This is my first trip overseas, so needless to say, I am very excited, but also incredibly nervous. I'll be visiting Istanbul for a week next month, by myself. I do not know any Turkish, though I have been practicing some phrases. Also, I am vegetarian and lactose intolerant. My biggest concerns are finding food, the language barrier (though I have heard that many people speak English) and most of all...my safety as a female. Does anyone have any advice/tips/warnings? Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I found Turkey pretty safe for a solo female.But you have to use common sense like in any other countries. be careful in Bazars, they will try to open you rpurse ot pickpocket you.
The only problem I noticed in Turkey was that Turkish men might pinch women's butts.Other than that everything was fine.
Yes many people speak English there.
I don't know about vengetarian food and lactose intolerant. I know they are meat eaters, you will find kebab at any corner, but I came across of some very appetizing fruit markets in Istambul.
To cross the streets of Istambul might be challenging sometimes. Just watch what Turkish people do. You will to have the guts to do it.
Posted by
pacific grove, ca, usa
144 posts
I just came back from Istanbul. I don't think finding vegetarian food is a big problem--there were rice dishes and lots of dolmas stuffed with rice.
I am older and shopped with a group of women, so no problem there.
Always hire your taxi at a hotel; even if you are not staying there, a doorman will get you one. We found that taxis from hotels were honest and didn't scare us quite as much.
Being a pedestrian is quite a challenge--it's sort of a game of chicken between cars and pedestrians, buses and cars--whatever.
The Egyptian bazaar is quite a fun place to visit. I would wear a cross body bag and not carry a lot of money. We didn't experience anyone trying to rob us, but there were 3 of us together.
If you get a chance, take a boat tour on the Bosphorus--one of the highlights of my trip.