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Istanbul Clues

Istanbul Tour Guide

Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)

10 March 2024 by Serhat Engül

Bosphorus cruise is one of the most entertaining activities to do in Istanbul. While touring the Bosphorus, you can realize how Istanbul acts as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Because this hybrid culture was embodied in the structures on the Bosphorus coast.

During the Bosphorus cruise, you will see the historical palaces and mosques of Istanbul as well as the most expensive mansions. Reflecting both the historical and modern face of the city, the shores of the Bosphorus promise a lot for those who love to take pictures.

Many tourists visiting Istanbul stay only in the triangle of Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar . However, in order to get to know the city better, it is necessary to visit Taksim, go to the Asian side (especially Kadikoy ) and join the Bosphorus tour.

In this article, you can find information about the prices and timetables of the most popular Bosphorus tours through maps and images. You can examine the first three options to join the classic Bosphorus cruise. The last two options include sunset and dinner cruise options.

Table of Contents

Best Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

In order to find the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul , you need to review the Bosphorus tours organized by Sehir Hatlari, Turyol and Dentur companies. The prices of these Bosphorus cruises are almost the same as each other. However, since each of them has different routes and times, you need to find the one that suits you best.

For example, the Sehir Hatlari ferries have a large deck, wide seats and a cafe inside. However, they only operate once or twice a day. For this reason, if you are going to combine your Bosphorus cruise with another activity, it may not be the appropriate option for you.

On the other hand, Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats are very compatible with flexible travel plans as they make tours every hour from 10:00 in the morning. Although these boats are smaller than the previous option, they still have a cafe inside.

The last option, the Dentur Bosphorus cruise , is a great option for those staying close to Taksim Square. Because Dentur’s boats depart from Kabatas. Kabatas is the last stop of Tram T1 arriving here from Istanbul Old City. The station is located right next to the Dolmabahce Palace .

Now, let’s examine each Bosphorus cruise under its own heading in the rest of the article. Thus, you can see the pros and cons of each and decide on the most suitable Bosphorus tour for you.

1. Sehir Hatlari Ferries

Sehir Hatlari ferries depart from Eminonu, the transportation hub of Istanbul Old City. Sehir Hatlari has 6-hour long and 2-hour short Bosphorus cruise options. While the 6-hour classic tour continues throughout the year, the 2-hour tour is organized only in summer.

Sehir Hatlari Long Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus cruise starts at 10:30, regardless of summer or winter, and lasts for 6 hours. The route of Sehir Hatlari ferries is longer than other Bosphorus tours. The tour starts from Historical Peninsula and continues until Anadolu Kavagi , which is the closest point on the Asian side to the Black Sea.

After leaving Eminonu, the ferry takes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus and takes a 3-hour break after arriving at Anadolu Kavagi. (Between 12:00 and 15:00) This is a cozy town away from the crowds of Istanbul.

You can climb the Yoros Castle built by the Genoese and take beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus. The northern part of the Bosphorus is the only passage connecting the Black Sea to the open seas.

After visiting the castle, you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the local architecture. It is also possible to have a nice lunch break at the fish restaurants by the sea.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry starts its return journey at 15:00 pm in the afternoon. The ferry follows the same route and returns to its starting point, the Old City, within 1.5 hours.

Sehir Hatlari Short Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari has an alternative Bosphorus tour that is only held during the summer months. Sehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise is an activity that takes 2 hours. This excursion starts around 14:40 and returns after a 2-hour nonstop tour.

As an Istanbulite, I like the 2-hour tour of Sehir Hatlari the most. Because it covers more places compared to the 1.5 hour tours of Turyol and Dentur. Although this may seem insignificant at first glance, it allows you to see the northern shores of the Bosphorus.

I like to travel on Sehir Hatlari’s wide-deck and comfortable ferries with a decent cafe service. Also, since many Bosphorus cruises do not include the mansions in Yenikoy , the most beautiful houses on the Bosphorus cannot be seen.

The short 2-hour Bosphorus cruise can be a little difficult to fit into your travel plans, as it only takes place during the summer months and starts in the late afternoon. But if you have the time, I think this is the best.

Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise Prices 2024

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus Cruise price is 120 Turkish Lira. On the other hand, the ticket price of the short Bosphorus tour is 65 TL. This post was last updated on March 10, 2024. I suggest you to check the prices once again on the official website of the company .

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats organize tours every hour starting from 10:00 in the morning. In this sense, the most practical trips are made by Turyol, located in Eminonu.

Turyol pier is located only a five-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar , the symbol of Eminonu. Turyol ticket office is right next to the Galata Bridge , adjacent to nostalgic boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol boats set off from Eminonu and make a 1.5-hour trip. Leaving the Old City, the ship first crosses to the Asian Side and picks up passengers from Uskudar, and then returns to the European Side and starts the cruise.

The boat sails north along the European shores of the Bosphorus and turns from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the middle of the Bosphorus. Following the Asian shores on the way back, the boat gives you the chance to see the sea shores of both sides.

The best thing about Turyol tour is that it is organized every hour and makes it easy to make itinerary. Even if you’re late due to a queue at a museum, crowds at a market, or traffic, you’ll catch the next boat.

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira. This article was updated on March 10, 2024. Before joining the tour, I recommend that you check the ticket price a second time on the official website of the Turyol . When you open the page, you will be asked to choose a destination, if you choose Eminonu Port, it will be the original trip starting from the Old City.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum )  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira for a 1 hour and 15 minute tour. These prices were last updated on March 10, 2024. You can check it once again at the official address of the company .

Dentur is the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views and the food prices are reasonable.

4. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

If you want to join a sunset cruise tour on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht, you can make a reservation from this link . This journey might be convenient for a small family or a couple.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price is around 55 USD per person as of 2024. Sunset tours are relatively expensive as they are limited to a small number of people and are made with private yachts. You can check the prices and make a reservation from the link above.

5. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the Bosphorus dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery. If you want to join the recommended Bosphorus dinner cruise tour, you can make a reservation from this link . The tour is organized under the guarantee of GetYourGuide, an international company.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price is around 25 USD per person as of 2024. You can book an evening tour with dinner on the Bosphorus from the link I shared above and check the latest price. The tour I recommend is the most popular Bosphorus evening cruise in Istanbul.

Bosphorus Cruise Map for 2024

Bosphorus Cruise Map shows us the locations of Istanbul’s nostalgic ferries and tour boats. These sea transport vehicles allow us to travel between the European and Asian sides as well as take a Bosphorus cruise.

For example, piers 1, 2 and 5 on the map show tour boats making a Bosphorus cruise. Pier 1 belongs to the Turyol Boats . Pier number 2 belongs to Sehir Hatlari Ferries . Pier 5 belongs to Dentur Boats departing from Kabatas.

Pier 3 symbolizes the ferries departing from Eminonu (Old City) to Uskudar and Kadikoy on the Asian side. There are actually two separate piers here, but I thought a single figure would be enough for both.

Pier 6 symbolizes the ferries departing from Besiktas to Kadikoy and Uskudar. Piers 7 and 8 are located in Uskudar and Kadikoy, two touristic districts of the Asian Side. Ferries depart from both to Besiktas and Eminonu.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset cruise or an evening cruise with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

I would also recommend the article named Istanbul tourist map to get to know the touristic places of Istanbul. Or you can also review the Istanbul metro map article for public transportation in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

Reader Interactions

31 August 2018 at 19:24

Thanks for all your posts! They have been very useful in planning my trip. Very big help in deciding a lot of things. Complemented very well my Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet research.

31 August 2018 at 19:44

Hello Ryan, thank you very much for your kind words. This is a good motivation for us. I Hope you will have great time in Istanbul.

13 May 2021 at 09:40

We are expected to arrive in Istanbul on 27th May and stay for 8 days. I’m glad to have gone through your blogs which will help me in making our trip enjoyable. Thanks for these very informative blogs. Ciao

13 May 2021 at 12:17

Hi Salahuddin, thank you for the feedback. It makes me very happy to see that these blogs really work for people. I wish you a good holiday in Istanbul.

27 September 2021 at 19:07

I am so glad to find your blog site with so many useful information for my trip next month. A quick question – are the ferries in normal operation now (any impacts from the Covid situation)?

27 September 2021 at 19:52

Hello, thank you for the feedback about the blog. Frankly, I haven’t participated in Bosphorus tours for a long time. However, when I review Turyol’s Bosphorus tour schedules, I see that the operations continue in the same way. The website of the state-run Sehir Hatlari is currently unavailable. But as far as I know it works too.

16 October 2021 at 05:29

Hello Serhat. I am planning to visit Istanbul with my family by end of November. How can we contact you to arrange some tours. Thank you

16 October 2021 at 22:08

Hello Said. You can send me an email from the contact page . It would also be helpful if you noted the exact days of the tours. Best regards, Serhat.

15 February 2022 at 15:39

I must say you have made planning around Turkey way easier. Wonderful description.

Thanks Sofia

15 February 2022 at 21:54

Hi Sofia, thank you. It makes me happy to see such reviews. It’s good to see that the time I spend on blogs is not in vain.

14 May 2022 at 10:54

Hello, this is a very informative website. Thank you for the in depth and extremely useful information. It has really helped me plan my trip.

14 May 2022 at 11:20

Hi Zehan, thank you very much for the feedback. Have a nice trip!

23 June 2022 at 13:27

Hi, hope you are well. Please let me know if there are any sunset cruises on Sehir Hatlari or Dentur.

23 June 2022 at 16:39

Hi Zehan, no, these companies do not organize sunset cruises on the Bosphorus.

20 November 2022 at 18:29

Hi, I wanted to know if any of these three companies have thier own dinner cruise. Or is it just offered by Get Your Guide?

21 November 2022 at 19:08

Hi Shyam, as dinner cruise is a special organization, it is held on ships designed for it. For this reason, the three companies in the top titles do not have dinner tours.

There are many companies in Istanbul that offer Bosphorus cruises with dinner. The most popular among them is the company I recommend.

They offer their services through GetYourGuide. If you want, you can make a reservation via the link I have provided.

19 January 2023 at 01:31

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of Bosphorus cruises types, I found it very useful for planning my trip.

19 January 2023 at 13:05

Dear Liubov, thank you for your feedback on my article about Bosphorus tours. I am happy to see that the article is useful for those who will visit Istanbul.

5 February 2023 at 22:19

Big Thanks for writing this great guide..

7 February 2023 at 00:11

Dear Ali, thank you for the feedback on the post. I hope you will have a nice trip in Istanbul.

23 August 2023 at 20:02

Hello Serhat, I looked at the website of Sehir Hatlari ferries but I wasn’t able to see the possibility of buying tickets in advance online. Do you know if you can make a reservation for a cruise on a particular day online? Or do you just have to go to the ticket office in person in Istanbul? Many thanks!

25 August 2023 at 21:19

Dear Gary, Sehir Hatlari is a ferry company operating within Istanbul. I am not surprised that their online service is not working because Istanbulites do not reserve tickets for these ferries in advance.

Istanbulkart or one-time tickets are valid for all ferries of Sehir Hatlari that operate on both sides of the Bosphorus. On the other hand, online tickets must be purchased for IDO ferries going from Istanbul to other cities (for example, from Istanbul to Bursa).

My advice to you would be to buy your ticket for the Bosphorus cruise of Sehir Hatlari 30 minutes before the ferry departure from the box office. There is no such thing as running out of tickets for daily Bosphorus tours.

27 February 2024 at 19:30

Hello Serhat: Excellent guide. Re Turyol Ferries Bosphorus tour: Found it difficult to confirm on their website the following : *Hourly schedule in March ? *Just turn up @ the terminal purchase tickets ? *No online purchase facility ?

Regards Mitchell Reid

29 February 2024 at 23:43

Dear Mitchell, yes Turyol’s website is a bit outdated. Since the company’s working principles are very simple, you do not need to check the hours in advance or buy tickets online.

Turyol starts its Bosphorus cruises at 10:00 in the morning and there are boats every hour from then until the evening. I don’t think there will be a problem finding a seat. Tickets can be easily purchased from the box office before each trip.

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Istanbul Clues travel guide is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

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Best of Bosphorus Cruises

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You can explore the Bosphorus by cruising along and visiting the shores of both continents lined up with summer palaces, mansions, fortresses, groves, parks and gardens, by motorboats, yachts and public ferries. And so, the  Bosphorus Cruises  are amongst the best things to do in Istanbul .

Typical Bosphorus Cruises are made by Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari) or by Private Boats & Yachts . They go for about two hours. There are variety of companies. Travelers who want to travel on a shoestring can board one of the passenger boats that regularly zigzag along the shores. You may also celebrate your special days like birthdays, meetings or any kind of organizations.

If you want a proper cruise , than you can find range of boat tours departing from the main docks mostly located in Eminonu, Kabatas and Besiktas piers, or you can take private boat/yacht tours. Typical ones go for about two hours .

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment is also one of the most popular one with the tourists. Mostly preferred with the tourists who want to experience a unique attraction specific to Istanbul. While you cruise along Bosphorus and enjoy your meal, you’ll be entertained by traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, etc.

Popular Types of Bosphorus Cruises

We put together below what kind of cruises & boat tours available, what you should expect with the best boat tours details.

• Public Ferries (just like a local)
• Sunset Cruise: Lasting often two to three hours, this cruise lets guests see the spectacular sunset over the skyline of Istanbul.
• Dinner Cruise including Live Entertainment: A dinner and entertainment cruise in the evening can last for about three to four hours, providing a more relaxed experience.
• Luxury Yacht tour: A two- to four-hour luxury yacht tour offers a more exclusive and exclusive experience.
• Golden Horn Cruise: Spending 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Golden Horn entails concentrating on this historically important area of Istanbul.
• Cruise over the Black Sea (with Stopover on the Asian Side): This trip, which usually lasts five to six hours, gives passengers the opportunity to explore the Black Sea and halt on the Asian side.
• Princes’ Islands Cruise: Including the time spent traveling to and from the islands, a peaceful day excursion to the Princes’ Islands may take six to eight hours.
• Lunch Cruise: Typically lasts two to three hours and offers a delicious food together with beautiful scenery.

Bosphorus Cruise  cost: Price comparison

Top 10 bosphorus cruises.

Below you’ll see our picks (as insiders) of probably the best ones in the city. You can read more and book the one that best suits your needs.

1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise by Travelpedia

This is a popular one organized by highly skilled tourism professionals that are specialized in Bosphorus dinner cruises under the brand of Travelpedia Tourism Group . You’ll experience an unforgettable evening on a luxurious boat while enjoying an amazing selection of food from Turkish and World cuisine, watching Turkish folk dances, and international dance acts.

Highlights: You’ll see some of Istanbul’s top architectural wonders, illuminated palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges and enjoy a perfect night with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, etc. You’ll also get quality transportation between your hotel and the port with their air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles.

2. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Also one of the most attended ones. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a Mega Lufer Yacht . Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. It has excellent number of over 11000 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.

• Yacht cruise with onboard Wi-Fi
• Dinner (9 types of mixed Turkish appetizers, hot starter, main course, dessert, and fruit)
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Live entertainment program
• Alcoholic drinks (if option selected), Turkish coffee and tea
• Private table
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas.

You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.

You can use public transport to come to the boat. The pier is located in Kabatas , about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim, you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Karakoy. Pier location Google Maps

If you choose hotel pickup, you can be picked up and dropped off from various locations, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu. You should wait in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The pickup service starts between 30 to 90 minutes before the boat departure.

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Getyourguide

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Viator

3. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 2,5 hours cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht . It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 400 5/5 stars reviews on Viator, and 335 excellent reviews and stars on GetYourGuide.

• Highlights: Complimentary drinks and canapés are provided while you sail, find out about the history of Istanbul’s landmarks from your on-board guide, a cruise for all seasons: set sail at any time of the year, weather permitting, set out from an easy-to-find waterfront meeting point near public transport
• Includes: Professional tour guide, Light snacks, Cookies, Baklava, Fresh seasonal fruits platter, Homemade lemonade in the summer months, Fresh fruit juice in the winter months, Bottled water, Tea, Coffee, Small group cruise
• Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map )

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide

4. Combo: Maiden’s Tower Museum + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets 

This is a superb tour with a combination of Bosphorus Cruise and Maiden’s Tower visit . If you want to see the popular Maiden’s Tower, this is just for you.

At the museum, you will experience the legend in detail through a brand-new exhibition. You’ll also access the observation deck for the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. Next up, you’ll enjoy the Bosphorus on a cruise and enjoy the city’s iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Ortaköy Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

• Inclusions: Admission to Maiden’s Tower, Digital audio guide, Round-trip boat transfers from Karakoy Istanbul to Maiden’s Tower
• Meeting Point: A 3-minute walk from T1 Karakoy tram station, near Galata Bridge. The port’s name is Kız Kulesi “Maidens’ Tower”.

Book Maiden’s Tower Museum + Bosphorus Cruise Ticket

5. Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht 

This is one of the best ones made with a luxury yacht. You are able to enjoy Bosphorus during sunset, marvel at great landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic Maiden and Galata Towers.

This guided tour will provide you a great experience with the breathtaking views of Istanbul in the company of complimentary refreshments, featuring coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and a delightful array of tasty snacks. You’ll also enjoy photo stops to capture the enchanting moments of your sunset journey.

• Tick off top sights on both European and Asian sides of the city
• Enjoy coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and an array of tasty snacks
• Tours include photo stops to capture souvenirs of the sunset journey
• A pleasant tour accompanied by an experienced guide
• Complimentary drinks, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, tea and coffee
• Luxury yacht decorated with passengers’ comfort in mind
• Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard
• Daily prepared fresh season fruits plate
• Coffee and/or Tea Turkish Baklava Indoors & covers (safe from rain)

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht

6. Bosphorus Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side 

This is one of the best way to explore the Bosphorus with stopover on the Asian side and explore Kanlica. 2,5 hours cruise on a Luxury Yacht: Morning or Afternoon . It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 115 5/5 stars reviews on Viator.

• Highlights: Cruise the Bosphorus on the Sunset Bosphorus yacht with a stop in Kanlıca,  sip Turkish coffee and nibble on Turkish snacks in Asian Istanbul, onboard Wi-Fi saves on roaming charges and keeps you connected, range of time slots let you plan your day and fit more in
• Includes: Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water, Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Stopover on Asian Side by Viator

Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Stopover on Asian Side by Getyourguide

7. 2 hour Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S. . You can both witness and enjoy Bosphorus and Golden Horn together with audio guide . The two-hour bout trip takes you from Europe to the 2nd Bosphorus bridge and back along the Asian coast.

• Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace are tour highlights .
• See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower while cruising. Your English-speaking tour guide and the multilingual audio guide app on your smartphone will enhance your experience.
• Experience Istanbul’s beauty on this Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise.

Book Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App by Getyourguide

8. 90 minute Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App

This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S. . Again one of the most attended and best ones. You’ll also get audio guide and Bosphorus Map . With views of both continents available at the same time, this fascinating voyage takes place against the backdrop of the Orient and Occident.

• Take in the expansive views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Galata Tower. Take pleasure in the sight of genuine municipal architecture that highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage and history and graces the shores of Europe and Asia.
• An audio guide for your smartphone is included with this 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, and it is accessible in English, French, Chinese, Spanish, German, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Italian.
• A Bosphorus map will improve your experience and make sure you don’t miss anything important on this fascinating tour through the center of Istanbul.

9. Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks

This is one of the best private cruises on a luxury yacht. 2 hours cruise on a 20 meters luxury yacht . You can enjoy the beauties of Istanbul on a private luxurious yacht while having your dinner or lunch served by a professional crew. The yacht accommodates up to 15 people . Good for small groups.

Their dedicated team will provide you with light snacks and seasonal fruits while you take in the sights, so transforming your cruise into a delightful gourmet experience. Includes:

• Bosphorus Strait cruise on a 20-meter luxury yacht
• Tea, water, and coffee
• Homemade mini pizza snack
• Fresh seasonal fruits, Mixed nuts
• Audio guide app in 6 languages

Book Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks

10. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

This is also one of the best Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. It is made along Bosphorus as you dine on Turkish meze, marvel at monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as folk and belly dancing. It has excellent number of very good reviews .

This excursion will take you on a gourmet and cultural journey, set against the magnificent backdrop of Istanbul’s cityscape. You’ll admire the renowned monuments like Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Anatolian Fortress while indulging in the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine and entertainment.

• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private table, 3-course dinner, Unlimited alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, Turkish dance show, Live DJ
• Boat name: Majesty Mobydick Catamaran
• Their team mates will be waiting for you at the meeting point.

Book Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

11. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht 

This is another great sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. 2,5 hours Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht . At Kabatas Pier, you can get on their luxury yacht and start your trip while enjoying traditional Turkish drinks and delicious canapés. As your guide talks about the city’s long history, you’ll be able to picture famous sites like palaces, minarets, and landmarks.

In addition to the stunning scenery, this guided tour includes free beverages like coffee, tea, handmade lemonade, and a delicious assortment of nibbles. Stop for photos at scenic locations to remember the beautiful sunset drive. Enjoy a great boat ride while taking in the breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht by Getyourguide

12. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table

This is also one of the best Bosphorus dinner cruises with Turkish Night Show and private table. You’ll get 3-hour dinner cruise , and admire spectacular views of the city’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks.

You’ll also enjoy the entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. It has badge of excellence on Viator.

• Includes: Dinner, Hotel pick up and drop off with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, Turkish dances and shows & DJ performance, Unlimited soft drinks, Private Table

The boat will be ready to the pier at 08:00 pm. When you get on the boat, your appetizers are ready on the table and you can order drinks. The boat leaves the pier at 08:30 pm. And it’s back at around 11:30 pm. The average tour duration is 3 hours.

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table

13. Bosphorus Cruises through Golden Horn

These are the top selling cruises that you’ll be able to explore the beauties of Golden Horn part of the Bosphorus. You can enjoy the city’s landmarks, historical palaces, and capture amazing photos with these very economic boat tours.

You can pick one of the best ones below

• Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hours Tour And Golden Horn
• Bosphorus & Golden Horn: Sunset Yacht Cruise with Expert Guide
• Bosphorus Cruise, Bus Tour, Golden Horn, Cable Car
• Golden Horn Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
• Bosphorus and Golden Horn Tour with Live Guide
• Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

14. Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide

You’ll have about 75 minutes ferry ride to the Princes’ Island, the Buyukada. While you have a fantastic Bosphorus ride, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Istanbul at the open air deck, enjoy refreshments from the kiosk or listen to the stories about the Bosphorus from the audio guide app on your smartphone.

• Round Trip Tickets mostly Include: Round-Trip ticket to the Princes’ Island, Fast track entry on boat from the online ticket window, audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese
• Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
• Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
• Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul – Is It Worth It?

If you want to have an idea, here is Fiona’s video to get an idea!

What is the best way to see Bosphorus?

Taking a boat tour or cruise is by far the best way to explore the Bosphorus strait . You can whether you choose a public ferry, a private yacht trip or a specialty cruise such as a dinner , lunch or sunset cruise . Being on the water will provide you an amazing view of the Istanbul’s skyline, historical sites, and the smooth transition between Europe and Asia.

During this leisurely sail, public ferries provide an authentic local experience by letting you socialize with the locals. A private yacht cruise offers individualized attention and freedom. This is good for those looking for a more luxurious and intimate travel experience. On the other side, sunset and evening excursions provide a magical view as the city is becomes with shining colors of the sky.

What to see on the Bosphorus cruise?

You’ll see a blend of historical landmarks, architectural marvels, and scenic beauty. As you navigate this iconic waterway that divides Europe and Asia, here are some highlights you can expect to see:

• Some of the most beautiful Bosphorus bridges with the modern engineering wonders offer city views.
• Dolmabahce Palace: The Ottoman Empire’s administrative hub, this beautiful palace stands on the waterfront. A cruise shows its magnificent design and exquisite decorations.
• Ottoman architecture of Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus is beautiful. Sunset is quite lovely.
• The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) brings a fairy-tale romance to the Bosphorus landscape with its rich history.
• The Galata Tower on the European side of the Bosphorus is visible from many locations during the journey.
• The Ciragan Palace Kempinski , a luxury hotel on the Bosphorus, showcases the Ottoman grandeur and charm.
• Rumeli fortress: This 15th-century fortification prominently sits on the European side of the Bosphorus. An impressive presence and excellent placement enhance the cruise’s historical appeal.
• Anadolu Kavagi, a picturesque fishing village near the northern end of the Bosphorus.  Also has a small fortress. Seafood eateries and Black Sea access make it noteworthy.
• Historic waterfront mansions , known as Yalı , line the Bosphorus coastlines, each with its unique narrative. These lovely buildings enhance the cruise’s scenery.
• Skylines: Stunning vistas of Istanbul’s modern and old structures.

Bosphorus Cruise: Departure points

Most Bosphorus Cruises begin at:

• Kabatas Pier , close to Galataport , Galata, Taksim.
• Eminönü Pier , located near the famous Spice Bazaar , close to Sultanahmet, Galata.

These piers are located within easy reach and a perfect starting point.

Kabatas pier is situated about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim , you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet , Eminonu or Karakoy . Pier location Google Maps

How long is a typical Bosphorus Cruise?

The duration of a Bosphorus Cruise varies based on the type of cruise . Standard daytime boat tours often take around 1.5 to 2 hours , which will allow you a concise yet comprehensive overview of the strait.

Sunset cruises , noted for its romantic mood, may extend to 2.5 hours , that will allow you to watch the stunning transition of the Istanbul skyline. And finally the famous dinner cruises take around 3 to 3,5 hours .

Why do so many people like sunset Bosphorus cruises?

People love sunset cruises on the Bosphorus because they have beautiful views and a magical mood. When the sun goes down, it gives Istanbul a warm glow that makes the city look like a beautiful show. And it casts a golden hue on the skyline, making famous locations stand out. People on these boat trips are drawn to the romantic atmosphere for both couples and photographers.

