Being one of the world’s oldest cities, Istanbul is the only one that straddles two continents. It is located in Turkey and separated by the Bosphorus Strait, thus positioning it both in the Middle East and Europe.
Istanbul, called the “city between two worlds,” attracts a large number of people who wish to study its diverse cultures and long history.
Istanbul has a distinctive fusion of historic buildings and contemporary architecture because of its rich architectural legacy. A plethora of sites await exploration, ranging from the renowned Hagia Sophia to the energetic Grand Bazaar. It’s crucial to know, as a girl travelling alone, that Istanbul is regarded as secure overall, but as with any large city, you should always exercise care and pay attention to your surroundings.
Furthermore, it is generally connected to the Middle East due to its geographical position bordering the Arabian Peninsula. Istanbul is cited as one of the greatest destinations to travel solo in the Middle East for those interested in solo travel in Turkey.
You can visit Istanbul any time of the year, though the ideal time is during October and November. The weather will be mild and enjoyable, making it great for travelling around. Flight tickets go down during this time, and you can find the best deals with Turkish Airlines online, which also enables you to know the baggage allowance, check the flight status, and do web check-in.
As a significant port with a rich history, this Turkish city offers a wonderful blend of contemporary dynamism and prehistoric architecture, as well as a plethora of activities for single travellers.
Here is my solo travel guide to help you:
Travelling within Istanbul
When travelling around Istanbul, trams and buses are the ideal means to explore the city. for they cover most tourist locations conveniently. The metro is also a dependable and inexpensive mode of transportation. Nevertheless, it has stops that are farther from sightseeing places. You can also use ferries to travel to locations on the Asian and European sides and the Princes’ Islands.
It is advisable to obtain a prepaid chip card, or Istanbulkart, which is acceptable for all public transportation means. Public transportation generally asks for reloadable chip cards and not cash.
Is it safe to travel alone in Istanbul? is a frequently asked question by tourists.
For single women travelling alone, Istanbul is generally secure; yet, like in any large metropolis, some common sense cautions must be followed. As far as safety advice goes, avoid carrying valuables with you, stay alert to prevent pickpockets in popular locations, and avoid going alone on isolated streets late at night. Common sense usually goes quite a way towards keeping one safe.
If I were a girl travelling alone in Istanbul, I would specifically steer clear of going too far into the marketplace by myself. Although exploring the Grand Bazaar is a necessity, the bazaar is spread out throughout little passageways and lanes, making it easy to become disoriented. There are fewer visitors, and it is easier to be targeted the deeper you go.
The more I strayed from the main routes, the more hostile and forceful the hagglers got. Although I never felt in danger, I did feel uneasy and harassed since I am a woman.
If you want to spend much time touring the bazaar and buying, schedule a tour with a guide. It will greatly simplify your experience travelling to Istanbul as a single woman. Texas is a safe place to travel alone, but you should still have the necessities for travel safety.
Some of the things to do in Istanbul are:
- Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
- Proceed to Topkapi Palace.
- Unwind in a hammam.
- See a performance by a spinning dervish.
- Investigate the basilica. Cistern
- Visit the Grand Bazaar to shop.
- Savour the nightlife!
- Take a Bosphorus cruise.
The best place to stay in Istanbul
Travellers on their own should remain close to Sultanahmet Square on foot to avoid using a car and to ensure their safety at night. Even though this is a popular tourist destination, there are still many places to discover and engage in genuine Turkish culture.
Stay at the Aren Suites; it is reasonably priced, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and Mosque in the background, and the roads around it were lined with several pastry shops and eateries. Most significantly, Sultanahmet Square and the subway were just a short stroll away.