If you’re looking to explore Istanbul in a truly unforgettable way, consider a Bosphorus cruise. The Bosphorus Strait has been a crucial waterway since ancient times and has shaped the history and growth of the city for centuries. You will cruise past several of its most prominent historical landmarks and waterfront neighbourhoods. You will also experience the enchanting sight of this beautiful city from the water — whether it is during the daytime, at sunset, or lit up at night.
Read on to learn more about Bosphorus cruises, the different types of cruises you can take, timings, and other information for a smooth sail.
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.
Savour Istanbul’s finest seafood and local delicacies while your eyes feast on its architectural gems along the waterfront. A Bosphorus lunch or dinner cruise is an excellent way to combine sightseeing with the best of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Enjoy the Bosphorus Strait from the luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere of a yacht. Whether it’s a sightseeing tour or a romantic evening, a Bosphorus yacht tour is an unforgettable experience and creates lasting memories.
Sail along the Bosphorus Strait and immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich history and culture. Enjoy traditional Turkish music, live entertainment, and folk performances like belly dancing and dervish dances.
Escape Istanbul's chaos at the car-free Princes' Islands for serene relaxation and rejuvenation amidst tranquil surroundings.
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, the city of Istanbul has flourished since the 7th century BCE as the region's foremost economic, cultural, and trade hub.
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.
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.
Topkapi Palace is a testament to the opulence and power of the Ottoman Empire. Constructed in the mid-15th century, this historic complex was once home to Sultans and features exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and priceless treasures.
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most prominent historical monuments gracing Istanbul's skyline. Its iconic six minarets and stunning blue tilework draw visitors to marvel at its beauty and grandeur.
The Bosphorus Bridge, a symbol of modern Istanbul, spans the strait, connecting Europe and Asia. Its iconic silhouette and strategic importance as a key transportation artery underscore its role in linking the continents.
Dolmabahçe Palace, with its picturesque waterfront views of the Bosphorus, is a testament to 19th-century Ottoman grandeur. Its resplendent architecture and interiors reflect imperial opulence, making it one of the city's most prominent cultural landmarks.
Galata Tower, a historic landmark in Istanbul, offers panoramic views of the city's skyline. Dating back to the medieval era, it holds historical, architectural, and cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
Set on a small islet in the Bosphorus Strait, the Maiden's Tower is a distinctive sight in Istanbul. With a history steeped in legends and mysteries, this enchanting structure invites visitors to uncover its secrets while offering stunning views of the city.
Ortaköy Mosque, situated on the Bosphorus waterfront, is a striking example of Ottoman Baroque architecture. Its elegant design and scenic location make it a distinctive feature of the cityscape.
Located on the Asian coast of the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a fusion of Ottoman and European architectural styles. Its ornate walls enclose opulent interiors, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Ottoman rulers and making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.
Named after the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge spans the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul and connects the European and Asian sides of the city. With its distinct silhouette, it is an iconic landmark of Istanbul's skyline.
Constructed in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I, Küçüksu Palace served as a summer retreat for sultans and dignitaries of the late Ottoman Empire. Its location on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus Strait made it ideal as a royal hunting lodge and for short getaways.
Rumeli Hisarı Fortress is a historical stronghold situated on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Constructed by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452, it served as a strategic fortification during the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Constantinople. Today, it is one of the city's most prominent historical landmarks that can be seen on a Bosphorus cruise.
The Anatolian Fortress, also known as Anadoluhisarı, is a medieval fortress located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Built by Sultan Bayezid I in 1395, it served as a defensive structure guarding the Anatolian side of the city against naval attacks from the north.
Çırağan Palace is a former 19th-century Ottoman palace that has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Constructed in the Neo-Baroque style, it features lavish architecture, grand halls, marble columns, ornate decorations, and lush gardens. It was renowned for its opulence and served as a symbol of the wealth and power of the Ottoman Empire.
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.
Good - too bad the comments didn't sync with the GPS.
The experience turned out to be just as described, with beautiful views all along the way. Choose the audio guide option, and be careful not to be late! (The boat leaves early)
There was no link to download audiouide in any correspondence receoived, the tour was late and there was no guide at all, just a site seing. The sightseen through was very good. Would be great to mention that there is no AC on board the ship.
Thank you for this very nice old cruise, good experience recommending to everyone preferably to buy the ticket before starting from Mord it's cheaper.
An hour and a half cruise at sunset and where you go along the Bosphorus. I loved it because it is not long and some explanations were heard over the loudspeaker in English.
It was a great cruise and the audio guide was great.
Top excursion Perfect timing and breathtaking views
You saw many landmarks in just 1,5 hours, perfect weather, easy to find, good price for the 1,5 hours experience!
