Solo female travel in Istnabul

94%

Found this guide helpful

Istanbul was the most pleasant travel surprise of my life. You have all heard the warnings, stereotypes, and challenges of a solo female in this Muslim country and I am happy to say NONE of them were experienced by me.

17 Places

Map

17 Places

Suleymaniye Mosque

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

Culinary Backstreets -Tours

Walking Tours, Food Tours

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

History Museums

Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)

Art Museums, History Museums

Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Restaurants

Haci Abdullah Lokantasi

Restaurants

Neorion Hotel

Hotels

Altan Sekerleme

Restaurants

Basilica Cistern

Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites

Yeni Cami

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

Dolmabahce Palace

Architectural Buildings

Miniaturk

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

Topkapi Palace

History Museums

Blue Mosque

Sacred & Religious Sites

Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

Galata Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

▲

Suleymaniye Mosque

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

▼

▲

Culinary Backstreets -Tours

Walking Tours, Food Tours

▼

▲

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

History Museums

▼

▲

Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)

Art Museums, History Museums

▼

▲

Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Restaurants

▼

▲

Haci Abdullah Lokantasi

Restaurants

▼

▲

Neorion Hotel

Hotels

▼

▲

Altan Sekerleme

Restaurants

▼

▲

Basilica Cistern

Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites

▼

▲

Yeni Cami

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

▼

▲

Dolmabahce Palace

Architectural Buildings

▼

▲

Miniaturk

Points of Interest & Landmarks

▼

▲

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites

▼

▲

Topkapi Palace

History Museums

▼

▲

Blue Mosque

Sacred & Religious Sites

▼

▲

Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

▼

▲

Galata Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

▼

Save
Suleymaniye Mosque
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
This is a beautiful and serene experience. It sits atop one of the many hills of Istanbul and has a fantastic view.
Good for
- Solo
- Must See
- History Buff
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Remember, as it is the case in all mosques, ladies no shorts and be prepared to cover your head.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #5 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
8643 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Great view 07/12/2017
- must seen 07/11/2017
See all reviews
- Suleymaniye Mosque
▼
Address:

Sinan Aga Mah. Zeyrek Cad. No:4
Zeyrek, Fatih
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 506 769 3392

Other:

Website
Save
Culinary Backstreets -Tours
Walking Tours, Food Tours
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
I did the fantastic tour of the old city. Go hungry!~ You start at breakfast and eat your way through the city until after lunch. Along the way, the guide tells you interesting local facts about the places as well as the secrets of the food.
Good for
- Foodie
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Like a Local
Tips
- Book ahead on line.
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #1 of 74 Food & Drink in Istanbul
1383 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Love! 07/10/2017
- Backstreet Culinary Tours - 2 Continents - With Gonca 06/30/2017
See all reviews
- Culinary Backstreets -Tours
▼
Phone:

+90 536 620 3844

Other:

Website
Save
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
History Museums
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
A large complex of several buildings. Every one of them houses endless treasures!
Good for
- Must See
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Use the Istanbul museum pass to get in quickly.
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #26 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
3657 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Archaeological Nirvana 07/12/2017
- Extremely impressive collection 07/10/2017
See all reviews
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
▼
Address:

Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu
Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 520 7740

Other:

Website
Save
Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)
Art Museums, History Museums
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
This is a taxi ride from the major sights in the city but well worth the trip.
Good for
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Take you time and go through twice....you will miss things the first time around!
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #13 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
5284 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Hidden gem 07/03/2017
- Disappointing 07/03/2017
See all reviews
- Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)
▼
Address:

Kariye Camii Sokak,No:26 Edirnekapi
Istanbul 34087
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 631 9241

Hours:

Thu - Tue
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Save
Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine
Restaurants (Turkish, Middle Eastern, Healthy)
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Ottoman cuisine served and presented in a lovely venue.
Good for
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveler
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Book ahead and be prepared for some unusual tastes.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #67 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
1144 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Delicious 06/30/2017
- Perfect setting 06/23/2017
See all reviews
- Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine
▼
Address:

Caferiye Sokak No: 6/1
Sultanahmet
Istanbul 34122
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 514 6151

Price range:

US$30 - US$75
Hours:

Sun - Sat
11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Haci Abdullah Lokantasi
Restaurants (Turkish, Middle Eastern)
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Very delicious authentic food. Some dishes you will not see on other menus.
Good for
- Foodie
- Friends
- Couples
- Family
- Like a Local
Tips
- Try to go with a local- they know the ins and outs of the menu.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #255 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
452 Reviews
- Somewhat Tired Fare in Taksim 06/29/2017
- Best Ottoman food in Taksim 05/25/2017
See all reviews
- Haci Abdullah Lokantasi
▼
Address:

Aga Camii YanI SakIzagacI cad. No:17 Beyoglu
Istanbul 34440
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 293 8561

Price range:

US$25 - US$100
Other:

Website
Save
Neorion Hotel
Hotels
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
What a wonderful experience from beginning to end! I can not recommend this Hotel highly enough.
Good for
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
Tips
- Enjoy a Turkish bath and massage from the in-house spa.
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #5 of 1,145 Hotels in Istanbul
2970 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Fabulous stay 07/10/2017
- A really great stay... 07/08/2017
See all reviews
- Neorion Hotel
▼
Address:

