Witness the stunning beauty of Istanbul’s skyline on both the European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus cruise.
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Witness the stunning beauty of Istanbul’s skyline on both the European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus cruise.
Bosphorus sightseeing cruises offer captivating views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks lining the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, providing a unique perspective on the city’s historical and cultural significance.
Bosphorus sightseeing cruisesBosphorus sunset and evening cruises offer an enchanting experience as the fading light casts a golden hue over Istanbul’s skyline, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.
Bosphorus sunset & evening cruisesBosphorus dinner cruises combine delectable cuisine with breathtaking night views. Enjoy a sumptuous meal aboard a boat while gliding along the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus Strait, taking in Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.
Bosphorus dinner cruisesExperience a delightful blend of scenic views and gourmet dining with Bosphorus lunch cruises. Sail along Istanbul's iconic waterway while savouring delicious Turkish cuisine and soaking in the rich cultural heritage.
Bosphorus lunch cruisesExperience luxury and exclusivity on a yacht tour of the Bosphorus Strait, where you can soak in the mesmerizing sights of Istanbul’s skyline and historical landmarks while cruising in style along the majestic waterway.
Bopshorus yacht toursEmbark on a serene journey to the Princes’ Islands near Istanbul, where charming landscapes and tranquil atmospheres await. Explore the idyllic islands, steeped in history and natural beauty, on a memorable cruise adventure.
Princes’ Islands toursGo for: Sightseeing cruises or combo tickets
Duration: From 1 hr 10 minutes to 6 hrs, depending on the ticket
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
Recommended tours:
Go for: Dinner cruises with live entertainment
Duration: 3 hrs to 3 hrs 30 mins depending on the ticket
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
Recommended tours:
Go for: Luxury yacht cruises
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
Recommended tours:
Go for: Sunset or evening cruises
Duration: From 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs 30 mins, depending on the ticket
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
Recommended tours:
Bosphorus Cruise boarding and meeting points:
The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway in Turkey that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It serves as a natural boundary between the continents of Europe and Asia, making it a pivotal geographical and cultural landmark.
The strait stretches approximately 31 km (19 miles) in length and varies in width from 700 to 3,700 metres.
Its strategic importance has made it a crucial route for maritime trade and transportation throughout history, shaping the region's economy, politics, and culture.
Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has flourished for centuries as the region's foremost economic, cultural, and trade hub.
About the Bosphorus StraitBosphorus cruises begin from many convenient boarding points on Istanbul’s European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. Strategically located in the city’s hotspots, they allow you to easily explore the local neighbourhoods, tourist attractions, eateries, and shopping areas.
Kabataş Pier is located in the vibrant Kabataş district, which is home to many cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Nearby landmarks: Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square
Closest stop: Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu tram station
Located in the picturesque waterfront area of the historic Fatih district, BUDO Eminönü Pier provides panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Nearby landmarks: Galata Bridge, New Mosque, Spice Bazaar
Closest stop: Sirkeci İstasyonu tram station
This meeting point is located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, which is a vibrant hub for museums, art galleries, and historical and architectural landmarks.
Nearby landmarks: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Closest stop: Sultanahmet bus stop
This pier is situated in Istanbul’s culturally diverse Beşiktaş district, which is famous for its lively, bustling streets and culinary scene.
Nearby landmarks: Dolmabahce Palace, Çırağan Palace, Taksim Square
Closest stop: Dolmabahce Palace bus stop
This boarding point is located in the Aşıyan quarter, characterized by lush greenery, parks, and wooded areas. It is a popular destination for leisurely walks and picnics.
Nearby landmarks: Rumeli fortress, Aşiyan Museum, Aşiyan Asri Cemetery
Closest stop: Aşıyan inclined railway station (metro’s underground funicular route)
The Gazete Market kiosk is a popular meeting point for tours and tourism excursions. Located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, it is surrounded by some of Istanbul’s oldest historical attractions.
Nearby landmarks: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Closest stop: Sultanahmet bus stop
General timings: Cruise timings depend on the ticket chosen. Full-day tours start by 9am, morning sightseeing cruises typically start by 10am, afternoon sightseeing cruises start by 12pm, and evening sightseeing cruises begin between 3pm and 5pm.
Boarding points: Bosphorus sightseeing cruises depart from various boarding points depending on the ticket chosen, including Kabataş Pier, Dentur Avrasya Kabataş, BUDO Eminonu Pier, and Bosphorus Pier outside Dolmabahce Palace.
Inclusions: Inclusions depend on the ticket, but most Bosphorus sightseeing cruises come with a complimentary audio guide.
Top sights to see: Hagia Sophia | Topkapi Palace | Blue Mosque | Dolmabahce Palace | Galata Tower | Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi ) | Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus sightseeing cruisesGeneral timings: Bosphorus lunch cruises are available on all days of the week. They can begin between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and end between 3.30pm and 5pm.
Boarding points: The boarding point depends on the experience chosen, but they typically depart from the Kabatas Pier or the Bosphorus Pier outside Dolmabahce Palace.
