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Solo traveling in Türkiye is gaining traction, offering visitors a chance to explore the country at their own pace and as per their liking. From cities like Istanbul and Izmir to quiet coastal towns and mountainous villages, the experience varies depending on the season and the location you pick.
Planning ahead of the trip with some basic travel tips can always make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism estimated that in 2024, foreign visitors to Türkiye numbered over 50 million. An increasingly large percentage of that number were solo travelers, attracted by the affordability, accessibility, and sheer variety of destinations Türkiye had to offer.
To have a safe and satisfying experience, especially when one is traveling alone, it is important to know how to plan ahead, find a place to stay, and connect with others.
Türkiye is usually safe to travel alone, but it is necessary to be aware that a few places might be risky and require extra care.
Metropolises such as Istanbul and Ankara may have typical big-city issues, such as congested transportation systems and bustling nightlife areas.
Watch out when you are exploring places such as Taksim, Eminonu, or busy bazaars, where petty theft is a threat, similar to Rome, Paris, and other tourist capitals.
When you are walking at night, particularly in places or cities you have never been to before, avoid the dark streets. Do not take isolated shortcuts or alleys, and when taking a taxi, use official taxi applications such as BiTaksi or call your hotel for help.
But don't worry, central areas have regular police patrols and widespread surveillance systems. Most of the time, the problems are trivial and easily fixed when the police are reached out to. With that said, when strangers approach you and offer unsolicited assistance, it is fine to politely refuse.
In case of emergency, you can download the 112 Emergency Call application before your trip, which links travelers with emergency services with English support in major areas. You may also enroll your travel with your country's embassy to ensure your safety.
Türkiye has been getting friendlier to solo-travelers in recent years. Hostels in Karakoy, Galata, and Kadikoy in Istanbul are popular with international tourists as well as local students and provide a more relaxed environment to socialize. These spaces are characterized by shared kitchens, rooftop cafes, and city walking tours.
There are numerous cheap hotels and guesthouses in places such as Kas, Fethiye or Datca, operated by local families who can give advice and tips about the region. Others arrange boat tours or home-cooked meals.
Small inns in Cappadocia usually have communal breakfast tables and also organize day tours, which automatically promote socialization.
Social platforms such as GetYourGuide and Airbnb Experiences can be helpful in participating in small group activities. Cooking classes, regional hikes and food walks are common activities that solo travelers use to meet people without the use of a guidebook.
Language exchange meetups and events are also available in cities such as Antalya, Izmir or Istanbul, organized via Couchsurfing or Meetup.com.
Another alternative to long-term solo travelers is to volunteer through Workaway or to live in eco-lodges, especially in rural communities. These placements provide cultural exchange and assistance in covering the accommodation expenses.
What are the most suitable destinations to travel alone in Türkiye?
The selection of the destination will depend on your travel objectives. There is almost no limit to the interests that Türkiye has to offer, and the infrastructure and activities in most locations are solo-friendly.
Istanbul: The best place to visit when you love culture and you are a first-time visitor. There is a variety in museums, ferry rides, neighborhoods, such as Balat or Moda, and day trips to islands.
Cappadocia: The place is famous because of its landscape and community tours. It is popular with independent travelers because of the balloon rides, valley walks, and traditional villages.
Ephesus and Selcuk: History lovers will definitely enjoy it. This province is easily reached by train and has well-conserved ruins and peaceful local guesthouses.
Kas and Fethiye: These are seaside towns that are frequented by solo travelers who want to enjoy beaches, water activities, and social hostels.
Rize and Artvin: The northeast Black Sea region has cooler weather and beautiful scenery, which is a good place to go to nature and enjoy the silence. Not a lot of people can speak English, so knowing basic Turkish or a translation app can be useful.
Most regions are best visited during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is good and prices are lower than during the high season in summer.
The intercity transport system in Türkiye is one of the most connected in the region. High-speed trains connect Istanbul, Ankara, and Eskisehir, or intercity buses can be booked with companies such as Pamukkale, Metro, or Kamil Koc, among others. Buses are very common, and usually offer snacks and entertainment onboard.
When it comes to long distances, low-cost carriers like Pegasus or AJet are a decent choice. Domestic flights tend to take less than 90 minutes and are frequently cheaper than long-haul flights, especially when reserved in advance.
In urban areas, transport is cheap and effective. Metros, buses, and ferries use cards such as the Istanbulkart or Izmirim Card.
There are apps such as Moovit, Trafi, or Google Maps that provide the correct directions and schedule.
The majority of tourists prefer to purchase a local SIM card once they arrive at the destination—they can be found in airports and mobile shops.
This assists in navigation, transportation applications, and making on-the-go accommodation bookings. Newer devices also have eSIMs.
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