More about: Day Trips to Bosphorus Strait from Istanbul
Watching the Bosphorus at sunset while listening to the call to prayer is one of the most authentic images you can take away from your trip to Istanbul. If you add a river cruise, your visit to the Turkish capital will be complete.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise
Sail through the heart of Istanbul with this cruise on the Bosphorus.
Explore Istanbul from the water on a 2-hour audio-guided cruise. See mosques, palaces and bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
If you are looking for a different way to get to know Istanbul, this Bosphorus cruise is an ideal option. For about 2 hours you will cruise the natural strait that separates Europe and Asia, enjoying panoramic views of both sides of the city while learning about its history with an interactive audio guide.
From the boat you will see iconic monuments such as the Blue Mosque, the Dolmabahçe Palace or the Ortaköy Mosque, as well as the majestic bridges that connect the two continents. You will also discover legends such as Leander's Tower, all while sailing along one of the most emblematic routes in the world.
Recommended if... you are interested in combining history, culture and spectacular scenery in a single plan, comfortable and accessible to all.
This is what a Bosphorus cruise looks like
The city of Istanbul has two different areas: the European and the Asian part. The Bosphorus is the natural border that divides the two areas. In addition, the Bosphorus enters the city through the stretch known as the "Golden Horn" separating the European part into two areas: the old city and the Galata district. For all these reasons, a cruise on the Bosphorus is an ideal way to get to know the capital of Turkey while enjoying the sights.
How to book this excursion
To secure your place on this Bosphorus cruise, it is best to book online in advance. This way you will be able to choose the best option and, in addition, you will have the guarantee of cancellation up to 24 hours before departure without losing any money. Once you make your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details that will serve as your voucher.
Other Bosphorus tours
If you are looking for other Bosphorus tours in Istanbul, here are some ideas to explore the city from different perspectives:
- Zipline overlooking the Bosphorus - from $28.
- Bosphorus sunset cruise - from $57.
- Boat trip with lunch option - from $24.
More details about these Bosphorus tours in Istanbul
Istanbul offers many ways to enjoy the Bosphorus, but if you are looking for original and varied excursions, these four options will allow you to see the city from very different perspectives: from the water, on the heights or with a touch of adrenaline. I'll tell you more about each of these experiences:
Tour the Bosphorus at your own pace with an audio guide in your language
The Bosphorus cruise with audio guide is an ideal option if you are looking for a relaxed and cultural experience. On board you will discover the secrets of Istanbul while sailing between two continents.
- Price: from $11
- Duration: 2 hours
Live a premium sunset experience
With the sunset cruise on the Bosphorus you will enjoy a boat ride with drinks and snacks while you contemplate the city tinged by the colors of the sunset. A live guide will tell you everything you need to know.
- Price: from 57 €
- Duration: 2 hours and a half
Enjoy a full cruise with tea and cookies
The boat trip with tea and cookies is perfect if you want a more complete tour. It includes hotel pick-up, live commentary and different options to customize your experience.
- Price: from 24
- Duration: 3 hours
Dare to zip-line with unique views of the Bosphorus
If you prefer something more exciting, the Bosphorus zip line is a short but intense activity. You will reach up to 80 km/h over the Nakkaştepe Park, with spectacular views of Istanbul.
- Price: from 28 €.
- Duration: 10 minutes approx.
Each of these activities offers you a different side of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. You can choose the one that best suits your travel style... or combine several to get a different view of the Bosphorus... or combine several to get a more complete view of the city!
What you will see with these tours
- The Bosphorus Bridge; an emblem that separates the European part of Istanbul from the Asian part.
- The Rumeli fortress; an example of military architecture intended to protect the Bosphorus strait
- The Beylerbeyi Palace; summer residence of the sultans located in the Asian part of the city
- The Yildiz Palace; a complex of Ottoman imperial villas built at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
- The Jewish quarter of Balat; characterized by its synagogues, its houses with balconies and its stepped sidewalks.
- St. Stephen's Church; built entirely of cast iron.
- The walls of Constantinople; original from the 5th century, 22 km long and with 96 towers.
- The Eyup quarter; a less touristy area that faithfully reflects daily life in Istanbul.
- Pierre Loti hill; from where you will have an unbeatable view of the Golden Horn.
Tips to enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus
Bosphorus cruises are one of the most popular experiences in Istanbul and you should consider the following before booking:
You don't have to pay a lot
During your trip, you will probably be offered a cruise with a private company. It doesn't have to be a lesser quality experience, but you do have to keep in mind that the prices of the Bosphorus cruises are quite affordable. Reject any option that seems too expensive at first.
Make sure of the route
If you are going to hire it once you are in the city, keep in mind that there are cruises that only cover the part of the Bosphorus Horn and others that also approach the Asian border. The duration can range from one and a half to two hours. Depending on what you want to see ask, choose one or the other, but always ask before booking.
Sunset, the best time
Personally, my favorite time to take a Bosphorus cruise is sunset, but there are several departures throughout the day so you can choose your own. There are even evening cruises with dinner included.
Don't be obsessed with photos
Once you start sailing, you will have plenty of time to capture the images you will see during the ride, so enjoy the tour and make you the protagonist and not your camera.
Better with a guide
This is a personal opinion, but for me a city as charismatic as Istanbul is always better to see it under the perspective of the explanations of a professional guide. In many cruises you will be able to do it, and the one I have proposed is one of them.
Combine it with other activities
You have already seen that there are cruises that also include other experiences such as a bus ride through the city or even a cable car ride. With these packages you can save time and money, so if you have any other activity in mind, consider this option.
Ana's Traveller Tip
A cruise in Istanbul doesn't have to cost a lot. Don't get carried away by individuals who offer you experiences of dubious quality and high cost.
If you are interested in a cruise on the Bosphorus, you will also be interested in
If you choose to take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus during your visit to Istanbul you will have seen the city from three very different perspectives: from the water with the boat, from the air with the cable car and from the ground with the bus. You only need to walk its streets to make your trip to the capital of Turkey complete.
If in addition to touring the city on your own you want to do it with a local expert who will explain the history of its main monuments, the customs and culture of its inhabitants and give you useful recommendations to follow the rest of your trip, I recommend you take a look at this post on 8 Best Tours and Day Trips from Istanbul.