Food & beverages: Guests are treated to a sumptuous 2-course Turkish meal. Depending on the experience chosen, some cruises may offer Turkish tea and coffee, a fresh fruit platter, and complimentary snacks and soft drinks.
Inclusions: A lunch cruise typically includes a professional tour guide during the tour and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
General timings: Sunset and evening cruises generally start between 2pm and 5pm.
Boarding points: These cruises depart from various boarding points depending on the experience, including Kabatas Pier, Dentur Avrasya Kabataş, and Bosphorus Yachts at Beşiktaş.
Inclusions: These cruises typically feature complimentary Turkish snacks & beverages and live commentary. Some cruises may offer an audio guide. Additionally, you can upgrade your tickets to include meals, alcoholic beverages, or round trip hotel transfers.
Bosphorus sunset & evening cruisesGeneral timings: Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are available throughout the year, and depending on your ticket, the departure is between 8:30 PM and 9 PM.
Boarding points: Most Bosphorus dinner cruises depart from Kabatas Pier.
Menu: A dinner cruise typically includes a 3-course Turkish meal with authentic local cuisine and complimentary drinks (you can pick between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages).
Inclusions: Live entertainment including performances featuring belly dancing, traditional folk music, and a live DJ; and hotel transfers if you are located in central Istanbul.
Bosphorus dinner cruisesGeneral timings: Yacht tour timings depend on the ticket chosen. Daytime tours start by 10.30am, afternoon tours begin around 2pm, private yacht rentals are from 3pm onwards, while sunset yacht tours begin by 3.30pm.
Boarding points: Bosphorus yacht tours generally depart from Kabataş (Ş.Hatları) or Bosphorus Yachts in Beşiktaş.
Inclusions: Depending on the ticket chosen, yacht tours include complimentary Turkish snacks & beverages, live commentary, alcoholic beverages, round trip hotel transfers, and meals along with the sightseeing experience.
Boat type: Luxury yachts with deluxe amenities and the capacity to accommodate between 15 to 30 guests, making it the perfect choice for small group cruises.
Bosphorus yacht toursGeneral timings: Full-day tours begin at 9am, as do lunch tours to include morning sightseeing, while sightseeing tours start from 9.45am onwards.
Boarding points: Tours for the Princes’ Islands generally depart from Kabatas Pier.
Inclusions: Depending on the experience you choose, your tickets will include an audio guide or a professional tour guide, fast-track entry on the boat, hotel transfers and meals.
Princes’ Islands toursIstanbul's landmarks and experiences typically see more visitors on weekends. To avoid crowds, have a relaxed sailing experience, and fully appreciate the city's beauty, take your cruise on weekdays.
Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, stands as an architectural marvel and symbol of Byzantine grandeur. Built in the 6th century, originally a church, then a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again, its rich history and stunning design captivate visitors worldwide.
You can purchase your Bosphorus cruise tickets online.
There are many types of Bosphorus cruises you can choose from, including sightseeing cruises, sunset and evening cruises, dinner cruises, yacht tours, and tours of the Princes' Islands.
The duration of a Bosphorus cruise depends on the type of experience chosen. Most cruises last for approximately 2 to 3 hours. However, shorter sightseeing cruises of about 1 and a half hours, and longer cruises of about 4 to 6 hours or even the full day are available.
Most Bosphorus sightseeing cruises do include an audio guide in multiple languages. Depending on the experience chosen, other types of cruises such as yacht tours may also include an audio guide or a professional guide as part of the tour.
Bosphorus cruises depart from various boarding points in Istanbul. The most common one is Kabatas Pier, but cruises also start from the BUDO Eminonu Pier, the Bosphorus pier outside Dolmabahce Palace, and Bosphorus Yachts in Beşiktaş. Please check your ticket for more information and details.
Bosphorus sightseeing cruises are ideal for families as they provide a unique way to explore Istanbul as well as being an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, you can also opt for combo tickets where you can combine a Bosphorus with a visit to one or more of Istanbul's top historical attractions, making it a cost-effective option.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are perfect for couples as they offer a romantic experience. You can enjoy delicious traditional food and drinks, accompanied by live entertainment as you see the city come to life around you.
Depending on the experience chosen, you may be able to cancel your booking 24 hours in advance and get a refund. However, not all cruises allow cancellation. We recommend that you check the cancellation policy when booking.
Bosphorus cruises that include meals typically offer non-vegetarian options. In case you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please check with the cruise operator to know if they can be accommodated.
The best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise is from March to May and between September and November.
This depends solely on the cruise chosen. However, typically, children aged under 4 can go for free, while those aged 4-15 can avail of discounts on Bosphorus cruise tickets, provided they have a valid ID.
Bosphorus cruises are available throughout the year. The timings depend on the type of cruise and experience chosen, but they typically start from 9am onwards. Sightseeing cruises are available throughout the day until around 5pm, while lunch cruises start between 9.30am and 12pm. Sunset cruises start between 2pm and 5 pm, while dinner cruises usually begin between 8.30pm and 9pm.
Your Bosphorus cruise tickets are valid for the day and time chosen during checkout.