Map

If you’re coming from Western Europe or the States, Turkey will feel like a different world.  With 95% of its land in Asia, & 5% in Europe: Turkey blends elements of Western and Eastern culture, more than any country on earth.  It’s literally the bridge between Europe & Asia.

The otherworldly mineral pools of Hierapolis-Pamukkale, in central Turkey.

Turkey Travel Overview

Turkey & Safety for the Female Traveler

On the Global Peace Index 2018, which ranks each country’s safety based on a wide variety of factors related to crime & violence, Turkey comes in at #149, out of 163 countries ~ which places it in “red,” making it one of the least safe countries in the world.  For reference, Iceland is the world’s safest country, ranked at #1; while Syria is currently least safe, ranked at #163.

So, strictly in terms of statistics, Turkey is NOT one of the safest countries for travel.  Bordering Syria, Iran, Armenia, & Georgia, Turkey lies next to some of the most unstable regions in the world ~ in addition to having issues of its own (such as the recent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, that occurred in Istanbul’s Saudi consulate).  I’m not saying this to deter you from traveling there; but it wouldn’t be wise walking into Turkey with zero knowledge of its culture & current climate.  Check with the U.S. State Department prior to travel, & if you can, speak with other travelers who have recently traveled to Turkey.

What Was My Personal Experience in Turkey? 

To give some context, I traveled to Turkey from Greece (via a HUGE ferry), with one of my best friends, Lea.  The port town we entered was Kusadasi (on Turkey’s western coast), & I still have negative memories of that day.  When we got off the dock, it seemed like hundreds of people were waiting there, trying to sell you taxi services or a place to stay; after such a long ferry ride, it was overwhelming.  And one man in particular followed us to a phone booth (we needed to call our hotel), & though we declined his services, he proceeded to berate us & call us C-U-N-T-S…that lovely word! 

Quite an introduction to Turkey.

Apparently, some Turkish men thought we belonged in their “harem” ; ) Photo taken at the Topkapi Palace, in Istanbul.

  We then hopped on a bus for Hierapolis (amazing, otherworldly white hot springs), & our experiences there & in Antalya (southern Turkey) were much more pleasant.  Our hotel owners were friendly & welcoming, & people were much more relaxed.  But then, in Istanbul, we were confronted with more aggressive behavior: men followed us for blocks at a time, trying to sell us something or proposition us.  And in the busy, tourist areas near Hagia Sofia & the Blue Mosque, there seemed to be endless touts who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. 

Moving out of these busy, Sultanahmet areas helped, & we were bothered less as we ventured outward, exploring other parts of the city.

Tips for Staying Safe as a Female Traveler

Now that I’ve probably scared the crap out of you about traveling in Turkey (not necessarily my intention ~ but I’m always going to give my honest opinion!), here are some of my best thoughts & tips on staying safe as a female traveler in Turkey.

No “Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Travel in Turkey” would be complete without tips for staying safe in this beautiful, but at times confrontational, country!

• Bring modest clothing & plenty of scarves, even during warm, summer months.  All mosques we entered in Turkey had strict dress codes, requiring females to cover their heads upon entry.  Because I got so much (negative) attention as a blonde, I took to wearing scarves around town, just to save myself some grief.  (Note: You will see young Turkish women, particularly in night clubs ~ wearing mini skirts, high heels, & skimpy tops.  I 100% do NOT recommend that you, the traveler, do as they do!!  Unless you like being hassled.) 
• Consider traveling to Turkey with a group, another traveler, or male companion.  Friends of mine who traveled to Turkey with their boyfriend or husband had a completely different experience than we did, as two female travelers.  Even if you love solo travel, this is one place where I think group travel is a better idea. 
• Consider visiting more relaxed beach towns like Antalya, or busy & happening Bodrum, where you’ll run into plenty of tourists & ex-pats.  The vibe is very different along the coast than in Istanbul, & feels much more safe & relaxed. 
• For busy Istanbul tourist areas like Sultanahmet, consider taking guided tours to major sites, in order to minimize hassles with aggressive touts. 
• Be extremely careful when going out at night; keep your drink in hand at all times, & avoid intoxication.  Have a plan for how you’ll get back to your hotel/hostel, & if you can, make the journey with a friend.  Istanbul has some of the best nightlife I’ve seen anywhere ~ so don’t miss it!  But go with friends or join a group…you’ll have more fun that way too.  Also note: There’s more nightlife in the Galata & Golden Horn areas of Istanbul, as opposed to Sultanahmet ~ so if you want a quick walk to nightlife, stay in one of those two districts!
• Don’t make travel plans that include arriving late at night.  Arrange (if possible) all your Turkey travel plans to include morning or afternoon arrivals, & if you can arrange for your hotel to pick you up ~ even better. 
• Wear a cross-body, theft-proof purse and/or use a jacket with an inside pocket, to avoid petty theft in busy areas. 
• And finally, for taxi travel in Turkey, use these tips: 1) Bring small bills (they often don’t have change for large bills); 2) Write your destination address down, as well as your return/hotel address ~ since most drivers don’t speak English; & 3) Make sure the taxi meter is ON at the start of your journey ~ DON’T negotiate the fair upfront!  If a driver says his meter is broken, find another cab.

Photos of Istanbul, Turkey

In spite of our issues in Istanbul, I still managed to fall in love with many parts of it….like the crowded bazaars, the exquisite blue tiles of Topkapi Palace, & of course, Hagia Sofia & the Blue Mosque.  Cruising the Bosphorus was also a delight: literally seeing the difference between the Asian & European sides of the river.  But, what blew me away most about Istanbul was its incredible nightlife.  To this day, I’ve never seen such HUGE nightclubs, with descending terraces leading down the Bosphorus.  I can’t convey their sheer size, how packed they were, & how beautiful the people were: cosmopolitan, well-dressed, & of every nationality. 

It was an eye-opening, if not slightly intimidating, experience!  And in case you’re wondering what my favorite hotel was in Istanbul, & where I felt the safest: it was at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet.  I stayed there when my friend left & I was alone ~ & it was a great decision!  Their staff helped give me advice about where to go & where to avoid, & the rooms are divine.

I will never forget the amazing blue tiles of the Topkapi Palace…

Istanbul’s nighttime skyline is incredible…

Interior ceiling of the Blue Mosque.

Cruising the Bosphorus is a must, while in Istanbul..& if you have time, visit the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of the city & check out its bustling markets.

DON’T miss the incredible night clubs in Istanbul’s Galata district!

Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Travel in Turkey

Here are a few other popular destinations in Turkey, to be used as a guide for trip-planning.  To find hotels near any particular location, simply click on that photo.

The beautiful coastline of Antalya, Turkey. This lovely beach town felt much more relaxed, & with a whole different vibe than bustling & at times aggressive, Istanbul.

The beaches of Alanya, another stunning coastal town to the east of Antalya.

Witness the stunning sight of hot air balloons rising over crazy rock formations in Cappadocia…

Board a yacht on a sailing trip, or simply enjoy sun-bathing in Bodrum, Turkey.

Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Travel in Turkey

Thanks for reading this guide!  One final thought: if you’re not sure where to stay in Istanbul: stay in the Sultanahmet district, so you can easily walk to the city’s most famous monuments.  However, if nightlife is your priority, look up hotels in Galata ~ so that a walk or taxi home is quick & easy!   

xoxo Noelia 

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