What should I wear on an Istanbul Bosphorus cruise?

If you’re going on a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, choose clothes that are comfy and right for the weather . Because the weather changes throughout the day, you might want to wear clothes. For day trips , you should wear casual clothes , sunglasses , and sunscreen . In the evening , you might need a light jacket or shawl .

For exploring the deck, you must wear shoes that are easy on your feet. Bring a camera to record the beautiful views and a hat to protect your head from the sun. You will be ready for both the beauty of the Bosphorus and the comfort of your cruise if you dress well.

Bosphorus Cruises FAQs

What is bosphorus cruise in istanbul.

The Bosphorus Cruise is one of the unique attractions in Istanbul. It is one of the best ways to explore the Bosphorus strait dividing Europe and Asia, offering a spectacular view of Istanbul. You'll have a magical boat trip that will allow you to witness the city's historical landmarks, beauties from the sea.

What are the Bosphorus cruise options?

• Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari in Turkish): This is the easiest and cheapest way to travel up, down and across the Bosphorus. Just make sure don't be caught in rush ours as hundreds of locals will be using public ferries.
• Private Boats: These are both good value for money and easy option for a good cruise along Bosphorus. You can find them at the piers in Eminonu, Kabatas and Besiktas.
• Dinner or Sunset Cruise with Boats/Yachts: This is another popular option with the tourists. During the cruise , you’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.
• Private Yachts: These are luxury ones and good for the ones who would like a private cruise along Bosphorus and admire all the city's beautiful sights.

What are the Boshorus tours made by Public Ferries?

Istanbul’s Public Ferries has two main lines that include; Domestic Trips and Bosphorus Tours. Bosphorus Tours by  Public Ferries  are divided into  two lines that include;

• Short Circle Bosphorus Tour (2 hours). This is a round-trip  that operates  every day  from the  Eminonu Pier  at 14.35 pm. and goes for  Uskudar  and  Ortakoy Piers in order. And comes back from  Ortakoy  and  Uskudar Piers  to  Eminonu Pier  at 16.35.
• Long Circle Bosphorus Tour (6 hours): This a  round-trip  that operates  every day  from the  Eminonu Pier  at 10.35 am. and goes for  Besiktas, Uskudar, Kanlica, Sariyer, Rumelikavagi  and  Anadolu Kavagi Piers in order. And than comes back to Eminonu Pier  at 16:40 pm.

What is Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment?

This is the most popular Bosphorus cruises. You’ll also witness Istanbul’s magic at night by catching the breathtaking views of some of the top Istanbul attractions like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Tower and Bosphorus Bridge.

During your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , you’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.

How much does a Bosphorus dinner cruise cost?

Typical Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment, plus quality service cost about €50. This is a good price and value for money.

The price includes about 3 hours Bosphorus cruise, hotel pick-up and drop off service, unlimited local soft drinks, dinner, unlimited alcoholic drinks (local beer and wine), entertainment with many shows such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.

Where do Bosphorus dinner cruise boats depart?

Majority of the Bosphorus dinner cruise boats depart from the Kabatas and Eminonu piers, within easy access by public transportation. You can take tram from Sultanahmet (20 mins), Karakoy and Galata (10 mins), take funicular from Taksim (5 mins), walk 15 mins or take any bus to Kabatas from Besiktas.

How long is the Bosphorus dinner cruise?

Typical Bosphorus dinner cruise starts about 20:00 pm. and goes for about 3 or 3,5 hours till 23:00/23:30 pm.

How much does a private Bosphorus yacht cruise cost?

Average cost of a crewed private Bosphorus cruise on a luxury yacht costs about €350 per group up to around 8 people. The price mostly includes about 2-hour private yacht tour, complimentary soft drinks and snacks, all taxes, private licensed tour guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off service with a private van

How to book a private yacht in Istanbul?

You can book a private yacht via your travel agent, by yourself from the Kabatas, Besiktas and Eminonu piers, or by booking online. You can search all the best private Bosphorus yacht cruises online via our website or many online tour booking websites, read what they offer and traveler comments, and decide the one that best suits your needs. Many of the online bookings come with free transportation service from your hotel.

Where to Buy Tickets for Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul?

You can buy tickets for Bosphorus Cruises at the Eminönü or Kabatas Piers, online via travel booking websites, or at several tourist offices in Istanbul. Consider purchasing your tickets online to save money and to skip the line. We listed them on the page.

What to See During Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul?

Bosphorus Cruises offer views of the famous Bosphorus Bridge, beautiful shore mansions, the famous Maiden's Tower, the historic Rumeli Fortress, and the beautiful palaces such as Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palace.

How Much Does a Bosphorus Cruise Cost in Istanbul?

The price of a Bosphorus cruise changes as the tour's kind and duration do. Costs might vary greatly, from a reasonable price for a standard public ferry ride to astronomical sums for private and premium tours. You should expect to pay between 10 to 50 Euros.

How Safe Are Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul?

Bosphorus Cruises places an emphasis on safety. The boats are in good repair and have all the necessary safety equipment, and the commanders have plenty of experience crossing the strait. Pay close attention to the on-board safety guidelines at all times.

What Food is Served on a Bosphorus Cruise?

You'll find a selection of classic Turkish sweets, grilled seafood, and mezze platters on a Bosphorus Cruise. In order to satisfy everyone's cravings, many cruises also feature international food.

How to Get to the Bosphorus Cruise Departure Point?

Bosphorus Cruises' main boarding locations are well-served by the city's well-organized bus, tram, and ferry systems. The piers, such as Eminönü or Kabataş, can also be easily reached by taxi, or on foot if you are staying in a closer hotel.

Will I See Dolphins on Bosphorus Cruise?

Normally you shouldn't expect to see dolphins on the Bosphorus cruise. Because the waterway can not be considered as open sea. But while very rare, if you take a cruise on the Bosporus to the Black Sea, you will have a very good chance of seeing dolphins during the months of May, June, and July.

How to Book a Bosphorus Cruise?

Booking a Bosphorus Cruise is quite simple. You can reserve your spot online through various tour websites , or directly purchase tickets at the Eminönü or Kabatas Piers . We recommend you buy tickets online from the trusted providers for a hassle-free experience,  especially during peak tourist seasons.

If you buy online you also will have skip-the-lines, and have chance to cancel and have a refund very easily. Below you can see the best Bosphorus cruises online tickets.

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Bosphorus Cruise

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Half Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar visit (Bus and Boat Tour)

Afternoon Bosphorus Boat and Bus Tour with cable car from Pierre Loti Coffee

Full Day Cruise Tour in Bosphorus and Two Continents

Dinner Cruise by Night on Bosphorus with a Traditional Show

Sightseeing on Bosphorus With a Private Yacht From Istanbul

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Bosphorus Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Ultimate Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Map and Guide

Why take a bosphorus cruise.

The Bosphorus cruise map takes you down the Bosphorus strait that bisects Turkey creating an Asian side and a European side. As you travel down the Bosphorus, you will see the magnificent bridges that connect the two continents across the Bosphorus. A vast number of commercial ships as well as the passenger and tourist boats and ferries all navigating the straight and staying within their respective lanes.

As you use the map to cruise along the Bosphorus, you will be rewarded with a view of stunning palaces, magnificent forts, fabulous mosques, small fishing villages. This scenic Bosphorus cruise map and route along the Bosphorus Sea can be explored in a number of ways as listed below. Attractions along the way and additional information at the different stops along the Bosphorus Cruise are in the map and guide below.

Video Bosphorus Cruise

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase though one of these links.

General facts to keep in mind during your cruise of the Bosphorus Strait

The 31 km Bosphorus strait connects the European and Asian side of Turkey. It is a natural strait that links the Sea of Marmara in Turkey to the Black Sea. It then connects to the world’s ocean making this an important and very busy shipping route. The Bosphorus Sea is narrow width in some areas makes it one of the most difficult waterways to navigate. It can vary 730-3300 meters wide and has a maximum depth of 110 meters. Approximately 48,000 ships pass annually through here. This is 3 to 4 times the traffic of the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.

In addition, there are three bridges over the Bosphorus strait that connect the European side with the Asian side. The Bosphorus Bridge is 1,074 meters long and opened in 1973. The Faith Sultan Mehmet Suspension Bridge is 1,090m long and opened in 1988. The third bridge is the Yavuz Selim Bridge that opened in 2016 and is 1,408m long.

You will also find two tunnels under the Bosphorus strait. The underground Marmaray that runs between the neighborhoods of Yenikapi and Uskudar. Cars and vehicles travel under the Bosphorus Strait using the 76km Euroasia tunnel. This links the communities of Kazlicesme Asia community with the Goztepe Europe community.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.

Ways to visit the sites along the Bosphorus Strait

• Take the local public (Şehir Hatlari) ferry down the Bosphorus Sea / Strait and use this map and guide to visit the sites .
• There are many “representatives” who are walking around the major sites selling Bosphorus cruises. Some are scams in that the price is much higher and duration shorter than comparables. To avoid these, Book one of the popular cruises from a reputable company. There are a number of Bosphorus cruises available, ranging from 1 hour to full day, private yachts to group tours including sunset and dinner cruises.

Bosphorus Cruise Map and Attractions

Download the bosphorus cruise pdf map below, images of attractions on the bosphorus cruise map.

• Click on the Bosphorus Cruise Map pins for images and additional information for the various attractions and ferry pier information. To decrease load time for the article, images related to the attractions are attached to Bosphorus Cruise map pins.

17 Top Attractions on the Bosphorus Cruise Map:

You can also book your own small group, private or luxury Bosphorus cruise with a local guide.

1 . Galata Bridge ( Galata Koprusu ):

Galata Bridge is one of Istanbul’s most famous bridge, and it spans the Golden Horn. It is the first stop using the Bosphorus Cruise map. The bridge was originally made of wood and was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid II around 1845. Over the years it has had a number or repairs and reconstruction. Today the bridge is a two-level concrete bridge connecting Eminönü in the Fatih district and Karaköy and the Beyoğlu district.

The top level is very popular with local fisherman and you will find them fishing off the bridge. On the lower level there are many seafood restaurants frequented by tourists. As you cross the bridge you will see Europe towards the west. Towards the east and across the Bosphorus Sea, you will see the Asian side ( Üsküdar ).

Click on the Bosphorus Cruise map pin for additional information and images of Galata Bridge.

Attractions sites often have long lineup, I suggest you avoid spending your vacation time waiting in long lines. Visit the Galata Tower, by booking a fast entry ticket (Skip the lines) in advance, it includes an audio guide.

2. Maiden’s Tower ( Kiz Kulesi ):

A popular landmark in Istanbul, you can visit by taking the ferry from Üsküdar Salacak Pier or from Kabataş Pier. You will find a museum, a café, a dining room for special events, a gift shop and a terrace with fantastic views.

The Tower can easily be seen on the Bosphorus Cruise, the map provides its exact location.

Maidens Tower is also known as Leander’s Tower. It is built on a rock that broke off from the Asian mainland at the start of the Bosphorus Sea. The first tower was built in 341 BC to control ship traffic, collect taxes. It was eventually used to protect Istanbul from enemy ships. At one point in its history, the tower was used as a quarantine hospital for cholera or the plague.

There are three legends related to the tower:

• According to Roman Poet Ovid, Leandros fell in love with the priestess, Hero, who was devoted to Aphrodite. Hero lived at the tower and Leandros swam to the Island every night to be with her. She, in turn would light a fire, so he could find his way to her. On one occasion the fire was blown out by a storm and Leandros, unable to find his way to the tower, drowned. Hero found his body the next day and her sorrow led her to commit suicide.
• It is said that the daughter of the Christian ruler fell in love with a man named Battalgazi. The father disapproved and locked his daughter in the tower. Battalgazi rescued his beloved and rode away.
• This legend is similar to many who have heard of sleeping beauty. The King was informed by an oracle that his daughter will die from a snake bite. To prevent this, he sends her to the tower where she spent her childhood. A fruit basket was delivered to the princess and a snake emerged from it and bit her, ending her life.

Getting to Maidens Tower

The Maiden’s Tower Boat Service is available from both the Kabataş Pier  and  Üsküdar Salacak Pier . Check the times available as some only run on the weekend.

• from Beşiktaş , take the public ferries or boats to Uskudar
• from Üsküdar, you can catch a public bus (5 min ride), a taxi, or walk to the pier. It is a 1.8km walk along the shoreline to Salacak pier.
• from Sultanahmet, take the tram to Kabataş.
• from Taksim Square, take the funicular to Kabataş.

3. Dolmabahçe Palace:

The fabulously ornate official residence of Sultan Abdülmecit I was built in1844. The construction pretty much drained the national treasury forcing the empire to take a foreign loan to complete. The total building cost was 1.5 billion in todays costs. The 285 rooms, 46 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 hammams palace was home to six sultans between 1856-1922. The palace largely stood empty when the Royal family was exiled in 1922. Today, it is occasionally used by the Turkish Parliament for important events. There are two sections open to the public; the administrative wing (selamlık) and the residential wing (harem).

The popular attractions in Istanbul, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace have long lines. I recommend that you book your tickets in advance and bypass the long lineups, especially in the heat. The best way is to purchase the “skip the lines” tickets online, There are a variety of options available. Book your Dolmabahçe Palace skip the lines 1 HOUR guided tour or Book your Dolmabahçe Palace skip the lines 1 DAY audio tour. The guides onsite are not always “official” guides, despite their official looking badges. We were caught up in one of these scams and the “tour” was distinctly underwhelming.

The administrative wing (selamlık)

Here you will find Bohemian Crystal, a crystal staircase, the imperial Hall for 2,500 guests, Egyptian alabaster bathrooms, hand-woven Turkish carpets and the ornate throne room. It’s a feast of magnificence and splendors.

You can click on the Bosphorus Cruise map pin for additional information and images of Dolmabahçe Palace.

The residential wing (harem)

The residential wing consists of eight interconnecting apartments, separated by a 2,000m hallway and a main entrance called a Medhal at its southern end. 

4. Çırağan Palace Kempinski:

The palace is the fourth attraction on the Bosphorus Cruise map. Today, this Ottoman era palace is a five-star hotel that is part of the Kempinski hotels. The palace was built between 1863-1867 and served as a residence for several Sultans, eventually being used as the Turkish Parliament in 1909. Unfortunately, the 1910 fire severely damaged the interior and many priceless books and works of art were lost, leaving the outer shell. The building was purchased by a hotel chain in 1987 and the palace was restored and opened in 1992 as a hotel.

5. Ortaköy Mosque:

This Instagram worthy picturesque Mosque sits on a pier at the edge of the Bosphorus Sea. It can be seen from the Bosphorus cruise and map. Originally it was the site of a small mosque built in 1720 and destroyed in 1731. It was rebuilt and damaged again, this time by the 1894 earthquake. The current baroque style mosque was designed by the same architects who designed the Dolmabahçe Place, which easily explains its splendor.

The mosque also known as the Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque is located in Ortaköy. Ortaköy was known as “the village in the middle” (orta) because it is in the middle of the Bosphorus strait. It was a small fishing village that has transformed into a modern, chic, and artistic neighborhood with waterfront cafes, bistros, tea houses, trendy boutiques.

The area attracts young crowds, both residents and tourists. The center of the neighborhood is within a triangle between a church, a mosque and a synagogue giving a cosmopolitan diverse flavor. If you are visiting on a weekend, you will find a street market in the main square and surrounding areas.

If you are in Ortaköy, take a scenic walk along the coast between Ortaköy and Bebek. Along the way you will pass Arnavutkoy, which is famous for its fish restaurants.

6. Bosphorus Suspension Bridge:

This 1.5km bridge connects the European Ortaköy neighbourhood and Beylerbeyi (in Üsküdar) on the Asian side. About 200,000 vehicles crossing the bridge daily. The first attempt at a bridge between the two continents was in 511BC.

Today the bridge is a spectacular sight with LED lights that light up the bridge at night. The bridge is closed to pedestrians due to the high number of suicides which is ironic as it was originally designed as a pedestrian bridge. The Bosphorus bridge was renamed the “15 July Martyrs Bridge” after the attempted coup in July 2016. However the locals refer to it as Boğaz Köprüsü , the Bosphorus Bridge.

7. Beylerbeyi Palace in Üsküdar:

The lavish 24 room, 6 hall palace complete with a Turkish bath was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans. It is located in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Üsküdar. Locals like to come to the palace for the popular Beylerbeyi traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) in the gardens of the palace overlooking the Bosphorus Sea.

It gets very busy on weekends and difficult to get a table. It is a smaller version of the Dolmabahçe palace but without the crowds. A tour of the palace includes gold embroidery, wooden carvings and unique workmanship.

Click on the Bosphorus cruise map pin to see its location as you cruise the sea.

8. Çengelköy

A small fishing village in the Üsküdar district between Beylerbeyi and Kuleli. Famous for its cucumbers (gherkins) it also boasted a large number of historical seaside mansions. Strolling the main street is a walk into Turkey’s past with wooden houses, historical bakeries, kiosks/carts of fresh fish and countless seaside mansions.

A visit is not complete without a stop in one of the pastry shops. It is one of the most charming friendly villages along the Bosphorus Sea were everyone knows their neighbours. On the weekends, the population double or triples. You will find many people in the Tea Garden where one particular tree is about 500 years old, 15m tall and 6.6m in diameter.

9. Kuleli Naval Academy, Kuleli Askeri Lisesi

The Academy, located in Çengelköy, was founded in 1845 and it is one of the oldest Naval Academy in Turkey. The building was transformed into a military hospital during the Crimean War and supervised by Florence Nightingale. Once again it was converted into a hospital the First Balkan War in 1912. In the 1920’s it was converted into an orphanage. Eventually it became and military education institute after some major renovations. Along with other military schools, the Military High School closed in 2016.

10. Küçüksu Pavilion:

An elaborate hunting lodge built for Sultan Abdülmecid I on the Asian side near the Anatolian Fortress. This summer retreat has been meticulously restored and opened to the public in 1983. Today it functions as a museum with a small café. Here you can sit and enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea and watch the ships sail past.

The film enthusiasts may recognize the pavilion as the mansion of oil heiress Elektra King in Baku in the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough”. The pavilion was also featured in the popular Bollywood film “Ek Tha Tiger”.

11. Rumeli Fortress ( Rumelihisarı ):

Rumelihisari meaning ‘Fortress on the Land of the Romans’ was built atop an old Roman . The view of the fortress from the air is in the shape of Muhammad’s name in Arabic. The ottoman Rumeli fortress in the Sarıyer district on the European side dates back to 1452. It took 3,000 people and 4 months to build and has been standing strong for 5 centuries. Originally built to protect Istanbul.

After the fall of the ottoman Empire in 1453, Rumeli Castle functioned as a customs house, then as a prison and in the 19 th century it was a living castle with houses, mosques and shops. The neighborhood was destroyed in 1950. The fortress was eventually opened as an event venue including concerts/theater and today it is an open-air museum .

The Rumeli fortress was constructed by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II on the narrowest part of the Bosphorus Strait. It is directly across from the Anatolian Anadolu Fortress built by Mehmet’s great grandfather.

The restaurants and cafes in the area are famous for their breakfast service. A great weekend activity is to have a Turkish breakfast in Rumeli Hisari neighborhood, visit the museum or attend one of the may concerts or events at the fortress. Public buses 22, 22RE, 25E, 29D, 40T and 42T all stop at the fortress. Additionally you can also take the ferry from Eminönü Pier across to Emirgan Pier and walk along the river to the fortress.

12. Anatolian Fortress ( Anadoluhisarı ):

The fortress was built in 1393-1394 to allow the Ottoman army to cross from the Asian (Anatolian) side to the European side. Just south of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge spanning Bosporus, which goes just to the fortress north. Originally built on the site of the old temple dedicated to Zeus, it has been damaged by earthquakes, invasions, weather and was restored in 1993.

The fortress consists of three towers, inner and outer fortress walls and an inner rectangular tower that is 4 stories high. Over the year, its functions changed from a military fortress protecting Istanbul, a watch tower, a military prison and today it is an open-air museum however you cannot climb the fortress, just walk around its outer walls. Around the fortified walls, you will find summer homes of prominent statesman and military officials. The area is a residential neighborhood with a road that passes through the middle of the fortress whereas Rumeli Fortress has maintained its fortress characteristics.

13. Erbilgin Mansion:

The home is said to be one of the most expensive palaces in Turkey. At 5,800 sq.mtr and with 64 rooms, it was the home of the son of Sultan Abdul Hamid II “Shahzadeh Burhanuddin Effendi Yalisi”. It has exchanged hands many times including in  2015, when it was purchased by a Qatari businessman “Mane Abdul-Adi” for 100 million euros as a gift for his wife.

14. Sait Halim Pasha Mansion:

This was one of the colorful homes in Bosphorus Village. These were summer mansions of Istanbul wealthy families in the 1700 & 1800’s. These wooden mansions are called Yali and there are about 680 of them in the village.

The Bosphorus cruise map pins show the exact location of these mansions and you may be able to see them as you cruise down the Sea.

15. Tarabya (Restaurant village):

A small village on the European side in the district of Sariyer. The area was settled in the 12 th century and Tarabya comes from the Greek work Therapeia (therapy). The forests and greenery were seen as a relaxing getaway and the sultans travelled to Tarabya for hunting and fishing. The wealthy and nobility built summer houses to escape the city and the plague. Today you will find great restaurants that still draws people from the city.

Attractions in Tarabya include the Church of Aya Paraskevi, Fountains of Sultan Mahmud II and of Bezim-i-Salem Valide Sultan, the Huber Mansion (current Presidential residence) and the Grand Tarabya Hotel.

16. Sadberk Hanım Museum (in Büyükdere):

The private museum run by the Koc family is in the Büyükdere neighbourhood of Sarıyer district. It house collections from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman era. The museum used to be the summer residence of the Koc family. It is a museum worth visiting and gives you a glimpse of the past. Onsite you will find a beautiful garden, a café and a gift shop.  If you want to travel by bus, take the tram to Kabataş . From Kabataş take bus 25E to Sariyer and get off at stop named Büyükdere Mah.

17. Anadolu Kavağı Village & Yoros Fortress:

A charming village near the entrance of the Black Sea, just prior to the third Bosphorus Bridge Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The new bridge can be seen from the ruins of the Yoros fortress.

When you arrive, you will disembark near the square of this small village with a population of about 2,000 residents. It is well known for its fresh seafood including mussels and you will see a great many fish restaurants and locals enticing you to eat at one of their restaurants. Tourism and the restaurants associated with tourism has become important to the economic viability of the village.

The most prominent attractions are the Yoros Castle on the hills above the village, Cevriye Hatun Fountain from 1785 in the Anadolu Kavağı Square, Marko Pasha Mansion and the Ali Reis Mosque. Hacı Ali Reis, who had it built, lies in his tomb next to the mosque.

Yoros Fortress (Castle):

The castle dates back to the Byzantine era and was built in 1838 on the sire of the former temple in honour of Zeus. The castle was controlled by the Ottomans, then the Genoese, who renamed it Genoese Castle and then it went back under the control of the Ottoman Empire. At that time the castle changed functions into a customs office, a checkpoint for ships travelling to and from the Black Sea as well a quarantine building.

The hike to the castle is about 20-25 minutes, you will need comfortable shoes and the views are breathtaking. While the castle is in ruins, you will find the Yoros Kale Café and Restaurant near the castle that serves breakfast, daily fresh fish and other items.

Different types of Bosphorus Cruise :

Taking a cruise down the Bosphorus is the best way to experience the straight. There are three different options; the public ferry Şehir Hatlari, Private yacht and boat Cruises and Hop-on-hop-off cruise . In this article we will concentrate on the Şehir Hatlari cruise down the Bosphorus Sea

Option 1: Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari

1a.şehir hatlari bosphorus cruise.

The public ferry (Şehir Hatlari) has two main lines: the Bosphorus Cruise line and Domestic Trips. the Bosphorus Cruise line is designated as Boğaz , meaning Bosphorus and have their own embarkation port that is different from the domestic/traditional Şehir Hatlari pier used by locals and is described in option 1b. below. The Şehir Hatlari Boğaz ferry provides a specific Bosphorus cruise line with three specific options:

• a long Bosphorus cruise (takes you down to Anadolu Kavağı port) and is an all-day cruise.
• a shorter 2-hour version called a short Bosphorus cruise.
• a sunset/night/moonlight cruise along the Bosphorus.

All three in option 1a. are described in detail further down the article.

1b.Şehir Hatlari Regular Ferry down the Bosphorus (self guided Bosphorus Cruise)

Şehir Hatlari regular ferries (Domestic Trips) also travel down the Bosphorus, and you can simply travel from port to port purchasing a ticket to various ports creating your own hop-on-hop-off self guided cruise of the Bosphorus. Just buy a ticket to the stop you want to get off at, explore the area, then when you are ready to leave, buy another ticket for the next stop you want to get off at.

This would mean you would be riding on the regular ferry with the locals. The details regarding the domestic trip (self guided cruise) down the Bosphorus is provided below. This allows you to truly explore Istanbul at your own pace using the public traditional ferry as your main mode of transportation.

Option 2: Private Yachts and Boats with a local guide

However, there are some disreputable companies that are targeting unsuspecting tourists in search of a Bosphorus cruise. Many of these “scammer” are offering a cruise /tour that are costly (rates can be double or more of standard Bosphorus cruise). You will find many vendors and their representatives selling a private Bosphorus Cruise piers at Eminönü, Kabataş and Beşiktaş. Some are good value for money and others are scams and use questionable boats that may not be seaworthy. There are many options including dinner and sunset cruise down the Bosphorus.

You can personally book a private yacht by yourself from the Kabataş, Beşiktaş and Eminönü piers, or by booking online .