No audioguide was offered.
It was nice and very pretty but the boat was ho-hum. Bench seating was fine but no open standing area was missed.
The boat cruise was the perfect length of time. It was raining but it was still good!
Good to see these places like Bebek and the Asian side of the city
We really enjoyed our trip thanks to headout for making it easier
Views and colours around the water.
Undoubtedly, an excursion that you must do if you visit Athens. Unique views, exceptional treatment. Good explanation.
I would highly recommend this exclusion with Headout. It was easy to reach the yacht with the metro from our accommodation and the staff whatsapped us a day before to confirm the meeting point. The staff were super friendly and the service was great onboard. The onboard tour guide had a pleasant and informative presentation. The snacks were delicious and well presented but I would recommend having dinner before or afterwards. It was a nice yacht in good condition, they provided blankets when it was chilly. They have alcoholicc beverages availabile at an additional cost. It was not over crowded which was really nice, overall a first class trip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
EVERYTHING, they were very punctual, as offered, the boat in excellent condition, the kindness of the crew and especially the guide, although it was not in Spanish, the guide knew Spanish and that helped us a lot. We were delighted with the tour.
Very nice boat tour on the Bosphorus! We did a Bosphorus tour during the day and loved it. The boat was clean and comfortable, the crew very friendly. The view of the palaces, bridges and the city from the water was impressive. Everything was well organized and relaxed - a great way to experience Istanbul from a new perspective. Highly recommended!
This sunset cruise was magical. The service provided was efficient and the staff were very friendly. I highly recommend this cruise as a program for your Istanbul trip.
Fun cruise at sunset. The cruise allows you to admire the city from a distance. Also very nice that the boat stops for a while to take nice pictures of the sunset.
It was a great ending to our tour in Istanbul. A relaxing and information filled trip up and down the Bosphorus. The crew was great and the guide was entertaining and full of facts. It was easy to book and easy to find at the end of the line in the tram.
Very nice boat, pleasant cruise with beautiful view of the whole city of Istanbul and very friendly and efficient staff.
small size of the boat and detail paid to experience including food and music. loved the side adventure to ice cream on the east side.
Did our sunset cruise on 9th evening . I highly recommend this tour which has a good yacht, great seating , a good professional guide on board and not to mention the snacks . Evening well spent seeing Istanbul from the Bosphorus
The staff was very nice and welcoming, nice boat
Great hospitality and knowledgable guide. Lovely stop off for ice-cream too!
Boat was very comfortable and guide was informative with a good sense of humour
Breathtaking view of the city from the cruise. An amazing experience with family. The weather was exceptional as well.
all very well organized . very nice people
We were especially impressed by the cleanliness of the boat, quality of the service and entertaining guide.
Our narrator was fantastic and the snacks were great!
We had to wait for the ship for 30minutes, but after that was everything perfect, the dinner was fantastic, and the programes was awesome! I would go again!
It was good and i recommend to everyone
Good mood Istanbul by night Private pick-up service with Whatsapp contact Delicious dessert Value for money
We were pleasantly surprised by the Bosphorus cruise with dinner. It is an experience that you should definitely do.
Overall the experience was good, the dancing show was fun to watch and our server was great. However, communication that was sent as to which boat we were to meet was inaccurate and then found out it was changed and almost missed the boat we had been moved to without any explanation. Then the dinner we received was almost cold.
Everything was perfectly organized, the dinner was very good, and the show gave the evening just the right amount of dynamism: an enchanted interlude!
We had the transfer included. Dinner was good. And very good entertainment and included the audience. We finished in a dancing party mode but just wished the dj used more international well known songs.
Our seats got switched to nice view absolutely love that. Food was not good that could be better. Online it says authentic Turkish food but it was just Chicken or fish or tomato pasta. The songs were little old some were classic like Arab and Spanish but English songs could've been updated to more of recent one
I liked the facilities. The waiter was not very nice. People stood up to watch the show and there was no order, they didn't let us watch because no one told them they should stay seated.
Performance was good, mood was excellent too. Table attenders kept their focus on some specific tables must be VIP one's but seem no different to ours, did not attend our table and we kept shouting at them to gain attention. Getting 2 drinks was an effort on unlimited drinks ticket, struggled to get tea later too. Music was too loud and at one point was just excessive. Table service can be improved. No real explanation of perks on standard private and VIP options.
No explanations about the area we passed, main focus on live performance which was nice, the artists did a great job, music was way too loud
We've been a group of 5 , and everything was great Even though you need to wait a bit longer to be served (boat was full), you can't really be bothered because the staff is nice, and you can see they're doing their best. Many shows all night (live music , dancing) which we really enjoyed.
