Is Istanbul safe? What you should know

Istanbul is an incredible city on two continents, so it blends the best of Europe and Asia. The city has a rich history, incredible architecture like the Hagia Sophia, and lively street life. From the Grand Bazaar to the serene Bosphorus, Istanbul has a bit of everything!

Istanbul is generally a safe city for tourists, but like anywhere, it’s always good to be aware of a few things. You might be wondering how to engage with the rich culture respectfully, and want to polish up on some handy Turkish phrases. Or you want to know how to enjoy the beautiful nature without worry, and some health tips to keep you feeling great throughout your trip. We've got you covered with some useful info for your visit to Istanbul!

Whether it’s navigating the busy streets, exploring the lush parks, or trying local delicacies, keep just a few safety tips in mind that will help you get the most out of your adventure in this exciting city. Stick with us as we explore how to have a fantastic experience in Istanbul! Safe trip!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Istanbul

Worried about your personal safety in Istanbul? Here are some precautions you can take as a tourist to make your visit more enjoyable!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Not sure what's the best way to get around Istanbul? When you touch down at the airport, hop on the HVL-1 bus and you'll get to the city in an hour. Once you're there, you can use the metro and get to every popular tourist destination! Avoid taxis whenever possible since taxi drivers might try to overcharge you or take longer routes.
Insider tip: Just grab an Istanbul card (Istanbulkart) and you can use public transportation as much as you want!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Istanbul

Watch out for some common scams! When you pay for something, always double-check your change. They like to "help themselves to a tip" without asking or making you aware of it! Also, if someone drops something near you, don't pick it up! They'll thank you, give you a "free" shoeshine, and then demand some money! The classic shoeshine scam!

Is tap water in Istanbul safe to drink?

So, can you drink tap water? You should be good to drink the water for a short visit! The taste might feel a bit "off" because it's treated with a lot of chemicals. Besides, the pipes in the city are old and some are lead. But, don’t worry, they won’t give you a stomach bug! If you don't like the taste, just go for bottled water!

Safe accommodation options in Istanbul

Looking for a place to stay? Here are some of the safest neighborhoods and hotels in Istanbul:

1. Sultanahmet is the most popular part of the city for international tourists, and it's where the top spots like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are! If you're looking for a hotel room, Basileus Hotel is clean, comfortable, and budget-safe!
2. Beyoğlu is perfect if you want some nice cafes, restaurants, and spots to soak up some culture like Taksim Square! You can stay at the Tomtom Suites if you want something more luxurious with top-notch service!
3. Looking for a peaceful neighborhood away from busy tourist areas and major events? Beşiktaş is perfect for a quieter stay and Shangri-La Bosphorus Hotel has some great views!

Pro tip: If you're a solo traveler and know you'll have to go through a sketchy area for a business meeting, just remember Bounce! You can leave any valuable documents you don't want to risk at one of our many locations around the city! All bookings are covered by $10.000 protection so that you can rest easy!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Are you wondering about locals and their culture? Here are some tips about Istanbul and how to get around like a pro!

• If the metro doesn't go there, you shouldn't either. To stay on the safe side, stick to the city and the classic tourist spots. Remember, avoid shady cabs with their high prices! They might even be sketchier than in other major cities.
• The locals are very friendly and they'll go even out of their way to talk to you! This is true for both male and female travelers, but Istanbulers will usually just try to sell you something. If you need some directions, they'll be more than happy to help you! Be polite and smile, it might boost your chances of getting a good deal on something! Istanbul locals like to haggle, and if you do it respectfully, they'll drop the price more than you’d expect!
• Most locals speak English because of the tourists. If you want some common polite phrases to get an edge in haggling you can use: Merhaba (hello); Teşekkür ederim (thank you); Lütfen (please); Affedersiniz (excuse me); Ne kadar? (how much); Evet / Hayır (yes / no).
• If you're not going into a mosque, you don't need to worry about dress codes! But, if you are, men should avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts, and women need to cover their shoulders, knees, and wear a scarf over their heads. And don’t worry, the mosques usually provide clothes!
• The LGBTQ+ opinions are mixed in Istanbul, same-sex PDAs might get some unwanted attention. But not necessarily!
• If you're a smoker, restaurants and cafes have designated spots. Just ask and they'll show you where! 
• It's considered polite to use utensils and your right hand for eating and handing things. But, if you’re a lefty, you are off the hook (hopefully)!
• Remove your shoes before entering houses and mosques. 
• You shouldn't refuse tea because it's considered rude.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Are you worried about how to stay safe while exploring Istanbul? Here's some key info to help you navigate day or night!

• Are you out at night? Stick to tourist spots and well-lit places like Istiklal Street, Kadıköy, or Ortaköy! The metro runs late into the night, and it's the safest option! Just remember that there's no signal in the tunnels. If you're not in a bustling tourist spot at night, hop on some public transport. If there aren't any options, you can use apps like BiTaksi or iTaksi to avoid any scams!
• Are you driving in Istanbul? Istanbul's traffic can get pretty chaotic. It's mostly because of the number of tourists, so just make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Smaller streets can be narrow or tricky to use, so stick to the main roads and you won't have any problems! Public transport is still more practical, though! Parking can be hard to find and even a bit pricey.
• Areas like Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet have a lot of cobblestone streets, which can get slippery when they’re wet, so be careful. There are also a lot of stairs, which can be a challenge for strollers and wheelchairs. Try to avoid walking and biking because there often aren't dedicated lanes. But, you can rent bikes in parks and along the Bosphorus for a nice safe ride.

Nature and Istanbul: Safety tips to keep in mind

Do you want to connect with nature? Here are some tips on where to go and how to keep safe!

• The Istanbul rivers are pretty polluted, so you shouldn't swim there. But you can hit up any of the nearby beaches for a refreshing dip in the summer! Büyükçekmece and Mimar Sinan along the Marmar Sea and Riva Beach on the Black Sea are clean and safe for the whole family!
• There are a bunch of stray dogs around Istanbul, but they don't bite! 
• You should definitely pack some bug repellant for mosquitoes in the summer, and try to stay out of direct sunlight when the sun starts beating down! October to December are particularly rainy, which makes the streets wet and might even cause flooding.
• Belgrad Forest and Prince's Islands are perfect for nature lovers. They have a bunch of marked hiking trails, picnic areas, and lush greenery! You can also bike there! But, if you're not familiar with the area, you can try the guided tours. Plus, make sure to get a quality set of boots for the trails!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Want to prepare for the worst? Here are some tips for emergency situations!

• You should always have travel insurance, healthcare can cost a pretty penny if you don't. The hospitals are pretty modern, and you'll get great care. Plus, most of the staff speak English! If you just need a quick pharmacy, "Eczane" is their sign!
• The air quality in Istanbul is okay, but if you're sensitive, you should avoid high-traffic spots. You don't have to worry about street food making you sick, it's generally very good! If you've got some allergies, note that nuts, wheat, and dairy are common in Turkish cuisine. Just inform the server, and they'll gladly help you out!
• Want some emergency contacts and ways of getting hold of local authorities? Here are some numbers: Police (112); Ambulance (112) and Fire Department (110).

Is Istanbul safe, then?

So if you're going to Istanbul, don't worry too much about safety! Just stick to the metro, busy and well-lit streets, and watch out for those common street or taxi scams! If you want to blend in, just leave anything you don't need with Bounce! Backpacks definitely scream ‘tourist’, so just leave them with us and enjoy the whole day! Plus, our 24/7 customer service is here to help you whenever you need it!