| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Emergencies | 112 (single number) |
| Where to stay | Sultanahmet, Galata, Cihangir, Kadıköy: lively, well-connected districts |
| Dress | No rule in the city; shoulders and knees covered and a scarf in mosques |
| Transport | Tram, metro and ferries safe in daytime; metered taxi or app at night |
| At night | Avoid dark, empty streets; stay on busy roads |
| To start | Small-group tour (see the box) |
Where to stay
Choose a lively, well-connected district: Sultanahmet to be near the great monuments, Galata and Cihangir for cafés and evening life, or Kadıköy on the Asian side. Read recent reviews from other women travellers and check that the hotel is well lit and reachable on foot from a tram or metro stop. See where to stay in Istanbul for a first visit.
Dress
There is no dress code in the city, and you will see every style in Beyoğlu or Kadıköy. In mosques, shoulders and knees are covered, and women cover their hair too; a large light scarf is enough. See dress in mosques.
Getting around
- Tram, metro, ferries: reliable and busy; keep your bag in front of you at rush hour, as in any big city. See transport in Istanbul.
- Taxis: insist on the meter or book through a taxi app; note the plate before getting in. See taxis in Istanbul.
- At night: prefer a taxi or the metro while it runs; see safety at night.
Handling approaches
Carpet sellers, restaurateurs and improvised "guides" approach many visitors. A firm "no, thank you", without stopping, is usually enough. Do not follow a stranger offering to show you "a local place"; beware of invitations for a drink that end in a very high bill. Common scams are described in scams and safety in Istanbul. In case of harassment, go into a café or shop, speak loudly, and call 112 if needed.
Hammams
The big hammams have separate sections or hours for women, with female staff; check before booking. See the best hammams in Istanbul.
To start: a small-group tour
On the first day, a food tour or small-group walk is a good way to get your bearings, taste local food and meet other travellers. Our choice, in the box on this page, is a walking food tour across both shores with a guide; check the group size, duration and price on the listing when you book. See also the Istanbul food tour: which offer.
A few useful habits
- Keep a charged battery and an offline map; see SIM and eSIM cards in Istanbul.
- Share your route with someone you trust.
- Eat in restaurants used by locals: prices are fairer and the atmosphere more relaxed.
