Is Istanbul a dangerous city/.?
when i graduate from highschool, i'm thinking of taking a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. however, my parents say that it's dangerous, even if i brought a few friends with me
is this true? and if it is, then what are some ways i can enjoy the city of Istanbul without dangers
also, do people speak/understand english there? i wouldn't want to be a nuisance, and i only know english (fluently) and french (as a second language)
i'm looking to have a nice time with some friendly turkish folk who don't mind tourists
thanks in advance!
Update:oh, and is it easy to learn Turkish?
Comments
Well Lynda Istanbul is a big city with the population of 15 million.. This number includes good and bad together but doesn't mean dangerous.. But this is a reality that people imigrate this city uncontrolled.. So unemployeed population increases very much and this causes some offenses.. There are some measures you can take:
-Don't get to lonely streets,
-Don't display your money when you pay something
-Don't make people to think you are tourists..
-If you need anything, ask help from police or settled shops not people-- you can bump into bad people i mentioned--
-Be careful about pickpocket...
No not as wicked like this...
Istanbul is very good to see..
Do not skip:
-Topkapı palace
-Sultanahmet Square
-Hagia Sophia Mosque
-Yerebatan
-Taksim / Istiklal Street (full of people even 02.00 am )
-Çamlıca Hill
-Marmara University Kadıköy Campus and around (Selimiye Barracks-don't intend to get in
) )
-A ferry tour thorough Bosphorus
-Eat fish at Eminönü (fast food)
-Cross the bosphorus (From Europe to Asia): 1) By ferry 2) By bus from the bridge
-Miniatürk (models of traditional places)
-Have a tea by the Ortaköy Mosque
-Cevahir Mall (the worlds 4 th biggest)
English is enough you don't need French..
Hi! I've been in Istanbul and the only dangerous thing were the pickpockets (altough I had no problem with them!!!) I think it has dangerous places like almost every LARGE city in the world (and Istanbul is veeery veeeery laaarge!!!) but at least, tourist guides say that it is safer than Madrid or Barcelona, the two main cities of my country, Spain. So... common sense is the best weapon you have to fight dangerous people. lol. With it you likely have no problem. Enjoy Istanbul, it's really a marvellous city!!!
Oh well, I forgot it, mmmmm, Traffic is dangerous as well
)))))))
Nope Istanbul is a very safe city....Sure, there's crime in Istanbul but millions of people spend their lives here without being robbed or assaulted. In fact, Istanbul is safer than any other big cities in the world. English is "like" a second language in Turkey.Therefore, you won't have any communication problems, especially in the big cities, such as Istanbul,Ankara,Izmir etc
Like all metropols, İstanbul has places I wouldn't venture out at night and alone. But if you can find your way in New York, you will be fine in İstanbul. Keep to the crowded, popular places and don't stay alone with someone you have just met. At least that's what I would do somewhere I go for the first time.
You will see that there are many people who are willing to help and who speak English.
Parents always worry for their children. Heed their words and do whatever you like.
My wife and children felt safe and happy in Istanbul. More than some other cities in Europe or the US.
You should be able to find a currency converter online...the Turkish currency is the Lira. Right now...you're looking at approximately 122 Lira to $US100. You could also see merchants accepting Euros.
Istanbul is a beautiful metropolis...fairly safe by Western standards, but like any place, you should be aware of your surroundings.
Get a Lonely Planet/Rough Guide and you should be well sorted.
1. no its not dangerous, its like New York
2. a lot of seas there, there are cafes near by it. You can sit enjoy the beach, sea, nice shopping malls.
3. yea they understand english
It's not more dangerous than any big city in the world,don't worry.
Turkish dollars LOL.
blunt is correct...Istanbul is as dangerous as any other big city in the world...since you will be a tourist,stay with your friends and crowded places..put your money and important papers (passport etc.) in your pocket or a waist bag.Just be cautious thats all...have fun...
Noppers.Istanbul is a very safe city....don't believe anything you read and/or hear 'till you see it with yer own eyes