Beyoglu/Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey

Overall Safety
Moderate
3.3 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics
Summary

Beyoglu/Taksim is modern Istanbul with good shopping and dining during the day. Police presence helps with daytime safety, but evening brings serious risks from crowds, pickpockets, and nearby dangerous areas. Stay alert.

Modern city centerBustling shopping districtVibrant nightlife sceneCrowded and energeticMix of old and contemporary
Details

Istiklal Street is modern Istanbul's main drag - good for shopping and people watching during the day with police around and plenty of activity. The red tram is cute but mostly for tourists. During the day it's manageable, but things change completely after dark. Police presence drops off after 11 PM, and the side streets like Asmali Mescit turn into drunk party zones where solo women get harassed constantly. Avoid Tarlabaşı Boulevard completely - it's got visible drug activity and is genuinely dangerous. The metro stations stay well-lit and monitored, which is good for getting out if you need to. If you want to experience the nightlife here, go with a group and have an exit plan.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Good

Night Walking Safety

Moderate

Harassment Risk

High

Public Transport Safety

Excellent

Pickpocketing Risk

High

Scam Risk

High

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Moderate

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Moderate

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Excellent
Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Istiklal Street cafes
  • Traditional Turkish coffee houses

Restaurants

  • Çiçek Pasajı restaurants
  • Modern Turkish cuisine

Bars

  • Asmalımescit bars
  • Rooftop bars with city views

Other Spots

  • Istiklal Street
  • Taksim Square
  • Galatasaray High School
Impressions & Tips

"Good shopping and restaurants during the day"

"Don't go out alone after 10 PM, especially weekends"

"Police on Istiklal Street but not everywhere"

"Watch your stuff - pickpockets everywhere in the crowds"

"Shows you modern Istanbul but comes with risks"

Based on aggregated research results
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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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