Istanbul

It is more safe than most cities in the U.S. You should not be concerned unless he gets himself into trouble. There are lots of solitary tourists in Istanbul. There are also lots of cops keeping an eye on things.

Hi Denise, I wouldn't be worried about safety for your son.I would be more worried about him losing his money, (relatively speaking); therefore, I would recommend that he read up on the 'scams' section though on the Graffiti Helpline, so he knows which scams to be on the lookout for. For example, There is one where people are approached and asked to go for a drink. Then, you can't leave the bar until they take ALL your money. Now, the likelihood this will actually happen to your son is small, but it's better to be prepared.
ENJOY! :)

I visited Istanbul solo last March and it was perfectly safe. The only downside was that it was very cold. Make sure he packs a heavy winter jacket.

We spent 8 days in Istanbul last oct and this is one of the safest cities I have been to in europe. Walking throughout Istanbul I cannot remember a place than did not feel safe. Your son will have no problem.

I was there twice last year, once for a week and the second time for a couple of days on my own and I never once felt unsafe. It's a wonderful city. And I second the suggestion to take a warm jacket. Very wise.

Istanbul is not the end of the earth. In fact one of the safest cities in the world. I'd be more concerned for him here in Hollywood, CA where gunfire and police helicopters are nearly a nightly occurrence. Unless he's a boorish non respectful lout from Animal House, he'll have a wonderful trip. Great city. So much to see and do. Historically astounding given the Christian, Asian, Roman, Ottoman influences, plentiful and delicious food, great shopping, warm and welcoming people. The Old Town sites, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Spice Market, the underground Cistern all memorable. Half hour away he'll find the ultra modern Kanyon Shopping Mall.
Fabulous European city to visit. Don't fret.

Hi, Biggest concern...getting twisted on the many back lanes. Great city, so much safer than US cities. I am not sure they have modernized enough to have legalized concealed carry. And expect to get temporarily lost in the Grand Bizarre. wayne iNWI

Not everyone gets lost in the Grand Bazaar. We spent five or six hours on two different days wandering aroung and never got lost.

@ Wayner.... Modernized enough? Did you even leave Old Town and explore other parts of Istanbul. Oh wait you were lost in the Grand Bazaar. Bizarre. Anything like this in Oswego? http://www.istanbulview.com/istinye-park-surprising-luxury-shopping-mall/

I got lost in the Grand Bazaar.

I assume Wayner's reference to concealed carry has to do with Wisconsin politics, and was really saying that Istanbul is safer than Wisconsin, which now has concealed carry.

I too, have been part of the lost.