Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul: the complete guide
What the Bosphorus is, why a cruise is the best way to see it, which cruise to choose and what you'll see from the water.
What is the Bosphorus?
The Bosphorus is the natural strait that runs through Istanbul and separates Europe from Asia. For thousands of years it has shaped the city's history, trade and culture — and today it is still the best way to understand Istanbul.
Most visitors see Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahçe Palace, but miss the water that connects them all. A cruise lets you see the palaces, fortresses, mosques and waterfront mansions along both shores in a single trip.
Why take a Bosphorus cruise?
It is the one Istanbul experience that shows the whole city at once.
Two continents in one trip
Sail the strait that separates Europe and Asia — the only way to see both shores side by side.
Landmarks from the water
Palaces, fortresses, mosques and waterfront mansions look their best from the sea.
A break from busy streets
Swap traffic and crowds for a calm ride with sea air and the sound of seagulls.
Istanbul in every light
Morning calm, golden-hour sunsets or city lights at night — each cruise shows a different city.
Types of Bosphorus cruises
What you'll see from the water
Most cruises follow the Bosphorus between the two continents; some also enter the Golden Horn. From the deck you can also spot Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia on the historic peninsula.
Bosphorus
All cruises- Maiden's Tower
- Ortaköy Mosque
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Küçüksu Palace
- Rumeli Fortress
- Anatolian Fortress
Golden Horn
Selected tours- Bulgarian St. Stephen's Church
- Fener and the Ecumenical Patriarchate
- Balat, the old Jewish quarter
- The old Ottoman shipyard
- The old Fez factory
- Eyüp, resting place of Ottoman nobles
Plan your Bosphorus cruise
How long?
The afternoon, guided and guided sunset cruises run 2 hours. The dinner cruise runs 3 hours. The morning and luxury sunset cruises run 150 min.
Where do they start?
Central piers such as Kabataş and Eminönü.
Hotel pick-up
Hotel pick-up terms differ by cruise and are listed on each package.
What to bring
Comfortable clothes, a light jacket, sunscreen and a camera.
Pay later
Most cruises can be reserved now and paid on board.
Languages
Guided tours in English, Arabic, French and Russian.
Bosphorus cruise questions
Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp — we usually reply within minutes.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat is a Bosphorus cruise?
A boat trip along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You see palaces, fortresses, mosques and waterfront neighbourhoods from the water.
Which Bosphorus cruise is best?
It depends on your plans: a dinner cruise for a night out with a show, a sunset cruise for photos, a guided cruise for history, or a private yacht for a special occasion.
How long do Bosphorus cruises last?
The afternoon, guided and guided sunset cruises run 2 hours. The dinner cruise runs 3 hours. The morning and luxury sunset cruises run 150 min. The private dinner cruise is booked by the hour, with a 2 hours minimum.
What should I pack for a Bosphorus cruise?
Comfortable clothes, a light jacket, sunscreen, a camera and your essentials.
Is a private Bosphorus cruise different?
Yes — you get a yacht for your group only, with the route, time and menu arranged around you.
Are meals included?
Dinner cruises include a 4-course dinner with Turkish meze; private dinner cruises let you choose a chef's fish or meat menu.
The sweetest moments begin on the water.
Questions about a cruise or a private event? We usually reply within minutes.