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. Add a river cruise and your visit to the Turkish capital is 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're looking for a different way to get to know Istanbul, this Bosphorus cruise is an ideal option. For about 2 hours you'll cruise along 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'll see iconic monuments such as the Blue Mosque, the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque, as well as the majestic bridges that link the two continents. You'll also discover legends such as Leander's Tower, all while sailing along one of the most emblematic routes in the world.
Recommended if... you're interested in combining history, culture and spectacular scenery in a single plan that's comfortable and accessible to all.
This is what a Bosphorus cruise looks like
The city of Istanbul has two distinct areas: the European part 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 tour
To secure your place on this Bosphorus cruise, it's 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 have made your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details, which 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 a different perspective:
- Zipline overlooking the Bosphorus - from AED 100.
- Bosphorus sunset cruise - from AED 208
- Boat trip with lunch option - from AED 87
More details about these Bosphorus tours in Istanbul
Istanbul offers many ways to enjoy the Bosphorus, but if you're looking for original and varied excursions, these four options will allow you to see the city from very different perspectives: from the water, from the heights or with a touch of adrenaline. I'll tell you more about each of these experiences:
Cruise the Bosphorus at your own pace with an audio guide in your own language
The audio-guided Bosphorus cruise is an ideal option if you are looking for a relaxed and cultural experience. On board you will discover the secrets of Istanbul as you sail between two continents.
- Price: from AED 38.
- Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a premium sunset experience
With the Bosphorus sunset cruise you'll enjoy a boat ride with drinks and snacks as you gaze out over the city in the colours of the sunset. A live guide will tell you everything you need to know.
- Price: from 208
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Enjoy a cruise complete with tea and biscuits
The tea and biscuit cruise is perfect if you want a more complete tour. It includes hotel pick-up, live commentary and different options to personalise your experience.
- Price: from 87
- Duration: 3 hours
Dare to zip-line with unique views of the Bosphorus
If you prefer something more thrilling, the Bosphorus zip line is a short but intense activity. You'll reach up to 80 km/h over Nakkaştepe Park, with spectacular views of Istanbul.
- Price: from 100
- Duration: approx. 10 minutes
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 and Istanbul. or combine several to get a more complete view of the city!
What you will see with these tours
- The Bosphorus Bridge; a landmark that separates the European side of Istanbul from the Asian side of Istanbul
- Rumeli Fortress; an example of military architecture intended to protect the Bosphorus strait
- Beylerbeyi Palace; the summer residence of the sultans on the Asian side of the city
- Yildiz Palace; a complex of Ottoman imperial villas built in the late 19th and early 20th century.
- The Jewish quarter of Balat; characterised by synagogues, balconied houses and stepped pavements.
- St. Stephen's Church; built entirely of cast iron.
- The walls of Constantinople; original from the 5th century, 22km long and with 96 towers.
- The Eyup quarter; a less touristy area that is a true reflection of daily life in Istanbul
- Pierre Loti Hill; from where you'll have an unbeatable view of the Golden Horn.
Tips for enjoying 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 by a local with a private company. It doesn't have to be a lesser quality experience, but you should be aware that Bosphorus cruise prices are quite affordable. Reject any option that seems too expensive at first glance.
Make sure you know the route
If you're booking once you're in the city, bear in mind that there are cruises that only cover the Horn of the Bosphorus and others that go as far as the Asian border. The duration can range from one and a half to two hours. Depending on what you want to see, choose one or the other, but always ask before booking.
Sunset, the best time
Personally, my favourite time for 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 cruising, you'll have plenty of time to capture the images you'll see along the way, so enjoy the ride and make yourself the star of the show, not your camera.
Better with a guide
This is a personal opinion, but for me a city as charismatic as Istanbul is always best seen from the perspective of a professional guide. You can do this on many cruises, and the one I have suggested 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've got something else in mind, consider this option.
Ana's Traveller Tip
A cruise in Istanbul doesn't have to cost a lot. Don't be swayed by individuals offering you experiences of dubious quality and high cost.
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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. All you need to do now is walk through its streets to make your trip to the capital of Turkey complete.
If, as well as touring the city on your own, you want to do so 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 for the rest of your trip, I recommend you take a look at this post on 8 Best Tours and Day Trips from Istanbul.