The 11 Best Dating Apps & Sites in Istanbul

Are you looking for free dating sites in Istanbul?

Then this article will help you find the best apps & sites to use in Istanbul. 

Dating websites and apps have taken over our love life, and I can’t fault them. If you use the one that best fits what you’re looking for, you stand a great chance of finding the perfect someone for some good times.

And that someone will make your nightlife just so much better.

Without further ado, 

What is the Best Dating Site?

Here are my 3 top picks for the best dating website to try this year. I’d mostly recommend using our #1.

1. Passion.com

Best for meeting hot singles ready for action.

Passion.com is a dating app for those who are looking for the one and only and not just a hookup. Users can choose between a 3-month, 6-month or 12-month plan, then start reviewing potential matches that may be compatible with them. The best part about this app is its algorithm, which has been designed to respond to both geographical preferences as well as personal preferences such as religion and sexuality.

It is one of the oldest and most popular dating sites out there with over 40 million people visiting every month. It has a very user-friendly interface that allows you to browse members by their interests, age, and location. The site also offers apps for those who want to take their search on the go.

2. Adultfriendfinder.com

Best for meeting single people looking for hookups.

Adultfriendfinder is a dating site for adults who are looking to have casual hookups with other people. The site offers a wide variety of features, including live webcams, chat rooms, forums, articles, county listings, personal ads, photo galleries, and more. Adultfriendfinder was created in 1995. It has grown steadily since then and hosts over 7 million members online. The site has an average of 100k visitors every day – the majority are male.

The site is not all about just hooking up. Yes, you can find that here if that is your particular flavor or fetish. But for most members, the site is more geared toward friends with benefits.

3. 99Flavours.com

Best for couples looking to expand their horizons.

When it comes to dating apps, they are all about the same. 99flavors is no different. If you are looking for something more traditional, this app is not for you. But if you want to have a little fun with your love life, this app has some great features that will make it worth the download. It’s tailored especially for swingers, couples looking for extras, or singles looking for couples to play with.

99flavors.com is a dating site founded in 2012 that’s designed to be fun, easy, and inclusive. It features a variety of different singles, couples and swingers from all over the world.

Dating Apps & Sites to use in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey, and it is the most popular one. Istanbul cites calmly across the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul has beautiful architecture from the times of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul is a travelers dream due to being culturally rich and offering a taste of the modern world. Dating apps have gotten quite popular among Turkish people in recent years, and there are many dating apps you will find to use in Turkey. In this article, we will talk about the top eleven dating apps to use in Turkey. 

Here is the list:

Siberalem

Liberalism is the perfect dating app to use in turkey and especially in Istanbul. This app has been there for more than a decade and has made its name in the dating app market. You can view the profile for free, but you will need to buy premium memberships to communicate. Moreover, this app has a language barrier. It is made explicitly for local Turkish people to use. The app is entirely in Turkish, and if you speak any other language, you will need to use a translator. You can do certain tasks in the app, like log in every day, complete your profile for certain rewards, and redeem them for features and exciting offers. The app has a high success rate since it is a paid app, and people who are only serious about dating use it. The interface is pretty easy to understand, and since the app packs a lot of exciting features, its popularity continues to rise in Turkey. The app is available on both android and Ios devices as it caters to a large population. Moreover, the gold membership gets you unlimited likes and the ability to send winks and other stuff to make your dating life exciting. Hence, if you are from turkey and want to find compatible Turkish women or men, try Siberalem. 

Plenty of Fish 

There’s plenty of fish in the sea. Well, it might seem like there are in the dating world, but they’re not all good fish. In this dating pool, you will find piranhas, sharks, and anchovies, all of which are best avoided. But on Plenty of Fish, this can be avoided. I especially like Plenty of Fish how they’ve integrated millennial terms and structures into their dating app yet held on to traditional individual values. With over 3 million active users daily, Plenty of Fish lives up to its name. You are sure to find like-minded individuals on this app, whether you are looking just for a casual one-night stand, a serious relationship, or just friendship. The user interface is also simple but quite detailed. You choose to browse profiles based on different aspects, such as browsing through the newest members’ profiles, members online, and your matches. You can also find a section to view the profiles of people who have visited your profile. I’d say the unique selling point about this dating app is its chemistry and relationship test. This app is worth your time, as long as you’re just browsing and not looking for something super serious. But then again, plenty of people have found serious relationships via this app, so you never know. You might find your luck too.  