Option 3: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus boat / cruise Tour

Hop-on-Hop -off by the ferry company Dentur Avrasya operates a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus cruise starting at the Kabataş pier (near Dolmabahçe Palace). The cruise lasts about 2 hours to a full day depending on your stops. At each stop you can hop-on-hop-off at any off these ports Beşiktaş, Emirgan, Küçüksu, and Beylerbeyi. Keep in mind that anything offered in the way of drinks or snacks is NOT included in the price, so do not be caught off guard and have cash ready.

To save time, book your Hop-On-Hop-Off option in advance. Both Cruise and Bus options are available and include guides.

• Beşiktaş – Here you will find the Turkish Naval Museum Deniz Müzesi, interesting markets, walk to the Dolmabahçe Palace (Google map directions to Dolmabahçe Palace ) as well as a visit to the UNESCO Yildizi Palace and Park (Google map directions to Yildizi Park )
• Emirgan – is known for the Emirgan Korusu park, picnic areas and the tulip festival in April. Within the park are cafes and the Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan white villa overlooking the Bosphorus, called the Sakıp Sabancı Museum .
• Küçüksu – At this stop, you will find the neo-baroque 19 th century royal hunting lodge complete with silk rugs, Italian marble fireplaces, bohemian crystal chandeliers within an elaborately decorated setting.
• Beylerbeyi – At Beylerbeyi, you will find a lively seaside community, the royal summer palace Beylerbeyi Sariyer Harem Köşkü (Google  map directions to the Beylerbeyi Palace ), the Hamid-i Evvel Camii /mosque (Google  map directions to the Hamid-i-Evvel Mosque ) and a number of waterfront restaurants and cafes

To get to Kabataş Pier: take and the funicular from Taksim Square or the tram to the old city of Sultanahmet.

Details for the Option 1a. for a Bosphorus Cruise on the Ferry Sehir Hatlari are listed above:

Public ferry şehir hatlari short bosphorus cruise (kisa boğaz turu).

The short Bosphorus cruise is 2 hours long and departs from Eminönü Pier and stops at Üsküdar Pier and Ortaköy Pier. It does not make any stops along the way or at the end, so there is no opportunity for onshore exploration. At Ortaköy Pier, the ferry turns around and returns to the starting embarkation pier so you will not be able to get off at Ortaköy Pier. Always arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to get onboard as ferries get full during the busy season. Purchase ticket for the Şehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise from the Şehir Hatlari sales office is located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off Galatea bridge.

Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari Long Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu)

Take the public ferry Şehir Hatları Bosphorus cruise Eminönü (called Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi İskelesi) to Anadolu Kavağı. Theis a dedicated ferry for the long Bosphorus cruise and departs once at day from Eminönü in the morning. It stops along the way to pick up passengers at Beşiktaş , Üsküdar, Kanlica , Sariyer, Rumeli Kavağı and the last stop is Anadolu Kavağı Pier, just before the Black Sea. The ferry arrives at around lunchtime to Anadolu Kavağı, where passengers disembark and spend 3 hours in the area. This includes climbing the ruined fortress of seven towers on Yuşa Tepesi (Joshua’s Hill/ Yoros Castle ). It is a 20 min climb with spectacular views and there are cafés along the way and at the clifftop. Passengers then reboard the ferry to return, thus making it a long cruise.

• Anadolu Kavağı – A sleepy fishing village on the Asian side where you can get some lunch and walk to the Yoros Castle (Google map directions to Yoros Castle ). It is a steep climb of about 25 minutes with breathtaking views from the top.
• Tickets for the Şehir Hatlari long Bosphorus cruise can be obtained from the Şehir Hatlari sales office that is located on the left docks of Eminönü as you come off the Galatea bridge.

Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari Sunset / Moonlight Bosphorus Cruise ( MehtapGezisi )

The Bosphorus Cruise at dusk (departs late afternoon/early evening and follows the same route as the daytime long Bosphorus Cruise. It stops in Anadolu Kavağı for two hours for passengers to disembark, enjoy an evening meal on the waterfront and head back to Eminönü at about 10.30pm. Check the season and times as it is not always available. Sunset cruises with a local guide can also be booked online .

• Tickets for the Şehir Hatlari Moonlight Bosphorus cruise can be obtained from the Şehir Hatlari sales office which is near the Eminönü docks, close to the Galata Bridge.

Details for the Option 1b. for a Bosphorus Cruise on the public Ferry Şehir Hatlari (Domestic Trip / Traditional Ferry) from Eminönü to Sariyer (Self guided Bosphorus Cruise):

Istanbul’s public ferry Şehir Hatlari serves 48 piers using 34 passenger ferry boats via several routes including the Bosphorus sea route (not the ferry designated Bosphorus Cruise). You can catch this ferry at Eminönü Pier. Many people cruise the Bosphorus strait on the traditional ferry for 1.5 hours, get off at Sarıyer (23 km/14 miles north of Istanbul by road).

• One of these routes is from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı . The idea is to take the traditional Şehir Hatlari ferry from Eminönü , to Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı, then disembark, explore and return either from Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı. The return trip can be by the same public Şehir Hatlari ferry or returm along the coastline on a public bus (25E).
• Another route is also from is from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı but to disembark at Sariyer, explore the area and then to continue onto Anadolu Kavağı on the   Anadolu Kavaği – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyer Şehir Hatlari ferry. At Anadolu Kavağı, disembark at Anadolu Kavağı, explore the area and return back on the traditional Şehir Hatlari ferry to either Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı.
• For either of the two routes above, along the Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı route, you can get off at any of the stops on the Bosphorus. You need to buy a ticket for each stop you want to get off (your destination stop), explore the area then buy another ticket for the next stop you want to get off at.
• The Bosphorus Cruise map pins provides details of the different piers as well as images.
• The Istanbulkart can be used to purchase tickets on the traditional public ferry (not dedicated to Bosphorus cruise). In this way you would be creating your own self guided tour version of a Bosphorus cruise.
• All you would be missing is the audio guide that is on the designated Bosphorus tour (Bosphorus=Boğaz), which is glitchy at best. In other words you would be traveling from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumelikavağı (click on Eminönü departure tab) and then back using the route Sarıyer -Rumelikavağı to Eminönü (click on the Rumelikavağı departure tab).
• Tickets for the traditional/domestic ferry, public buses and trams can be purchased using the Istanbulkart.

Traditional Public Ferry from Sariyer to Anadolu Kavağı and back to Sariyer

If you want to go to Anadolu Kavağı, I suggest getting off at Sariyer, take the ferry Anadolu Kavaği – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyerı (click on Sariyer departure tab)and return to Sariyer on the same ferry Anadolu Kavağ- – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyer (click on the Poyraz departure tab) and disembarking at Sariyer. Tickets for the public ferry can be purchased using the Istanbulkart.

• Anadolu Kavağı – A sleepy fishing village on the Asian side where you can get some lunch and walk to the Yoros Castle (Google map directions to Yoros Castle ). It is a steep climb of about 25 minutes with breathtaking views from the top. This is the traditional end stop of the Long Bosphorus Cruise.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you get onboard as it can get full
• This para is a repeat???

Taking a different route back from Sariyer – Scenic bus route from Sariyer back to Taksim/ Sultanahmet / Kabataş

In Sariyer, you can take the public bus back (local bus #25E or #40) back to Taksim/ Sultanahmet/Kabataş. It is a lovely scenic ride along the coastline. Ticket purchase for the public domestic/traditional ferry and local bus can be done using your Istanbulkart.

Public Bus from Sariyer:

• Walk to the bus stop at Kocataş Sahil (google map directions from the Pier to the bus stop called Kocataş Sahil ) or walk to the bus stop at Sar iyer, Merkez (google map directions from the Pier to the bus stop Sarıyer Merkez ). At either bus stop you can catch the bus #25E. (Check when the buses are running and weekend schedules).
• To Taksim: from the Kabataş bus stop, walk 95m (1 min) southwest (straight ahead after you disembark) along the main road Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. to the Kabataş Funicular station and take the funicular (one stop metro) to Taksim.
• To Sultanahmet: from the Kabataş bus stop, cross the street and take the tram T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar to Sultanahmet. An easy way to cross the street is to walk straight ahead to the Funicular station and take the pedestrian tunnel under the main street to cross over.
• There are many attractions along the way back, if you want to get off and explore. You will have to purchase tickets again if you want to board the bus and continue the journey back.
• Do not take Bus 25T towards Sariyer-Taksim, it is a longer and less scenic route.

Taking a different route back from Rumeli Kava – Scenic bus route from Rumeli Kavağı back to Taksim/Sultanahmet/ Kabataş

Disembark at Rumeli Kavağıand take the public bus #25E back to Taksim/Sultanahmet/Kabataş.

• At either bus stop catch the bus #25E to Kabataş bus stop.
• When you reach Kabataş bus stop, simply take the funicular (one stop metro) to Taksim or catch the T1 Tram across the street to Sultanahmet

What is the Istanbulkart

Purchasing the Istanbul card is advisable if you are using public transport such as the local bus, Şehir Hatlari public ferry route and the tram system. It is a plastic card and can be used as tickets by touching or holding it over the card reader when boarding or going through the turnstile. We used one card for the whole family, touched it as many times as the number of people and topped it up as needed. There is no need to sign out when disembarking, its only used to enter the public transportation system.

The card, which looks like a credit card, can be purchased at ticket booths, tobacco shops and newsstands/kiosks. You can refill at designated kiosks located at any major bus, tram, to metro station, as well as some other places such as newspaper stands close to bus stops. They can also be refilled at the bus ticket vending machines. If you re using the vending machine, do not use large bills as the machine does not give out change and the entire amount will be loaded into the card.

Additional information can be found at Istanbulkart, call +90 212 444 1871 or download the app.

How to use the Istabnulkart

There is a non-refundable fee to buy the card. Then the card is loaded, and amounts are deducted as you use the card. The card can be used for transfers within a 2 hour window and the first transfer is 15min after activating the ride and it allows for 5 transfers within the 2 hour window. Use the card on trams, funicular, public buses, light rail, marmaray, underground metro, the tram system and the public/domestic ferry (as millions of locals cross the Bosphorus to go to work). It cannot be used with private tour companies that offer Bosphorus toursor the hop-on-hop-off tours.

We brought our old iphone to Turkey and purchased a local SIM card for internet packages available to tourist. This was a great way to travel and explore Istanbul.  I would highly recommend this: the sim cards can be topped up. Purchase of the SIM card can be done at one of the official cell phone companies and you will be looking to purchase a plan available to tourists. Your tourist status will need to be verified by showing them your passport so you will need to bring itwhen purchasing the sim card. Passports are not required for top ups.

Video: Anadolu Kavağı

Şehir hatları, eminönü, istanbul, turkey.

Boğaz İskelesi Ferry Dock, Eminönü, Istanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 313 8000 Website: sehirhatlari.com.tr Facebook: sehirhatlari Twitter: sehir_hatlari Instagram: sehir_hatlari YouTube: sehirhatlari1 Flickr: sehirhatlari Email: [email protected]

You will find the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus sales offices to the left Eminönü dock when exiting off the Galata Bridge. If you want a small group, private, luxury or personal cruise with a local guide, these can be booked online .

How to get to Bosphorus Cruise port:

From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Eminönü station. Walk to the ferry dock and look for the Şehir Hatları ticketing office pictured in the pdf map (image 3 – Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi İskelesi – ticket office)

• Your Guide To The Perfect...

Bosphorus Cruises: Exploring Istanbul by Boat

The shimmering expanse of the Bosphorus strait divides Istanbul ’s European and Asian sides. Viewing this mesmerising city from one of the many ferries and tour boat s that continually cross the Bosphorus offers a new dimension to this destination.

Explore this historic waterway between the shores of Europe and Asia on Culture Trip’s 12-day group tour, where you’ll get to glimpse the architectural highlights of Istanbul , such as the Rumeli Fortress.

Spanned by three awe-inspiring suspension bridges and linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara , the vibrant Bosphorus waterway is a busy commercial shipping route, yet one that is also crossed constantly by passenger ferries and tourist vessels. Viewing Istanbul from the water offers arguably the finest panorama of this amazing city, bringing to life Asian and European vistas and a shore that is lined with fabulous palaces, stunning mosques and imposing public buildings, as well as small inlets and fishing villages as you head further away from the metropolis.

The different seasons, and even different times of the day, enhance and alter the perspective. To cruise the Bosphorus, whether on a tourist vessel, private yacht or public ferry, is to see Istanbul in all its glory.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Boat Tour

This cruise stops at locations along the Bosphorus , offering the chance to discover the palaces, mosques and bridges of Istanbul . Explore different neighbourhoods at your leisure with a cruise ticket that’s valid for the day. If you stay on the vessel and do the full tour in one take, it lasts just over an hour and a half, or you can get off at each stop and catch the next boat one or two hours later.

Starting and finishing at Kabataş Pier, the stops are Emirgan, Küçüksu, Beylerbeyi and Beşiktaş, each with its own focus of interest. Emirgan offers the chance to see an 18th-century mosque and enjoy a Turkish coffee or a shoreline stroll; Küçüksu is renowned for a 19th-century Neo-Baroque royal hunting pavilion; Beylerbeyi hosts a royal summer palace and mosque; while Beşiktaş on the European side has interesting markets. By returning to Kabatas, it is possible to take the funicular to popular destinations like Taksim or the tram to the old city of Sultanahmet.

Official ferry companies

Istanbul ’s official ferry company is Şehir Hatları and it offers Bosphorus tours to suit all budgets, timescales and preferences. The options are the Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, the Full Bosphorus Cruise and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. The schedule changes with the seasons, so check departure times online or at the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus lines sales office, which is near the Eminönü docks, close to the Galata Bridge.

The Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise (Kisa Boğaz Turu) lasts two hours and runs daily from April until the end of October, departing from Eminönü to İstinye past the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (the second main suspension bridge).

The Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu) lasts six hours and departs from Eminönü, going all the way to the Black Sea. It passes Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kanlıca and Sarıyer. Disembark at Anadolu Kavağı – the last harbour before the Black Sea – to visit the fortress or have some lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants. With several departures a day, there is also an audio guide explaining some 70 points of interest in 10 different languages.

The Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi) departs at 5.30pm and offers a whole new perspective on the city, following the same route as the full daytime tour but leaving at dusk for spectacular sunset views of the city. It stops in Anadolu Kavagi for two hours for guests to enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore and heads back to Eminönü at about 10.30pm. However, it is only available on Saturdays in July and August, so check departures.

Morning Bosphorus boat Tour with Local Guide

Join Culture Trip’s exclusive small-group adventure to Turkey and your guided Bosphorus cruise will be arranged for you during your stay in Istanbul . After taking in all the vibrant maritime activity on the strait – and glimpsing sites like Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Rumeli Fortress – you’ll disembark at the historic neighbourhood of Kozguncuk to join a food-tasting tour of Turkish specialities, away from the bustle of the city.

Otherwise, you can arrange your own morning tour to see the palaces, bridges and villas on the European and Asian sides of Istanbul . A two-hour tour starts at a meeting point on Divanyolu Street in the Sultanahmet area, where guests return to after the voyage to continue exploring the heart of the city.

Zoe Yacht Bosphorus Cruises

Feeling fancy? You can hire a private yacht for the day through Zoe Yacht Bosphorus Cruises . Locally owned and managed, the 17-metre (56-foot) motor vessel operates a range of daily private cruises and yacht charters. Tours include sightseeing, sunset and dinner cruises, plus routes along the Bosphorus, the Black Sea, Golden Horn and Princes’ Islands, and is suitable for couples, families or small groups of up to 12.

A typical itinerary for a two-hour private Istanbul sightseeing cruise will offer views of the shoreline on the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus, passing the waterfront Dolmabahçe Palace, Çiragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge, Anadolu Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. Take in the view from the sundeck, lounge or flybridge, while the crew take care of the yacht and guests. Zoe Yacht can also help organise bigger boat s for bigger groups.

Standard shuttles

One of the best ways to enjoy the Bosphorus is to join the thousands of local citizens who cross the strait daily on one of the standard shuttles. Despite the three suspension bridges and the Eurasia road tunnel, plus the metro system, many locals still use – and enjoy – the scheduled ferry services to get about the city. A favourite route among commuters is Eminönü to Kadıköy, which takes you from Europe to Asia and offers stunning perspectives of the city.

The cosmopolitan Kadıköy neighbourhood on Istanbul ’s Asian shore is renowned for its vibrant fish and produce market, atmospheric streets and buildings, boutiques, bookshops, cafés and eateries – which is why it features as another site visited on Culture Trip’s carefully curated tour of Istanbul . Your street food tasting tour will continue here, with authentic snacks like kaymak (buffalo cream cheese with honey), stuffed vine leaves, durum kebab and exquisite baklava on the menu.

Kadıköy is also where the landmark Haydarpaşa rail terminal stands. Departing Eminönü at sunset offers epic views across the Sea of Marmara to Sultanahmet, with the Topkapı Palace and the minarets of the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya silhouetted against the skyline.

In addition to the Eminönü to Kadıköy crossing, there are numerous other routes to select from the timetable to criss-cross the Bosphorus at your leisure and sip a glass of çay (tea) on deck as you go.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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A Day on the Bosphorus-Istanbul

Last Updated on November 18, 2023

Here's a  full-day itinerary  for exploring the  Bosphorus  in  Istanbul :  cruise  on a  traditional  Şehir Hatları  ferry  from Eminönü  near the  Galata Bridge  up the  Southern Bosphorus  to the  Northern Bosphorus , get off the boat and have lunch in  Sarıyer , then travel south by land along the  European shore , stopping at the major sights which you glimpsed as you cruised north. (For a  shorter 1.5-hour cruise , go by  TurYol boat .)

First thing is to get to the  Boğaz İskelesi Ferry Dock  in  Eminönü.

You can easily walk to the dock from  Sirkeci hotels , walk or take the  Kabataş tram  from  Sultanahmet  or  Beyazıt hotels . From Taksim Square hotels , take the  Füniküler  to  Kabataş , then the  Bağcılar tram  to  Eminönü .

9:30 to 10:00 am: Go to Eminönü Boğaz İskelesi Ferry Dock Although the ferry doesn't depart until 10:35 am,  get to the dock early  to buy your ticket. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to  stand in the sun (or rain)  after that until the ferry departs.

10:35 am:  Bosphorus Cruise  Departure See the pages on  Bosphorus Sights ,  Southern Bosphorus , Northern Bosphorus  and  European Shore  for details.

10:50 am:  Beşiktaş  Dock

11:15 am: Kanlıca   Dock

11:30 am: Yeniköy   Dock

11:45 am: Sarıyer Dock

Here's an alternative schedule to return south by land. (For transport options south from  Sarıyer , see the  Bosphorus European Shore page .)

11:45 am - 13:30  (1:30 pm):   Sarıyer Leave the ferryboat when it docks at Sarıyer. Stroll around busy Sarıyer, enjoy the ambience and choose a place for lunch, preferably one of the seafood restaurants on the  Bosphorus shore. If you only want to see Sarıyer and perhaps the  beach  at  Kilyos  or the  Sadberk Hanım Museum , you can re-board the ferry for the southward trip when it returns from Anadolu Kavağı to Sarıyer in mid-afternoon.

13:45 - 15:00  (1:45 - 3 pm):  Sadberk Hanım Museum Spend an hour or so in this marvelous art and antiquities museum.  More...

15:45 - 16:45  (3:45 - 4:45 pm):   Rumeli Hisarı Fortress Climb the castle walls for the marvelous views.  More...

17:00 - 18:00  (5 - 6 pm):   Ortaköy Stop here for a rest, a drink hot or cold, a snack or meal, and some pleasant people-watching. Don't miss the ornate  Ortaköy mosque .  More...

19:00  (7 pm):   Eminönü Return to  Eminönü  in time to clean up and go out to dinner.

View  Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul, Turkey  in a larger map

—by  Tom Brosnahan

Southern Bosphorus Sights

Northern Bosphorus Sights

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About Bosphorus Cruises

About The Bosphorus

Dolmabahçe Palace

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About Istanbul

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Bosphorus Cruise Day Trips

One of the best ways to explore Istanbul and its famous attractions is to go on a day trip to Bosphorus Cruises , which show you the best sights of the city from the sea. Start your journey from the Kabatas Pier and tour the Bosphorus waterway which separates the European side from the Asian side. From the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, take a convenient transportation to the docks from where you can enjoy a two to three-hour-long cruise along the Bosphorus strait and the Black Sea.

Photograph scenic locations such as the Dolmabahce Palace , Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Rumeli Fortress as you listen to guided audio describing the history and presence of these renowned attractions. View the city from a different angle aboard the Bosphorus day cruises on a half-day excursion while you savour some delicious Turkish snacks and sweets against the backdrop of Istanbul’s beautiful skyline. Day cruises are one of the best tours to go for in Istanbul if you want to explore the city from a different perspective. 

Bosphorus Day Cruise Options

• Hop aboard a 1.5-hour-long cruise along the magnificent Bosphorus waterway and enjoy the stunning panorama of Istanbul from the sea. 
• Your cruise will start from the Dentur Avrasya Kabatas and take you across famous landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, the Golden Horn, Ortakoy mosque, and the famous Hagia Sophia Museum .  
• Gain an insight into the history of these monuments as you listen to a free audio guide available in 9 different languages.
• Click scenic pictures against the spectacular views of Istanbul on this guided tour which is one of the best Bosphorus Day Cruises options. 

• Learn about the past and present of Istanbul on the Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise which will take you through picturesque locations in Istanbul.
• Cruise along the most important Bosphorus Waterway which separated Europe from Asia while listening to the guided audio explaining the historical past of Istanbul. 
• On one of the most exciting Bosphorus Day Cruises, your journey will begin from the old city on the European side and end through the Asian side of the waterway.
• Along the way, catch a glimpse of the majestic landmarks of Istanbul such as the Bosphorus Bridge , Ciragan Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Maiden Tower.

You Must Checkout: Hotels Near Topkapi Palace

• See Istanbul’s most stunning attractions from the sea as you set sail on a private cruise on a luxury yacht.
• See some of the most famous attractions like the Rumeli Fortress, the 19th-century Dolmabahce palace, and the iconic Galata and Maiden’s Tower, and avoid the hassle of visiting each sight separately. 
• Relax and enjoy refreshing lemonade and delicious Turkish sweets like Baklava as you sail the sea on your own private yacht.
• This is one of the best Bosphorus Day Cruises to choose from if you wish to spend some quality time with your friends or family while enjoying the panoramic views of Istanbul.

You can Also Experience Private Yacht Bosphorus Cruise

• Hop on an evening tour of Istanbul across the Bosphorus Strait on a Golden Horn boat tour. 
• Experience the panoramic view of the sky at the best hour of the day when Istanbul is bathed in the golden shine of the sun. 
• Dive into the culture and history of Istanbul as you listen to the fascinating stories of the city while cruising through landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Maiden’s Tower.
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and Turkish snacks as you soak in the mesmerising skyline of Istanbul at this time.

Must Experience: Golden Horn And Bosphorus Cruise

• Tour the thrilling yet relaxing Bosphorus Day Cruises from Europe to Asia along the Bosphorus Strait and the waters of the Black Sea.
• Enjoy a savory lunch and watch famous landmarks in three different spots which include the Ortakoy where the Ottoman era sultans spent their summers, Rumeli Hisari fortress, and the Kucuksu palace. 
• Go for a swim in the black sea at the coastal village of Poyrazkoy or opt for a more adventurous experience by exploring the ruins of Anadolu Kavagi.

You can Also Checkout:: Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Day Cruise

• See the best sights of Istanbul aboard one of the best half-day Bosphorus Day Cruises while having lunch in the middle of the sea. 
• Learn about the history of Istanbul as you pass through the renowned architectural marvels of Istanbul from the boat while enjoying a midday lunch.
• Avail of the facility of hotel pick and drop service to enjoy a hassle-free cruise experience.
• You can even ask an expert guide about the past and present of the city.

Also Experience: Bosphorus Cruise With Lunch

Why To Go For Bosphorus Cruise?

• Be amazed by the beauty of Istanbul as you sail upon the Bosphorus Day Cruises across the Bosphorus Strait and the famous landmarks of the city.
• The Bosphorus Waterway is a historic waterway separating Europe and Asia situated in the heart of the city of Istanbul.
• Immerse in the rich past and present of Istanbul through audio guides and historic landmarks that can be seen from the cruise.
• You will be able to see the famous Hagia Sophia, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and many other sites all at once through the cruise. 
• Savour delicious food and Turkish delicacies like Baklava while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere at sea.
• Admire the beautiful skyline of the city at the golden hour of the day when the city is soaked in the golden colour of the sun. 

Must Visit: Sufera Hall of Dolmabahce Palace

Get Best Deals on Bosphorus Cruises

FAQs for Bosphorus Cruise Day Trips

How long does the bosphorus cruise take.

The duration of the Bosphorus cruise depends on the type of cruise chosen. A sightseeing cruise where you can enjoy seeing the famous landmarks of Istanbul can last anywhere between 2 to 10 hours while a lunch or dinner cruise experience usually ranges between 3.5 hours to 4 hours. 

What all attractions can we see while cruising the Bosphorus?

The Bosphorus Day Cruises take visitors through renowned landmarks that surround the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. These include the historic Topkapi Palace and Rumeli Fortress, the beautiful Hagia Sophia Museum, the twin towers of Galata and Maiden, and the Kucuksu Palace among others. 

Must Read - Basilica Cistern Facts

What are other Bosphorus Cruise options available?

There are several Bosphorus cruise options to choose from such as the Private Bosphorus tours which offer a luxury and private experience at sea, the Dining cruise where you can enjoy dinner by the shimmering city lights of the city and the yacht sightseeing cruise options. 

What are the things to do in Istanbul other than the Bosphorus Cruise?

