## Is Istanbul a Safe Place to Visit in 2019?
Istanbul is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It’s home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. As such, it’s no wonder that Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year.
However, Istanbul’s popularity as a tourist destination has also made it a target for crime. In recent years, there have been several high-profile terrorist attacks in the city, and these have led some people to question whether Istanbul is a safe place to visit.
So, is Istanbul safe to visit in 2019? The answer is yes, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and to take some precautions to stay safe.
## Crime in Istanbul
The most common types of crime in Istanbul are:
* **Petty theft:** This includes pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from cars.
* **Violent crime:** This is relatively rare in Istanbul, but it does happen. There have been a number of high-profile terrorist attacks in the city in recent years, and there is always the potential for more.
* **Scams:** There are a number of scams that tourists should be aware of in Istanbul. These include fake tour guides, fake taxis, and fake money.
## How to Stay Safe in Istanbul
There are a number of things that you can do to stay safe in Istanbul:
* **Be aware of your surroundings:** This is especially important in crowded areas, such as tourist attractions and public transportation.
* **Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables:** If you do need to carry cash or valuables, keep them close to your body and don’t flash them around.
* **Be careful of who you trust:** Don’t trust anyone who approaches you on the street and offers you a deal that seems too good to be true.
* **Report any suspicious activity to the police:** If you see anything suspicious, such as someone following you or trying to pick your pocket, report it to the police immediately.
## Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Istanbul is generally safe for solo female travelers, but there are some precautions that you should take.
* **Dress modestly:** This means covering your shoulders and knees.
* **Avoid walking alone at night:** If you need to go out at night, try to go with a friend or group of people.
* **Be aware of your surroundings:** This is especially important in crowded areas, such as tourist attractions and public transportation.
* **Don’t trust anyone who approaches you on the street and offers you a deal that seems too good to be true:** There are a number of scams that target solo female travelers in Istanbul.
## Overall, Istanbul is a safe city to visit, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and to take some precautions to stay safe. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
## Additional Tips for Staying Safe in Istanbul
* **Learn a few basic Turkish phrases:** This will help you to communicate with the locals and to get around the city.
* **Get a travel insurance policy:** This will protect you in the event of an emergency.
* **Register with your embassy or consulate:** This will help them to locate you in the event of an emergency.
* **Stay informed about the latest travel advisories:** The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for all countries around the world. You can check the latest travel advisory for Turkey on the U.S. Department of State website.
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