The League

This is a one-of-a-kind dating platform that focuses on those highly ambitious individuals. On this platform, you’ll find people with the most interesting of jobs and resumes. Education matters a lot in your personality, and The League knows it. One of the most educated individuals is out there using this platform to find like-minded and educated people. There is efficient matchmaking in place, which offers daily prospects to you – but only those who meet your preferences. There are two unique selling points of this website. If you come on a too-good-to-be-true profile, don’t worry because it’s true! The league looks out for you by verifying your account information through various other platforms like LinkedIn. Another feature this website provides is a video date feature. This lets you have a 3-minute conversation with someone and find out if they’re worth your time. Gone are the days of worrying about your safety on the first date.   

E-Harmony

Each day, approximately 15 million pairings are made on this platform.  The profiles you match with on eHarmony will be aligned with your preferences thanks to a high-tech algorithm. Furthermore, this program filters out the inappropriate ones and therefore does not display them. If you’re seeking a meaningful or long-term relationship, eHarmony is the place to be. Individuals in their late 30s are drawn to eHarmony. Accounts and personality are given a lot more weight on eHarmony. While Tinder connects individuals exclusively based on their age, gender, and geographic area, eHarmony’s matchmaker is among the most complex globally, taking into account far more than simply demographic data.  It has a design that is simple to use. For sincere individuals looking for long-term relations for free, this is the ideal site. 

AAF

This app is all about hook-ups, as it clearly states. This app is for those who want a little casual fun in bed and are not looking for another quite severe in their lives. This app can act as a stress reliever after a busy day or help you have that happy ending to a weekend. Unsurprisingly, this app has a lot of traffic, 53 million users to be precise, and we are not surprised at all. Who doesn’t want a little fun that you can forget the other day? This app makes it so much easier. If you are average-looking, don’t worry. You don’t need to be super-hot here to land a date, as this app is all about a quick fling. People here don’t want to go into the details; they don’t want to take another look at you because it’s just about having a good time. Hence, almost anyone can hit it off on this app! Using this app has a lot of advantages as there are many active users right here in Istanbul! So use this app now to save yourself weeks of messaging and background checks and get right into business! Since everybody on this website is here for the same thing, nobody is pretending and being fake. This app is not free though it comes with a free trial. One thing that can put you off from this website is its design. Overall, you must try this website if you’re in Istanbul and want to make your time worth it. 

Match.com

Owned by Match Group, Match.com is a popular online dating website that dates back to 1995. If you have spent any time on online dating sites, then the Capitalized ‘M’ with acute heart logo is all too familiar to you and millions of other users. With a free subscription and several other generous offers, Match.com is undoubtedly one of the most popular dating websites where you can find love. One of the main reasons why people flock to Match.com is the versatility of the website. Unlike its competitors Eharmony or Tinder, Match.com offers users a choice to look for casual flings and serious commitments. It has a reach of over 21 million users and is used globally. If the bar dating scene isn’t cutting it for you anymore, hop on over to one of the most trusted online dating websites in the world. Match.com has something for everyone – primarily because it has such a vast audience.  

Tinder

Anyone who is even slightly familiar with the world of online dating has heard about Tinder, arguably one of the most famous mainstream dating apps. I can even go as far as to say that the word ‘dating app’ is synonymous with ‘Tinder’! Moreover, you can find almost everyone on this app! Fortunately, the app doesn’t allow users to send messages to each other unless they have mutually ‘matched.’ The primary reason why I would recommend Tinder to anyone is simply because of its vast user database. Recently, Tinder has updated its settings to be more LGBTQ-inclusive. So if you’re looking to experiment with your sexuality, you might find someone ready to play the same game as you on Tinder. Tinder’s unique selling point is its very fluid, easy registration, and accessible account. Tinder is one of those few dating apps which won’t surprise you with a sudden ‘free trial period ended’ message and ask you to pay a subscription. Another great thing about Tinder is just how easy it is to navigate. Hands down, Tinder is one of the most popular mainstream dating apps you will find out there. If you are looking to find your crush on Tinder, you will have a high possibility.

OkCupid

OkCupid is not just another dating website- it’s what you’ve been looking for. You didn’t know it yet. With over 50 million users, OkCupid is a great dating website for those looking for just a fling, for marriage, or something in between. The majority of its users are millennials between 25 and 34 years of age. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find older, younger, and LGBTQ crowds as well. On OkCupid, you will have to answer a set of non-traditional, unique questions that are anything but tedious on this dating website. Using your answers, interests, quirks, and accurate algorithms, they present you with a boat of options you can choose according to your preference. One of the best things I liked about this dating website is that it’s completely free to use. If you’re looking for an online dating website that takes the pressure of ‘trying to fit in’ and ‘finding someone immediately to settle down,’ OkCupid is your happy ending. 

