Is Istanbul safe for tourists, and how common are thefts, including at Istanbul Airport?

Another traveler shares that she visited with her 15-year-old daughter in June and no one harassed or paid unwanted attention to them, even while wearing short dresses and shorts — suggesting the city felt safe in that regard.

The most recent account mentions a traveler being robbed at Istanbul Airport in April while in transit to Cuba. After the theft he had no foreign currency left, so it is wise to split your money and keep a small emergency reserve in euros.

Another traveler says safety in Turkey can vary a lot by area and by where you stay. Even an all-inclusive hotel can have a serious incident, so when choosing accommodation, check the district, safety-related reviews, and the property’s reputation—not just the meal plan and price.

There is also a reassuring experience: a frequent visitor says they have never been robbed or assaulted in Istanbul despite many trips. That suggests many stays in the city are trouble-free if you use normal big-city precautions.