Exploring Istanbul Solo: A Beginner's Guide

Istanbul is a city that spills across two continents, with seagulls filling the skies, hawkers plying old streets, and the historic bazaars redolent of spices, tea, and coffee. It is a unique, frenetic, affordable, and utterly absorbing place to visit.

Despite preconceptions, Istanbul is as safe and welcoming as any big city for visitors. However, it is important to be cautious and savvy while exploring. As a solo female traveller, you may encounter different challenges and gender norms that seem confusing or frustrating. It is important to be aware of local cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

When travelling alone at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid political discussions. Use busy, central neighbourhoods like Galata Tower or Istaklal Street, and consider staying in Cihangir, a district famous for its antique shops.

The Grand Bazaar is a great place to meet people, as is the central Galata District, where young locals socialise. For a more authentic experience, take a ferry to the Asian side of the city to Kadikoy, where you'll find a traditional market selling local produce and fresh fish.

Istanbul is a modern, international city, but age-old Muslim customs are observed. If you visit during Ramadan, be respectful and avoid eating or drinking in public during this holy period.

Overall, Istanbul is a fantastic city to explore alone, with its rich history, breathtaking views, spectacular architecture, delicious food, and welcoming people.

Where to stay: opt for busy neighbourhoods with good public transport links, like Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the best place to stay for first-time visitors to Istanbul. It is the historic part of the city, with many of the top tourist attractions within it, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Spice Market, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. It is also relatively flat compared to other neighbourhoods, and well-connected to other parts of the city. However, it is very touristy, with higher prices and pushy shop and restaurant owners.

For those who want to experience a more local side of Istanbul, the neighbourhoods of Cihangir, Fener, and Balat are good options. Cihangir is a bohemian area with a mix of antique shops, cool cafes, and restaurants. Fener and Balat are historic neighbourhoods with colourful houses, quirky cafes, and ancient churches. They are also less crowded than Sultanahmet and offer a more authentic experience.

For those who want to be close to the action but away from the tourist crowds, the neighbourhoods of Karaköy and Galata are good options. Karaköy is a trendy area with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It is also well-connected to other parts of the city, including the Galata neighbourhood, which has a vibrant nightlife scene and is home to the famous Galata Tower.

For those who want to be in the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is a good option. It is a bustling, festive neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. However, it is not within walking distance of the old city and can be far from some of the major tourist attractions.

For those who want to stay in a luxurious waterfront neighbourhood, Beşiktaş is a good option. It is home to the Dolmabahçe Palace and has many modern high-rises and historic buildings. However, it is not conveniently located for visiting most tourist sites and is best accessed by ferry.

For those who want to experience the local vibes of Istanbul, the neighbourhoods of Kadiköy and Moda on the Asian side of the city are good options. They are home to many students and young professionals and have a mix of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops. They are also more affordable than some of the touristy neighbourhoods.

When choosing a neighbourhood to stay in Istanbul, consider your interests, budget, and transportation preferences. Istanbul is a huge city, and getting around can be challenging, so it is important to select a neighbourhood that is well-connected to the sites you want to visit.

What to wear: dress modestly, especially at religious sites

Istanbul is a multicultural city with no official dress code. However, as a secular but predominantly Muslim country, you will feel more comfortable if you dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

When visiting mosques and other religious sites, both men and women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered. Women should also cover their hair. You can borrow a headscarf at most mosques, but it's a good idea to carry a small scarf or pashmina with you. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts, and wear socks as you'll need to remove your shoes.

In general, while in Istanbul, it's best to avoid ultra-short shorts and revealing clothes. Cute summer dresses, or dresses/skirts with leggings or tights in the autumn and winter are fine. Fitted trousers or jeans with a nice top are also a good choice for female travellers.

While Istanbul is more liberal than many other Turkish towns and cities, some parts are more conservative than others. For example, while you can wear shorts in the beach resorts along the south coast, you should avoid them in places like Cappadocia, Ankara, and Istanbul.

Getting around: use public transport, and avoid taxis if possible

Istanbul is a sprawling city, covering over 5,000 square kilometres, so getting around can be tricky. The city is also one of the most congested in the world, so it's best to avoid travelling by car, especially during rush hour (8-9:30 am and 5-8 pm).

Public transport is the best way to navigate Istanbul. You'll need an Istanbul Kart (transport card) to use all public transport, including boats, subways, buses, tramways, and funiculars. You can buy one of these from small kiosks near metro stations, piers, and bus stations for 70 Turkish Lira (TL). You can then add credit to the card; most trips cost around 17 TL each way.