DateHookup

DateHookup is one of those popular dating options in Istanbul. DateHookup is offered in 11 languages and 20 countries! DateHookup tries to give straight access to the users instead of those lengthy and tedious procedures to find your potential matches like one of those painfully long questionnaires you might have encountered before. Minimal information is required to start, so new users can create in no time, making it very popular for people who want to get to the business right away. Unlike many other websites, users here can interact with each other over emails and other forums. Social media has a significant influence on this dating site. Many dating websites try to find your potential matches through advanced algorithms, but even those can sometimes be wrong. DateHookup believes that your heart knows the best, and hence it’s entirely up to you who you pursue here. Moreover, the membership is entirely free, which means it’s a fantastic place to start dating right away! 

Our Time

Most people over the age of 50 have given up on dating. It can be tough looking for love, or even just a fling, at this age. Most dating websites and apps cater to younger audiences. OurTime caters to an affluent audience of singles over the age of 50. With more than 8.9 million users visiting this site monthly. The site has 48% male users and 52% female. This ratio gives women a slight edge; however, it is so tiny that it hardly makes much difference. OurTime’s best feature is its beautifully designed, keeping in mind its members’ demographics. Most of all, there are clear-cut instructions every step of the way that guide you on how to use the website better. All in all, OurTime is one of the most popular and easy-to-use dating websites for anyone over 50. It is entirely safe and secure. 

Bumble

In this day and age, women’s empowerment and safety are paramount for online dating. Due to failed attempts to match authentic users or have their inboxes frequently penetrated by creepy, persistent men, women often find online dating experiences less than enjoyable. Thankfully, Bumble understands this all too natural problem and has decided to give women back the power. On Bumble, women can make the first move, leaving men in a ‘losing position,’ but women feeling much more secure. Moreover, this app is LGBTQ-inclusive, which is another bonus. It will take you a maximum of 1 to 2 minutes to register a new account on this app. Finally, what I like about Bumble is its photo verification process. This process ensures that whoever you see on the Bumble app is the real deal- and you don’t end up getting catfishes. Like Tinder, Bumble also has free and paid options. And again, just like Tinder, the free option isn’t too restrictive. You can create your profile, match users, and even chat and send messages, which is excellent. If you are lonely or just looking to make friends, this app is perfect for you.

Quick tips for using dating apps in Istanbul

Run background checks on whoever you are interacting with 

Running background checks on people is very important these days. While it is true that apps have their verification systems and their security methods to filter out harmful users, you should never be entirely dependent on the app for your safety. Make sure you run multiple background checks and ask around for your safety. 

Meet in a public place for a date

This is one of the basic precautions you need to take when meeting someone you meet online. Meeting in a public place is a safe place and a great idea considering how violence is rising. Meeting in these places will also make sure that your date behaves well. 

Don’t ignore red flags

Ignoring red flags is one of the most common mistakes people make. Thinking that certain jokes are harmless and that toxic behavior is okay is wrong. It would be best if you were quick to identify and call out such behavior and distance yourself from such individuals.  

Make your stance clear 

It would be best if you made your stance on issues clear. It would be best to be pretty vocal about whatever is going on in the relationship, so the other person has an idea of where you both stand. This clarity will help avoid awkward conversations later. 

Frequently asked questions on dating apps in Istanbul

Which is the best dating app to use in Istanbul?

Tinder and Bumble are some of the local favorites. However, you should check out Siberalem if you want to date locals. This app has a vast Turkish database. 

Which are some great dating spots and places in Istanbul?

There are many romantic places and things to do in Istanbul. Some are Turkish Bath Massage, Camlica Hill Istanbul, Dinner Cruise of Bosphorus, Galata Tower & Maiden Tower, Prince Islands, and Hagia Sophia.

How can I increase traffic on my profile?

There are many ways to increase traffic on your profile. First of all, make it a habit to log in every day, so the algorithm knows that you are active and sends profiles and matches your way. Secondly, you should regularly update your pictures and bio to let people know that you are active and interested. 

Do premium memberships help?

Yes, premium memberships do help, since these days’ apps won’t let you do much on a free membership. Features like texting, video calls, and other kinds of interactions are often not available for free. Hence, yes, premium memberships can be helpful. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, dating apps help a lot and are not a scam as many people think. There are real people and users on these sites who are hopeful about love. Dating sites are now being used on every central continent and are gaining popularity. There is no reason you shouldn’t download one and try it for yourself if you want to find love. However, make sure to choose the right dating app for yourself.

Click the button to discover venues and things to do at night in: Istanbul

Keep exploring!