• Visit Hagia Sophia: A church turned mosque and now a museum, a visit to Istanbul is not complete without visiting the famous Hagia Sophia.
• See Basilica Cistern:  Located close to Hagia Sophia, explore the ancient basilica cistern which was built during the Byzantine period. 
• Shop at Grand Bazaar: Shop at this colourful market which features more than 3,000 shops. 
• Take a guided tour to Topkapi Palace : Visit the Topkapi Palace which was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and now stands as a museum.

Where does the Bosphorus tour start from?

Most Bosphorus tours start from the Kabatas Pier, located across tram line T1 and funicular F1. However, it is still advised to check your ticket for the exact location of departure. 

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Bosphorus boat tours & sightseeing cruises

Select Your Experience

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Escape the city traffic and set sail on this 90-minute boat ride that shows you the best sights along the Bosphorus Strait.
• At the pier, a Marine Officer will meet and greet you and give you an overview of the things you will be seeing.
• You will also be given a handy map of the Bosphorus to help you identify the best spots along the way and an informative audio guide that is available in 8 languages.
• Glance over at Istanbul’s most beautiful attractions including Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Ortaköy Mosque.
• Take photographs as you pass under the legendary Bosphorus Bridge that connects Europe and Asia.
• 90-minute Bosphorus cruise
• Audio guide available in 8 languages
• Food and drinks
• Duration : 90 minutes
• Start Point & End Point : Kabatas Pier
• What you'll see : Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
• Board your cruise at Kabataş (Ş.Hatları) .
• Address: Kabataş (Ş.Hatları), Türkiye.
• Get Directions to the Boarding Point
• Don’t forget to bring along your headphones to listen to the audio tour.
• The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
• Please note: There is limited internet at the pier so please download the app before the tour.
• The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded but ensure you have activated GPS.
• These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Old City

• Experience Istanbul in its essence by way of the picturesque Bosphorus Cruise and discover the most important waterway that separates Europe and Asia.
• The cruise will set its sail from Old City on the European side and halt on the Asian side after covering various historical landmarks.
• Gasp in awe as you witness magnificent sights such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and other historical landmarks.
• Learn about the centuries of history that resonates with the city of Istanbul with the help of an audio guide app available in 10 languages.
• Note: Your cruise will leave from Üsküdar Ferry Terminal, a quick 5-min walk from the Eminönü bus stop.
• Bosphorus tour map
• Audio guide app in 10 languase (EN, DE, ES, AR, RU, FR, IT, CN, TR, PL)
• Hotel transfers

Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee

• Sail the Bosphorus in style on a 2.5-hour luxury yacht cruise, exploring Istanbul's stunning sights.
• Enjoy a small-group experience with a professional tour guide, ensuring a personalized and informative journey.
• Experience a stopover in Kanlica on the Asian side, and treat yourself to its famous local yogurt.
• Indulge in tasty snacks, fruits, Turkish coffee, and more as you admire iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Leander Tower from aboard.
• 2.5-hour cruise on a luxury yacht
• Professional tour guide
• Savory pastry
• Turkish coffee served with Turkish delight
• Turkish tea
• Tip: Opt for the morning cruise to start your day with stunning views and avoid the afternoon heat.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Fast Track Princes' Islands Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide

• Your boarding point is at Kabatas Pier. There will be a Marine Officer there who will welcome you, give you the cruise plan, and brief you on your journey.
• Make your way to Büyükada, or 'Big Island,' an island that has no vehicles other than emergency transportation, bicycles, or carriages.
• Explore the ruins of Trotsky’s house, St. George’s Church, and a 19th-century pharmacy.
• Listen to the Bosphorus audio guide on your own smartphone, available in 10 languages.
• Round-trip ticket to the Princes' Island
• Fast-track entry on the boat from the online ticket window
• Bosphorus audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages
• Tip: The Princes' Islands offer breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery!
• The audio guide is available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.

Combo: Dolmabahce Palace + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets

• Save big with this combo as you explore the brilliant architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace and cruise under the pleasant sun on the Bosphorus Strait.
• Skip the lines at the palace and explore its impressive blend of Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles with your English-speaking guide.
• Roam around at your own pace and access the Harem section while listening to your multilingual audioguide.
• Go to the pier for your cruise and enjoy marvelous sights along the European and Asian coastline while tuning in to the audio guide app.
• Enjoy the scenic Bosphorus cruise, passing by Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Dolmabahce Palace
• 15-min Dolmabahce Palace Highlights Tour
• English-speaking guide
• Skip the line admission to Dolmabahce Palace
• Access to the Harem section
• Unlimited stay inside the palace
• Audio guide in 15 languages

Bosphorus Cruise

• 75-min cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
• Audio guide app in 9 languages
• Transfer between the palace and the pier
• Tip: April to May and Sept to Nov are the best months to visit Istanbul, the weather is more pleasant, the crowds are thinner and the city is alive with many festivals.
• An ID is required to access the free audio guide at the Dolmabahce Palace.
• The Dolmabahce Palace audio guide is available in 15 languages.
• Note that during the winter season (November 1 to March 31), the palace opens around 9am and closes around 4pm.
• Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.

Bosphorus Crusie

• The audio guide app for the Bosphorus Cruise is only accessible on Android version 10 or later.
• The audio guide is available in 9 languages: English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.

Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

• Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days .
• Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
• Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with a guided tour.
• Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
• Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
• 60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
• 30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
• 60-min Hagia Sophia guided tour with skip-the-line entry
• 90-min Blue Mosque guided tour with entry
• 90-min Bosphorus Cruise ticket
• English-speaking guide for all attractions
• Audio app in 10 languages
• Hagia Sophia Mosque
• Blue Mosque
• Bosphorus Cruise Tickets

Topkapi Palace

• Basilica Cistern
• Tip: Topkapi Palace's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. You get to photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceilings.
• The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
• Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
• For Hagia Sophia, Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Their hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don't have a scarf or covering, it can be purchased at the entrance, at your own expense.
• With this admission ticket (except for Hagia Sophia), you will skip the ticket line, but not the security line. During high season, the security check could take up to 30 minutes.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.

Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Cruise

• Unlock the magic of Istanbul with this cost-saving combo that grants skip-the-line access to Basilica Cistern and a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
• Witness the majestic grandeur of Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century marvel, and discover its Byzantine history from your audio guide.
• Explore the historic site with an audio guide, including famous attractions like the Hen’s Eye Column and Medusa Pillar Bases.
• Set sail on a relaxing 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, capturing the beauty of Istanbul and its skyline viewed from a unique perspective.
• Benefit from the multilingual audio guide, acquainting you with the fascinating tales of the landmarks you cross like the Bosphorus Bridge and Hagia Sophia.

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

• Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
• Multilingual audio guide

Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

• 2-hour Bosphorus cruise
• Tip: Try the Medusa Heads Challenge - Find the two Medusa heads in the northwest corner of the cistern. One is upside down while the other is sideways.
• It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• The attraction is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
• Tip: Buy and sample some of the delicious local Turkish snacks available on the boat.
• There is limited internet at the pier so please download the app before the tour.
• Galata Tower
• Ciragan Palace
• Ortaköy Mosque
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Maiden Tower
• Hagia Sophia
• Seaside Villas
• These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, they are valid for an extended period of time.
• These tickets are valid for an extended duration. The exact details will be present on the ticket.

3-Hour Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Shows

• What better way to explore a place than by experiencing its authentic cuisine, culture, and entertainment; find it all on this Bosphorus cruise!
• Start your sail by meeting your host at Kabatas Port (near Dolmabahce Palace) and onboard your boat named "Pereme" for an unforgettable time.
• Be amused by the cultural landmarks like Ortakoy Mosque, the Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge, and more as you sail.
• Dig into authentic Turkish food, optional drinks, and tea and coffee that make this cruise a delightful experience.
• Stay entertained through the evening with belly dancing performances, rhythm shows, and groove to the beats of the DJ.
• 3-hour cruise along Bosphorus
• Air-conditioned boat
• Dinner (menu here )
• Dance Shows (Belly Dancer group, Whirling dervish)
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Unlimited alcoholic drinks (optional)
• Hotel transfers (optional)
• English/Spanish/Arabic-speaking host or greeter
• Rhythm Show, DJ Performance, Turkish Coffee and Tea
• Tip: Request the staff to place you at a nice spot on the boat if you'd like to enjoy the views without obstruction.
• This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
• This experience has optional drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic) based on your preference.
• The Entree also comes with 4 options.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s iconic Bosphorus Strait on captivating Bosphorus boat tours. Offering a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and panoramic vistas, these sightseeing cruises invite guests to explore the enchanting waterway that divides Europe and Asia. Glide past majestic palaces, ancient fortresses, and picturesque neighbourhoods while soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul’s skyline. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover or simply seeking a unique way to experience the city, Bosphorus sightseeing cruises promise an enriching adventure for all. Read on to learn more about Bosphorus boat tours and sightseeing cruises.

Navigate your Bosphorus boat tour guide

Why go on a bosphorus boat tour.

• Things to know before booking your Bosphorus boat tour tickets
• Your Bosphorus boat tour and sightseeing cruise options

Top sights to see on your Bosphorus boat tours & sightseeing cruises

Plan your bosphorus boat tour & sightseeing cruise experience, other types of bosphorus cruises, frequently asked questions about bosphorus boat tours & sightseeing cruises.

Spectacular views

Marvel at Istanbul’s iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point, including the majestic Bosphorus Bridge and historic waterfront mansions.

Rich history

Immerse yourself in centuries of history as you sail past ancient fortresses, Ottoman palaces, and Byzantine relics.

Cultural insights

Gain fascinating insights into Istanbul’s diverse culture and heritage through onboard commentary and guided tours.

Unforgettable sunsets

Experience the magic of a Bosphorus sunset cruise, where the sky ignites with hues of orange and pink, creating a romantic ambience.

Local flavors

Indulge in delectable Turkish cuisine and traditional delights onboard, while enjoying live music and entertainment.

Things to know before booking your Bosphorus boat tour tickets 

• If you want a structured sightseeing experience: Opt for guided sightseeing cruises. They come with informative commentary about Istanbul’s landmarks. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages for enhanced understanding.
• If you want a premium and intimate cruising experience: Go for one of the luxury yacht cruises, which include luxury amenities like snacks, Turkish coffee, and personalized service.
• If you’re staying in the Old City: Take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise that departs from central locations in Istanbul’s historic Old City area. They are a convenient option as they provide easy access to Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruises.
• If you want to visit the Princes’ Islands: Round trip ferry tickets with fast-track access are great for day trips to the serene Princes’ Islands. They include transfers to and from the islands, and audio guides are also available onboard to learn about the islands’ history and attractions.

Your Bosphorus boat tour & sightseeing cruise options

Guided sightseeing cruises

Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul

• Enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and learn about the iconic landmarks you pass by with the free audio guide, available in multiple languages.
• Duration: 2 hours

2-Hour Boat Tour in Bosphorus

• Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the Bosphorus Strait and get historical insights about the sights you see from the expert guide.

Luxury yacht cruises

• Relax on a luxurious cruising experience and explore Istanbul’s Kanlica neighbourhood on the Asian side with gourmet snacks and Turkish coffee onboard.
• Duration: 2.5 hours

2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul

• Experience an exclusive and personalized yacht cruise that is perfect for small gatherings. Upgrade your tickets for luxury transfers, a delicious meal, or a beverage of your choice.

From Istanbul’s Old City

Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise from the Old City of Istanbul

• Explore the Golden Horn on the only Bosphorus sightseeing cruise that includes this historic waterway, and admire Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks.
• Embark on a guided Bosphorus sightseeing cruise from the Old City to experience Istanbul in all its beauty and learn about its centuries’ old history.
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes 

To & from Princes’ Islands

Fast Track Princes Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide

• Take a break from Istanbul’s vibrant energy and have a relaxing day at the Princes’ Islands. Enjoy round trip ferry tickets to explore its well-preserved historic landmarks and serene beaches with informative audio guides.
• Duration: Varies depending on the chosen ferry schedule and island exploration time.

Find your best Bosphorus boat tour & sightseeing cruise match here

Bosphorus sightseeing cruise map.

The majestic 15th-century Topkapi Palace was the former residence and main administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans.

• Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul - 10:30am to 4pm
• 2-Hour Boat Tour in Bosphorus - 12pm to 3:30pm
• Combo: Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets - 10am to 6pm
• Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee - 10:30am to 2pm
• 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul - 3pm to 5pm
• Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise from the Old City of Istanbul - 12:20pm to 3:50pm
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Old City - 12pm to 3:30pm
• Fast Track Princes Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide - 9:45am to 11:45am

High season vs low season

• April to May & September to November: Spring and autumn mark Istanbul's off-peak season, offering mild weather and temperatures averaging 12-25°C. With fewer tourists, these are the optimal months to take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.
• Summer (June to August): Istanbul's peak tourist season boasts clear skies and sunny weather. But summers can get very hot. The city also sees large tourist crowds and your expenses are likely to be higher.

Weekends vs weekdays

• Weekdays offer the best opportunity for a serene Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. This way, you can avoid the weekend crowds and have a relaxed sailing experience.

Best time of the day

• Daytime: Taking a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise during the daytime provides excellent views of Istanbul's historic landmarks from the water, allowing you to take stunning photographs.
• Evening: At sunset, the city is bathed in golden light, with its landmarks silhouetted against the darkening sky, forming a breathtaking panorama.
• Night: At night, the city is a mesmerizing sight, lit up against the night sky and reflected in the Bosphorus.

• By tram: Take tram T1 to Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu tram station.
• By bus: Take bus 22, 22B, 26, 26A, 26B, 27E, 27SE, 28, 28T, 29C, 29D, 30D, 40T, or others to Kabataş bus stop.
• By metro (underground funicular): Take the F1 line of the metro’s underground funicular route to Kabataş inclined railway station.
• By tram: Take tram T1 to Gülhane istasyonu or Sultanahmet tram stations.
• By bus: Take bus lines 28T, 30D, 46Ç, 47E, 99A, BN1, or EM1 to Akbıyık bus stop.
• By bus: Take bus lines 28, 28T, 30D, 22, 22B, DT1, D31, BSK1, or BSK2. The closest bus stops are Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Kabataş.

The pier is a 5-minute walk from Dolmabahce Palace.

• By bus: Take bus lines 22, 22B, or 26. The closest bus stop is Kabataş (Ş.Hatları).
• By bus: Take bus lines 22, 22RE, 29D, 40, or 40T to Boğaziçi Üniversitesi bus stop.
• By metro (underground funicular): Take the F4 line of the metro’s underground funicular route to Aşıyan inclined railway station.
• By tram: Take tram T1 to Sultanahmet tram station.
• By bus: Take bus lines 26, 33E, 33TE, 79E, or 92 to Eminönü İskele bus stop.
• By tram: Take tram T1 to Sirkeci İstasyonu tram station.

• Audio guide commentary is available in multiple languages.
• Onboard refreshments are available for purchase.
• Guided tour with expert commentary.
• Refreshments are provided onboard.
• Access to restroom facilities.
• Guided tour of Dolmabahce Palace, including entrance fees.
• Bosphorus cruise with informative commentary.
• Convenient transportation between the palace and the cruise departure point.
• Gourmet snacks and Turkish coffee are provided onboard.
• Exclusive access to luxury yacht amenities.
• Personalized service from attentive crew members.
• Private yacht rental for a customizable cruising experience.
• Personalized itinerary.
• Professional captain and crew members included.
• Refreshments and snacks are provided onboard.
• Guided tour with informative commentary.
• Fast-track ferry tickets to the Princes’ Islands.
• Audio guide commentary is available onboard.

• Ample seating arrangements are available onboard for passengers to relax and enjoy the cruise comfortably.
• Restrooms are conveniently located onboard for the convenience of passengers during the cruise.
• Snacks, beverages, and refreshments are available for purchase onboard. 
• Shaded areas are provided onboard to protect passengers from the sun during daytime cruises.
• Open-air observation decks are available for passengers to enjoy panoramic views and take memorable photographs. 
• Safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency exits, are provided onboard for passenger safety.

• Arrive at the boarding point early to secure your preferred seating and avoid any last-minute rush.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience onboard.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning views along the Bosphorus during the cruise.
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during warm weather conditions.
• Pay attention to safety briefings provided by crew members for a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.
• Show respect for fellow passengers and crew members by maintaining appropriate behaviour during the cruise.

Bosphorus dinner cruises

Indulge in a luxurious dining experience onboard while admiring the illuminated Istanbul skyline along the Bosphorus at night.

Bosphorus evening cruises

Witness the breathtaking sunset over Istanbul's horizon and enjoy an enchanting evening cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait.

Bosphorus yacht tours

Experience the ultimate luxury with a private yacht tour, offering personalized itineraries and exclusive amenities for a memorable voyage.

Bosphorus boat tours are sightseeing cruises along the Bosphorus Strait, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s landmarks and historical sites.

There are various types of Bosphorus sightseeing cruises available, including guided sightseeing cruises, luxury yacht tours, and combo tours that include other Istanbul landmarks.

It's advisable to book Bosphorus boat tour and sightseeing cruise tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure preferred departure times and avoid disappointment.

Bosphorus sightseeing cruise tickets start from €12. Prices vary depending on the type of sightseeing cruise and inclusions, ranging from budget-friendly options to more luxurious experiences.

A typical Bosphorus sightseeing cruise includes a guided tour or an audio guide with expert commentary. Depending on the sightseeing cruise experience that you choose, refreshments or snacks onboard might be included or available for purchase.

The duration of a Bosphorus boat tour or sightseeing cruise varies depending on the chosen tour package, ranging from 1 to 3 hours on average.

The main attractions seen during a Bosphorus boat tour include the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and many others.

Yes, many Bosphorus sightseeing cruises offer audio guides in multiple languages to provide informative commentary during the cruise.

Yes, Bosphorus sightseeing cruises typically operate year-round, with schedules adjusted according to seasonal demand and weather conditions.

The best time to take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are smaller.

Accessibility may vary on Bosphorus sightseeing cruises depending on the type of tour.

Yes, children are generally allowed on Bosphorus sightseeing cruises, but age restrictions may apply for certain tour packages or activities.

Yes, pets and guide dogs are generally allowed on Bosphorus sightseeing cruises.

About the Bosphorus Strait

Sights to see on Bosphorus cruises

Bosphorus lunch cruises

The Best Bosphorus Cruise for Your Travel Style in 2024

Looking for the best way to tour Istanbul’s incredible Bosphorus Strait tailored to your own unique travel style? Lori and I loved our Bosphorus cruise and wanted to make it super straightforward for others thinking about embarking on their own unforgettable journey.

These are the top choices to consider for 2024 —based on a range of reviews from hundreds of travelers, as well as our own personal experience cruising the Bosphorus—plus helpful, first-hand tips you won’t find anywhere else!

1. Luxury Sunset Cruise

2. bosphorus + black sea cruise, 3. taste of two continents tour, 4. istanbul must-see tour, 5. private luxury yacht cruise, 6. turyol & dentur bosphorus cruises, 7. sehir hatlari cruise, bosphorus tour vs. public ferry, services & rates, where to buy tickets & board, bosphorus cruise tour itinerary, how much does a bosphorus cruise cost, what is the bosphorus cruise famous for, how long is the bosphorus cruise, visiting istanbul, turkey read next, 7 best bosphorus cruise tours based on your travel style.

From two-hour private luxury and sunset cruises to full day experiences for a range of budgets, Lori and I have included a range of options for every type of travel style and budget.

Our Top Pick for 2024

Add a splash of style and romance to your Bosphorus cruise with this 2.5-hour Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht . Our #1 pick offers an unforgettable sunset tour with onboard guide and complimentary drinks and canapés.

• 2.5-hour cruise on luxury yacht
• Drinks & canapés included
• Small group tour
• Onboard guide
• Tour by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul
• 5/5 rating (892 reviews) on TripAdvisor
• From US$67 per passenger

Book Online Viator | TripAdvisor

Full Day Comprehensive Cruise

Looking for the ultimate Bosphorus day trip with time spent in the Black Sea as well? This 10-hour Bosphorus Strait AND Black Sea Day Cruise is our top pick for seeing it all!

Includes delicious Mediterranean lunch, onboard guide, and stops at Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy, Kucuksu Pavilion, Buyuk Mecidiye Cami.

• Full-day 10-hour tour of the Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea
• Lunch included
• Group tour (40 max)
• Tour by IBO Cruise
• 4.5/5.0 rating (79 reviews) on TripAdvisor
• From US$122 per passenger

Best Tour for Foodies

Discover the flavors and delicacies of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in this one-of-a-kind 6.5-hour Istanbul Food Tour with Bosphorus Cruise , a perfect day trip for foodies and those looking to venture beyond Istanbul’s most touristed areas.

• 6 to 7-hour tour, crossing the Bosphorus twice by ferry
• Multiple tastings at 9 eateries
• Small group tour (10 max)
• Tour by Yummy Istanbul
• 5/5 rating (1,512 reviews) on TripAdvisor
• From US$125 per traveler

Best City + Bosphorus Combo Tour

Experience the best of Istanbul in this 8.5-hour Istanbul Must-See Tour and Bosphorus Cruise . Join your expert guide on this small group tour to discover Istanbul’s top attractions. Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market before topping it all off with a 90-minute guided tour of the Bosphorus Strait by public ferry.

• 8 to 9-hour city tour with guided public ferry cruise on the Bosphorus
• Small group tour (15 max)
• Tour by Lütfullah FINDIKOĞLU
• 5/5 rating (137 reviews) on TripAdvisor
• From US$75 per traveler

Looking for a Private Tour?  Check out this 7-hour Istanbul Classics Private Tour with Bosphorus Cruise .

Tour the Bosphorus in Style

Cruise the Bosphorus in style with this 2-hour Private Luxury Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus . This this private luxury yacht tour has room for up to 10 passengers—perfect for families, couples, and groups celebrating a special occasion or travelers who simply want to enjoy their Istanbul experience in luxury and seclusion.

• 2-hour Bosphorus cruise on private luxury yacht
• Private Tour
• Tour by Tour Book Turkey
• 5/5 rating (69 reviews) on TripAdvisor
• From US$406 per group (up to 10)

Best Quick Tours

Turyol and Dentur are two private companies that offer some of the most popular two-hour Bosphorus tours in Istanbul. If you’re not looking for a luxury or DIY option and want more flexibility in your travel plans, this might be the way to go.

Both companies offer regular departures throughout the day and cover the top attractions along the route.

• 2-hour Bosphorus cruises
• Regular departures throughout the morning and afternoon
• Tours by Turyol and Dentur
• From 150 TL (US$5) per passenger

More Info Turyol.com | Denturavrasya.com

Best Budget/Shoestring Tours

There are numerous options for doing a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul. But if you’re on a shoestring budget or just like to travel in a more independent fashion, the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour service is worth considering.

Sehir Hatlari offers three Bosphorus Tour services: Long Tour (Full Circle), Short Tour (Short Circle), and Moonlight Tour (seasonal).

Keep reading for our detailed guide on how to take the the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise, plus tips and what to expect.

DIY Bosphorus Cruise: All You Need to Know

The Sehir Hatlari ferry line offers a Bosphorus tour at a very reasonable price. But taking the public ferry tour isn’t as straight forward as doing a Bosphorus cruise private tour.

Here, Lori and I tell you exactly how to take the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus tour and offer first-hand tips for getting the most out of your time on the water.

Sehir Hatlari runs two different types of services: Inner-city/domestic public ferry service mostly geared to commuters and locals getting around the region, and the Bosphorus Long Tour, Short Tour, and Moonlight Tour services aimed at tourists.

Unless you want to compete for space with Istanbul’s millions of commuters (and see very little in the process), you’re far better off taking the Sehir Hatlari service clearly marked as “Bosphorus Tours”.

For those who like to figure out the details themselves, aren’t fussy about seating, and are willing to devote the better part of a day to the experience, we think the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour can’t be beat for the price.

There are three Bosphorus Tour ferry options:  Long Bosphorus Tour (6 hours) ,  Short Bosphorus Tour (2 hours) , and seasonal Moonlight Tour , which operates during the summer months.

Up until recently the Long Bosphorus Tour was known as the “Full Circle”, and the Short Bosphorus Tour was known as the “Short Circle”. This guide will use the new terminology moving forward.

Current Sehir Hatlari ticket prices as of Jan 2024

Admission is free for children under the age of 6 for all cruises.

To take the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour service, head to the Galata bridge.

From the Eminonu (Old City) side, don’t cross the bridge, but walk to the right of it and follow the signs for Sehir Hatlari.

The office is adjacent to the Red Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket office.

We heard that the ticket office opened at 10am. We arrived 30 minutes beforehand and there was already a line (midweek in August).

They opened a bit early and we managed to snag a window seat on the port-side since the ferry hugs the left-hand shore (Europe on the way out, and Asia for most of the return trip).

However, we quickly realized the outside benches at the stern (back)  of the ferry might just be the best seats on the boat on a nice day, which is where we ultimately ended up.

Overall, we were pretty impressed with the amenities offered by a public ferry company for the price. We found the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise to be clean and well-organized, certainly for the cost of admission.

Lori and I particularly enjoyed riding along with a mix of people—locals and tourists—which was a fun part of the experience for us.

We also felt that the amount of time (six hours round trip with a few hours stop for lunch) was perfect for us as well, particularly since we had absolutely nothing else planned for today.

🔥 HOT TIP 🔥

Be sure to grab an audio guide at the ticket booth when you buy your tickets.

It adds excellent context to the cruise and tells you a bit about the many highlights along the route.

No matter which Bosphorus cruise you take, the idea is very much the same. The boat leaves Eminonu on the Golden Horn and travels north along the Bosphorus Strait hugging the left bank (Europe side).

At some point depending on which service you’ve chosen, the boat will then cross the Bosphorus, hugging the right bank (Asia side), before making its way back to Eminonu.

We opted for the Full Circle / Long Tour , which takes about six hours round trip including a couple of hours in the middle to enjoy the northernmost stop at Anadolu Kavagi village.

