How to meet girls in Istanbul [2024]
Meeting girls in Istanbul is similar to meeting them in any other city, but there are some specific challenges here.
Below are my top tips that may help you to find your next girlfriend while visiting Turkey:
Learn a few Turkish words and learn about Turkish culture
While many people in Istanbul may speak English, making an effort to speak their language will be very appreciated and it will make Turkish girls more comfortable to be with you. They will know that you can understand them and their families. Remember that Turkey is a traditional and family-based society.
Turkish people are also often proud and nationalist so avoid completely to talk about politics or religion, especially if you want to criticize the country. Once you know the girl better, then you can express your opinion more freely.
Attend social events and activities
This is the best way to meet educated girls in Istanbul to connect with people who share similar interests.
These are a few examples of social events, meetups and cultural activities available in Istanbul:
Join Language Classes:
Enroll in language classes, such as Turkish language courses. This not only helps you learn the local language but also provides an opportunity to meet fellow language learners.
Attend Meetup Groups:
Check out apps like Couchsurfing, InterNations and Meetup as they each organize various social events. Couchsurfing is for travelers and backpackers, InterNations for expats, and Meetup mostly with locals and digital nomads. There is also a weekly language exchange meetup in Taksim and another one in Kadikoy.
Participate in Cultural Events:
Istanbul has a vibrant cultural scene, and these events are offer a great opportunity to connect with smart and educated Turkish girls.
Consider checking out venues such as the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater, renowned for hosting concerts ranging from traditional Turkish music to international acts. Another prominent venue is the Zorlu Performing Arts Center which hosts various cultural events, including concerts, theater productions, and dance performances. Keep an eye also on cultural institutions like the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) for their event schedules, as they organize various cultural festivals and performances throughout the year.
Take a Cooking Class:
Explore Turkish cuisine by taking a cooking class. Not only will you learn to prepare local dishes, but you'll likely meet other food enthusiasts.
One cooking class I can recommend is Cookistan. Hosted by two Turkish sisters, it combines a neighborhood tour and hands-on cooking. You learn to prepare a six-course menu that borrows from Istanbul, Anatolian, and Ottoman cuisines, creating a flavorful immersion.
Join Sports Clubs or Classes:
Participate in sports clubs, fitness classes, or recreational sports leagues. Istanbul has facilities for various sports, and joining a team or class can be a fun way to stay active and meet girls who are fit and sexy!
It is also always easy to approach a girl in a gym as you can always find a good reason to talk to them.
Enjoy Istanbul nightlife - Go to Bars and Clubs
In the busy nightlife areas of Istanbul like Istiklal Avenue, Taksim Square, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, or Kadıköy. Bars, clubs, and cafes can be good places to socialize.
Be careful when you approach Turkish women in bars or clubs, though. If they are already in a group with guys, you will probably get in trouble. Just be aware of the situation and be respectful.
Find Turkish girls on dating websites
Turkish girls are not big fans of dating apps because they are often afraid to be seen online. It would be considered shameful for some of them if their family, friends or colleagues saw their profiles.
As a result, you may struggle to get good matches on popular dating sites like Tinder or Bumble. On these sites, you will often have prostitutes or scammers.
A better approach is to use the dating site Muslima. It is specific for dating Muslim women and it has a good database in Turkey. The best thing about it is that you don't have to be in Turkey to use it, meaning you can prepare your trip in advance and start chatting with girls today. It will help you a lot once you arrive in the country to already have a friend there.
Of course, this site is ideal if you are dating to marry.
If you want a more casual relationship with no strings attached, maybe the website Seeking.com is the best for you. It is a website for successful people, meaning that if you have money, you will easily find a person to date in Istanbul.
Conclusion: Best ways to meet girls in Istanbul
When it comes to meeting girls in Istanbul, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach – it all boils down to your personality and what you are looking for (fun, marriage, short-term?). In any case, it's a great idea to learn some Turkish, and to be aware of the local culture.
Social events are scattered all over the place, and Istanbul's got a vibrant nightlife scene, so places like Istiklal Avenue and Kadıköy could be your playground.
If you're a bit more on the formal side, language classes could be up your alley as well as cooking classes or sports clubs. If you're diving into the online realm, give Muslima and Seeking.com a shot.
Remember that meeting girls is a gradual process, and building connections takes time. Be patient, open-minded, and enjoy the experience of getting to know the local culture and people in Istanbul.