Izmir Travel Forum

Please forgive me if this has been asked before but as a new member I have a lot to learn. I was thinking of eventually taking a Carnival Cruise to the Mediterranean and one of the options is to stop at Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey. Are these safe areas for American Tourists?
Thanks in advance.

Izmir is more relaxed than Istanbul but in either case both areas are safe.As always take care of your belongings as pickpockets,bag snatchers are around in Istanbul.

Izmir is such a laid back place with easy going people; especially American orientation is all ok as Nato located in Izmir and many pubs in Alsancak square where americans hang around (check out eko pub next to Kibris sehitleri cad.) Its my home town , and to me its the safest city in Turkey as people very modernized and slightly different then the other parts of Turkey.But you know what ? Throughout your travelling here you will spot that customs are changing from region to region ; but generally speaking all Turks are very hospitible,kind and helpful...just shopping part is quite irritating :)

Turkey is safe for all tourists, be sure... and I'm from Turkey and I work at tourism sector. Most of the people here in Turkey know English and they are really hospitable.. IF you think of coming to Canakkale where the TROY is and where there is a great sea and great historical monuments, I'd love to meet u here in Turkey and help u as much as I can in this city (Canakkale)..

Thanks, loves...

Thank you everyone--I to thought it would be safe but was hearing otherwise from friends So i wanted to discuss it with the locals and people that have been there. I agree that Carnival has the best interest of its passengers at heart.
I am sorry as I know this has probbaly been asked a thousand times but I went back several pages on the forum and didnt see the answer and I read in the warning and dangers section as well.
Thanks to those that have sent me personal mesages i will reply soon.

Have a wonderful time those hours/days you are in Izmir and Istanbul.

One warning - the food is delicious :))

Have answered safety in your other posting.

Hi sabogg01, greetings from Ireland.
Glad you have decided to take the cruise to Izmir and Istanbul, you won't regret it and in fact you might even fall in love with this beautiful country as I did. I first visited Izmir in 2002 and have been 12 times since and one visit was for 9 months. Don't forget to visit Cameralti in Konak, Izmir when you get there as this is a maze of old stone shops and cafe's but be warned - you will be accosted by either a carpet salesman or leather goods sales man - the best advice is to say no thanks and keep walking. Hope you have a memorable stay in The Promised Land.

just curious, why do carpet salesman approach tourists? They do not have anywhere to put carpet or a way to transport it?

Don't worry, both cities are as safe for Americans as NYC. I do not know how you got the idea that Turkey might be dangerous for Americans, but it is totally not true. Enjoy your trip.

of course these are safe areas for not only americans but also for everyone.

im not gonna tell you how beatiful city izmir is, but believe me you and any tourist will face no problem. it will be the best travel u've every experienced