A Spontaneous Solo Weekend in Istanbul
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink. That’s exactly what happened when I decided, on a whim, to spend a weekend in Istanbul. With British Airways Avios points and a cabin upgrade voucher, I managed to snag a business class flight for just £25—an absolute steal. Having visited Istanbul before, I already had a sense of familiarity with the city, which made it an easy choice for a solo weekend getaway.
Getting to Istanbul & First Impressions
I started my journey by taking the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow before boarding my BA flight. Upon landing, I took Istanbul’s efficient public transport system to Sultanahmet, the heart of the city’s historic district.
One of my favourite things about Istanbul? How incredibly easy and affordable it is to get around. With cheap public transport and so much to see, you're always on the move without breaking the bank.
Travel Tip: Grab an Istanbul Card, which you can purchase at any major station (120 TL/£3 for the card + credit). Trips around the city generally cost between 10–30 TL (£0.20–£0.65) per journey, and you can easily top up the card at any station.
The weather was a pleasant 14°C—not bad for early February—which made walking around even more enjoyable.
Where I Stayed: Hotel Nena
I booked Hotel Nena, a charming spot in the Sultanahmet area, and I’d 100% recommend it to any traveller, especially solo female travellers. The location was ideal for exploring the city, and I felt safe throughout my stay.
Price: £50/night (breakfast included)
Location: 5-minute walk to Hagia Sophia
Security: 24-hour reception, well-lit entrance
Room features: Clean, modern bathroom, comfortable bed, in-room safe
Staff: Extremely helpful, English-speaking
Extra perks: Rooftop terrace with stunning views
Eating My Way Through Istanbul
Food is always one of my favourite parts of traveling, and Istanbul never disappoints. My top food experience this trip was at Pak Pide Pizza Salonu, a local eatery where I had a delicious and affordable pide. If you’re unfamiliar, pide is a Turkish-style flatbread pizza, often topped with cheese, minced meat, or vegetables. It’s a must-try!
Travel Tip: While Sultanahmet is a great place to stay, it’s definitely pricier due to its popularity with tourists. For budget-friendly (and often tastier) food, try to explore local spots beyond the main tourist hubs.
Exploring Istanbul: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems
Even though I had visited Istanbul before, there’s always something new to see. This time, I covered:
The Square Around Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque – Always an iconic sight, perfect for soaking in the city’s historic beauty.
Basilica Cistern – An underground marvel with ancient columns and a slightly eerie but magical ambiance.
Pera Palace Hotel – Famous for its historic charm and connection to Agatha Christie (who allegedly wrote Murder on the Orient Express here).
Asia Side Adventure – Took a ferry across the Bosphorus to the Kadıköy area, which has a totally different vibe from the European side.
Balat Neighbourhood – A colourful and less touristy district with beautiful, historic houses and lots of street art.
Egyptian Bazaar – A must-visit for spices, tea, and Turkish delights!
Travel Tip: Don’t forget to pack a scarf (covering hair and shoulders) and modest clothing (knee-length skirts/dresses, no bare shoulders) for mosque visits.
One thing I completely forgot about? How steep some of the hills in Istanbul are! Walking around was great, but definitely a workout.
Safety & Solo Travel in Istanbul
Istanbul is generally a safe city for solo female travellers, and I never felt uncomfortable walking around by myself. One minor annoyance was the occasional attention from local men. They’d often open with lines like, ‘Can I ask you a question? You have beautiful eyes.’ It can get repetitive, but a firm yet polite 'no thanks' and continuing to walk usually works.
Would I Go Back? 100% Yes!
This trip was a perfect mix of relaxation, good food, and cultural exploration. The highlight? Just wandering through the different districts, hopping on ferries, and eating my way through the city.
Would I do anything differently? Maybe pack better walking shoes for those hills!
Istanbul remains one of my favourite cities, and I’d absolutely recommend it for solo female travellers—it’s safe, easy to navigate, and full of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. If you ever find yourself bored and in need of an impromptu getaway, this city should definitely be on your list.
Have you been to Istanbul? What were your highlights, and do you have any must-visit recommendations? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear!
