Hi there, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. You can update your settings by clicking the Privacy policy link at the bottom of the page. Details here. I have only one month left before I go to Istanbul and recently I have read several reports about how unsafe Laleli, Aksaray, and Tarlabasi are, especially at night.
I read to stay away from Tarlabasi even in the daytime. Can you fellow travelers give an insight into how safe or unsafe it is? I am a male and will be travelling alone. I am not interested in partying or staying out very late, but on occasion I might want to venture out at night. I will be staying in the Eminonu area. Thank you.
I do not live in Istanbul but Laleli-Aksaray areas are not that dangerous as you might think. You shouldn't be that nervous. The area has a doggie reputation because of its bars and clubs full of Russian and Ukranian prostitutes.
You will run into people on the streets trying to convince you to have a drink with their girls in one of the bars.. As long as you keep your distance from them and from such establishments I see no problem. If that is a big problem for you you can always travel to and from your hotel by taxi and all will be fine. Cause alcohol,drugs etc will be in night club area in anywhere of the World. I recommend to you if you are not go out person do not go those kind of places in anywhere of the world.
Have a good time on your trip Ozan. The guy at the front desk where I stayed told me several times that he doesn't venture in Taksim after around because he thinks it's dangerous to do so. In fact he was quite surprised that I left the hotel after 3 AM. Do any drinking and clubbing you plan on doing in Taksim. There are also some cheap bars near the train station that are OK not terribly exciting places, but not dangerous.