Beautiful experience, very satisfying from the transportation from the hotel to the cruise, wonderful evening to suggest to friends who will go to Istanbul as well
The driver was on time,everything was organized precisely.The cruise was a beautiful experience and the dancers also engaged the audience
A wonderful way to end our trip in Istanbul. We had a great time and a great dinner. To repeat! Highly recommended!
Ticketing experience very smooth, was told to take photo ID however wlI didn't need it just proof 9f tickets. The views were stunning and the entertainment was great although the singing and music was quite loud at times you had to raise your voice to talk to each other
The performances were beautiful and the team was hospitable. Very quick in replying to any queries I had. It was indeed a lovely experience
The cruise went very well. The atmosphere was great from start to finish, with a succession of shows throughout the meal. We had a table for just the two of us, against the window, which was very nice.
They tried to scammed me. Charging me more for a beer and a wine for mi wife. They told me not cards allowed but i saw people paying with them. Only cash they said Then his maths didn't work, we wanted me to payed 1,500 tyr and changed the price of the beer and wine until it was 1,500
The food was really good, unlike the other cruise dinners I have experienced previously. The entertainment was excellent. The cruise ship was well maintained.
Although I paid for unlimited alcoholic drinks option, only two drinks per person were provided and I was requested to pay when i wanted to order the next. Therefore the crouse alcoholic drinks service was inconsistent with my ticket conditions.
We had booked a private table on a boat with show, meal and drinks with unlimited alcohol. Positive points: the round-trip transfer went well, the show was enjoyable and so was the cruise. However, at the start we were asked to change boats at the last minute, so we were separated from the group that was with us in the transfer vehicle, and we had no alcohol on the boat in question. What's more, the meal turned out to be rather average (3 courses instead of 4), which spoiled part of our experience.
Ticketing experience was pretty straightforward and convenient. The dinner was lovely and the shows were interesting. The staff were very cordial and friendly I loved everything right from the onset until the very end.
Food was delicious, they catered to my vegan diet, beautiful sunset view, lots of entertainment, and fun all around
The view of Istanbul by night, the atmosphere
Both the Hagia Sophia and the sunken palace were beautiful! It is very worthwhile. And especially for the Hagia Sophia, it's worth buying tickets online in advance to avoid the queue at the ticket office. It's also worth it for the Basilica Cistern, as there are 2 different queues here and the one for the e-tickets was quicker in our case.
The architecture of the basilica cistern is amazingly beautiful, very well lit and with a well organized traffic. It has generously met my expectations. But the number of visitors per shift or hour should be reduced.
Tickets were easy to book, great instructions and saved a lot if time by not queuing. In terms of the sites they were really good to see and understand the history behind it. Great addition to our Istanbul trip.
Easy to book. Very clear instructions from the guide in Topkapi, which helps not to miss the Harem and the incredible collections. Jump the queue ticket saved us waiting hours to enter. The experience in Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Balisica were totally different and absolutely awesome.
Tickets were a perfect fit. We got in straight away at 17:00 without having to wait. A great experience.
Impressive! A must see underneath the city. So old and still standing
Made such a difference avoiding the long queues and getting there relatively early was the wa right call
Simplicity in the directions provided, all ok
It was a good idea to book without queues, since there were a lot of tourists.
There was no line to enter the cistern as we arrived early which made our experience easy and seamless.
Knowing that I was in a place with a very distant past and discovering how the cistern was built was an incredible experience
The audio tour was great. Very informative. Skip the Line was a waste as there weren't any lines when we went. The biggest disappointment was that we could go the ground level of Hagia Sofia as we were told it's for Muslims only.
The audio guide does not have the same order as the places to visit: Hagia Sophia and Topkapi. It is only useful for general ideas but it is out of order
The cistern basilica is very beautiful, Santa Sophia IS beautiful but, in any case the tickets cost too much, I find that 65 euros per person is too much
Two must-see fascinating places. The Cistern an 'incredibly evolved Roman work for that time and very well maintained. St. Sophia a mosque yes but on the layout of a Christian Church, and you can also see it from the mosaics of the Virgin and Jesus preserved in the right side of the structure. Not to be missed.
Fantastic location, so different from everything else in Istanbul. Skip the line tickets are excellent, we got straight in. Make sure you have downloaded the tickets before arriving so you have a code for them to scan.
Skip the line worked. The lighting at Hagia Sophia was very distracting to take photos. Basilica Cistern was great. Audio guide did not work at Hagia Sophia (was it free for everyone?) so I did not even bother trying at the Cistern.
