Solo travel to Istanbul

No safety concerns. Well, aside from being able to say no and mean it when visiting the Grand Bazaar. Take a look at the itinerary for the RS tour of Istanbul. That hits the highlights.

I agree with Kathy- I just returned from Istanbul and whie it was with a RS tour, we were often off on our own and none of us had any concerns about safety. In fact, I felt very safe.
And as Kathy suggests, the RS book is really good.

I am wasting time in the Istanbuhl Airport right now after a week there with my grandson. No conceerns whatsoever and the Grand Bazaar salesmen are nothing like those in Mexico or Morocco. Actually very friendly and respectful. Beautiful place to visit...we loved it.

I also have traveled twice to Istanbul, once solo, and did not encounter any problems. I even walked around the historical area of Sultanahmet after dark. The only thing that was a little annoying is how often you are approached to buy something or asked if you can be taken to tea or dinner. I very firmly would just say no, shaking my head and not even break stride. The Turkish men are quite forward so just walk confidently and with your head held high! I agree with Kathy about following Rick's itinerary. The first time I was there was on a RS tour so his book will point you in all the right directions.
Istanbul is the most enchanting city I have ever been to. It's rich history of East meeting West will fascinate you! I hope you enjoy yourself immensely!

BTW Peg, hope you have a good time in Armenia - I was there in 2009. Will you be blogging or posting a trip report somewhere?

Hi, Kathy. I hadn't thought about blogging since I am going with an NGO group, but that's a great idea. We'll be seeing a lot of the country in our two weeks there. I'll see if I can post some updates and let you know.

Just want to reinforce what others have said. I was in Istanbul last September. Spent 5 days there (plus another week and half in other parts of Turkey). I was traveling with a friend but we often would split up so I found myself often site-seeing solo. No issues. The shopkeepers and restauranteurs are very.....ummm... assertive let's say but if you just ignore and keep walking it's fine. I never felt unsafe. Even walking late at night in Sultanahment. I met up one night with a guy I had met on Couchsurfing. He is a native to Istanbul and we had a conversation about this topic. His view included how many Muslims there are, many very observant, and they would not look to annoy or harm a woman. I loved Istanbul. More than I expected. Even after 5 days, I felt I could easily stay another 5! ENJOY!

woops..forgot to include some comments for quick visit itinerary items! Definitely: Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. All located very close to one another. At Topkapi, pay the few extra lira to see the Harem. I found it to be a highlight. Also enjoyed Chora Church, Archaeological Museum, Bosphorous cruise, strolling across Galata Bridge and shopping on the more modern Istiklaal (sp??) St and the buzz in Taksim Square. Grand Bazaar is an adventure. As is the Spice Bazaar. Didn't spend too long in each as both were insanely crowded but glad I saw them. Other mosques -- not sure if Suleyiman has been re-opened yet. But it's supposed to be grand and I wish I saw it. What else?? I am trying to think! If time, I wish I would have taken a day trip to the Princes Islands. I never made it over to the Asian side but wish I had.
OH........and how can I forget... a MUST DO I think....a Turkish bath! Throw any modesty out that window and get ready for a very unique, relaxing and refreshing experience. Wow. I loved it. We went to Cemberlitas Hammam. My skin has never been so scrubbed or felt so soft. I would go again. For my friend, once was enough. But I think it should be on the list of "to do's"!

Istanbul is an incredible city and you'll be pleased you choose to extend your trip. Was recently there on an RS tour but also spent time solo walking and exploring. As other posters noted you will be approached but simply say no and walk on by. It's all about a sales pitch so unless you want a new carpet or leather purse, smile, say "No," firmly and keep going. As far as a quick itinerary the Hagia Sophia is a MUST. Stunning beyond belief. I also found the Chora Church very intriguing. When you visit the Grand Bazaar be sure to explore the adjoining bedestens. I often walked back to the hotel late at night. Never felt unsafe. Lastly, you'll find that the food is wonderful. I still dream of an eggplant, garlic and tomato dish served at a tiny cafe near our hotel and of a lentil soup I enjoyed at a hidden restaurant in a bedestens. Divine. Enjoy yourself.

Peg, Although a male, 15 years or so I was active in a program with American women using Istanbul as a 'travel hub' to go into the Central Asia 'stans. All were extremely pleased that the city was safe for them, whether there by themself, or with a small group. Noted elsewhere, there are any number of merchants/sales guys who pester some. On one trip, my wife told me, '.... chill. They are persistent. Just play their game' and that seemed good advice. On another trip I met 2 young and attractive women Peace Corps Volunteers vacationing in Turkey who claimed they didn't have problems with the salesguys. John

I was in Turkey solo last September and had no problem at all. People were extremely friendly and helpful everywhere I went, especially in small cities like Edirne and Selcuk. I felt extremely safe in Turkey and also I was not afraid to venture out because most people there speak English unlike the Italians (been all over Italy and found the language barrier intimidating compared to Turkey). There are many famous sites in Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazzar - all within walking distance if you stay in this area). My favorite was Kariye Museum if you like mosaic. The Istanbul Archeological Museums is another great place to visit. It has outstanding collections of art from the ancient Near East, Greece and Rome. Rick's Istanbul book provides more details of these sites and how to get there.