To ask you about Istanbul?

Spice bazaar is better than the big horrible busy Grand Bazaar one.

Get a ferry to the Asian side and do a foodie walking tour when you're there.

I really liked the museum of modern art.

Eat lots of baklava!

Went last year with DD - it’s fabulous- people / places to see / food
Although it may have been too hot in summer for us!
Felt v safe there

Istanbul was once my favourite city after living/ working there and visiting many times however it is unfortunately not what it used to be. The ongoing political/ economic situation has meant a lot of people (mainly educated ones) have lost their jobs, unemployment is high, prices keep rising, and the city has lost some of what made it what it was (appreciate that might not make sense)
There are hiwerver, amazing places to see... the mosques, bazaars, museums etc, the food (away from the more touristy bits) is amazing and the people are generally friendly. It is relatively safe....like any big city though obviously there are the added issues of protests/demonstrations etc.
While there definitely go to the mosques - plenty around though the Blue Mosque gets hideously busy with tour groups. Remember to keep covered... longer sleeves and something to cover your head, no shorts for anyone, and shoes off. Ortakoy is lovely and easy to get to by bus, area up by the Galata Tower has some 'cool' shops and good cafes. The Princes Islands and a Bosphorus Cruise are a good way to spend a hot day. A Turkish hamam is a must.

Well at least you've come out with the usual lazy racist label, instead of being underhanded in questions. I won't go to any country, where I don't feel safe. There are parts of South America I wouldn't go to, either. I did say that I wasn't being helpful in my first comment. I still visit Paris on my own - how utterly racist of me, considering there is a huge Muslim population. So no, I won't be fucking off anywhere. Talking of narrow minded, try seeing further than racism tags, particularly when reading opinions about female solo travellers.

It means ‘I don’t know Turkish’ ;)

love Turkey and love Istanbul! We were lucky enough to go there in November to stay with Turkish family friends.

have a fab time OP!

Oh fuck off Dangermoo with your silly narrow minded views. Don't like Muslim countries? Don't go there. I'm sure they won't miss you 😂

I'm going to Istanbul in October, really looking forward to it! I imagine the weather will be calming down a bit by then, probably even be raining! Have a brilliant time OP, and let us know what it's like. Don't forget suncream and hats for everyone.

The irony of fellow women dictating in which countries other women should feel safe.

It’s a wonderful city. I felt completely safe. Wear something appropriate to go into the mosques but otherwise shorts and t-shirts are absolutely fine everywhere. The grand bazaar is incredible - needs at least two visits! Take the ferry to Princes Island and get a horse drawn cart tour. The kids will love it. Incredible place

The irony of people complaining about human rights records but stating they'd happily go to places like the USA. LOL that's given me a laugh.

Anyway, back to the OP. Istanbul is lovely and safe. Lots of history there and many places to see. They're very family friendly. Summer is always hot and busy so be prepared to queue a while for mosques and palaces. Take a scarf to cover yourself with if you're going to a mosque. Galata Tower has nice views. You can also go on a cruise on the Bosphorus. The food scene is amazing, many lovely cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!

Sorry, did you actually have a point?

Thanks for clarifying. So my point about the Boston thread was valid then!

I’m so jealous. I’m desperate to go to the Topkapı palace. I’m massively into a Turkish historical drama set there.

In terms of clothes you can wear whatever but have items ready if you want to go to a mosque. Something to cover head, arms and legs.

It might be worth learning some useful Turkish (most tourist places will speak English but it’s nice to try) Things like please and thank you, yes, no etc.

Türkçe bilmiyorum means I don’t speak Turkish.

Kebabs for breakfast lunch and dinner!

I only had 4 days there but could have spent many more... Fantastic place

Human rights records, particularly treating women as secondary class citizens, being harangued by men, who see western women as fair game, being worried about terrorist attacks..those are 3 of my reasons. I concede, I should have been more clear in my reasons for my OP.

This was also my experience.

Istanbul is a great city. I have been twice, once on my own and had no concerns about safety. I felt safer there walking around than in London or Paris.

I don't feel any need to twist anything. You didn't clarify why you wouldn't go and I mistakenly assumed it was the same reason as the other poster. Although I'm not sure you would be a lot safer in the US of course, if you're not American.

I would be more concerned for my safety, as a lone woman in Istanbul than I would Boston. I'm sure you will try and twist that into something. You can just say it, you know.

My favourite bit was the Basilica Cistern! Oh & the trams are fun.

The mosques are also gorgeous, as is Hagia Sophia. Ds & I loved Istanbul.

I assumed that like @LakieLady you were concerned about going to a country with an iffy human rights record. My mistake - I guess you have other reasons.

Why would I, because I have to think the same way as you?

Someone has just asked for ideas of what to do in Boston USA. Just letting you know do you can pop this same message on their thread too.