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The Bosphorus Strait has shaped Istanbul’s history as a vital waterway for centuries. Go on a Bosphorus cruise, witness the stunning beauty of the cityscape on the European and Asian sides, and get a unique perspective on its historical landmarks.
Sightseeing cruises offer a unique perspective on Istanbul’s historical and cultural significance. Take a daytime cruise to get unparalleled views of its iconic landmarks lining the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. Or opt for an evening cruise and see the city lit by the golden hue of the setting sun.
Experience a delightful blend of scenic views and gourmet dining with lunch and dinner cruises. Sail along Istanbul’s iconic waterway while savouring delicious Turkish cuisine and soaking in the rich cultural heritage. Or enjoy a delectable dinner and lively entertainment while gliding along the shimmering waters, taking in Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.
Experience luxury and exclusivity on a yacht tour of the Bosphorus Strait. Soak in the mesmerizing sights of Istanbul’s skyline and historical landmarks while cruising in style along the majestic waterway. Explore its European and Asian sides, and indulge in snacks and coffee as you admire the sights during the time or at sunset.
Go 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 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 cruises
General 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.
Bosphorus lunch cruises
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 cruises
General 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 cruises
General 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 tours
Istanbul'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.
There are many Bosphorus cruise options to choose from. You can opt for sightseeing cruises, dining cruises, which include a sumptuous lunch or dinner, and yacht tours, where you can sail on the Bosphorus Strait in a luxury yacht and soak in the sights of the city.
The duration of a Bosphorus cruise depends on the type of experience you choose. Sightseeing cruises are typically between 1 hour and 2 hours long, while yacht tours last for approximately 2 hours. Cruises that include a meal are typically around 3 hours long. There are also longer cruises lasting about 4 to 6 hours or even the full day.
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.
Bosphorus cruises are a fantastic experience to have no matter when you visit Istanbul. Daytime cruises offer some of the best views of the city's historical landmarks, ensuring you will capture stunning photographs. If you go on an evening cruise, you will be able to see the city in the golden light of the setting sun. Dinner cruises are a great opportunity to experience a slice of Istanbul's culture with on-board folk performances, and you also get to see the city lit up at night.
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 5pm, while dinner cruises usually begin between 8.30pm and 9pm.
Yes, you can go on a Bosphorus cruise at any time of the year. However, the starting times or schedules of the cruise might change depending on the season.
Many of Istanbul's most prominent landmarks are located along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and can be seen from your cruise boat, such as Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden's Tower, Rumeli fortress, and many more.