Trams are a great way to get around the city cheaply and quickly. The T1 line will take you to the main attractions, including the Spice Market, the Museum of Modern Art, Istiklal Street, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. The T5 streetcar line will bring you to the districts of the Golden Horn, such as Fener and Balat.

The metro is also useful, especially the M2 Yenikapi-Haciosman line, which is the longest in the city and will bring you to the old town. The Marmaray line connects the European and Asian sides of the city under the Bosphorus.

Ferries are another great way to get around and see the city from the water. They are also useful for travelling between the two continents that Istanbul spans. The main piers on the European side are Eminönü, Kabataş, Karaköy, and Besiktaş, and on the Asian side, Üsküdar and Kadıköy.

Buses go all over the city, except for Sultanahmet, which is accessible by tram. They run until midnight every night and you can use your Istanbul Kart to pay.

Taxis should be relatively inexpensive, but be wary of drivers who try to negotiate fixed fares or shortchange you. If you do need a taxi, use the Bitaksi app, which is the cheapest and most reliable option.

Night-time safety: stick to busy, well-lit areas, and avoid excessive drinking

Istanbul is a bustling city with a vibrant nightlife and a diverse range of attractions for solo travellers to explore. While the city is relatively safe, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety, especially when travelling alone at night. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable solo trip to Istanbul:

Stick to Well-Lit, Busy Areas

When travelling alone in Istanbul, it is crucial to prioritise your safety, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit areas with plenty of people around. The Galata district, for example, is a lively neighbourhood known for its vibrant bars and social spots. The Tophane District, often referred to as the 'hipster' part of the city, is another great option for a fun night out. It offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and unique shops. These busy, well-lit areas are ideal for solo travellers as they provide a sense of security and a lively atmosphere.

Avoid Excessive Drinking

While enjoying a drink or two is part of the travel experience, it's important to avoid excessive drinking when travelling alone. Intoxication can make you more vulnerable and impair your judgement. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your drink to prevent any unwanted incidents. Additionally, consider finding a travel companion for the night or letting someone know your whereabouts before heading out. This simple precaution can provide an extra layer of safety.

Choose the Right Accommodation

Selecting the right place to stay can enhance your solo travel experience and provide peace of mind. The Golden Horn, Galata, and Cihangir are excellent choices for accommodation. These areas offer a range of options, from hostels to boutique hotels, and are known for their lively atmospheres. Staying in these central locations ensures you'll always be close to the action and other travellers. Additionally, the area around the Galata Tower and Istaklal Street is recommended for its safety and convenient access to various accommodation choices, mainly Bed and Breakfasts.

Stay Informed and Vigilant

While Istanbul is generally safe, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in tourist hotspots like the Old Town, where pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and move to a busier area. It is also beneficial to research your intended destinations in advance and familiarise yourself with the local culture and customs. This knowledge can help you blend in and avoid unintentional cultural misunderstandings.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can confidently enjoy your solo travels in Istanbul. Remember, solo travel is an empowering and rewarding experience, and with the right precautions, you can explore this fascinating city while ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Food and drink: try the local specialities, like kumpir in Ortakoy

If you're travelling to Istanbul, you'll want to sample the local cuisine. One local speciality is kumpir, a type of baked potato loaded with toppings. Ortakoy, a neighbourhood in the Beşiktaş area of Istanbul, is famous for its kumpir.

To get to Ortakoy, take the metro to the last stop at Kabataş, and then walk for around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi, but walking is often quicker due to the slow-moving traffic.

In Ortakoy, you'll find a row of kumpir stands lining Mecidiye Köprüsü Sokak, a pedestrianised, cobbled street. You'll be able to spot the street easily, as it's a very compact area. At the stands, you'll see a huge potato being lifted from the oven, cut in half, and then mashed with butter and grated cheese. You can then choose from a mind-boggling array of fillings, including sweetcorn, peas, Russian salad, olives, pickled red cabbage, hot chilli sauce, garlic yoghurt sauce, mushrooms, jalapenos, sliced cucumber, and even sliced hot dog sausage in a tomato sauce. There are no rules when it comes to choosing your fillings, so feel free to mix and match to your heart's content. And don't worry about the price going up with each filling, as kumpir is sold at a set price.

Once your kumpir is ready, you can amble around Ortakoy, enjoying your hearty meal by the water's edge. There are plenty of benches by the Bosphorus where you can sit and take in the views. Ortakoy is a great place to see and be seen, with fresh, breezy air and sights such as the famous Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Frequently asked questions