We were greeted in a separate queue with entry without delay. We were helped very clearly by the staff to download and use the audio in our language. We loved the experience
In none of the three places we had to wait in line, we were able to enter directly without any problems. In the Topkapi Palace, once inside, there were many people and there were queues for the treasure and the relics.
The queue was cut at the Citerne and the reception staff were very helpful, sharing the connection with us so that we could collect our tickets. But it was more complicated at Topkapi, where you had to collect your ticket from a hut outside the site, which wasn't properly explained. And there's no real queue cutter.
There was no link to download audiouide in any correspondence receoived, the tour was late and there was no guide at all, just a site seing. The sightseen through was very good. Would be great to mention that there is no AC on board the ship.
We went yesterday around 4pm to the Cistern. The entrance line was very long and we were able to enter in minutes through the online tickets entrance. We downloaded the audio guide prior entrance in our phones and were able to follow all detailed explanations throughout the visit.
Beautiful place worth seeing, we could not connect them to audioguide because once you enter there is no coverage, no one warns you about it.
We had misread the instructions and entered the palace. We were directed to the ticket office and the clerk told us where to find our guide. Once there, he accompanied us to join a group who were already going through the entrances, so we didn't have to wait 30 minutes for the next departure (very nice of him). The fast pass allowed us to do all 3 activities without a hitch, although you need to allow quite a bit of time for the palace and less for the cistern and Saint Sophia. It was really great
Well, the security queue was fast. We had a problem with downloading one of the ticket QR code PDFs but the Hagia Sofia staff resolved it quickly.
The ship was not at the meeting point. I was not informed about that.
Private boat cruise was a great idea for the family activity - we really enjoyed our time on the water, beatiful views of the Bosphorus and the boat crew were wonderful. Two downsides: 1) we didnt know the boarding point until the booking - there is no option to see it until you book and pay. In our case it turned out almost an hour away by taxi. If i has known that in advance i might have chosen a different provider. 2) the booking confirmation did not contain contact of the boat captain and it took us 10 minutes of anxious searching and talking to other boat owners to find our boat. It all worked out fine in the end but it would be great to avoid this in the future
The guys who managed the private cruise were just awesome. They answered all the questions from the get go and took care of snacks/soft drinks/tea/coffee from the very beginning. Loved their warmth towards us. Highly recommended!
A magical evening on the Bosphorus! My friend and I had an unforgettable time. The setting was magnificent, the meal delicious, and the service attentive from beginning to end. And what can I say about the show? breathtaking music and dancing! 😍 A 100% recommended experience! 🇹🇷✨
The staff was really friendly and great. There was an incident with a crazy passenger but the crew solved it very professionally. Interfering to avoid more trouble. Grateful to the guys!
It is very well prepared, the service, the dinner and the different shows. We think it is a very good price for all that this activity offers. The views from the second floor are very nice during the tour. We did not take the private table option. I think it is worth it if you want to enjoy a dinner with views during the whole tour. We still enjoyed it very much.
Amazing service , ambiance , and non stop entertainment . Loved the cruise too with beautiful night views ; we took our time to enjoy indoors and outdoors whenever we needed and it was great
It was the first time when I booked tockets for 2 experiences with headout.com, but all went smoothly, fair prices, no complaints. Dinner cruise &Turkish show with Lufer boat was a thrilling experience which we highly recommend. We took private table for 3 persons which was located on the window, the show was great all moments, without exaggerating (we hardly walked outside restaurant ship to take photos outside, because we didn't want to miss the show moments. The food was great ( we took standard menu and was enough and you can't eat everything. We saw also the other guests vip menu which was bigger than ours, but too much to eat, almost everyone gave back dishes untouched). The waiter who took care of our table was so kind and polite, and aware to refill glasses with any kind of juices we wish (and water, of course). Thank you all for such a memorable evening!
Food and water was provided. Our Waiter was extremely rude. Made me feel very uncomfortable when I couldn't get his attention for a drink, I asked another waiter, he then came up behind him and shouted at me to "have some respect for him, as he is my waiter" and then went on to make my experience extremely uncomfortable.
If you listen to the audio guide, you need a quiet space. The music was great but it did allow you to follow the ship's route. The audio guide was difficult to set up and only served for 3 places then it was impossible to set it up. The food was delicious and just the right size: hot, not too many condiments and salt.
It was just okay. Beautiful scenery and it was nice also having entertainment. But, the food was not very good. The ship was super packed, and both the inside and outside smelled of cigarettes making it very unenjoyable.
The entertainment was great and the food was also very good. However, a cocktail for 15 euros is quite expensive for Turkey!
Absolutely loved it!!!! 🥰 Such amazing arrangements and dances and lovely experience
Great experience with nice turkish show and dinner
Everything was awesome - food, atmosphere, service, show 🤩
