Besiktas

Istanbul, Turkey

Overall Safety
Good
3.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics
Summary

Besiktas has student energy and local Turkish life by the Bosphorus. Good transport links and authentic feel at reasonable prices. Can get loud during football matches but generally safe.

Student-friendly atmosphereYoung and energetic crowdWaterfront locationLocal authentic lifeTransport hub
Details

Besiktas has a younger, student energy because of the nearby university, which means good cheap food and a more relaxed atmosphere than the tourist areas. The waterfront is nice for walking with decent restaurants that have Bosphorus views. The Saturday market is worth checking out for fresh produce and local goods. Ferry connections to the Asian side are frequent and reliable. Just avoid the area around the stadium before and after football matches - 40,000+ passionate fans can make things pretty intense. Police patrol the waterfront regularly, and it generally feels safe because there are always people around, from university students to families out walking.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Good

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Excellent

Pickpocketing Risk

Moderate

Scam Risk

Moderate

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Low

Getting By in English

Good
Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Waterfront cafes
  • Student-friendly coffee shops

Restaurants

  • Traditional Turkish restaurants
  • Budget-friendly eateries

Bars

  • Student bars
  • Bosphorus view bars

Other Spots

  • Besiktas Stadium
  • Bosphorus waterfront
  • Ferry terminals
Impressions & Tips

"Good mix of locals and students"

"Generally safe with police around"

"More authentic Turkish experience than tourist areas"

"Lively area with younger crowd"

"Cheaper than tourist neighborhoods"

Based on aggregated research results
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