Culture
Burmalı Mescid
Source: osm
4.8/10
ModerateMore details for YOUR profile
Why does Istanbul get 4.8?
Istanbul scores 4.8/10, in the moderate range. Indicators are mixed and traveler reviews suggest picking neighborhoods and timing carefully.
7-10 Safe
5-7 Mostly safe
3-5 Moderate
0-3 High caution
Women's safety
66/100
Good
LGBTQ+ rights
32/100
Mid
Cultural life
87/100
Strong
Cost of stay
25/100
Affordable
Verified sources
See allWhere to go in Istanbul
Places recommended by profile, MapSur reviews and public sources.
What travelers say
3 reviews about Istanbul. Average rating: 3.7/5.
P
priya.goesplacesTraveler
★★★★★Beautiful city but be street smart
Istanbul is absolutly stunning. The Hagia Sophia left me speechless. As an Indian woman traveling solo I got a LOT of attention from men which was uncomfortable at times. The carpet sellers are relentless. But the food o…
M
marcbxlTraveler
★★★★★Ville incroyable mais pas pour les couples gays
Istanbul est culturellement riche et la nourriture est exceptionnelle. Mais en tant que couple gay, on a dû faire attention. Pas de gestes d'affection en public, surtout dans les quartiers conservateurs. Beyoğlu est plus…
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Is Istanbul safe in 2026? What the data says
Overall safety
Istanbul scores 4.8/10 on the MapSur safety index, in the moderate range. The picture is mixed: some neighborhoods and situations are perfectly fine, others call for real caution. Where you stay and when you move around matters more here than in most destinations. Community reviews give street-level detail.
For women traveling solo
The Georgetown WPS Index (2025) rates the country at 66/100 on women's inclusion, justice and security, mid-range. Many women travel solo in Istanbul without trouble, but reviews suggest paying attention to neighborhood choice and to late-night transport.
For LGBTQ+ travelers
Equaldex rates the country at 32/100 on LGBTQ+ legal protections, in the lower range, and several rights are restricted by law. LGBT+ travelers visiting Istanbul should check the legal situation before booking and read recent first-hand reviews to understand the practical implications.
What travelers report
3 travelers have shared their experience of Istanbul on MapSur. Reviews can be filtered by profile (women, LGBT+, Black, Muslim or Jewish travelers, accessibility and more) so you can read feedback from people who travel like you.
Each figure above names its source (MapSur index, Georgetown WPS Index, Equaldex). See our methodology
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul safe for travelers?
Istanbul scores 4.8/10. Some neighborhoods are riskier than others. Check community reviews for specific areas.
Is Istanbul safe at night?
Caution is advised at night in Istanbul. Favor busy, well-lit areas and check community reviews for neighborhoods to avoid after dark.
Is Istanbul safe for solo female travelers?
The Georgetown WPS Index (2025) rates the country at 66/100, mid-range. Many women travel solo in Istanbul without trouble; neighborhood choice and late-night transport deserve attention.
Is Istanbul welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers?
Equaldex rates Istanbul's country at 32/100 on LGBTQ+ legal protections, in the lower range. Several rights are restricted by law.
You know Istanbul?
Help future travelers understand where to feel good, what to avoid, and the real experiences by profile.