Is Istanbul Safe?

The question of whether Istanbul, Turkey is a safe destination for travelers has been a frequently asked question by many people, which means there is no easy answer. Istanbul is a large, bustling city that is home to over 15 million people, and as such, is naturally more chaotic than other, perhaps less populated cities. This can lead to potential crime and safety concerns for travelers, who must take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Before deciding to visit Istanbul, it’s recommended to learn about the common crime risks & prevention practices, transportation, and tourist areas.

Overview of Crime in Istanbul

Istanbul is typically considered a high-crime city however, due to the sheer size of city and population, the majority of crime is usually limited to non-violent theft such as pickpocketing or scamming. While violent crimes do happen in the city, this typically occurs mostly in the outer areas of the city or the more deprived suburban neighbourhoods. Police in Istanbul do their best to patrol the streets and respond quickly to any emergency call. Tourists should take extra precautions when visiting such neighborhoods and should avoid wandering around alone at any time of day.

Common Crimes in Istanbul

The most common crimes involving tourists in Istanbul are pickpocketing, snatch and grab theft, and certain scams. Pickpocketing takes place on public transportation, crowded tourist sites, and busy shopping districts. To avoid pickpocketing, tourists should be mindful of their belongings and wear a moneybelt to keep their cash and valuables safe.

Snatch and grab theft is similar to pickpocketing – the thieves snatch items such as phones, wallets, cameras, bags from unsuspecting victims. To avoid this kind of theft, tourists should not carry any valuable items in their pockets and be aware of their surroundings. Tourists should also be aware that some thefts occur involving individuals on motorcycles or scooters that reach out while riding past and grab purses, bags and other items.

Another common crime in Istanbul involves people posing as law enforcement officers that then claim to find drugs on you and demand money to avoid arrest. These individuals usually dress professionally as police officers and carry some form of official identification in order to seem convincing. If anyone tries to search or request documents from you, it is advisable to call the local police and attempt to verify their identity before agreeing to any money demands. Tourists should also be aware of con artists who target unsuspecting travelers in the tourist areas by offering them “special discounts” or “services” that usually turn out to be scams.

Safety Precautions for Tourists in Istanbul

It is important to be aware of one’s surroundings and follow some basic safety precautions in order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Istanbul. The following precautions should be taken:

• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit streets or areas with known criminal activity.
• Carry only small amounts of cash and avoid flashing expensive items such as jewelry or cameras.
• Keep all wallets, purses, and phones out of sight and close to your person, preferably under clothing.
• Be suspicious of those claiming to be police officers who demand money.
• Do not accept any food from strangers as it could be laced with drugs.
• Take organized tours rather than travelling alone or with a small group.

Tourist Areas in Istanbul

Most tourist areas in Istanbul are generally considered safe provided visitors use common sense when travelling around. Visitors should still be wary of groups of young men that hang around the more popular attractions; if harassed simply ignore them and move on. Avoid visiting red-light districts and the outskirt areas of the city without an escorted tour guide. Instead stick to the main tourist areas such as Sultanahmet and Beyoglu, where plenty of entertainment options are available for tourists.

Transportation in Istanbul

Public transportation in Istanbul is generally considered safe; however drivers often ignore basic safety rules causing frequent accidents that sometimes result in injury or death. Tourists should take extra caution when taking public transportation late at night or early in the morning, when there may be less people on board. Taxis are plentiful but visitors should always make sure they are using registered taxis with official licenses. Official taxis in Istanbul are white with a prominent yellow sign on the roof with “taksi’ written across it; these taxis usually have a set fare so passengers should make sure they know what the approximate cost will be before getting into any taxi. Private car services are available in Istanbul as well; these services may require pre-booking or can be contacted through one’s hotel front desk or concierge service.

Conclusion – Is Istanbul Safe?

The answer to this question is yes: Istanbul is generally safe for travelers but tourists should be aware that crime can occur just like any other larger city destination. In order to stay safe while travelling around Istanbul visitors should remain vigilant at all times and be mindful of their surroundings. Furthermore, tourists should opt for organized tours that operate during daylight hours and make sure not to accept any food from strangers on the street. If ever in doubt just ask a local for directions – chances are they’ll help you get back on track. If you want to make your night even more special, consider joining an Istanbul Crawl Istanbul Big Night Out Pub Tour through GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience!