15 Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Istanbul, Turkiye

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As a metropolis that is home to more than 15 million people from all walks of life, with a complex history that goes all the way until the Ottoman and Byzantine eras, Istanbul is happening with attractions and activities for the Muslimah Solo Travelers!

Without further ado, here are some Muslim-friendly things to do alone for Muslim women in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Go to the top of Galata tower

A symbol of Beyoğlu and Istanbul, the Galata Tower was built as a watchtower by Byzantine Emperor .

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage 67-metre medieval tower stands tall on the northern side of the Golden Horn, in Galata Citadel.

MST – TIP: Take a photo from the alley!

The photo spot (directions) located among cafes and restaurants which overlooks the Galata Tower is a famous photo spot. Depending on which time of the year you go, you can see the tower adorned with flowers from surrounding cafes, or covered in snow!

FAQS on Galata Tower

• Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10:00 pm
• Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey (directions)
• Website

Go On The Bosphorus Cruise

One Muslim-Friendly Thing To Do Alone in Istanbul, Turkiye, is to hop on the Bosphorus Cruise!

Plus, if you have only a day in Istanbul, hopping on this Bosphorus cruise is a must as the cruise will tell you stories on Istanbul’s history, the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, historic sights like palaces, its people, and the unique neighborhoods along the Bosphorus shores.

MST - Tip: Go on the sunset cruise for the best experience!

Cross The Golden Horn (Halic) Metro Bridge

Another exciting bridge that you should cross when in Istanbul is the Golden Horn (Haliç) Metro Bridge.

This bridge spans across the Golden Horn Bay, and connects both the Old (Fatih) and New (Beyoglu) European sides of Istanbul.

From this bridge, you can see European Istanbul and its attractions from all sides. The Galata Tower, Ataturk Bridge, and just the Golden Horn!

There are two ways you can enjoy a panoramic experience on this bridge:

• Take the Metro M2 line
• Take the pedestrian crossing

• Address: Azapkapı, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey (directions)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours

Join a Food Tour for a Taste of Two Continents

Foodie or not, Istanbul has lots of interesting food that will bring joy and a renewed flavor to your tastebuds due to its location right between two continents — Asia and Europe.

If you’re a Muslimah Solo Traveler who’s a foodie, or on limited time but would like an excellent introduction to the traditional Turkish foodie scene and experience, then you should join The Taste of Two Continents Food Tour.

Halal Food in Istanbul: In Muslim-majority countries like Istanbul, it is generally assumed and expected that food is Halal, unless it is proven not to be Halal. However, do check with your tour guide beforehand to double check.

Bargain for Turkish Delights & Get Lost in Grand Bazaar

One of the top Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Istanbul, Turkiye, is to get lost in Grand Bazaar!

As one of the oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is so enormous that the bazaar covers 61 streets and more than 4,000 shops.

As one of the main attractions in Istanbul, it is also one of the best places to buy just about anything you could think of! The Bazaar has everything from Iznik handmade tiles to Ottoman Maps and Turkish Delights!

Another Bazaar that should be on your list while visiting Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi).

Check out this: Istanbul Travelog for more Grand Bazaar Experience.

• Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey (directions)
• Website

Visit Islamic sites in Istanbul

Of course, one reason why Istanbul is such a prominent destination among Muslim travelers, in general, is the abundance of Sacred Islamic sites.

Some Islamic places to visit in Istanbul are the Blue Mosque, Ayasofya Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, and more.

Each of these sites, mosques, or madrasa had its role in the Islamic history in Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire.

Related: The Best Mosques in Istanbul.

Spend a Day in UNESCO World Heritage Old City – Sultanahmet

If you have just one day and you’re looking Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Istanbul, Turkiye, look no further than the Sultanahmet area in the Fatih district.

The Sultanahmet area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage List.

Spending a day in Sultanahmet is the best possible way for the whole Istanbul introduction, but it can be overwhelming if you have limited time.

• Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10:00 pm
• Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey (directions)
• Website

Play Around with the Cats of Istanbul

Ah, what’s an Istanbul experience if you don’t find time to cozy up with its furry felines!

Istanbul is widely known as a cat-loving city, with cats and its Cat Houses found pretty much everywhere you go!

Turkish Terrace Dining Experience

As Turkiye’s dominant religion is Islam, with its Muslim population amounting to 98%, there are plenty of Halal restaurants in Istanbul.

While there are so many Halal restaurants in Istanbul, one that you can’t miss out on is the ultimate Turkish Terrace Rooftop Dining experience in Sultanahmet.

There are plenty of them, but for the best experience, go for terrace dining around Sultanahmet for the dreamy view of the Old City overlooking Ayasofya and Blue Mosque.

MST - Tip: Make sure you get Turkish Cay (tea)!

Some famous terrace cafes are Yakamoz Teras cafe restaurant and Sultanahmet ottoman terrace fish house.

Explore the Asian Side of Istanbul – Uskudar

While it is generally safe for Muslim females to solo travel in Istanbul (and safer than many cities in the world), it is home to over 15 million residents with people from all walks of life.

So you can expect to bump into all sorts of people in this metropolis.

The Asian side of Istanbul can feel safer compared to the European side at night as it has a more “residential feel”.

While in Uskudar, don’t forget to visit Sakirin Mosque and Camilca Mosque!

How to get to the Asian side of Istanbul? Take the ferry from either Eminonu, Besiktas, and Karakoy

Go on the Nostalgic Funicular ride at Taksim Square

Just look at any videos or photos on Istanbul, and you’ll spot a familiar-looking red tram.

This is Istanbul’s historic tram system, also known as the Nostalgic Tram.

It runs through the city’s most famous pedestrian shopping district, Istiklal, through Taksim Square and Tunel Square–also where the underground Tunel funicular is located at.

• Ticket Cost: 3.5 TL and can be paid via Istanbulkart
• Opening hours: 24 hours daily
• Address: Gümüşsuyu, Tak-ı Zafer Cd., 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey (directions)

Try Out Simit – Turkish Bagel

A favorite street food in Istanbul is the Simit!

This Turkish Bagel comes in various flavors. Some are served with cheese, some Nutella, and some, just on their own.

While you’re waiting for what’s next on the list, don’t forget to snack on this Turkish Bagel first.

You’ll find the carts selling these pretty much everywhere on the streets of Istanbul

• Price: 5-15 TL depending on flavors.

Explore Ortakoy

A neighborhood that has often been featured in Istanbul’s promotional campaigns is Ortakoy.

This charming neighborhood’s focal point is its quay, which features an unforgettable view of the Ortakoy Mosque on the bank of the Bosphorus.

The quay is filled with restaurants and stalls selling kumpir (Turkish-style baked potato), souvenirs, and more.

MST Tip: Take the tram to Kabatas station, then walk along the strait to Ortakoy to enjoy a view of Dolmabahce palace.

Get Yourself Scrubbed from the Turkish Hamam Experience

In need of some rejuvenating wellness experience?

How about healing and rejuvenating me-time in the Hamam (Turkish bath)?

Istanbul has many hamam that you can walk into. Most have been around since the Ottoman times as hamams are part of Turkish culture.

Some say a hamam spa ritual is similar to an authentic experience the Sultans used to have in their palace.

So you can expect to be treated like royalty if you do Hamam in Istanbul!

Have you experienced the Hamam while solo traveling in Istanbul? Do share your experiences in the Muslimah Solo Travelers Community Group!

• Price: 40 € on average. The cost varies depending on the add-on services.
• Female-only section: Most hamams have different areas for males and females.
• Complete nudity is not common in Turkish Hamam.

See Whirling Dervishes Show

Finally, last on the list of Muslim-Friendly Things to do by yourself in Istanbul is to catch a Whirling Dervishes show!

The Whirling Dervishes at Hodjapasha is a 800-year-old tradition designated as UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Not only will this one-hour performance will truly take your breath away, but accompanying the show is an exhibition that will help you understand better about the Whirling Dervishes.

Takeaway – Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Istanbul, Turkiye

We hope this list has inspired you to explore Istanbul as a Muslimah Solo Traveler!

Beyond this list, the metropolis is filled with a buzz all year round. You’ll find lots of exciting activities to do in Istanbul when solo traveling. Don’t forget your eSIM for instant connection upon landing in Istanbul!

If you want to explore Turkiye beyond Istanbul, check out Bursa, once the Ottoman capital.

Plus, if you have personal solo travel tales in Istanbul or Turkiye in general, do share them with like-minded Muslim women in the #MuslimahSoloTravelers Community