Aboehmer

Sorry to hear of the harassment Wendy. That can really ruin a trip. I was only bothered by everyone trying to sell me a rug and everyone having a relative that lived near me here in the states LOL.

Did you have any issues with general problems regarding the protests? I am planning on visiting again on my next trip.

otherchelebi

I am sorry to hear of your troubles.

My wife and daughters were never followed or hugged and were harassed by vendors and touts only in and around Sultanahmet and near the Grand bazaar although we were all born in istanbul and lived here most of our lives.

Regarding the vendors, a stern look and a strong no or not interested almost always stops them in their tracks.

However, they know well about Eastern politeness and shyness and could try hard sell tactics to an Easterner that they would not attempt with most experienced Westerners.

As in most large cities, you just have to look tough and act as if you know what you are doing and where you are going.

Although I have never been stalked by women anytime anywhere, my pocket was picked in Rome, Paris and New York and we were mugged in front of our hotel in Madrid and had a merry dance with pickpockets in Barcelona.

I always advise visitors to Istanbul to stay at places like Nisantasi, Besiktas, Ortakoy, Bebek, Cihangir, Gumussuyu but not at Sultanahmet, Fatih, Beyoglu, Galata or Talimhane.

Please check the name of the area in Asia that you mention because "ayakapi" means shoe and there is no such area. Visitors should be warned of any possibly risky areas.

WendyH2017

@Aboehmer: there was no issues that I encountered regarding protest I walked around Taksim and apart from that one guy who tried to hug me (lol) everything was as safe as can be. I think the only sign you would see that remotely suggests unrest was the number of Syrian (?) refugees on the street. A local told me most of the homeless are not Istanbul natives, or even Turks, but rather refugees from neighboring countries.

@otherchelebi: I think you're right, they definitely target foreigners in general and Asian-looking tourists in particular. I wore a headscarf on my 2nd day there just to see if the harassment would go away, and in fact it did, probably because they couldn't tell where I was from! (I had to stop this strategy because it was too hot subsequent days, otherwise I'd gladly wear a scarf to freely enjoy the city).

I absolutely agree that one should not stay in the areas you mentioned above. I made the mistake of staying in Sultanahmet; although it was very close to the major attractions one could not walk freely without being harassed by vendors. When I crossed the Bosphorus, I felt like it was a more "real" side to the city that one doesn't necessarily imagine. There were men wearing traditional clothes with the Turkish hats, there were Jewish neighborhoods and the amazing Byzantine walls.

I apologize for the name of the neighborhood; I followed Frommer's walking tour here (http://www.frommers.com/destinations....zZ2o0S0F.dpbs) and the name was at the bottom. It was close to the Chora church, and the Balat area. I think the area in general was safe (though it seemed more conservative), and it was an isolated incident that scared me. I love Istanbul for its history and culture, and the amazing Bosphorus view, but I think women going in pairs (instead of alone) would have a much easier time exploring the city for what it is!

P_M

I am a female who traveled alone to Istanbul. Last time I was in my mid 40's but I still got quite a bit of attention. I never felt threatened but sometimes it was annoying. I finally discovered a way to get rid of men who were selling carpets or interested in meeting me. Whenever I was approached I would speak Pig Latin. They would say something like, "Oh, I don't speak Swedish," and scurry away. The hardest part about doing this is it was difficult not to laugh.

luxuryistanbul

P_M Funny

Istanbul is quite safe as much as any european country and even safer than some of them. Of course there are good and bad people around. Istanbulians are quite warm and helpful, however there are some refugees aswell and since it is quite cosmopolit metropolitan you should be always careful especially on the trams and at narrow streets at nights, like anywhere else around the world. During the night; if you choose to visit like Bebek, Ortakoy neighbourhood you will feel more comfortable. Hope you will find the tips helpfull.Cheers,

vjpblovesitaly

This thread was started 8 years ago. I am sure the original trip is over now.

mes2525

I am a single woman who stayed in the Sultament and was not harassed other than when passing a carpet shop. I don't pay attention to the comments, I just keep walking like I do in New York. Simply say, no thanks, and keep moving. There was less harassment in Turkey than when I was in Spain and Portugal in the 80's. And, I've also been to Izmir & Ephesus and wasn't bothered.

I think Istanbul is safe for women tourists but dress appropriately. Long sleeves, nothing low cut and long pants. Keep a head scarf in your pocket or bag for the mosques-might not be a requirement, but is respectful. I am not conservative, but sometimes you need to be aware of the culture and conform. Save your flashy clothes for another location.

I love Istanbul and I would go back. With any big city, you have to be aware at all times in public transportation.