There are a number of good restaurants, shops, and other amenities in Anadolu Kavagi for those who are taking the Long Tour. Our boat had a small snack bar and restrooms, but a lot of passengers brought their own snacks.

Here’s a further breakdown of the Long Tour itinerary so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Most Bosphorus cruises leave Eminonu on the Golden Horn, right in the heart of the city. Leaving the Old City, the tour passes a number of historic sights and points of interest.

As mentioned above, Lori and I rented an audio guide that was available at the ticket booth, which offered information about various points of interest along the way. If you opt for a tour through a private company, you’ll like have a guide to narrate the cruise for you.

Here are just a few of the many highlights you’ll see along the way:

Dolmabahçe Palace (Sultan’s Palace), now a museum.

Ortaköy Mosque , built in 1856.

The First Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) was completed in 1973, and as the name might imply, was the first bridge to connect Europe and Asia.

Rumeli Fortress , built by the Ottomans in 1452.

After about 90 minutes on the water (including a few stops along the way) the tour reaches its farthest stop north: the village of Anadolu Kavagi .

Our tour docked here for a few hours—more than enough time to grab lunch, do a little hike, and poke around the small village.

From the ferry pier, you can hike up to Yoros Kalesi (Yoros Castle) , a small fortification with a commanding view of the Bosphorus and the shores of the Black Sea.

Getting around Anadolu Kavagi and finding the path to Yoros Fort can be a bit confusing. So, we’ve included a map to help you find your way around.

Looking north, we were also able to spot the Third Bosphorus Bridge spanning Europe and Asia, and the Black Sea , beyond.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes near the pier and throughout the village, but we opted for Yoros Cafe near the fort, which came highly recommended and offered a stunning view of our route (not to be confused with Yoros Kale Kafe).

We were not disappointed with the food or the scenery.

The village was interesting enough to take a walkabout, but we were glad we took the extra time to hike up to Yoros Castle and have lunch with a view. We were able to comfortably achieve all of this in the layover time.

On the cruise back to Emononu pier in Istanbul, we hugged the Asia side with a few quick stops to let local passengers on and off.

Bosphorus Cruise FAQs

A ticket to cruise the Bosphorus can cost as little as under US$5 to over US$100 per person depending on the type of tour you opt for. The most basic tours run by the public ferry company, Sehir Hatlari, tend to offer the cheapest rates. But if you want a private luxury tour, or want to fold your cruise into a city tour, the cost will increase significantly.

The Bosphorus Strait is famous for being the natural waterway that separates the continent of Asia from the European continent, and runs right through the vibrant and ancient city of Istanbul. Additionally, there are a number of historic sights and popular modern day attractions along the route that most cruises ply.

Typically, cruise times last anywhere from 2 hours to 10 hours, depending on the number of stops and the length of the journey. Long Tour (Full Circle) cruises make lunch stops at Anadolu Kavagi, with some even spending time in the Black Sea. The Short Tour (Short Circle) cruises do not.

Thanks for reading our guide to the best Bosphorus Cruise tours for 2024!

Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

• 15 Fun Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
• Istanbul City Walls Self-Guided Walking Tour

Featured image credit: Ante Samarzija on Unsplash

5 thoughts on “The Best Bosphorus Cruise for Your Travel Style in 2024”

Thank you so much for this information. We will be doing Turkey round about 20th September and the Bosphorus is on our list. We will take advantage of the cheapest cruise.

Hi Carol, We took the public ferry tour in late Feb 2023. The boat is heated indoors with large, upholstered benches. Nothing fancy but quite comfortable. There was even an area with wooden toys for the children.

The windows are large, maybe not the clearest, but we certainly were happy with our views… plus the outdoor areas on the back of the boat were protected from the wind. Highly recommend.

Thanks for this, but I wish you had included a picture of the inside seating. Would it be warm enough in the winter and can you see well outside?

Hi Carol, wish we had a picture of inside seating to share. It was a gorgeous August day when these pics were taken and we felt quite fortunate to snag an outdoor seat. We did pass through the inside a few times and it seemed pretty well-protected from the wind (glass windows, etc.).

Great post guys ! Thank you for all that nice info !

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Istanbul Travel Blog

An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

BOSPHORUS CRUISE Prices in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

19 December 2023 by Serhat Engul

Those who visit Istanbul for the first time, primarily visit the historical monuments around Sultanahmet. However, it is not enough to see why Istanbul is such an important place in history. It is essential to take a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul in order to comprehend how large the city is.

The most important settlement of Istanbul during the Roman and Byzantine periods was the Historical Peninsula . Separated from the rest of Istanbul by the Bosphorus and Golden Horn , Historical Peninsula was the imperial capital of Constantinople.

The Ottomans captured the city in 1453. Historical Peninsula still remained the center of life for many years. In Galata, on the other side of the Golden Horn, there were Genoese and Venetians, the Latin trade colonies.

However, with the development of international trade in the 1800s, today’s districts such as Beyoglu and Besiktas started to grow. The Sultan moved from the traditional Topkapi Palace to the modern Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus.

Many mosques, mansions and palaces were built on the shores of the Bosphorus. The best examples of baroque and neo-classical architecture that marked the last period of the Ottoman Empire are on the shores of the Bosphorus.

If you want to see the traces of this architectural transformation, you can take a Bosphorus boat tour. The best photos you will take in Istanbul will probably be the ones you will take during the Bosphorus cruise.

Table of Contents

Bosphorus Cruise Prices in Istanbul 2024

You basically have three options to join the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul for 2024. One of them is the official company Sehir Hatlari. The other two are Turyol and Dentur. Each company has its own pricing, schedule and route. In this article, you can find the Bosphorus cruise prices in Istanbul as updated in 2024.

Sehir Hatlari and Turyol ‘s piers are located in Eminonu neighborhood on the Old City side of Galata Bridge. This location is also next to the Spice Bazaar . For someone staying in Istanbul Old City (Beyazit, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci), it is very easy to reach Eminonu, where the tours start.

For someone staying in Taksim Square or Besiktas, it will be easy to reach Kabatas, where Dentur is located. You can reach Kabatas from Taksim Square by Funicular F1, and from Besiktas by bus or taxi. Dentur pier in Kabatas is just walking distance from Dolmabahce Palace.

For those who want a different experience, I will suggest two alternative Bosphorus tours towards the end of the article. One of them is the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise featuring local dances and Turkish cuisine. The second is the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise , which gives you romantic moments in Istanbul when the sun goes down.

1. Sehir Hatlari Public Ferry Price 2024

Sehir Hatlari is an official company that organizes a Bosphorus cruise with public ferries. It has a fixed schedule that has not changed for many years. There are two different tour options in this category, depending on the length of the activity.

The LONG Bosphorus cruise, which is available all year round, promises a 6-hour sightseeing experience. On the other hand, there is another 2-hour program called SHORT Bosphorus cruise in summer.

Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferry) Bosphorus cruise prices are between 65 TL and 120 TL in 2024. For example, the cost of the long Bosphorus tour, which promises a 6-hour trip, is only 120 Turkish Liras. The price of the short Bosphorus tour is only 65 Turkish Liras. These prices were last updated on December 19, 2023.

Long Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The long Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari departs from Eminonu every day at 10:35. Two and sometimes three-storey nostalgic ferries serve for the Bosphorus tour. The fact that the ferries have a very large deck and many seating places makes Sehir Hatlari stand out from its competitors. Sehir Hatlari public ferries offer the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul in terms of comfort.

After leaving Eminonu, the Sehir Hatlari ferry goes north without stopping for 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, you can photograph the palaces, mosques and historical mansions on the European shores of the Bosphorus.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry reaches Anadolu Kavagi , the closest place to the Black Sea coast of the Bosphorus, after 1.5 hours. In this small town there is a three-hour break that starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00 pm.

In a 3-hour break, you can go to Yoros Castle, which was built by the Genoese in the Byzantine period. The castle allows you to fit both the Bosphorus and the Black Sea views into the same frame. You can eat fresh fish at local restaurants in Anadolu Kavagi.

After the break is over, the return journey starts at 15:00. This time, the Sehir Hatlari ferry returns from the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. Thus, you will have the chance to see the structures on the other side of the Bosphorus.

At 16:30, the boat trip on the Bosphorus ends where it started. After getting off the ferry in Eminonu, you can visit the Spice Bazaar in the Old City or cross the Taksim side from Galata Bridge .

Short Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The short Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari is only available in summer. The tour starts at 14:35 from Eminonu. Departing from the Istanbul Old City, the ferry goes to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge on the Bosphorus. After this point, the ferry returns to Eminonu, where it started again at the end of the 2-hour journey.

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is the most practical option. Turyol‘s pier is located very close to the Spice Bazaar, the popular tourist center of Istanbul. If you cross the underpass across the Spice Bazaar, you can easily find Turyol Pier on the sea side. The ticket office box is right next to the boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol Bosphorus tour starts from Eminonu and stops at Uskudar to pick up more passengers on the Asian side. The cruise boat then follows the European shores of the Bosphorus and proceeds in the north direction until the bridge. The boat makes the u-turn from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge , the second bridge on the Bosphorus, this time allows you to see the Asian shores of the Bosphorus.

The journey lasts one and a half hours and ends at Eminonu, where it started. The best thing about Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is that they depart from Eminonu every hour. So you don’t have to adjust your daily schedule for the Bosphorus cruise. You can catch one of the boats that depart every hour.

The Turyol Bosphorus cruise price is 150 TL in 2024 and the tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Turyol boats are a bit more expensive than the public ferry considering the time of the trip. However, it provides a flexible travel opportunity due to the Bosphorus tour every hour. The cost of journey was last updated on December 19, 2023.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum)  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus cruise price is 150 Lira for 2024 and the tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dentur is the best Bosphorus cruise tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ticket price was last updated on December 19, 2023.

Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views and the food prices are reasonable.

4. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price in Istanbul is 650 Turkish Lira (approximately 22 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the Best Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul from this link . Information about ticket prices was last updated on December 19, 2023.

The activity takes approximately 4 hours and you can leave the boat at a point close to your hotel on the Bosphorus shore. Because it stops at approximately 20 different piers on the Bosphorus.

A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the most fun things to do for families in Istanbul. You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery.

5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price in Istanbul is 1900 TL (approximately 65 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the Best Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul from this link . Information about ticket prices was last updated on December 19, 2023.

The sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht takes approximately 2.5 hours, and during this tour you can take the most beautiful photos that will remain as memories from your Istanbul trip.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset tour on the Bosphorus or an evening tour with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engul

Hello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide living in Istanbul. I designed this blog to give general information to visitors to Istanbul. If you want to go on a private guided tour of Istanbul with me, you can check my references from the ABOUT section and write to me via the CONTACT page.

Reader Interactions

27 August 2023 at 05:39

Doesn’t the Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorous cruise make several stops going north, including Sariyer? Various blogs have suggested getting off at Sariyer for a one way cruise. Eating lunch and taking a bus back to Taksim.

27 August 2023 at 09:39

Hi David, yes Sehir Hatlari’s long Bosphorus cruise stops at several points to the north and one of them is Sariyer.

Someone who takes the Bosphorus ferry from Eminonu at 10:35 can get off the ferry at 12:05 in Sariyer. You can visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum and take a lunch break in Sariyer.

If it were me, I would go to Bebek on the way back and walk to Ortakoy from there. Do not miss the most beautiful walking route of the Bosphorus shores. Then you can easily go to Taksim Square from Ortakoy.

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Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

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Bosphorus Cruise Tour: What You Must Know Before You Go on a Dinner Cruise to Take in Istanbul along the Bosphorus Strait

When planning your Turkey tours , one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the city with a Bosphorus Cruise Tour. This comprehensive guide will equip you with essential tips for a memorable dinner cruise along the iconic Bosphorus Strait.

As you embark on this journey, you'll have the opportunity to take in Istanbul's breathtaking vistas, combining the charm of a Bosphorus tour with the indulgence of a dinner cruise. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of the Turkish experience aboard a yacht, where you can cruise along the Bosphorus, appreciating the city's beauty.

This article is your key to unlocking a seamless and delightful exploration of Istanbul through a carefully curated Bosphorus Cruise Tour.

What is the history of Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul?

Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul have a rich history that dates back centuries. The Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, divides the city of Istanbul into two continents, Europe and Asia. This strategic waterway has played a crucial role in the history of the region and has been a hub of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Here is an overview of the history of Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul:

1. Ancient Times: The Bosphorus has been significant since ancient times. Greek colonies were established along its shores, and the Byzantine Empire, which succeeded the Roman Empire, continued to use the waterway for trade and defense.

2. Byzantine Era: During the Byzantine era, the Bosphorus remained a vital route for trade between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The Byzantine rulers constructed fortifications along its shores to protect the city from invaders.

3. Ottoman Empire: With the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, the Bosphorus became a central part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans built several palaces, mosques, and fortresses along the strait, enhancing its cultural and architectural significance.

4. 19th Century: In the 19th century, the Bosphorus became a key focus of European powers due to its strategic importance. The construction of palaces, waterfront mansions, and beautiful homes along the shores increased, contributing to the unique architectural character of the region.

5. Early 20th Century: After World War I and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Istanbul underwent significant changes. The city's name was changed from Constantinople to Istanbul, and the Bosphorus remained a symbol of the city's cultural and historical heritage.

6. Modern Era: In the modern era, Bosphorus Cruise Tours became a popular tourist activity. Tour operators began offering boat tours along the strait, providing visitors with a unique perspective of Istanbul's skyline, historical landmarks, and the blending of European and Asian influences.

Today, Bosphorus Cruise Tours are a must-do activity for tourists visiting Istanbul. The tours offer breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus Bridge. The historical and cultural significance of the Bosphorus continues to attract people from around the world, making these tours a memorable experience for anyone visiting Istanbul.

Where is the Bosphorus in Istanbul?

The Bosphorus is a natural strait located in Istanbul, Turkey, separating the European and Asian parts of the city. It serves as a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus Strait is approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) long and varies in width, with the narrowest point being around 700 meters (2,300 feet).

The city of Istanbul is unique in that it straddles two continents, with the historic and cultural center located on the European side and a significant portion of the city extending into the Asian side. The Bosphorus acts as the boundary between these two parts.

Various neighborhoods, landmarks, and historical sites are situated along the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Some notable areas and landmarks you may encounter along the Bosphorus include:

Eminönü and Sirkeci (European Side): These areas are on the European side and feature historical sites like the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Bazaar.

Ortaköy: A lively neighborhood on the European side known for its waterfront, Ortaköy is famous for the Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Bebek: A charming district on the European side with waterfront cafes and restaurants.

Üsküdar: A significant district on the Asian side with historical mosques and landmarks.

Kadıköy: Another prominent neighborhood on the Asian side known for its vibrant atmosphere, markets, and diverse cultural scene.

Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı: These are historic fortresses built by the Ottomans on the European side of the Bosphorus.

Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge): A suspension bridge that spans the Bosphorus, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

When people refer to Bosphorus Cruise Tours, they typically involve boat trips along this strait, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline, historical landmarks, and the unique blend of European and Asian influences.

How to get to the Bosphorus for your Istanbul adventure?

Getting to the Bosphorus for your Istanbul adventure is relatively easy, as it is a central and iconic part of the city. The accessibility depends on where you are in Istanbul, but I'll provide you with general guidance:

1. By Public Transportation:

Tram: If you are in the historic and touristy areas of Sultanahmet or Eminönü on the European side, you can take the tram. The T1 line connects these areas to Kabataş, which is a transportation hub near the Bosphorus.

Ferry: Ferries are a popular and scenic way to travel across the Bosphorus. Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kabataş are major ferry terminals on the European side. On the Asian side, Üsküdar and Kadıköy are important ferry hubs.

Metro: If you are on the Asian side, you can take the Marmaray metro line to cross under the Bosphorus and reach the European side.

2. By Taxi or Ride-Sharing:

• Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Istanbul. You can simply enter "Bosphorus" as your destination, and the driver will take you to a point along the strait.

3. Walking:

• Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to walk to the Bosphorus. Many neighborhoods along the shores offer picturesque walks, especially on the European side.

4. Bosphorus Cruise Tours:

• You can join a Bosphorus Cruise Tour, which typically departs from various points along the strait. These tours offer a guided boat ride with commentary, allowing you to enjoy the sights and landmarks along the Bosphorus.
• If you prefer driving, you can use a car or hire a taxi to take you to specific points along the Bosphorus. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

Points of Interest Along the Bosphorus:

• Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy on the European side.
• Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian side.
• Bosphorus Bridge and Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi).

Before embarking on your adventure, it's a good idea to plan your route based on your starting point and the specific areas or landmarks you want to visit along the Bosphorus. Istanbul's public transportation system is efficient, and various modes of transport make it convenient to explore this beautiful and historic part of the city.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul for a Bosphorus Cruise on the Bosphorus Strait?

The best time to visit Istanbul for a Bosphorus Cruise depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and overall experience. Istanbul has distinct seasons, and each has its own charm. Here are some considerations for different times of the year:

Spring (April to June):

• Spring is a wonderful time to visit Istanbul. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
• The city is covered in blossoming flowers and greenery, creating a picturesque setting for a Bosphorus Cruise.
• Tourist numbers are relatively moderate compared to the peak summer season.

Summer (July to August):

• Summer is the high tourist season, and Istanbul experiences warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
• The days are long, allowing for extended daylight hours to enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise.
• Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season.

Autumn (September to November):

• Early autumn can be an excellent time to visit Istanbul. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
• The city's gardens and parks maintain their greenery, and you can enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise with fewer crowds compared to summer.

Winter (December to March):

• Winter in Istanbul is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
• While the city might experience occasional rainfall, winters are generally not harsh.
• You'll find fewer tourists during this season, making it a quieter time for a Bosphorus Cruise. However, some services or tours may have reduced availability.

Keep in mind that weather conditions can vary, and it's a good idea to check the forecast closer to your travel dates. Additionally, during the month of Ramadan, which follows the lunar calendar, there might be variations in restaurant and tour availability. Overall, the best time for a Bosphorus Cruise is during the spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the city is not as crowded as during the peak summer season.

Who should consider a Bosphorus Cruise during their Turkey tours?

A Bosphorus Cruise is a fantastic experience that can enhance the overall enjoyment of a visit to Turkey, particularly Istanbul. Here are groups of people who should consider including a Bosphorus Cruise in their Turkey tours:

Tourists Exploring Istanbul:

• If you are visiting Istanbul, a Bosphorus Cruise is a must-do activity. It provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to see iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge from the water.

History and Culture Enthusiasts:

• Travelers interested in history and culture will appreciate the rich historical significance of the Bosphorus. The strait has played a crucial role in the history of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and a cruise offers a glimpse into this fascinating past.

Photography Enthusiasts:

• The Bosphorus offers stunning views of Istanbul's skyline, historical architecture, and landscapes. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking shots of the city, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Romantic Getaways:

• Couples looking for a romantic experience can enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, particularly during the evening when the city lights up. Many cruises offer dinner options, creating a romantic atmosphere against the backdrop of the illuminated Bosphorus.

Nature and Scenery Lovers:

• The Bosphorus is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including hills, waterfront mansions, and lush greenery. Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of the strait and the unique blend of natural and urban environments.

Adventure Seekers:

• For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there are various Bosphorus Cruise options, including speedboat tours or private charters. These options can add an element of excitement to the journey.

Relaxation and Leisure Travelers:

• If you're looking for a relaxing and leisurely experience, a Bosphorus Cruise allows you to unwind while enjoying the scenic views. Many tours provide comfortable seating, refreshments, and informative commentary.
• Families traveling with children can also enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise. The combination of a boat ride, historical landmarks, and the novelty of crossing continents can make it an engaging and educational experience for children.

Regardless of your travel style or interests, a Bosphorus Cruise offers a diverse and memorable experience in Istanbul, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers exploring Turkey.

Why should you include a Bosphorus Cruise in your Istanbul tour?

Including a Bosphorus Cruise in your Istanbul tour is highly recommended for several compelling reasons:

Unique Perspective of Istanbul:

• A Bosphorus Cruise provides a unique vantage point to admire Istanbul's iconic skyline and landmarks from the water. You'll have the opportunity to see historic sites, palaces, and mosques along the shores, offering a different perspective than land-based exploration.

Historical Significance:

• The Bosphorus has played a pivotal role in the history of Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia. A cruise allows you to witness historical fortifications, palaces, and architectural gems that reflect the city's rich past, including the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Scenic Beauty:

• The Bosphorus is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush hills, waterfront mansions, and charming neighborhoods. The cruise offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the strait, especially during the changing light of sunrise or sunset.

Photography Opportunities:

• Istanbul is a city with incredible photo opportunities, and a Bosphorus Cruise provides a plethora of stunning scenes. Capture the city's landmarks, the waterway, and the merging of two continents for memorable photographs.

Cultural Experience:

• The Bosphorus reflects the cultural diversity and influences of both Europe and Asia. As you cruise along the strait, you'll witness the blend of architectural styles, traditions, and customs, providing a unique cultural experience.

Relaxation and Leisure:

• A Bosphorus Cruise is a relaxing and leisurely way to spend a few hours. Sit back, enjoy the breeze, and take in the sights as the boat glides along the water. Many cruises offer comfortable seating and amenities, creating a laid-back atmosphere.

Evening Cruises and Dinner Options:

• Evening Bosphorus Cruises are particularly popular for the enchanting views of the city lights. Some tours offer dinner options, providing a romantic setting for couples or a memorable dining experience for families and friends.

Crossing Continents:

• The Bosphorus is not just a waterway; it's a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Crossing continents during a Bosphorus Cruise is a symbolic and exciting aspect of the journey, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Variety of Tour Options:

• Whether you prefer a standard daytime cruise, an evening cruise, a private charter, or a speedboat adventure, there are various tour options to suit different preferences and schedules.

Tourist Favorite:

• Bosphorus Cruises are consistently rated as one of the top tourist activities in Istanbul. The combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and cultural richness makes it a must-do experience for visitors.

Including a Bosphorus Cruise in your Istanbul tour ensures that you don't miss out on a key aspect of the city's charm and allure. It's an immersive and enjoyable way to explore the beauty and history of Istanbul from the water.

What is the cost of a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul?

The cost of a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul can vary based on several factors, including the type of cruise, duration, and additional services offered. Here are some general guidelines to give you an idea of the potential costs:

Standard Bosphorus Cruises:

• Standard Bosphorus Cruises that offer a traditional boat ride with commentary typically range from 20 to 50 Turkish Lira (TRY) for a basic ticket.
• Prices may vary based on the company, the duration of the cruise, and whether it includes any additional services or meals.

Evening or Dinner Cruises:

• Evening Bosphorus Cruises, especially those that include dinner or entertainment, can cost more. Prices may range from 80 to 200 TRY or more, depending on the package and the level of luxury.

Private Charters:

• If you opt for a private charter, where you rent an entire boat for yourself or your group, prices can vary significantly. Private charters may start from a few hundred TRY and go up to several thousand TRY, depending on the size of the boat, the duration, and any additional services provided.

Specialty Cruises (e.g., Speedboat Tours):

• Specialty cruises, such as speedboat tours or themed cruises, may have higher prices. These can range from 100 TRY to a few hundred TRY or more, depending on the specific features and offerings.

Tour Packages:

• Some tour operators in Istanbul offer package deals that may include a Bosphorus Cruise along with other attractions or services. Prices for these packages can vary widely.

It's essential to check with specific cruise operators for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Additionally, consider whether the cruise includes any extras, such as meals, guided commentary, or transportation to and from your accommodation.

Keep in mind that prices are subject to change, and it's advisable to verify the details and costs with the tour operator before booking. Also, consider the season and the time of day, as evening cruises or those during peak tourist seasons may be priced differently.

Is there a dress code for Bosphorus Cruise Tours?

For standard Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul, there is generally no strict dress code. However, it's advisable to dress comfortably and consider the following guidelines:

Casual Attire:

• Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for most Bosphorus Cruise Tours. Comfortable attire, such as jeans, shorts, skirts, and T-shirts, is appropriate.

Weather Considerations:

• Istanbul experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, so it's essential to check the weather forecast for the day of your cruise. Bring a light jacket or sweater if the weather is cooler, and consider sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, if you're cruising during warmer months.

Comfortable Footwear:

• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore different parts of the boat or if you're considering walking around onshore during any stops.

Evening Cruises or Dinner Cruises:

• If you're participating in an evening cruise or a dinner cruise with a more formal setting, you might want to dress slightly more upscale. Smart casual attire, such as business casual or a nice dress, could be suitable for these occasions.

Themed or Specialty Cruises:

• If you're participating in a themed or specialty cruise, check with the tour operator if there are any specific dress code requirements related to the theme or nature of the cruise.

While there is generally no formal dress code for standard Bosphorus Cruise Tours, it's a good idea to be mindful of cultural norms and show respect for the environment and fellow passengers. Additionally, if you plan to visit any religious sites along the Bosphorus, such as mosques, it's recommended to have modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Always check with the specific cruise operator if you have any concerns or if you are participating in a specialized cruise experience that may have different dress code expectations.

What are the opening hours of Bosphorus Cruise attractions in Istanbul?

The Bosphorus itself is a natural strait and waterway, so it doesn't have specific opening hours. However, when referring to Bosphorus Cruise attractions, it usually involves boat tours operated by various companies in Istanbul. These cruise tours can have different schedules based on the tour operator and the type of cruise. Here are some general considerations:

Regular Bosphorus Cruises:

• Daytime Bosphorus Cruises typically operate during daylight hours, starting in the morning and concluding in the early evening. These cruises may run regularly throughout the day, with departures every hour or so.

