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Bosphorus
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

Free admission

The Basics

As a major shipping and trade lane, the Bosphorus Strait has attracted empires for centuries, and their remains are visible along the coastline. Ottoman summer houses, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), historical imperial gardens, and more are visible from the water. The Bosphorus draws people to its shores, and many take boats out on the water.

Many small-group and private tours of Istanbul include Bosphorus cruises. These boat rides typically include visits or views of Dolmabahce Palace, Anadolu Kavagi, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace, and more.

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Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
HK$400.84 per adult
Traveler Favorite
A must do tour!
Doing the tour on the luxury yatch gave us a private and memorable experience. The food and snacks provided, the friendly staff made the ride fantastic. It was money well spent.
anirudh_g, Aug 2022

Recent reviews from experiences in Istanbul

star-5
Wonderful Morning
MariaCeclia_L, Aug 2022
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon)
Very good boat, kind and efficient hostess, off course the sunny day and the wonderful view helps this great morning at Bosphorus !
star-5
Amazing experience!
Bogdan_F, Jul 2022
Istanbul Lunch Cruise: Long Circle Bosphorus Cruise up to Black Sea
Everything was great about this tour: the boat, the food, the landscapes and the stuff. The alcoholic drinks are extra but prices are reasonable for such a location (please read reasonable and not cheap) and they have a variety of them: from Efes to Moet. The tour takes you from Istanbul right to the meeting point of Bosphorus and the Black Sea. There you have a 45 min break and you can swim since there are nearby beaches.
star-5
Amazing experience!
Bogdan_F, Jul 2022
Istanbul: Full Day Old City Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, Cable Car & Lunch
The boat looks great and it came right on time. The food was great (cold starter and main course). Stuff is very kind and polite and they provide lots of info about the sights. The meeting point of the Bosphorus with the Black Sea is breath taking.
star-4
Very nice evening boat ride
Michael_S, Jul 2022
Istanbul Sunset Cruise - Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus
Very nice evening cruise on the Bosphorus. The experience was as advertised. However, I would NOT consider the boat to be a luxurious yacht. Also, I was mistakenly expecting a dinner cruise. They do not serve dinner, only snacks (hor d'oeuvres). Reading the description of the cruise is very clear that dinner is not served, so my mistake.
star-5
An enjoyable cruise
Stephen_C, Jun 2022
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour İstanbul 4H Tour And Golden Horn And Rumeli Fortress
A very enjoyable half day spent sailing the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Pickup from hotel smooth and on time. Large deck on boat with plenty of seating. Free tea and coffee. Very informative guide. Includes a 1 hour stop at the fort. Time to visit or simply grab some lunch. 4 hours in total on the boat. Good value. Recommended.
star-4
Bosphorus cruise was...
drsaif44, Jul 2022
All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise
Bosphorus cruise was excellent. It was informative and best hospitality. I shall remember long. Crue members were well behaved.
star-5
Super half day on boat
Robert_A, Jul 2022
Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Half-Day Cruise from Istanbul
A cruise is super. Full to Black Sea. Clean boat and WC. Food is average ( I need better) but allis good for this price.
star-4
Nice Tour
Angela_C, Jun 2022
Bosphorus tour İstanbul 3 Hours Tour With 1 Hour Stop in Asia Side for Shopping
Good tour guide! Clean. Breakfast. Shopping is limited. Weather was perfect. Recommend for families.
star-5
Worth it!
Gary_M, Aug 2022
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Dance Shows
The dancers were delightful. The belly dancer was a lot of fun! Dinner service was very slow! We almost lost the show. Pick up and delivery was well done!
star-5
Great Tour!
Will_A, Aug 2022
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon)
Very well organized on a nice boat with snacks and drinks included. Good info on the tour and comfortable setting!
star-5
A pleasant experience,...
Cutov_A, Jul 2022
Istanbul Sunset Cruise - Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus
A pleasant experience, kind staff, very well trained guide told us about every objective we passed by the yacht, we watched the sunset from the Asian part of Istanbul, we saw the illuminated Bosphorus bridge and the buildings, palaces, mosques. Was nice I recommend
star-5
Great Tour
Bruce_W, Aug 2022
Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Day Cruise from Istanbul
Swimming in the sea and the visit to the fort and palace of Rumelli - enjoyed the lunch as well Great guide
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • The Bosphorus is a must-visit for history buffs and all first-time visitors to Istanbul.

  • There are city-run public Bosphorus cruises as well as more intimate private Bosphorus cruises available. Some include lunch or dinner on board.

  • In the summer, it’s popular to rent a boat for dining on the Bosphorus.

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How to Get There

The Bosphorus Strait bisects the city, and there are many departure points for boat cruises. Popular ones are at Eminonu, Kabatas, Kadikoy, and Bebek, all of which are easily accessible by bus or taxi. Make sure to check where your departure point is before you set sail.

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Trip ideas

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When to Get There

Bosphorus cruises are most popular during the warm summer months, though they run all year long. Often cruises set out in the afternoon or evening, depending on which option you choose. It’s good to arrive at least 15 minutes before your boat is scheduled to leave.

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Mansions on the Bosphorus

The shores of the Bosphorus are lined with Ottoman-era mansions, many of which served as summer homes, palaces, or embassies. Kucuksu Palace is as ornate as Dolmabahce Palace, as is Ciragan Palace, which is currently a high-end hotel. The Kibrislilar Mansion, near Uskudar, is the widest on the Bosphorus, while Sadullah Pasha Yali is one of the older wooden Bosphorus mansions.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Bosphorus?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Istanbul?
A:
As well as visiting the Bosphorus, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: