Photograph by Burçin Esin
Keep in mind that the experience of traveling solo can differ significantly based on whether you present as female or male. For more tailored advice to femmes, please visit our guide For Femmes and Females.
Safety
Turkey is generally safe for solo travelers. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spaces to avoid pickpocketing- solo travelers are naturally a more likely target. Sharing your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home and keeping local emergency numbers handy is advisable:
Police: 155
Gendarme (rural police): 156
Tourism Police (in major cities): 196
It’s important to be aware that police response can be inconsistent. They may not always act on reports of minor thefts, sexual harassment, or noise complaints. See our guide on safety for more info.
Meeting Others
If you’ve traveled solo before, you know you can meet fellow travelers and locals in tourist spots, hostels, or group tours. Platforms like Meetup, Internations, BeWelcome, Eventbrite, Nomad List, Expat.com, and Facebook (Events) are popular, and many actually popular among the locals. Additionally, Yabangee.com is great for discovering events in Istanbul that cater to both foreign residents and locals. In the near future, be on the lookout for more guides on the bars, cafes, and restaurants in Istanbul that excel in solo-friendliness.
Dating
Turkish people are known for their warmth and hospitality, though cultural norms can vary substantially. In cities, dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Happn, Inner Circle, and Badoo are (relatively) common. While the selection (we were talking about the selection of apps, but hey, let’s say we’re talking about the selection of humans too) isn’t as broad as in some Western countries, these platforms are widely used in urban areas like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara.
ATTENTION ROOKIE TRAVELERS: If you’re a traveler from the west who has not spent much time with other cultures, take it slow. This cannot be stressed enough. It might take a while to understand someone from a different cultural background. Be careful even when everything seems okay.
Gender Dynamics
Gender dynamics in Turkey can be more traditional compared to some Western countries, particularly in rural areas where the binary gender concept predominates. It’s generally appropriate to maintain a respectful distance during conversations and interactions. While it is common for men and women to socialize together in urban centers, be aware that more conservative norms may apply in rural or eastern parts of the country. In some places, it is forbidden for unmarried men and women to share the same hotel room. They won’t check for proof of marriage, but be prepared to fib if you want to stay with someone from the opposite sex.
A tale from one seasoned traveler: “I was in Urfa with some friends- a straight woman, two lesbian women, and me (a straight man). We were all unmarried. The two lesbian women were in a relationship and the woman and I were just friends. Only 2 people were allowed in one hotel room, so we had to get three rooms- the man and woman who were just friends had to get their own rooms, while the lesbian couple got to have their own room together. Yay, a win for the gays!”
Going Out Alone
Going out alone is entirely acceptable in major cities. You can dine alone, visit museums, or enjoy a cup of tea at a local café. However, in rural areas, it’s more common to see people out in groups, especially at night. If approached by someone and you feel uncomfortable, a very firm “no thank you” is usually sufficient. If they persist, move to a more public area and if necessary seek assistance. When asking for help, Turks are ready to give it.
Transport and Activities
Public transportation is reliable for getting around, and for females that don’t want to sit next to a man on a long intercity bus, you’re in luck – specifying your gender when booking is a requirement and for better or for worse, they typically put people of the same gender next to each other.
If you’re a female traveling alone in a taxi, day or night, keeping a straight face and avoiding eye contact with the driver is advised.
There are plenty of guided tours of historical sites, nature hikes, and local workshops to participate in. Be on the lookout for more guides on activities, and check out our Travel Blueprint if you’d like us to plan your ideal trip.
Hitchhiking is generally not advised, but we’re working on some helpful guides in case you can’t resist. There are some areas that are more hitchhiking-friendly, but as a rule, it’s not recommended for solo travelers, particularly women. Here at Fish in Water, we are avid and experienced hitchhikers who have traveled thousands of kilometers around Turkey and neighboring countries. We’re also not going to encourage doing it in Turkey. But. Hitchhiking guides and tales are coming.
In sum – have fun traveling solo and don’t be dumb. K?