Evening and Dinner Cruises:

• Evening Bosphorus Cruises, especially those that include dinner or entertainment, typically begin in the late afternoon or early evening and extend into the night. These cruises often provide a unique perspective of Istanbul's illuminated skyline.
• Private charters can be arranged based on your preferences, and the scheduling is more flexible. You can discuss the timing with the charter company to accommodate your desired cruise duration and departure time.

Specialty Cruises:

• Specialty cruises, such as speedboat tours or themed cruises, may have specific schedules based on the nature of the tour. Check with the tour operator for the specific departure times for these specialized experiences.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the opening hours or departure times for Bosphorus Cruise attractions, it's recommended to check with the individual cruise companies or tour operators. Many of them provide online booking services, and you can find detailed information about schedules, itineraries, and any additional offerings they may have. Additionally, the availability of cruises can be influenced by factors such as the season, weather conditions, and special events.

What accommodation options are available for Bosphorus Cruise visitors?

Visitors planning to go on a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. Istanbul is a city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and proximity to different attractions. Here are some accommodation options for Bosphorus Cruise visitors:

Hotels along the Bosphorus:

• There are several upscale hotels situated directly along the Bosphorus, providing stunning views of the waterway and the city skyline. These hotels often offer a luxurious experience with amenities like waterfront dining, spa facilities, and easy access to the cruises.

Hotels in Beyoğlu:

• Beyoğlu is a vibrant district on the European side of Istanbul, known for its lively atmosphere, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. Staying in this area provides convenient access to the Bosphorus and various tour departure points.

Sultanahmet Accommodations:

• Sultanahmet is the historic heart of Istanbul, home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. While not directly on the Bosphorus, it offers a rich cultural experience and is well-connected for reaching the cruise departure points.

Taksim Square Area:

• Taksim Square is a central hub with a mix of modern hotels, shops, and restaurants. Accommodations in this area offer a convenient location for exploring the city and easy access to Bosphorus Cruise departure points.

Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian Side:

• For those interested in exploring the Asian side of Istanbul, Üsküdar and Kadıköy are popular districts. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere, local markets, and easy access to Bosphorus Ferry terminals.

Bebek and Ortaköy:

• These neighborhoods are located along the European side of the Bosphorus and are known for their upscale vibe, waterfront cafes, and trendy boutiques. Staying in Bebek or Ortaköy provides a picturesque setting near the water.

Budget and Mid-Range Options:

• Istanbul offers a variety of budget and mid-range accommodation options in different neighborhoods. These can provide cost-effective choices while still allowing easy access to Bosphorus Cruise departure points.

When choosing accommodation, consider your preferences, budget, and the areas you plan to explore. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, many hotels in Istanbul offer concierge services that can assist with booking Bosphorus Cruise tours or provide information on nearby attractions.

How can you embark on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise on a luxury yacht?

Embarking on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise on a luxury yacht in Istanbul can be a memorable and exclusive experience. Here's a general guide on how you can arrange such a cruise:

Research Luxury Yacht Charter Companies:

• Start by researching reputable luxury yacht charter companies in Istanbul. Look for companies that specialize in Bosphorus cruises and have a fleet of luxury yachts.

Review Services and Amenities:

• Examine the services and amenities offered by different charter companies. Luxury yacht cruises may include a range of services such as a private captain and crew, gourmet dining, and personalized itineraries.

Choose a Yacht and Package:

• Select a yacht that suits your preferences in terms of size, style, and amenities. Luxury yacht charters often offer various packages, including different durations, catering options, and additional services.

Check Availability and Pricing:

• Contact the charter companies to check the availability of the luxury yacht for your desired date and time. Inquire about pricing details, including any additional costs for specific services or customization.

Discuss Itinerary and Special Requests:

• Work with the charter company to discuss your preferred itinerary and any special requests you may have. This could include specific landmarks you want to see, on-board entertainment, or particular routes along the Bosphorus.

Confirm Booking and Terms:

• Once you've finalized the details, confirm your booking with the charter company. Pay attention to the terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any other relevant information.

Arrival and Boarding:

• On the day of your cruise, arrive at the designated location for boarding. Most luxury yacht charters depart from marinas or specific piers along the Bosphorus. The crew will welcome you on board and ensure you have a comfortable experience.

Enjoy Your Luxury Cruise:

• Sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury cruise along the Bosphorus. Take in the breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, historic landmarks, and the unique blend of European and Asian influences.

Optional Services:

• Some luxury yacht charters offer additional services such as a private chef, live entertainment, or themed experiences. If interested, discuss these options with the charter company during the planning stages.

Feedback and Recommendations:

• After the cruise, provide feedback to the charter company about your experience. This helps them improve their services and assists future clients in making informed decisions.

Remember that arranging a luxury yacht cruise involves coordination with the charter company, so it's advisable to plan well in advance. The flexibility and personalized nature of luxury yacht cruises make them an ideal choice for special occasions or those seeking an exclusive and intimate Bosphorus experience.

What are the top attractions covered during a guided tour of Istanbul on a luxury yacht cruise?

A guided tour of Istanbul on a luxury yacht cruise offers a unique and upscale experience, allowing you to enjoy the city's beauty and historical landmarks from the comfort of a private vessel. The specific attractions covered during a luxury yacht cruise can vary based on the itinerary and your preferences. However, here are some top attractions that are often included in such guided tours:

Bosphorus Strait:

• The luxury yacht cruise itself provides stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Enjoy the sight of historic palaces, waterfront mansions, and the merging of two continents.

Topkapi Palace:

• Situated on the European side of the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. The cruise offers an excellent view of the palace's grandeur and architecture.

Hagia Sophia:

• A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is visible from the Bosphorus. The luxury yacht cruise allows you to appreciate the exterior of this iconic structure.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque):

• The Blue Mosque, with its distinctive blue tiles, is another architectural marvel. Cruising along the Bosphorus provides a unique angle to admire the mosque's minarets and domes.

Dolmabahçe Palace:

• This opulent palace, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The cruise offers a picturesque view of Dolmabahçe Palace against the backdrop of the strait.

Bosphorus Bridge:

• One of the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge connects the European and Asian sides of the city. A luxury yacht cruise allows you to sail under the bridge and appreciate its architectural beauty.

Ortaköy Mosque and Square:

• Ortaköy, a lively neighborhood on the European side, features a charming mosque and a vibrant square. The luxury yacht cruise often includes a view of Ortaköy from the water.

Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı:

• These historical fortresses, constructed by the Ottomans, are situated on the European side of the Bosphorus. The cruise provides an opportunity to see these fortifications and learn about their history.

Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi):

• Located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, the Maiden's Tower is a picturesque structure with a rich history. A luxury yacht cruise allows you to see this iconic landmark up close.

Scenic Neighborhoods:

• Enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus by cruising past scenic neighborhoods such as Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Emirgan, known for their waterfront mansions and green landscapes.

It's important to note that the attractions covered during a luxury yacht cruise can be customized based on your preferences and the specific itinerary provided by the tour operator. Discuss your interests with the tour organizer to ensure that the cruise aligns with your expectations and allows you to experience the best of Istanbul's landmarks from the water.

Where can you experience a unique blend of Ottoman history and luxury on a Bosphorus tour?

To experience a unique blend of Ottoman history and luxury on a Bosphorus tour in Istanbul, you may want to consider visiting the following locations and landmarks along the Bosphorus:

• Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent Ottoman palace located on the European shore of the Bosphorus. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The palace is known for its opulent design, European influences, and extensive gardens. Some Bosphorus cruises provide excellent views of Dolmabahçe Palace from the water.

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul:

• Çırağan Palace, also known as Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, is a historic palace on the Bosphorus that has been converted into a luxury hotel. The palace offers a glimpse into Ottoman grandeur with its stunning architecture and waterfront location. Some luxury Bosphorus cruises may pass by or start from the vicinity of Çırağan Palace.

Bosphorus Mansions:

• Along the Bosphorus, you'll find numerous Ottoman-era waterfront mansions known as "yali." These mansions showcase traditional Ottoman architecture and served as residences for the elite. Some luxury yacht cruises may take you past these historic mansions, offering a unique perspective of Ottoman-era living.

Küçüksu Pavilion:

• Küçüksu Pavilion, also known as Göksu Pavilion, is a charming palace located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Built in the 19th century, the pavilion served as a hunting lodge for Ottoman sultans. Its architectural style reflects the elegance of the Ottoman Empire. Some Bosphorus cruises include stops or views of Küçüksu Pavilion.

Beylerbeyi Palace:

• Beylerbeyi Palace is another Ottoman palace on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. It was built in the 19th century and served as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans. The palace features a mix of Western and Ottoman architectural elements. Some luxury cruises may pass by or stop near Beylerbeyi Palace.

Anadolu Hisarı and Rumeli Hisarı:

• These historic fortresses on the European side of the Bosphorus were built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century. While not palaces, they are significant Ottoman military structures and provide a glimpse into the strategic importance of the Bosphorus during the Ottoman era.

When booking a Bosphorus tour with a focus on Ottoman history and luxury, consider looking for specialty tours or private charters that highlight these specific landmarks and provide insightful commentary on their historical significance. Additionally, some luxury hotels along the Bosphorus may offer exclusive experiences or packages that include private tours and cruises with an Ottoman historical theme.

Why should you include Dolmabahce Palace in your Istanbul guided tour itinerary?

Including Dolmabahçe Palace in your Istanbul guided tour itinerary is highly recommended for several compelling reasons:

Ottoman Grandeur and Architecture:

• Dolmabahçe Palace is a symbol of Ottoman grandeur and opulence. Built in the 19th century, it showcases a blend of Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles. The palace's stunning design reflects the wealth and sophistication of the Ottoman Empire during this period.
• Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922, during the reigns of the later Ottoman sultans. It played a crucial role in the political and administrative history of the empire during a time of significant reforms.

European Influences:

• One of the distinctive features of Dolmabahçe Palace is its European influences. The palace was built during a period when Ottoman rulers sought to modernize and Westernize the empire. The interiors of the palace reflect the influence of European styles and design trends.

Bosphorus Location:

• Dolmabahçe Palace is strategically located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, providing breathtaking views of the strait. Including a visit to the palace in your itinerary allows you to appreciate both its architectural beauty and the scenic surroundings.

Crystal Staircase:

• One of the highlights of Dolmabahçe Palace is the Crystal Staircase, an exquisite staircase made of Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany. It is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship and a symbol of the palace's extravagance.

State Rooms and Halls:

• The palace features impressive state rooms, halls, and chambers, each adorned with intricate decorations, chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. The tour allows you to explore these rooms, including the Throne Room and the Ceremonial Hall.

Clock Tower and Gate of the Sultan:

• The Dolmabahçe Clock Tower and Gate of the Sultan are iconic structures within the palace complex. These landmarks add to the overall charm and historical significance of the site.

Gardens and Grounds:

• The palace is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and grounds, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy views of the Bosphorus.

Guided Tours and Commentary:

• When you include Dolmabahçe Palace in your guided tour, you benefit from expert guides who provide historical context, architectural insights, and stories about the palace's role in Ottoman history. Guided tours enhance the overall visitor experience.
• Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace provides a cultural experience, allowing you to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Ottoman Empire's legacy and the period of modernization in the 19th century.

Make sure to check the opening hours and any specific visitor guidelines before including Dolmabahçe Palace in your itinerary, and consider combining the visit with other nearby attractions along the Bosphorus for a comprehensive Istanbul experience.

How does a Bosphorus dinner cruise offer a delightful fusion of Turkish cuisine and cultural experiences in Istanbul?

A Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul offers a delightful fusion of Turkish cuisine and cultural experiences, creating a memorable evening for visitors. Here's how these dinner cruises typically provide a rich blend of food and culture:

Turkish Cuisine Showcase:

• Dinner cruises along the Bosphorus often feature a buffet or set-menu showcasing a wide array of traditional Turkish dishes. You'll have the opportunity to savor a variety of flavors, from mezes (appetizers) to kebabs, seafood, and desserts.

Live Cooking Stations:

• Some dinner cruises set up live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes on board. This adds an interactive element to the dining experience, allowing guests to watch the preparation of certain dishes and even request personalized options.

Authentic Turkish Mezes:

• Mezes are an integral part of Turkish cuisine, and dinner cruises often include a selection of these appetizers. Mezes may include dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, dolma, and various salads, providing a taste of the rich and diverse Turkish culinary heritage.

Seafood Specialties:

• Given Istanbul's coastal location, many Bosphorus dinner cruises emphasize seafood specialties. Freshly caught fish, calamari, and other seafood dishes are commonly featured, offering a delicious maritime experience.

Desserts and Sweets:

• Turkish desserts are known for their sweet and rich flavors. Dinner cruises often include a variety of desserts such as baklava, Turkish delight, and other sweet treats. Enjoying these desserts while cruising on the Bosphorus adds to the overall indulgence.

Beverages and Turkish Tea:

• Turkish tea and coffee are often served during the cruise, allowing guests to experience the traditional Turkish way of enjoying hot beverages. Additionally, the dinner cruises may include a selection of local wines and spirits.

Cultural Entertainment:

• To complement the dining experience, Bosphorus dinner cruises typically feature cultural entertainment. This can include live music performances, traditional Turkish music, and even folk dance shows. The entertainment adds a cultural flair to the evening, providing insights into Turkey's artistic heritage.

Scenic Views and Landmarks:

• As you dine on the cruise, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, historic landmarks, and illuminated bridges. The enchanting backdrop of the Bosphorus enhances the overall experience, creating a magical atmosphere.

Sunset and Evening Cruises:

• Many dinner cruises are scheduled during the evening, allowing guests to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Bosphorus. The changing colors of the sky and the city lights coming to life add to the romantic and scenic ambiance.

Romantic Setting:

• Bosphorus dinner cruises are often popular choices for couples seeking a romantic evening. The combination of delectable cuisine, cultural entertainment, and the romantic setting of the Bosphorus creates a memorable experience for those celebrating special occasions.

Overall, a Bosphorus dinner cruise offers a delightful fusion of Turkish cuisine and cultural experiences, making it a must-try activity for visitors to Istanbul. The combination of great food, entertainment, and scenic beauty creates a unique and immersive cultural experience on the waters of the Bosphorus.

Is there a ferry option for a round-trip Bosphorus River cruise between Europe and Asia?

Yes, there are regular ferry options for a round-trip Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia in Istanbul. The Bosphorus serves as a natural boundary between the European and Asian sides of the city, and ferries offer a convenient and affordable way to experience a round-trip cruise across the strait. Here are some key points to consider:

Public Ferries:

• Istanbul's public transportation system includes regular ferry services that operate between various terminals on the European and Asian sides of the city. These ferries provide a practical means of crossing the Bosphorus while enjoying scenic views.

Ferry Terminals:

• Common ferry terminals on the European side include Eminönü, Karaköy, and Beşiktaş, while Üsküdar and Kadıköy are popular terminals on the Asian side. You can board a ferry at one terminal, cross the Bosphorus, and return on a different ferry to the original side.
• During the ferry ride, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, historic landmarks, and waterfront neighborhoods. The journey provides an opportunity to capture memorable photos and enjoy the unique experience of sailing between two continents.

Affordability:

• Public ferries are a cost-effective option for a Bosphorus cruise, making it accessible to both locals and tourists. The fare is typically lower than that of private boat tours or luxury yacht cruises.

Ferry Schedule:

• Ferries operate on a regular schedule throughout the day, providing flexibility for travelers. You can choose a time that suits your itinerary and enjoy the round-trip cruise at your own pace.

Different Ferry Routes:

• In addition to the direct Eminönü to Üsküdar or Eminönü to Kadıköy routes, there are also longer Bosphorus ferry routes that may include additional stops along the way. These routes offer a more extended cruise experience.

Bosphorus Tours by Ferry Companies:

• Some ferry companies in Istanbul offer special Bosphorus tours that provide commentary about the landmarks and history of the strait. These tours may include round-trip options or one-way trips with return options.

Popular Crossing Points:

• Eminönü to Üsküdar and Eminönü to Kadıköy are popular ferry routes for those looking to experience a round-trip Bosphorus cruise. These routes offer a mix of historical sites, modern developments, and scenic beauty.

Before embarking on your round-trip Bosphorus ferry cruise, it's advisable to check the ferry schedule, departure points, and any additional information provided by the ferry company. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience as you navigate between the two continents of Europe and Asia.

What unique experience awaits you during a Bosphorus cruise on a luxury yacht in the Old City of Istanbul?

A Bosphorus cruise on a luxury yacht in the Old City of Istanbul offers a unique and enchanting experience, combining the allure of the historic cityscape with the luxury of a private yacht. Here are some elements that contribute to the unique experience:

Exclusive Setting:

• The use of a luxury yacht provides an exclusive and intimate setting for your Bosphorus cruise. With a limited number of guests, you can enjoy a more personalized experience with attentive service and comfort.

Panoramic Views of Historic Landmarks:

• Cruising along the Bosphorus in the Old City allows you to enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapi Palace, and the historical city walls. The luxury yacht offers an unparalleled vantage point for admiring these treasures.

Historical Commentary and Insights:

• Many luxury yacht cruises come with knowledgeable guides who provide historical commentary and insights into the significance of the Old City's landmarks. Learn about the rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels as you sail along the Bosphorus.

Flexible Itinerary:

• Private luxury yacht cruises often allow for a flexible itinerary, letting you customize your route and the duration of specific stops. This flexibility ensures that you can focus on the Old City's attractions and landmarks that interest you the most.

Sunset or Evening Cruises:

• Luxury yacht cruises frequently offer sunset or evening options, allowing you to witness the Old City bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun or illuminated by city lights. The magical ambiance adds a romantic touch to your experience.

Gourmet Dining Options:

• Some luxury yacht cruises include gourmet dining experiences with fine Turkish cuisine. Enjoy a delectable meal on board as you sail past the Old City's historical gems. The combination of exquisite food and breathtaking views creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Comfort and Privacy:

• Luxury yachts are equipped with comfortable seating, spacious decks, and private areas. This level of comfort and privacy enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for special occasions or intimate gatherings.
• The Bosphorus serves as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. A luxury yacht cruise offers the opportunity to cross continents, adding a symbolic and exciting dimension to your journey.
• The Old City's skyline, with its minarets, domes, and historical structures, provides excellent photography opportunities. Capture the beauty of Istanbul from the water as you sail past the city's most iconic landmarks.

Memorable Atmosphere:

• The combination of the Old City's historic charm, the gentle breeze from the Bosphorus, and the luxurious surroundings of the yacht creates a memorable and enchanting atmosphere. It's an experience that allows you to appreciate Istanbul's timeless beauty in a refined and elegant manner.

When considering a luxury yacht cruise in the Old City of Istanbul, it's recommended to choose a reputable operator that offers personalized services and a high level of comfort. Confirm the itinerary, amenities, and any additional offerings to ensure a truly unique and memorable experience on the Bosphorus.

What should you know before you go on a private Istanbul tour to the Princes Islands or a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus?

Before embarking on a private Istanbul tour to the Princes' Islands or a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus, there are several key considerations to enhance your experience and ensure a smooth journey. Here's what you should know:

For Princes' Islands Tour:

Island Options:

• The Princes' Islands consist of several islands, each with its own charm. The main islands typically visited are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada. Research each island's attractions to choose the ones that align with your interests.

Ferry Options:

• Ferries are the primary mode of transportation to the Princes' Islands. Determine the ferry schedule, departure points, and ticket prices. Ferries usually depart from Kabataş or Eminönü on the European side and Bostancı or Kadıköy on the Asian side.

Ferry Duration:

• The ferry ride to the Princes' Islands can take varying amounts of time, depending on the island and departure point. Be aware of the duration to plan your day effectively.

Bicycles and Horse-Drawn Carriages:

• On Büyükada, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are popular modes of transportation. Consider renting a bicycle or taking a carriage tour to explore the island.

Monasteries and Churches:

• The islands are home to historical monasteries and churches. Check the opening hours of key landmarks, such as Aya Yorgi Church on Büyükada, before planning your visit.

Local Cuisine:

• Enjoy local seafood and Turkish cuisine at the island's restaurants and cafes. Büyükada, in particular, is known for its seafood specialties.

For Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise:

Types of Cruises:

• Bosphorus cruises come in various forms, including public ferries, private boat tours, and luxury yacht cruises. Choose the type of cruise that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Cruise Duration:

• Bosphorus cruises can range from short ferry rides to longer private charters. Decide on the duration that fits your schedule and allows you to explore the Bosphorus at a comfortable pace.

Landmarks and Attractions:

• Know the key landmarks along the Bosphorus, such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Maiden's Tower. Choose a cruise that includes commentary or a guide to provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of these landmarks.
• Consider the timing of your cruise. Sunset and evening cruises offer a magical view of the city lights and are particularly popular for a romantic experience.
• Istanbul's weather can vary, so check the forecast for the day of your cruise. Dress accordingly, and be prepared for cooler temperatures if you're taking an evening cruise.

Booking in Advance:

• Especially for private or luxury cruises, it's advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Popular times, such as sunset cruises, may fill up quickly.

Camera and Binoculars:

• Bring a camera to capture the scenic views along the Bosphorus. Binoculars can enhance your experience, allowing you to see details of landmarks and landscapes.

Cruise Routes and Stops:

• Some cruises may include stops at various points of interest. Understand the route and any potential stops, as this can influence the overall experience.

Dress Comfortably:

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you plan to explore different parts of the boat or if you have stops along the way.
• Be aware of specialty cruises, such as dinner cruises or themed tours. These may have specific schedules and offerings, so check the details when making reservations.

Before you go, check for any travel advisories, verify the operating hours of attractions, and have a general understanding of the cultural norms and etiquette in Istanbul. Additionally, consider the season and time of day to make the most of your private tour to the Princes' Islands or your sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus.

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What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?

Last updated: September 22, 2023

A cruise on the Bosphorus is probably the most overlooked Istanbul tourist attraction. Understandable, with such an abundance of historical sightseeing spots in Istanbul and too little time to squeeze them all into your short holiday. But take my advice and set a few hours aside to take an unforgettable Bosphorus tour. Certainly if you’re in town between May and September. You won’t regret it — at least if you follow these simple guidelines.

1. Private Bosphorus Tours

Private Bosphorus cruises  are great value for your money if you do them with reputable and trustworthy companies such as Zoe Yacht. Check out my review of a private Bosphorus cruise I took.

Unfortunately, there are also a lot of less trustworthy options. I see these scenes unfold almost every day: poorly informed tourists willing to take a Bosphorus tour, walking on the docks of Eminönü in search of a Bosphorus cruise. Such companies can spot this kind of behavior from a mile away and offer them a seat on their Bosphorus cruise boat. But please, don’t get tempted by the offer these ‘hustlers’ make. Their tours are overpriced (double and more), shorter, and often on boats that can barely be called seaworthy. Moreover, there is nothing private about a boat you share with 50 to 100 or more strangers.

2. Şehir Hatları Offers the No-Nonsense Bosphorus Tours

Şehir Hatları is Istanbul’s official ferry company. It offers three great Bosphorus tours: Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, Full Bosphorus Cruise, and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. Unfortunately, the availability of these tours changes according to the season. So do keep on reading and check out the respective links for the most up-to-date departure times. Insider tip: sit outside on the left-hand side of the ship for the best views.

The Şehir Hatları Bosphorus lines sales offices are located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge.

Scenic River Cruise Tours on the Bosphorus

2.1 short circle bosphorus cruise ( kısa boğaz turu ).

First up is the non-stop Short Circle Bosphorus tour. This one is great for people who are pressed for time but don’t want to miss a genuine Bosphorus experience. This tour is available twice a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ), and once a day during the low season. The cruise takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (well past the second bridge that is), and back.

The ferry leaves the Eminönü docks at 14:40 and 15:50, arrives at Ortaköy around 15:10 and 16:20 to pick up more people, and then continues its two-hour non-stop tour. The price per person is 65 TL, 32 TL for children under 12. For the latest updates, check the official timetable .

2.2 Full Bosphorus Cruise ( Uzun Boğaz Turu )

The Full Bosphorus Tour offers a great Bosphorus experience and will take several hours in total. For a mere 120 TL, this cruise will take you from Eminönü all the way to the Black Sea, and back. Each way takes about two hours since the ferry also makes 5 short stops to let people on and off. You must get off the ferry at around 12:30 in Anadolu Kavağı , the last harbor before the Black Sea. This two-hour break gives you the opportunity to grab a (late) lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants located on the shore and/or visit the fortress.

The ferry does one complete tour a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ). You can board the ferry in Eminönü (10:35) or Beşiktaş (10:50) on the European side, and Üsküdar (11:05) on the Asian side. Do check the official schedule with the latest timetables .

On board, you can use digital guides explaining over 70 points of interest along the way, in 10 different languages (Turkish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Persian, and Arabic). The price for a round trip is 65 TL, 32,5 TL for children under the age of 12.

2.3 Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night ( Mehtap Gezi )

It offers the exact same tour as the regular Full Bosphorus Tour, but you get to see Istanbul at night! The ferry leaves before dusk providing great Istanbul sunset views. It again stops in Anadolu Kavağı for a bit over two hours so people can enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore. Around 22:30 the ferry departs again for a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus — a unique experience!

Unfortunately, the Full Bosphorus Tour by Night on the Ferry is only available on Saturdays in July and August. The good news is that it only costs 130 TL. Needless to say, you better buy your tickets in time.

3. Turyol and Dentur

Turyol and Dentur are two private companies that also offer a two-hour Bosphorus tour, similar to the one by Şehir Hatları. The good news is that they have several departures a day. The bad news is that they are more expensive and a bit shoter.

The Turyol Bosphorus tour sales booth is located on the righthand docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge, past the fish & bread sellers. During the high season, ferries depart hourly starting 10:00. Last departure time is 20:00 on weekdays, and 21:00 during the weekend. The Bosphorus tour takes about 90 minutes, and costs 150 TL.

The Dentur Bosphorus tour dock and sales booth are located in Kabataş. The ferries depart every hour with the first departure at 12:45 and the last one at 17:45. The trip takes 1h45 and costs 150TL.

Always check the respective websites for the latest schedules and prices.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission to keep the site ad-free . I only recommend products and companies I use or have used.

Further Recommended Reading

• Why and How Should You Visit the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul?
• Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting
• Bebek, Istanbul’s Trendy Village along the Bosphorus

Mahmud says

March 27, 2024 at 5:17 pm

Hi, thank you for this valuable information. I have a question, we are planning to visit 7-11 April during Eid. Are the tours still open? If I want to view sunset plus night instanbul view then which tour you suggest please? Thanks in advance 👍

Erlend says

March 27, 2024 at 7:13 pm

Hi, the tours will be operational, but for winter schedule still. The sunset tour offered by Sehir Hatlari will not be available as it only runs in the summer months.

January 18, 2024 at 4:55 pm

Hi! Thank you for the article. It really helps a lot! quick question, do you know different Bosphorus tours an Bosphorus lines? is it the same ferry or not? i’m planning a short tour because i only want to Ortakoy and explore a little bit more there, but unfortunately they don’t stop at the Ortakoy right? So, if it i’s the same, i wil go woth Bosphorus lines only. Thank you for your help.

January 18, 2024 at 8:37 pm

Not sure what you would like to do: – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy and explore the area while the ship continues its tour – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy, explore the area for a short time, boatrd the ship again and continue the Bosphorus tour (spoiler: no such tour exists) – do you want to go from to Ortaköy and explore the area, and go back to where you came from

Barry Lewis says

November 23, 2023 at 11:14 pm

Am I correct that the Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu) is NOT available during the month of March (we’ll plan to be there around March 7 to March 14).

Barry Lewis

November 24, 2023 at 5:06 pm

No, there is one. It leaves in Eminönü at 10:35 and will be back by 16:40 with a 2,5 hour stop at the furthest point. Keep in mind that it can still be very cold in March, so you’ll probably sit inside the whole time.

Nadine says

March 13, 2024 at 11:53 am

Hello wl be there in April after 12 ..would love to do the cruise ..is there a long one with several stops? Wl be staying in Taksim .can you please advise.thx

March 14, 2024 at 7:03 pm

Hi Nadine, do you mean after 12 as in after 12 April 2024 or after 12 as in any day in April but after noon?

November 1, 2023 at 1:16 pm

Very helpful information thank you. Are these tours guided, ie does a guide provide a narrative on route?

November 4, 2023 at 11:33 am

No, they are not.

October 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm

Thank you for this information. Extremely helpful. Do you know what time the short tour departs in the inter season? (2 November 2023). I have checked the schedule and cannot seem to work it out.

Thanks in advance.

November 1, 2023 at 12:32 am

They’re currently in winter mode, which means that the short tour departs daily from Eminönü at 14:40.

Waldemar Kowalski says

September 22, 2023 at 5:32 am

Thank you for the invaluable information and your detail in representing Turkey and Istanbul!

The current tariffs (according to https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/price-list/bosphorus-tours-78 ) are 120 TL round trip for the long tour, 65 for the short tour, and 130 for the moonlight tour.

We are looking forward to using a LOT of your information

September 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi, thanks for sharing. I’ll adjust the price … a never-ending story I’m afraid with the current inflation.

Carl Shinoda says

January 17, 2024 at 3:11 am

Thank you for your amazing article. It’s very helpful. One thing i wish to find out is, you mentioned there is a digital guide on board the long tour which cost 65TL. Is it a device they provide with earphone set or an app to download off our phones? If neither one, what is it?

January 17, 2024 at 7:25 pm

I’m guessing it’s an app these days.

September 16, 2023 at 12:23 am

do you know if there is a Boat tour leaving from Karaköy?

September 16, 2023 at 1:39 pm

No, no Bosphorus tours from Karaköy.

September 11, 2023 at 11:28 pm

Hi. Is their a sunset cruise ( preferably non/dinner)that leaves from and returns to Kadikoy

September 11, 2023 at 11:31 pm

When do you plan to go?

Brett Jones says

July 22, 2023 at 12:46 pm

Can you tell me which pier in Kadiköy the night cruise leaves from on Saturdays? The website says it’s the ‘old’ station – but not being from Istanbul I have no idea which one that is! Thanks!

July 22, 2023 at 6:56 pm

Hi Brett, just go to the Kadiköy piers and ask there where the mehtap Bogaz turu picks up passengers. They often change, so it’s hard to tell where it is now. Just make sure you’re 20 min earlier.

June 19, 2023 at 5:32 pm

Hello, We are in Istanbul right now. Just a quick update – the Turyol 90 min. tour is now 100 liras. Thanks for the suggestions. Hoping to catch a Sehir Hatlari full tour this week.

June 19, 2023 at 10:58 pm

Thanks, enjoy!

April 5, 2023 at 5:55 pm

Are all boats and crews the same? Do they have similar amounts of guests?

April 5, 2023 at 5:58 pm

Not sure that I understand your question. I review different companies and different lines on this page. Different companies of course have different boats and crews. And the crew for the short and long tour also differ.

carolyn haywood says

March 23, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Hi we dock in instanbul from 9 till 6 on a cruise and we want to do a trip on the Bosphorus, what would you recommend? We will be there june. Thanks

March 23, 2023 at 7:04 pm

I assume you’ll be there from 9 am till 6pm?

Jenny Jiang says

March 7, 2023 at 1:21 am

Hi, thanks for your article, very helpful. I’ve booked 4 days trip to Istanbul from March 8-12 (this week!), planning to do the Full Bosphorus Tour. What is the Şehir Hatları schedule in March? Can I still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40? Will it be okay to buy a ticket on the day before departure, at this time of the year? Many thanks. Jenny

March 7, 2023 at 11:04 am

The winter schedule is still in effect in March, so the timing is correct. In March, buying a ticket on the same dayshould be ok. Have fun.

November 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm

Your articles are very helpful and I am glad I came across it.

I am travelling to Istanbul with my parents next week and was planning to do the long bosphorus tour, we are staying in Cihangir. My question is – would you still advise the tour as it is November and the weather might be not the best. And do we buy the tickets from sehir hatlari the same morning?

Thank you for helping all the vacationers to plan their Istanbul holidays.

November 20, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Personally, I wouldn’t do the long cruise in winter. Part of the charm is sitting on deck, in the sun, which is obviously not possible in winter. Moreover, the main sightseeing spots (80%) are also covered by the short tour. Yes, buy tickets from their sales booth, the same day should be ok in winter.

October 29, 2022 at 7:55 am

Hi! Does the long cruise take place in November? Are there only outdoor locations on the ship? How to get to the ferry station from Pendik? Can I buy tickets online? If not, can I buy them immediately before the trip?

October 29, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Yes, there is one trip a day in winter, leaves at 10:35 and back around 16:40 with a long break at the furthest point. Seats indoor and outdoor. Tickets from the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Tours booth at the Eminönü docks. It’s low season, so I would expect yes, but go in time.

Melanie Putra says

October 23, 2022 at 8:50 pm

I’m researching Sehir Hatlari’s short Bosphorus tour (2 hours) for my December trip. I know it departs Eminonu at 2:40pm. I am a bit confused though when I look at Hatlari’s schedule which shows: Departure from Eminonu: 2.40pm Departure from Üsküdar: 2.55pm Arrival at Ortakoy: 3.10pm This one way trip is only half hour. 1. Does this mean the ship continues on further after Ortakoy, perhaps half hour more, only then turns around to return to Eminonu? I’m just counting the timing… If it turns around at Ortakoy and heads back to Eminonu, the whole trip would only be 1 hour, not 2… 2. If this is the case, is the scenery further up after Ortakoy worth it? Or should I disembark at Ortakoy to check out Ortakoy then catch a bus to Taksim (I plan to visit Istiklal Caddesi after the cruise). Just wondering whether Ortakoy is a better option than continuing with the cruise? I heard the traffic between Ortakoy & Kabatas is horrible though.. Maybe still better to do the 2 hours cruise then catch T1 from Eminonu to Kabatas…?

October 24, 2022 at 8:09 am

The tour takes between 90 min and w hours, so don’t get off at Ortaköy and enjoy the ride until you’re back in Eminönü. From there, as you suggested, take the T1 to Kabatas followed by the F2 to Taksim.

February 6, 2023 at 11:56 am

How to buy the ticket? I’m in Turkey currently and planned to take the short tours

February 6, 2023 at 7:05 pm

As it says in the article, on the Eminönü docks, look for the Bosphorus Tour sales booth by Şehir Hatlari.

JOHN EV says

October 14, 2023 at 5:20 am

Our family will be in Istanbul on the 1st and 2nd January. Do the short 2 hour trips take place on these days? Many thanks. John EV

October 16, 2023 at 9:59 pm

Normally yes. In case not the 1st then certainly the second.

Sai Orias says

September 28, 2022 at 1:59 pm

Thank you for the wonderful article about the cruise.

I would like to try it once I arrive at Istanbul. I will be staying at the Asian Side. My question is, when I arrive at Uskudar dock what name should I look for to book this cruise at the same amount you posted? I wanted to try riding the full cruise, also is it okay to bring food and water during the cruise?

Looking forward for my stay in Istanbul. I will be going there alone and I am excited!

September 28, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Look for the name Şehir Hatları, and if there are multiple dock pavilions, look for Bosphorus lines. Sure you can bring food and (non-alcoholic) beverages along, but keep in mind that for the full cruise you’ll stop for quite a while at the farthest point.

Nishat says

September 23, 2022 at 9:20 pm

The nonstop short bosphorous tour – Will they halt at Ortakoy for an hour or so? Or we won’t have time to get down from the ferry? I really would explore Ortakoy a bit along with the bosphorous tour.

September 24, 2022 at 9:10 am

It will briefly stop there to let people board, but that won’t even be 5 minutes. So the answer is, no, it’s non-stop.

Mary M says

September 13, 2022 at 11:40 pm

We would like a round trip ferry ride from Emenonu to Anadolu Kavagi on Tuesday, September 20. Is this route served every day? What company do I use? Where can I purchase the tickets? Same day at the pier ticket? or advance ticket? Thanks, Mary

September 14, 2022 at 8:44 am

The current schedule runs until September 18. I’ll let you know as soon as the winter schedule is published.

Mary Warpeha says

September 19, 2022 at 3:22 am

Hi. We are in Istanbul and really want to cruise. Can you send an update on the schedule for Tuesday, September 20? Much appreciated.

September 19, 2022 at 9:45 am

The new Şehir Hatları schedule came out today, and you can still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40. You can also take the short tour starting at 14:40. You can find the sales booth and dock right from the Galata Bridge when facing the Galata Tower. It says Bosphorus Lines. Enjoy!

Haruethai says

September 2, 2022 at 5:27 pm

Hi, thanks for a wonderful Istanbul article Does the Sehir Hatlari has hourly short cruises like Turyol and Dentor. Are these 3 companies equally good and are the routes the same. I have very limited time in Istanbul, if not Sehir Hatlari which of this two would you suggest me to take. Because their frequencies are more and I can plan my day better. Thanks

September 2, 2022 at 6:24 pm

As I write in the post, Sehir Hatlari only has 2 short tours, while the others have multiple. I suggest going with Sehir Hatlari if their timetable suits you, if not, Turyol because you stay in Eminönü.

August 28, 2022 at 11:49 pm

Hello Erlend, We like to take the short Bosphorus Cruise on October. What is the name of the office at the Eminou dock? Can we buy tickets inside the office on the day of the cruise? We are just afraid of all these touts outside the office and all over the docks? Thanks so much.

August 29, 2022 at 11:10 am

Assuming that you want to take the one by Şehir Hatları, it’s just called Eminönü 2 Iskelesi / Pier – Boğaz Hattı / Bosphorus Line by Şehir Hatları. Yes, you can buy the day itself. If you have the time, maybe stop by in the morning already.

July 14, 2022 at 6:07 pm

Hi Erland We have just moved to Istanbul and are living it! My daughter is visiting at the moment and we want to show her the most we can via a Bosphorous tour as she is 7 months pregnant and don’t want her trudging around for hours. Is it best to get the ferry from Eminönü?

Love your tips many thanks Colin

July 14, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Yes, unless you want a private (and rather expensive) Bosphorus tour, the Eminönü pier is your best bet. You can go with the Şehir Hatları (cheapest but only once a day) or with Turyol (every hour I guess). Enjoy.

Colin Weaver says

July 15, 2022 at 9:44 am

Many thanks, we are going to take the Eminönü ferry today.

July 26, 2022 at 9:42 pm

On Thursday we will make our way to Emenonu via the tram. Where in Emenonu is the piers/docs? Will we need to take a taxi or it’s a walking distance?

July 26, 2022 at 9:58 pm

You can’t miss. Literally, when you get off the tramway, you’ll see the docks.

July 13, 2022 at 7:13 am

Hello. We plan to travel in Europe in august 20, 2022 , and we have a 15 h layover in Instanbul.we will arrive sunday around 4pm , can we still get the Bosphorus free tour from the airport? is it still on for sundays this tour? I dont mind if its the short one or the long tour. Thank you!!

July 14, 2022 at 9:18 am

This service is called Touristanbul . Do you fly with Turkish Airlines? You can find out all the information whether you’r eligible for Touristanbul .

June 6, 2022 at 1:47 pm

Hey erlend.

It will be my birthday tomorrow and I wanted to do something special. I was at eminönu the last few days and the prices were about 60 tl but without food or anything. People outside are trying to sell the Bosporus tour with dinner for 35 Euro per person… I don’t get that sorry. Can you help me?

June 6, 2022 at 3:11 pm

Not sure what you’re not getting. Just a short tour (1,5 hours) without food on a big ferry is indeed about 60TL. If you want a longer cruise with food or a small more private vessel with less people snacks and drinks, of course you need to pay more.

Here are two popular activities you may have a look at: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht and Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table

May 10, 2022 at 5:15 pm

Hi Erlend, First of all – Thank you very much for these useful information! I will be in Istanbul – for the first time – for the last May weekend, arriving Wednesday afternoon and leaving Sunday noon. So, three full days and some few hours. I love boat tours and exploring places, I am thinking to take the “Full Bosphorus Cruise”. Of course I am debating if it is “worth” to spend one full day for it, out of just three days of my first time in Istanbul, or if I should just take one of the shorter cruises and have the other half day to visit other places in Istanbul. But that’s up to personal preferences, I know. Still your opinion is very welcome! 😀

But, what I am trying to figure out as well is – so, we arrive on Wednesday afternoon, I thought for Thursday we would stay and explore the city for “getting a first overview”, including Hagia Sophia, etc. and on Friday going on the Full Bosphorus Cruise. Or is there any advantage in doing the Bosphorus Cruise on Thursday? I mean, if there will be, out of your knowledge, much more people using the boat on Fridays and you would recommend the Boat cruise on Thursday? (We are staying in Sultanahmet)

Thank you very much & sunny regards, Marie

May 10, 2022 at 7:35 pm

If you’re only in Istanbul for 3 days and it’s your first visit, I would definitely go for the shorter cruise and have extra time to visit the top attractions. There is no real preference for a day, just see what day best fits in your plan and/or pick the sunniest day.

Have a nice time.

May 12, 2022 at 12:36 pm

Hi Erlend, Thank you very much! I might come back to you and ask another touristy question 😀 Oh, here comes the first one: As we arrive on a Wednesday around 3 PM (arrival at airport), what would you recommend for this evening – that doesn’t involve too much sightseeing & walking, as we will be tired probably. Drop our stuff in the hotel in Sultanahmet and make our way to the Galata Tower, to spend the evening there and for a nice view of the city for a “first impression”? Or maybe just stay in Sultanahmet. Don’t know, what makes “sense”. Thanks a million! Marie

May 12, 2022 at 6:35 pm

It will all depend a bit on traffic I guess. Let’s say out of the airport and on the road by 17:00, which is rush hour. Assume to be at hotel by 19:00. So yes, not a bad idea, and maybe have a bit nearby.

May 13, 2022 at 8:20 pm

Great, thank you so much Erlend! 🙂 All the best, Marie

Jose Monte says

April 25, 2022 at 2:22 pm

Can you please give me step by step instructions to go from our hotel at the Pullman Istanbul Hotel, Yenibosna Merkez, Mahallesi, 1. Asena Sk. No:15, 34295 Bahçelievler/İstanbul which is very neat Attaturk Airport but outside the city center to Sultanahmet or the Bosphorus Ferry tour terminal in Eminonu Pier. I would like to take public transport but I would not mind taking taxi to the nearest public transport terminal from our hotel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

April 25, 2022 at 6:33 pm

It’s not an easy connection. If I were you I would take a taxi to the T1 tramway stop in Zeytinburnu in the direction of Eminönü or Kabatas. This tramway passes the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and has a stop at the ferry docks in Eminönü.

April 26, 2022 at 8:34 am

Thank you Erlend. I googled Zeytinburnu and it looks easier and safer to catch a taxi back to our hotel at night. Does the Tram runs at midnight ?

April 27, 2022 at 6:35 pm

The operating hours were in the link I shared in the previous reply. But yes, outside operating hours, a taxi back is your best/only option. I would stay clear of buses, it’s not that comfortable and can be pretty confusing for tourists.

April 5, 2022 at 5:31 pm

Hi I’ll be going to Istanbul in June / early July hopefully, we want to go on the sunset cruise, on one of the days we’ll be visiting the Dolmabahce Palace and we were thinking off doing the sunset cruise the same day. Where is the best place to purchase the sunset cruise near Dolmabahce Palace or can we purchase before and get onto a boat near the Dolmabahce Palace?

Many thanks, Umar

April 5, 2022 at 11:00 pm

The season hasn’t started for the sunset cruise, so it’s hard to predict on what the schedule will be this year. Normally this trip is available during the months July and August. You can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü. Chances are you can board in Beşiktaş, but you won’t know for sure until the summer schedule is released. If not, no need to worry, only a 10 minute walk from Dolmabahçe you can take the T1 tram from Kabataş to the Eminönü .

April 8, 2022 at 1:10 am

Thank you so much for the reply so helpful. Do you know when the summer schedule is released? And where I can find it please?

April 9, 2022 at 3:58 pm

Hi Umar, I think around May. Here’s the link . Currently you see only two tours, as soon as the sunset tour is back available, it’ll appear there too.

April 11, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Thank you once again that’s very useful. Just a couple more questions before I stop bothering you lol:

1. You mentioned I can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü, can we buy tickets a few days before the cruise or do we have to purchase on the day? I’m just wondering if we’re passing by the docks in Eminönü then we may buy before if we can.

2. Which company do we need to book with? is it Sehir Haltari? Do they have ticket booths on the docks in Eminönü?

Thanks, Umar

April 11, 2022 at 3:45 pm

1. Yes, normally you can 2. Yes, Şehir Hatları

June 21, 2022 at 4:02 am

Is the sunset tour now available?

June 21, 2022 at 5:22 pm

Yes, it is. It leaves from Eminönü at 18:25 , but I suggest to be there earlier to make sure you have (a good) seat and buy your tickets in the morning if you can.

January 29, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Hey, thabk you so much for the article! I’ve read all the comments and have two questions left: for the long bosphorus tour you mentioned the audio guides, where can we get one? Is it on the boat itself? And secondly: you mentioned the ticket office, is it really an office or machines? Because we walked past the dock today and I could find a real office. Thank you so much

January 30, 2022 at 2:44 pm

In winter there are no long Bosphorus tours, only short ones. The audio guide you normally get on the vessel itself. It’s a real office. If you are on the docks, and look at The Galata Tower on the other side of the Golden Horn, it’s about 150 meters right from the bridge.

Have a nice stay.

Nadia Shehzad says

June 15, 2022 at 9:57 am

Is a night cruise available on June 25, 2022? If night cruise on 25 June is not available from you, which other affordable and reliable company is recommended? Please help me as there are so many scams. Just a decent evening/night cruise for a family in budget?

June 16, 2022 at 9:27 am

The one from Şehir Hatları will not be available. In order to recommmend you one, can you please specify the amount of people, private or not, vessel size, budget (in EUR or USD), and whether you want just the cruise or also want to eat something (and have a belly dance show)?

June 18, 2022 at 12:33 am

Hi Erlend We are 3 adults and 1 child (11 year) and 1 child (5 years old). We are fine with anything nice, private or not, food or without food, with or without night show. Budget would be 20-40 per head. We can do two separate types if they are within 25$/person, one day for sunset and another day for night/ music. Or a single one having sunset+a bit of night, max 40$/person.

Thank you very much

June 18, 2022 at 6:50 pm

Ok, when will you be in Istanbul? The reason I ask is because the state run ferry normally has a Bosphorus sunset cruise in summer, which may be announced soon?

June 21, 2022 at 5:29 pm

You can now take the Sehir Hatlari Sunset cruise for 52 TL per person. It leaves daily from the Eminönü pier at 18:25. Better buy your tickets upfront to make sure you have a seat.

Annisa Amelia says

August 4, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Hello hart! Thank you for the information, I wanted to ask you about the short trip of the bosphorus where can I buy the ticket ? In the locker in eminonu or I can use istanbulkart? Thanks a lot!

August 4, 2021 at 5:19 pm

It’s safer to go to the booth in Eminönü and buy the ticket upfront. It may not be too crowded this year, but better be safe than sorry.

Have a nice day.

May 18, 2021 at 11:11 pm

Hi – such a helpful blog! We are considering visiting Istanbul for New Years. Do you think any cruises will be running in the winter? Would it still be worth visiting one of the Princes’ Islands in the winter? I know winter means less crowds, but hoping things are still open, despite colder temperatures and COVID.

May 19, 2021 at 9:17 pm

Thanks a lot. As you mentioned, it all depends on the weather. For instance, last winter it was still 17 in the shade in December. On the flip side, it may freeze and even snow. Cruises still run in winter, but of course less frequently. Sitting outside because of the cold and/or precipitation may be less appealing. Visiting the islands is still a good idea, and something locals do on Sundays to escape the busy city life and get some fresh air. As for COVID, it’s hard to predict. I do know that the government just signed a deal for 90 million Pfizer vaccines, so let’s hope they can distribute them quickly.

February 22, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Hi there. I’m sure this must have been asked before. But please reply me. So the long tour starts at 10:35 and reaches ANADOLU at 12:25 And return from there to Eminonu is at 15:00 again. So between that time, are there places close by to have lunch ? Do they leave exactly at 15:00 or before time ?

February 23, 2020 at 2:33 pm

Yes, there will be restaurants at the port where you can eat, and the ferry doesn’t leave until 15:00. I suggest to play safe and be aboard minimum 10 minutes ahead of time though.

Sharwaaz Hassan says

January 28, 2020 at 12:13 am

Hope you’re well. I am so confused I really hope you can help me.

I’ll be visiting Istanbul in April Insha-Allah and I’d like to visit the Asian side as 1 activity on one day and I’d also like to take a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night as a different activity…

Firstly, Where exactly do I get the ferry if I wanted to get from the European side to the Asian side for a day outing on the Asian side?

I’ve been told to walk down Istiklal Street and at the end of Istiklal Street I can get a ferry at Karakoy port on the European side, is this correct?

Is it also true that if i took the ferry from Karakoy on the European side, I will get off at Kadikoy port on the Asian side and this ferry ride should take about 15mins from Karakoy to Kadikoy…..

However, in saying this I’ve been told that coming back from the Asian side, I get on at Kadikoy port but it doesn’t drop you at Karakoy, if it doesn’t drop you at Karikoy on the European side then where does it drop you on the European side?

How much should a ferry ride cost on an IstanbulKart?

Secondly, I would also like to do a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night. Where do I get the tickets for this cruise?

Do I have to book in advance or can I turn up on the day at Sehir Hatlati offices to book for that night?

Where are the Sehir Hatlati offices located?

How much will a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night cost in Turkish Lira please and can I pay in Turkish Lira by cash?

How long does this cruise take?

Are there free transfers provided from hotel to boat and back to hotel after the Cruise?

I know that I’ve asked many questions, but I will great appreciate if you can be as detailed as possible in your reply please because I want to get this right. Feel free to explain it to me like you would explain it to a 5yr old 🤣🤣🤣

Thanking you in advance

January 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

To get to the Asian side, and assuming you’ll want to go to Kadıköy, you can take a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy. Mind you that Karaköy is not located at the end of Istiklal Caddesi. You’ll still have to take Tünel (a funicular) to reach Karaköy. Alternatively, again from Taksim, you can take the other funicular to Kabataş and then take the tramway to Eminönü (which also passes Karaköy). Maybe have a look at this Istanbul Transportation map . The trip takes indeed about 15 min. If you take the Kadıköy-Karaköy ferry it will drop you off at Karaköy.

In April there is no full Bosphorus cruise by night organized by Şehir Hatları. But you can find many advertisements of such cruises organized by private companies on this site. Do read the details of such cruises to see if they match your expectations, and read the comments written by people who have take the cruise. It’s safe to book them online.

Hope this helps.

January 24, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Hello. Thanks for the article. Are there any multi-day cruises from Istanbul? We need a company that accepts children, in August.

January 25, 2020 at 12:31 pm

The Bosphorus Cruise as they call it is of course not a real cruise. For multi-day cruises you should contact established cruise companies. There is a nice cruise port in Istanbul. I read this year 65 cruise ships would enter Istanbul. Good luck.

January 20, 2020 at 5:07 pm

It’s a pleasure reading your article. Thank you so much for all the informations you have provided, we will be in istanbul in mid april for 4 days. We would like to take a Bosphorous cruise but we are more interested in taking a 2 to 3 hrs cruise, apart from 2.30 pm cruise is there any other cruise. We will be staying in Sultanhamet area and would prefer to start the cruise and ends at Eminomu. Are there any cruise that departs late in the evening without dinner provided that cruises for 2 to 3 hrs. We don’t prefer taking a private cruise. Thanks.