Orhaniye Street No 14
Sirkeci
Istanbul 34120
Turkey
Phone:

011 90 212 527 90 90
Other:

Website
Save
Altan Sekerleme
Restaurants (Turkish)
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
The original Turkish delight shop. All goods re made in house and are truly the most delicious I have ever had. Very reasonable prices too!
Good for
- Foodie
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
Tips
- Buy some as a treat and as a gift but realize they are natural products and do not have an endless shelf life.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #149 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
117 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Wonderful Lokum/Turkish Delight 06/23/2017
- Sweet Shop😍😍 05/30/2017
See all reviews
- Altan Sekerleme
▼
Address:

Kantarcilar Cd. No: 68
Eminonu
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 522 5909

Hours:

Sun - Sat
9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Basilica Cistern
Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Peaceful, serene, beautiful, mysterious....the adjectives go on and on.
Good for
- Must See
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Go early to avoid crowds.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #6 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
24861 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Beat the heat! 07/13/2017
- A place that you must visit. 07/12/2017
See all reviews
- Basilica Cistern
▼
Address:

Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3
Istanbul 34410
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 512 1570

Hours:

Sun - Sat
9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Yeni Cami
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Easy to find in Eminonu. Nice plaza square in front where you can enjoy street streat- simit, corn, etc.
Good for
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Ladies, cover the head and no bare arms and legs.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #29 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
1108 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- A mosque even bluer than blue. 05/17/2017
- Yeni Cami (New Mosque) in Eminonu 05/01/2017
See all reviews
- Yeni Cami
▼
Address:

Rustem Pasa Mh.
Eminonu
Istanbul 34116
Turkey
Save
Dolmabahce Palace
Architectural Buildings
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Beautiful to see but be warned! Lines are ridiculous and you must go on an escorted tour. You are not permitted inside the palace on your own and you are hurried along on the tour.
Good for
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Go early and hope for the best.
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #10 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
5100 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Amazing 07/11/2017
- Beautiful palace 07/11/2017
See all reviews
- Dolmabahce Palace
▼
Phone:

+90 212 236 9000

Hours:

Tue - Sun
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Miniaturk
Points of Interest & Landmarks
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
A nice treat outside Istanbul. Perfect for a family day out. Most architectural marvels recreated here in miniature with commentary along the way. Wave your ticket in front of the machine at the site and you will get a spoken guide that matches the language you chose when you entered.
Good for
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Hidden Gems
Tips
- Lots of nooks and crannies, so take your time. Check out the museum also- very interesting.
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #25 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
1301 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- turkey in one hour 07/09/2017
- Visit Turkey in 2 Hours 07/03/2017
See all reviews
- Miniaturk
▼
Address:

Imrahor Caddesi
Sutluce
Istanbul 34445
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 222 2882

Hours:

Sun - Sat
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Small and hidden- a nice find.Original tiles and a small interior.
Good for
- History Buff
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
Tips
- Ladies cover the head, no bare arms and legs. Plan to visit outside prayer times.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #14 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
2116 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- A Unique Building near to Spice Market 07/10/2017
- Do not miss it 06/24/2017
See all reviews
- Rustem Pasha Mosque
▼
Address:

Hasircilar Carsisi
Eminonu
Istanbul
Turkey
Save
Topkapi Palace
History Museums
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Nice to see but overrated as a site. Very large, and detailed but overwhelming. It can seem repetitive.
Good for
- Art and Architecture Lover
- History Buff
Tips
- Use the museum card. What you don;t use in days you will make up for in time saved waiting in lines.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #7 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
20920 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Do not miss the Harem section! 07/13/2017
- Magnifies the ottoman sultanate 07/13/2017
See all reviews
- Topkapi Palace
▼
Address:

Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Topkapi Palace Museum, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 522 4422

Other:

Website
Save
Blue Mosque
Sacred & Religious Sites
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Beautiful mosque. Spend time absorbing the details and the feel of the place.
Good for
- Must See
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Plan to go outside prayer times.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #3 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
25732 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Beautiful architecture 07/13/2017
- Beautiful Mosaics 07/13/2017
See all reviews
- Blue Mosque
▼
Address:

Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet Mah
Istanbul 34122
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 518 1319

Hours:

Fri
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sat - Thu
8:30 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Other:

Website
Save
Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Enjoy the historical value of the place and look up! Beautiful artwork on the ceilings and walls.
Good for
- Must See
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Plan to go outside prayer times.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #1 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
32205 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Another Must See 07/13/2017
- great place 07/13/2017
See all reviews
- Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
▼
Address:

Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 522 1750

Other:

Website
Save
Galata Tower
Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers
See more photos
Lorelei M Says:
Very nice observation deck at the top. I fun place to go.
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
Tips
- Buy your ticket on the ground floor and they send you up on an elevator. You are free to stay as long as you like.
Plan to stay:/Less than 1 hour
From the community

Ranked #20 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
6595 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Wonderful view, worth the wait 07/13/2017
- Galata tower 07/12/2017
See all reviews
- Galata Tower
▼
Address:

Buyuk Hendek Cad.
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 293 8180

Other:

Website