Tips on Istanbul Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Istanbul Warnings and Dangers

Istanbul is a historic city that sits at the divide of Europe and Asia. Though a popular destination, stay aware of local dangers and take care to stay safe.

Traveling as a Woman

Women visiting Istanbul may want to travel with a male or in groups. It’s not unheard of for women to be harassed while in the city, particularly in crowded areas such as the Grand Bazaar. Make sure to take some sensible precautions and stay out of isolated areas as well.

Pickpockets

Pickpockets can be found in all tourist areas of the city, but especially in the Grand Bazaar. Keep your possessions attached to you and plainly visible when possible. Another place to be careful is in the area around the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is home to a Roma community in a dilapidated part of town. Children try to surround travelers and confuse them while one steals their money. Also, be careful on the city trams. In these crowded vehicles, thieves look to find easy targets. Again, keep your possessions tightly attached to you at all times.

Traffic

The traffic in Istanbul is quite heavy. You would do well to avoid taxis and use the tramway or walk, especially in the Sultanahmet area. Things can also get bad on the highway, where the higher speeds can cause traffic accidents.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Istanbul Warnings and Dangers.