January 20, 2020 at 6:41 pm

The only non-private company providing Bosphorus tours is Şehir Hatları, with the tour you know. There are lots of different private tours (with and without) dinner. You can find them in the ads on the page. Make sure to read through the comments of others to make sure if it suits your needs. You may also want to check out Turyol , another private company.

Hop this helps.

Mohammad Iqbal says

January 17, 2020 at 5:12 am

Hi the schedule you shared for the full bhosphorus tour above in the article have one departure and one return cruise so it will start at 10:35 from first stop and reach the last stop at 12:25, then for the return, they will start at 15:00 which means we have to stay at the last stop for more then 2 hours? is there any option that we have continuous cruise like we reach at the last stop and after some time we start our journey back?

Is there only two long bhosphorous cruises for the day?

January 18, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Hi Mohammad,

Since it’s winter currently, they only operate one boat and only do one run. In summer the frequency is higher, so you can opt for an earlier return. If you want a continuous tour to the Black Sea and back, then I’m afraid that you’ll have to look for private companies and Bosphorus Tours. Keep in mind that they will be more expensive.

Milica says

December 30, 2019 at 4:16 pm

Are Şehir Hatları tours (either short or long) available during winter time? Their timetable looks the same way as this summer when I did a tour, but I was wondering if you have any closer information, as we would like to take the tour again these days.

Thank you 🙂

December 31, 2019 at 6:00 pm

It does look similar, but it has actually been updated. You’ll see that the long tour only has one trip up and down, where in summer there are a few more. So, to answer your question, yes the info is up to date.

November 28, 2019 at 11:19 am

Hi, my family and I will arrive Istanbul on the 2nd week of December, and from your post, the schedule changes seasonally. So I am worried about the schedule for Short Bosphorus Tour as we want to ride the cruise from Ortakoy. 1)Is the cruise still available during Winter season/ December? 2)How to find out their schedule for Short Bosphorus Cruise? Thank you

November 28, 2019 at 5:59 pm

Yes, the short Bosphorus tour continues during winter. Here you can find the schedule .

October 24, 2019 at 10:47 am

Hi there, great article! I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind:

What is the difference between the scenic River cruise for EUR20 and the full bosphorus for TL25? I ask this because of the substantial difference in price.

October 24, 2019 at 6:24 pm

The full Bosphorus cruise for 25 TL is a regular public transportation ferry taking you all the way to the last dock before the Black Sea, and back. It briefly stops at all the docks along the way to let people on and off. The 25 TL just lets you on the ship, no drink nor food included.

The Scenic River cruise, among many others on this page, are privately owned cruises that advertise here. Their offers MAY include equally long or shorter cruises, normally don’t have extra stops, can have daytime, sunset or night timeframes, food and drinks, entertainment on board, etc. each program is different, and so are their prices. I recommend you read the details and go over comments left by others.

Muhammad Siddiqui says

October 2, 2019 at 10:16 pm

Is this correct link for Bosphorus cruise? https://www.ido.com.tr/

do they pick up from Yotel at IST?

October 3, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Hi Muhammad,

No, that is the wrong link. Here are the links for the public Bosphorus tours and a private Bosphorus cruise which I took myself. Hotel pickup is only available on some tours, and certainly not for public tours.

September 21, 2019 at 6:50 am

HI, Thank you so much for all the help. It really helps us all. I have few questions:

1) I am coming there in first week of november. Is it usually busy during that time?

2) I will be there on Nov 1st (Friday Evening) to Nov 6th (Wednesday Morning). I know you mentioned the cruise doesn’t work on saturday! Would you recommend me taking the Sunday, Monday or Tuesday cruise?

3) I am planning on taking the full day cruise from Sehir Hatlari in Eminono, what is the small fish town called where the cruise stop for lunch? Any restaurants there you would recommend?

4) What time is the return cruise? What happens if we miss the last cruise?

5) Do you know where i should buy the tickets for princes island ferry? How much will it cost? I read online and people said the only place worth visiting on princes island is Buyukada. Or are there any other islands you recommend us going to. Any information about the princes ferry would be appreciated.

One day we are planning on doing bosporos tour, next day go to the princes island, third day visit mosque, museums and grand bazaar. We will still have one full day left, what do you recommend us to do. Something you would highly recommend someone doing when they visit istanbul. Doesn’t matter even if its 2-3hrs drive, i will rent a car and take my family.

Thank you so much for all the help with this forum.

September 23, 2019 at 8:54 am

1. It shouldn’t be too busy, it’s low season. 2. The cruises work every day, just the sunset cruise doesn’t. So you can take it any day you want. 3. It’s the very last stop, Anadolu Kavağı. Can’t really recommend one. Just don’t be overwhelmed by the waiters trying to lure you in, take your time to check them all out first, and then pick the one that pleases you most. 4. You can find the Şehir Hatları timetable for the full Bosporus cruise here . If you miss the only return ferry, the you’re left with a very expensive taxi ride back. 5. Just go to the Şehir Hatları offices on the docks of Eminönü and look for their Bosporus or Boğaz sales office. If you’re pressed for time, yes, focus on Büyükada . 6. Are Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern on your list already?

September 9, 2019 at 8:27 pm

Is there any non stop cruise?

I am looking for something that takes 1 to 2 hours maximum? Could I buy the tickets at the boat port? How much it cost?

September 10, 2019 at 9:54 am

The short tour only stops twice to pick up passengers. If you really want non stop tours you’ll have to take a look at private Bosphorus tours . For the tours by Şehir Hatları you can buy tickets at the pier, for other tours you better buy online.

Peter P says

September 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hello, thanks for your detailed article on the cruises and it helps a lot. My group are planning to do a short cruise, however we have a few questions:

1) We are a bit confused on the information from Sehir Hatlari’s website. Does the short cruises only depart once a day from Eminonu/ Uskudar/ Ortakoy? The Turkish version says it departs once a day, but the English website seems to be saying there would 2 departures per day.

2) We are planning to take on the short cruise from Ortakoy, would we be able to finish the cruise at Eminonu? Or we have to get off the ferry at Ortakoy if we were onboard there?

3) Would we miss anything good if we were onboard from Ortakoy for the short cruise?

Thanks so much and looking forward to hearing from you.

September 3, 2019 at 10:33 pm

1. There is only one tour a day. The top row are the departure times, the bottom row are the arrival times. 2. Yes, you can start in Ortaköy and get off at Eminönü. 3. You’ll only see the shore between those two points only once. If it fit your itinerary by boarding in Ortakoy, then I wouldn’t change it.

Sahana says

August 27, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Hi Erlend, Could you please share the google map location of the place where we can buy the tickets for Bosphorus tour. EMINONU area is pretty wide.

August 27, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Here you go: Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Cruises

Ahmad Mahairi says

August 25, 2019 at 10:23 pm

I am currently at Istanbul and I am planning to take the full cruze, I am also planning to visit Dolma bahçet saray and Rumli Hisarı at the same day. Would that be possible ? If so, shall I book the 1:30 trip or the 10:30 one? Is there a way to stop at a ferry station close to beşiktaş or Rumli Hisarı in the way back instead of waiting to get off at Eminonu?

August 26, 2019 at 8:29 am

I would first go to Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Hisari, and take the cruise at 13:35 from Eminönü or at 13:50 from Beşiktaş. You’ll be at 15:25 at the last stop. Before you get off the ship, ask what time the last boat embarks so you don’t miss it. On the way back you can get off at Beşiktaş or Eminönü, that’s up to you.

Have a good time.

August 23, 2019 at 6:22 pm

I will be in Istanbul in September for 3 full days, sunday – Tuesday (flying out Wednesday morning). We really wanted to do a sunset cruise, what is the best company to use and how much are we expecting for two adults? I don’t even mind dinner with the sunset cruise.

And thank you so much for taking your time to do this, great work 🙂

August 25, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Best is obviously a private cruise , but if you’re only a party of two it might be a bit too expensive. Cheapest is the one offered by Şehir Hatları, but it only runs on Saturdays in high season. If neither are an option, I suggest you take a look at all the other Bosphorus tour suggestions , with or without dinner. Please do take the amount of stars and reviews into consideration to make a wise decision.

Mustafa says

August 13, 2019 at 12:59 am

Went on Saturday for a night cruise with Şehir Hatları but the office was closed and I was told that Şehir Hatları has only one cruise on Saturday but that’s in the morning (or maybe they said afternoon..can’t recall). So we took the BigBus tour (they share the same booth with Şehir Hatları. The cost originally was 400 TL for 4 adults but after some negotiations it went down to 350 TL. It was very good. Not crowded at all. It was close to the evening so we started with a day light and also managed to see the sunset and Istanbul in night lights. Tour was with commentary at points of interest. Food drinks onboard are expensive. Bring your own snacks.

August 13, 2019 at 8:25 am

Hi Mustafa,

It’s correct that Şehir Hatları only has the sunset cruise on a Saturday. Maybe you were too late to catch it (it’s at Eminönü at 18:25) or it already sold out earlier in the day. Glad to hear that the other cruise worked out for you.

Jaco Havenga says

August 7, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Hi, thanks for your very informative articles. Me and my wife are visiting Istanbul from Sept 8th to 13 Sept. Would you suggest booking any tours or we rather do our own thing. Its like all the operators use the reason for booking with them is to skip long queues. In terms of the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus cruise (Full Cruise), when disembark at the last harbor for lunch is the ferry waiting or do you catch a different one back. And is this cruise cover all the important sites along the river or are there other cruises as well.

August 8, 2019 at 8:34 am

There are often long queues, but that’s most of the time to buy tickets. You can avoid that buy buying the museum pass or buy buying these skip the line guided tours. The latter also have the advantage that these are mostly guided tours. You can buy those online, you’ll find their ads on my site. And last but not least, you can buy a complete package with Istanbul Tourist Pass . I always used to go in with a book in hand, but I recently enjoyed the added value of a guide.

As for the cruise, it depends a bit on the day, but normally it’s the same ferry. Please safe, and take the 10:35 ferry to the last stop in the morning, and ask there when the return ferries depart. There is always a return ferry at 15:00, but the second one is either at 17:00 or 18:00, depending on the day.

John Fitzgerald says

July 30, 2019 at 11:01 pm

Is it reasonable to target the 1:30 departure from Eminonu with an arrival at Ataturk scheduled for 11:20? I don’t have any concept of the time needed to get through immigration and the taxi ride to the dock. Since we won’t buy the ticket until we are at the dock, the only question is whether it is reasonable to plan for that? Thanks.

July 31, 2019 at 8:42 am

First of all, you probably will not fly on Atatürk, because Atatürk Airport has been closed down a few months ago . You’ll now land at the new Istanbul Airport. Typically it takes just over one hour to get out of the airport, and depending on the means of transportation you choose and amount of traffic, it’ll take one to two hours to reach the city center. Assuming you’ll want to check in at your hotel first to at least drop your luggage, I think it’s very unlikely you’ll make it to the docks on time.

Hope this helps give you an idea.

July 14, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hey, I went on a Bosphorus cruise tour from Ortaköy, Beşiktaş. The one that costed 25 TL and lasted around an hour. It said “ Bogaz turlari” where we took the boat from. Is there any way to find out who was working on the boat/ cruise that we were on? Meaning the ones selling snacks, tea and so on. Thank you

July 15, 2019 at 8:35 am

I’m afraid that would be very difficult.

Sorry I can’t help you for that.

July 14, 2019 at 5:30 pm

First of all your post helped alot to understand the Bosphrous Tour Thanks for that.

My question is what i am seeing in the schedule provided by Şehir Hatları that

Full Bosphorus Cruise is departing from EMINONU and we also have ticketing office located on the left docks of EMINONU. So its a win win you go to EMINONU get the ticket and enjoy the cruise. Ok.

Now the issue is for Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night we’ll take the tickets from docks of EMINONU but the cruise is departing from BOSTANCI according to ” http://en.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/timetable/sunset-cruises-415.html ” this link. What is that??? Are you getting my point?

2) Second thing is you said ” For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though ”

Then what if i wanna go in the morning as i am seeing the schedule for Full Bosphorus Cruise the morning cruise will depart from EMINONU at 10:35. Will i easily get the ticket if i reach at the ticket office at lets say 9:30 or 10:00 ? I mean is it really hard to get the ticket or you can easily get the ticket if you reach an hour before departing the Cruise?

July 15, 2019 at 8:33 am

The boat starts it’s trip in Bostancı, then sails to Kadiköy and picks up people there, then sails to Eminönü where you’ll get on the boat, etc.

Yes, you can buy your tickets in the morning to make sure the boat isn’t sold out by the evening.

Rumana says

June 16, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi I am right now in Istanbul with my husband and two toddlers for a week. Can you please suggest me what we can do in Istanbul for around three days and for the remaining days we wish to explore places around Istanbul. Thank you

June 16, 2019 at 4:48 pm

Have you had a look at the articles 15 things to do in Istanbul and fun activities with kids ?

June 10, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Thank you so much, Erlend, for the details!

One more question – may I use Istanbulkart for the Long Bosphorus Cruise? Or the cost of the cruises are not included?

Thanks again!

June 11, 2019 at 1:09 pm

No, you can’t use your Istanbul Kart.

Camilo says

June 7, 2019 at 12:14 pm

I will arrive in Istanbul next Friday for in the afternoon at 6PM. I will be there until Saturday at 8 AM, as I checked, my only option to visit something typical in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi). Or do you suggest me another plan?

1. What time start the cruise at night? 2. How much is it? 3. Where I could buy the ticket? 4. How long is the cruise?

Thanks in advance for your help.

June 7, 2019 at 10:42 pm

If you land at 6 PM, I’m afraid you won’t make it in time. I suggest you have a nice dinner overlooking or by the Bosphorus.

June 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hello! I have read your articles and they are very useful. tank uou for your effort and time to write them! I have a few questions on the cruises a tourist can take:

1. For long Bosphorus Cruise, I found on googlemaps more names for the docks, such as: Eminonu Pier / Eminönü İskelesi and Terminal Feribot Eminönü (Ş.Hatları; Üsküdar & Boğaz). Could you, please, help me with the correct one where I should go to buy tickets and embark?

2. I want to take a cruise on the Golden Horn, too. On Sehir Hatlari website I found a departure point from Karakoy (ferry coming from Uksudar and stopping to Eyup). On the other hand, I found info that there is a ferry going to Eyup from Eminonu Halic Iskelesi (this is the name I found on googlemaps). I don„t know if this is still available in 2019. Is it possible to help me with correct and updated info?

3. Istanbulkart. It is clear it can be used by up to 5 people. When they all use it first time, they will have a discount fare (around 2,60 TL instead of 5TL, as it is a standard ticket). At the first transfer, all of them get discounts?

Thank you in advance for your help, Dana

June 6, 2019 at 11:10 pm

1. The Şehir Hatları docks are on the right side of the Galata Bridge with your back to Eminönü and looking at the Galata Tower. It should write Boğaz Turları and the brand name, Şehir Hatları.

2. The one you found starting in Üsküdar and ending at Eyüp is the official Golden Horn line (Haliç Hattı). Keep in mind that Karaköy is only just across the bridge from Eminönü, a very enjoyable walk.

3. No, only the first one of all people on the same card will get the discount. Personally, I don’t recommend more than three people on one card.

Kedar Dixit says

June 3, 2019 at 11:39 am

Is it worth buying Istanbul tourist pass or venture on your own?

June 3, 2019 at 7:33 pm

Unless you plan to do all they offer in the time frame you picked, I think you’re better of on your own.

Helen Pourouna says

May 15, 2019 at 7:11 pm

Can you buy tickets for full boat cruise on the day of the cruise for the morning cruise. So in other words can you just turn up to ticket office and buy a ticket for the cruise

May 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Yes, you can.

vivien barton says

April 25, 2019 at 9:11 am

What is the exact location of your office/ticket office? I don’t want to go on a different company, how do I find your ticket counter?

April 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

I’m not a travel agent, so I don’t have an office. I just share my Istanbul experiences and advice to help tourists make the most out of it.

April 24, 2019 at 10:08 am

How can i buy advance ticket for long bosphorus cruise or ensure that tickets are not totally sold for the day?

April 24, 2019 at 9:40 pm

For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though.

April 21, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hey, can you bring whatever you want to the cruise? (drinks, food, and the like) are the prices on board reasonable?

April 22, 2019 at 9:50 pm

On the public cruise boats you can bring your own drinks and some snacks. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages may not be allowed.

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Bosphorus Cruise – Exploring Istanbul’s Waters

Journey through the heart of this magnificent city, table of contents.

The Bosphorus Strait , the shimmering vein of water bisecting the city of Istanbul , has always been a witness to history and a bridge between cultures. Its banks are adorned with regal palaces, quaint wooden ‘yalis’ (waterside villas), and modern architectures that narrate the tale of a city cradled between two continents.

What is Bosphorus?

The Bosphorus is a narrow, natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in northwestern Turkey . It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia , and divides Turkey by separating Anatolia from Thrace. The Bosphorus connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara , and, by extension via the Dardanelles , the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

What is a Bosphorus cruise?

A Bosphorus cruise refers to a boat tour that navigates through this strait. These cruises offer a unique way to see Istanbul from a different perspective. They typically provide scenic views of the city’s skyline, historic sites, palaces, and forts.

Cruises can vary in length, from short tours to longer excursions, and often include opportunities to see landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace , the Maiden’s Tower , and the Bosphorus bridges that link Europe and Asia.

It’s a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, providing a relaxing and picturesque way to experience the beauty and history of Istanbul .

Moreover, cruising on the Bosphorus is not merely a sightseeing expedition; it’s a voyage through the heart of Istanbul , where every ripple in the water tells stories of empires past and the confluence of civilizations .

With routes stretching from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı , public ferries provide a laid-back cruise experience. As you glide along the water, you’ll witness the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace , the medieval fortress of Rumeli Hisarı , and the serene beauty of Yıldız Park , among others. The fare is wallet-friendly, and the schedule runs from morning till evening, making it a flexible option for anyone wishing to behold Istanbul from a different perspective.

There are several public ferry lines in Istanbul that offer Bosphorus tours, among which the most economical and efficient ones are the Short Circle Bosphorus Tour and the Long Bosphorus Tour.

• Short Circle Bosphorus Tour : This is a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 14:40 pm, making stops at Uskudar and Ortakoy Piers before returning to Eminonu Pier at 16:35 pm. The tour is priced at 65 TL per person, providing a quick yet thorough glimpse of the Bosphorus, showcasing the palaces, mosques, and historical mansions on both the European and Asian shores.

Download the PDF for 2023-2024 winter season’s timetable and all other information.

• Long Bosphorus Tour : For those with more time to spare, the Long Bosphorus Tour is a full-day trip that departs from Eminonu Pier at 10:35 am daily. This tour cruises along the Bosphorus and makes stops at various piers including Besiktas, Kanlica, Yenikoy, Sariyer, Rumeli Kavagi, and Anadolu Kavagi. At Anadolu Kavagi Pier, passengers have the opportunity to disembark and explore the village for three hours before the return journey, which gets back to Eminönü Pier at 16:35 pm. The current price for adults is 120 TL for a double way trip and 72 TL for a one way trip

• Rumeli Kavagi – Eminonu Line : Operated on weekdays, this line offers up to 12 voyages in each direction between Eminonu and Sarıyer, with a journey time of about one hour. The line stops at several piers on the European shore of the Bosphorus, such as Besiktas, Arnavutköy , Bebek, Emirgan, Kanlica, Yenikoy, Sariyer, and Rumeli Kavagi, with a fare of 19 TL per person. This is our personal favorite!

All these tours provide a splendid opportunity to relish the panoramic views of the city from the sea, with the backdrop of historical edifices and natural landscapes enhancing the experience.

To partake in these public ferry tours, you need to have an Istanbul Kart, a smart card usable for all public transportation and shopping payments in Istanbul . Istanbul Karts can be purchased from kiosks or vending machines near ferry piers or metro stations for 70 TL (as of November 2023) , which then needs to be loaded with credit for use. They can also be applied for online, easing the process for both locals and tourists alike.

For more information on schedules and departure times, the official website of Şehir Hatları is a useful resource.

Water Taxi Service

The water taxi service operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is a more utilitarian yet equally scenic way to traverse the Bosphorus . These water taxis are a speedy and convenient mode of transport, offering a less touristic but equally captivating view of the city from the water.

Explore Istanbul’s Bosphorus with ease using the İBB Deniz Taksi app , available for iOS . This user-friendly app lets you schedule sea taxi rides, offering a swift, comfortable, and unique way to navigate the city’s waters.

You can view ride costs in advance, ensuring transparency in pricing. The service, which charges per mile, provides flexibility in choosing departure and arrival points , with an option for shared journeys to reduce costs. Ideal for avoiding traffic and enjoying scenic views, the İBB Deniz Taksi app transforms sea travel into a delightful and efficient experience.

Whether you’re in a hurry or prefer a less crowded voyage, water taxis are a great option to consider.

Guided Half-Day and Full-Day Tours

For those seeking a more enriched and educational journey across the Bosphorus , guided half-day or full-day tours are available. These tours often come with expert guides who unravel the historical, architectural, and cultural plethora of Istanbul as you sail past its iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a brief stop at the picturesque village of Anadolu Kavağı or a guided visit to the majestic Beylerbeyi Palace , the added insights provided by a knowledgeable guide enhance the cruising experience manifold.

Bosphorus & Black Sea

Embark on an 8-hour Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise , complete with professional guidance, meals, and a rich itinerary. Dive into the enchanting neighborhoods of Istanbul , marvel at historic palaces, and unwind on scenic beaches, all while enjoying inclusive services like lunch and round-trip hotel transfers. Note that alcoholic drinks and tips are excluded. Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Bosphorus , where you can immerse in both European and Asian vibes. Relish in a swimming break at the Black Sea during your tour, which runs daily, thanks to our recommended partner, IBO Tours .

Specialized Bosphorus Cruise Companies

Aside from public and guided tours, there are dedicated Bosphorus cruise companies like bosphorustour.com or bosphoruscruise.com that offer curated cruising experiences on the strait. With their private boats, these companies provide a variety of cruises ranging from short jaunts to longer explorations, often accompanied by onboard amenities and services.

The tranquil morning cruises or the enchanting sunset cruises are popular choices among tourists and locals alike, making for a memorable voyage through the historic waters.

Private Bosphorus Cruises by The Other Tour

At The Other Tour , we take the Bosphorus cruise experience a notch higher. Our private Bosphorus cruises are tailored to offer a unique, intimate exploration of this beautiful strait. Amidst the gentle waves, we engage our guests in cultural dialogues, local interactions, and a closer look at Istanbul ’s heritage from the water. It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing oneself in the rhythm of the city, feeling the pulse of Istanbul through its waters.

Sunset Cruises on the Bosphorus

Dinner Cruises

A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, like the ones offered by mirayistanbul.com , is a delightful blend of culinary and visual feast. As you sail through the illuminated cityscape under the starlit sky, savoring a spread of delectable Turkish cuisine, the experience is nothing short of magical. Dinner cruises provide a romantic or celebratory ambiance, perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy a serene evening amidst the ancient and modern silhouettes of Istanbul.

The Bosphorus Strait is a captivating spectacle, its waters narrating the tales of Istanbul ’s glorious past and dynamic present. Whether you choose a public ferry, a guided tour, a private cruise, or a dinner cruise, each journey on the Bosphorus is a unique experience. And for those seeking a more intimate and culturally enriching cruising adventure, The Other Tour awaits to take you on a voyage that transcends the ordinary.

Virtual Bosphorus Cruise

If you can’t make it there physically, maybe this will hold you over for the time being 🙂

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Hi! do you recommend a sunset cruise in january? is it too cold? do they provide heaters or blankets?thanks.

Hey Jamie, sorry about my late response – I missed your comment somehow.

Yeah, January can be a little nippy but they do usually have heaters and blankets. Have you done a sunset cruise while you were here? And if so, what did you think?

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Sochi (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-26 03:43

Sochi is a Black Sea port city in Krasnodar Krai (Russia), located close to the Russian border with Georgia. The city covers a total area of approx 177 km2 (68 mi2) and has population around 350,000, ranking it Russia's biggest resort city.

Greater Sochi (metro area including subordinated localities and territories) covers land area approx 3526 km2 (1361 mi2), sprawling 145 km (90 mi) along the Black Sea coast near the Caucasus Mountains. Part of the Caucasian Riviera, Sochi is one of the few places in Russia with a subtropical climate, mild winters and warm to hot summers.

Dubbed "Russia's Black Sea cruise capital", Sochi is the homeport for several Russian- flagged cruise vessels operating roundtrips to ports in Crimea. Since March 2022, Sochi is the homeport for the new brand "Akvilon Cruises" and its ship Astoria Grande (fka AIDAcara) . Astoria Grande offers voyages in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Georgia, Turkey, Greece (Greek Islands), Egypt, Israel.

In 2024 was inaugurated the Sochi- Trabzon ferry route. The ship deployed on the new Russia-Turkey maritime link has capacity ~300 passengers (max) and 200 vehicles.

With the alpine and Nordic events held at the nearby ski resort Roza Khutor (Krasnaya Polyana), Sochi hosted the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014, as well as the Russian "Formula 1 Grand Prix" (2014-2020). It will also be one of the host cities for 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Sochi is unique among other bigger Russian cities as a subtropical resort. Apart from the picturesque Caucasus Mountains and sand beaches, the city appeals to vacation-tourists with its numerous parks, monuments, vegetation, and extravagant Stalin-era architecture. Around 2 million people each summer visit Greater Sochi, when in the city is held the annual "Kinotavr" film festival - one of the getaways for Russia's elite.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve (2957 km2 / 731000 acres) is located north from the city.

Sochi cruise terminal

Port Sochi terminal building was constructed in 1955 in Stalinist-style architecture design. The building is topped with a 71 m (233 ft) high steepled tower.

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