We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Maria, to complement earlier ones from Amy and Alison. All are members of the Solo Travel Society: Maria is from Portugal, Amy is from the United Arab Emirates, and Alison is from Australia. They all submitted reports from their solo trips to Istanbul, each from their own unique perspectives. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Languages spoken: Turkish, French, English, Kurdish
Spices galore.
Reasons to Visit Istanbul
Maria's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
It was a very cloudy morning in Lisbon when I headed to the airport. I was lost in my thoughts, checking once again all the things I would have to do to get to my destination. “I’m really doing this!” I thought, just before checking into my flight to exotic, exciting, and thrilling Istanbul.
I was anxious because although the dream of traveling solo had been growing, it’s always challenging to go on your own and rely on your own instincts.
I just started to ease up when I was on the metro heading to Istanbul’s city center several hours later. I have to confess that I’m a bit of a control freak and to be absolutely honest, the media fuss about the most recent bomb attacks weren’t helping.
I had become mesmerized by Istanbul several years before when I had the opportunity of being there for a couple of days. So when I was considering where to go, I just felt drawn towards this overwhelming city. The people of Istanbul are very friendly and helpful, but don’t get deceived as they are very pushy when it comes to sales. But fear not as a female solo traveler, as I felt extremely safe. My advice for those of you coming is: taste, feel, breathe, smell, and hear Istanbul. Indulge yourself in this magnificent and yet somehow misunderstood culture. I absolutely loved Istanbul and its people.
One of the many beautiful mosques.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
The epic beauty of the sky and blue water was best seen from a Bosphorous ride.
Amy's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Istanbul, Turkey has it all! From historical monuments to amazing landmarks to lively nightlife, Turkey, the mesmerizing destination which connects Asia and Europe will leave you enchanted.
It will be the opportunity of a lifetime to explore this vast beautiful country and it is so worth visiting once. The natural scenic beauty, traditional culture, the wooden villas on mountains, and the hospitality of the people will win your heart. I absolutely fell in love with Turkey.
My first decision to travel solo to Turkey changed my life's perception completely. It made me so bold and confident. The hospitality shown by the people in Turkey made me feel really comfortable. Turkish tea, Turkish coffee, the taste of the fruit, Eskander Kebaps, the clothes, monuments, the old city of Istanbul, wooden houses, the streets…they all left me amazed and wanting to visit again.
Bursa City – a birds eye view from the top of the mountain.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
Fishing on the Galata Bridge.
Alison's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Istanbul is fascinating, culturally and historically, and an absolute visual feast. One of the world's great waterfront cities, it has the Bosphorous, the Golden Horn & the Sea of Marmara on three sides. There is great shopping, a plethora of historical sites, a rich live music & night club culture, and wonderful food.
You can tour palaces and museums – Hagia Sophia (once a church, then a mosque, now a museum), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace – and get a glimpse into the opulent life of the Ottoman Empire. Cruise up the Bosphorus to the Black Sea or out into the Sea of Marmara to the Princes Islands.
The Roman mosaic museum and the nearby Rasta Bazaar are full of beautiful silks, embroideries, leather goods, and carpets, carpets, carpets! Check out Kumkapi for freshly caught seafood, Haci Abdullah for classic Ottoman dishes, or take a ferry ride to the Eastern side for fabulous regional foods at Ciya. Visit Yanothererebatan cistern or the hamam for a turkish steam bath and a good scrub down and massage. If you have more time to spare head to Cappadocia for a balloon flight, or the Turquoise coast for a gulet cruise.
Busy, bustling Istanbul.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
