For your next trip to Turkey, are you wondering if Istanbul is a dangerous city, where are the tourist areas and the best area to stay?

It is certain that nowadays, when looking for a hotel, as in all tourist cities, it is better to identify the districts to avoid and the best areas to stay. In this way, we avoid unpleasant surprises because we know that we will be staying in a safe area that is well placed for tourists.

Here are the questions you need to ask yourself when planning a trip to Istanbul:

• Is it dangerous to go to Istanbul?
• Are tourists everywhere safe in Istanbul or are there some areas to avoid?
• What is the best location for a hotel in Istanbul?

The study below answers these questions. It is accompanied by a map of the districts of Istanbul which is very practical for identifying the districts to avoid and the best district in which to stay.

Is Istanbul a dangerous city?

Istanbul is much less dangerous than Paris, London ou Rome.

According to the latest Numbeo ranking, Istanbul is the 188th most criminal city out of the 427 cities classified. It has a crime index of only 47.62 which is a low average compared to other major cities.

On the other hand, this site also reveals that the crime rate has increased sharply over the last 3 years. See the information on the Wikipedia site: Type of crime present in Turkey.

But it should be noted that this kind of classification remains subjective because it is established according to the feelings of Internet users and not according to verified figures.

Additionally, these indices are reported as averages. However, in Istanbul as in most large cities, the level of insecurity depends on the geographical location. As a result, apart from a few areas to avoid in Istanbul, the city is completely safe.

However, you should know that this risk of attack now exists almost everywhere in the world in tourist countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Egypt, Indonesia and Israel. . However, if we are afraid of attacks, we no longer travel at all. But here, it is up to everyone to assess the level of risk they are willing to take to visit a capital or a country.

Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Yes, but even if Istanbul is less risky than Mexico City or Rio de Janeiro, tourists should be careful.

Nowadays, France Diplomacy recommends that travelers currently visiting Turkey be vigilant:

« The precautionary measures inherent in any stay in particularly tourist areas should be observed. All people going to Turkey are invited to register on the Ariane portal.
For people making an extended stay in Turkey, it is recommended to report, depending on the place of their stay, to the consular section of the French embassy in Ankara or the general consulate in Istanbul...

Neighborhoods to avoid in Istanbul

Istanbul is a very large city and divided into 39 districts (see map on Wikipedia) and each district is made up of many smaller neighborhoods. To locate the main neighborhoods of Istanbul, here is a map that can be enlarged: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oXq1JXav1uJNZEsN9

Among these 39 districts, some areas are less advisable (too far from tourist attractions, frequented by undesirable people, with bad reputations or too much insecurity).

Here are the neighborhoods to avoid in Istanbul when looking for accommodation or a hotel:

• Tarlabası
• Sarigol
• Dolapdere
• Hacıhüsrev
• Bagcilar
• Kuştepe
• Sehit Muhtar
• Kamer Hatun
• Kocatepe

Mbest neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul has many charming little neighborhoods where you can find safe accommodation. They are all different, each with its own identity and unique atmosphere. But I can't describe them all!

However, I will share with you below the 3 most popular areas for tourists visiting Istanbul.

Tourist area: Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet in the European Fatih district

Sultanahmet is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the historic center where the most visited sites of Istanbul are located (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Museums). It is a central district, well served by the tramway therefore ideal for a tourist stay.

This district is part of the eastern part of the district of Fatih (former city of Constantinople). See location of this neighborhood

Best location for a hotel in Istanbul

This is the ideal location for a tourist stay in Istanbul. The hotel Harmony Hotel Istanbul below is close to all the most beautiful sites in Istanbul. By staying at this hotel, you can do everything on foot.

Istanbul party district: Galata

Galata in the European district Beyoglu

Beyoglu is a district of Istanbul on the European side of the Bosphorus and separated from the old city by the Golden Horn. Part of this district is part of the historic center of Istanbul with the ancient city of Galata.

Galata is a lively area of ​​this district where tourists like to go out in the evening. See location of this neighborhood

The Beyoglu district is ideal for shopping, going out to the best restaurants, going to trendy cafes and sightseeing.

Best location for a hotel in Galata

Among the most beautiful hotels in the area, I recommend the Walton Hotels Galata.

Indeed, it is located in the Beyoğlu district, 200 meters from the Galata Tower, Şişhane metro station and Istiklal Street. It is the ideal location to enjoy lively evenings, restaurants, shops, nightclubs, cafes. See location of this neighborhood