Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Refreshment and Audio Guide
- Escape the city traffic and set sail on this 90-minute boat ride that shows you the best sights along the Bosphorus Strait.
- The boat runs every hour from 11 AM to 5 PM.
- At the pier, a Marine Officer will meet and greet you and give you an overview of the things you will be seeing.
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi on the pier and complimentary tea, juice, or water.
- You will also be given a handy map of the Bosphorus to help you identify the best spots along the way.
- Glance over at Istanbul’s most beautiful attractions including Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Ortaköy Mosque.
- Take photographs as you pass under the legendary Bosphorus Bridge that connects Europe and Asia.
- Listen to the informative audio guide that is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- To get to your location, make your way to Dentur Avrasya Kabataş. This is located across tram line no 1 and the funicular. Come to the wooden house behind the red petrol station. Look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Old City
- Experience Istanbul in its essence by way of the picturesque Bosphorus Cruise and discover the most important waterway that separates Europe and Asia.
- The cruise will set its sail from Old City on the European side and halt on the Asian side after covering various historical landmarks.
- Gasp in awe as you witness magnificent sights such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and other historical landmarks.
- Learn about the centuries of history that resonates with the city of Istanbul with the help of an audio guide app available in 10 languages.
- Note: Your cruise will leave from Üsküdar Ferry Terminal, a quick 5-min walk from the Eminönü bus stop.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
2 Hour Golden Horn and Bosphorus Boat Tour
- Set sail on this 2-hour boat tour that takes you along the Bosphorus.
- The cruise departs daily at 12:30 PM and 4 PM.
- Get panoramic views of the Bosphorous, the waterway that separates the East from the West.
- Cruise along one of the largest natural harbors in the world, the Golden Horn.
- Pass by key Istanbul attractions like Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and the legendary Hagia Sophia Museum.
- The onboard expert English-speaking guide will tell you interesting quips, facts, and legends about the sights you see.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side (Morning or Afternoon)
- Hop on a comfortable boat and experience tranquility at its finest on the calm waters of the Bosphorus Trait.
- This cruise boasts some great views, across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
- Check out the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe & Çırağan Palace, and the Ortaköy Mosque at its European side.
- Notice the Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress, and Turkey's oldest military school at its Asian side.
- Make a quick photo stop at Küçüksu Palace, fortress of Rumelihisarı, or the Maiden’s Tower.
- Tour the beautiful palace of Küçüksu that has been open to the public as a museum since 1944.
- Click here to view the route map.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
3-Course Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Shows
- Sail away on a 3.5-hour cruise along the Bosphorus to get the best of Asia and Europe.
- The cruise timings are from 8:30 PM to 12 AM, right after sunset.
- Catch the romantic sunset at the Bosphorus, and cruise under the impressive Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
- Enjoy a starry-night view of Istanbul’s historic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and the Kiz Kulesi tower.
- Feast upon a 3-course dinner and eat your favorite Turkish classics along with unlimited drinks.
- Transfers are available but limited to hotels located within central Instanbul.
- Unwind and watch the Turkish folk dance show that includes dervish performances, belly dancing and more.
- Click here for the dinner menu.
- For drinks, choose between soft drinks and unlimited Turkish alcohol to go with your dinner.
- Ages 0-3yrs go free. Ages 4-15yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Sail about the waters of the Bosphorus Strait and brace yourself for some sights you’ll savor.
- Take in waterfront palaces, mansions, and mosques, other than Istanbul’s stunning skyline.
- An expert tour guide will offer live commentary along the way.
- Nibble on canapés, sip on your welcome drink and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
- Don’t forget to pull out your camera as the sunset paints the evening sky with vibrant colors.
- The start time of this cruise varies seasonally. Head to the checkout page for more details.
- Click here to view the route map.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Hop aboard a 4-hour tour that lets you explore the Bosphorus Strait up-close.
- Board a comfortable cruise that makes its way towards the famous Black Sea.
- Head out to the open deck and soak up views of the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Settle in for a delicious 2-course lunch with complimentary Turkish tea (veg options available).
- Get off at the coast of the Black Sea and discover the village of Anadolu Kavagi on foot.
- Your expert bilingual guide (English & Spanish) will give you insight into the sights you see.
- Click here for the lunch menu.
- Click here to view the route.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cruise & More
- For first-timers in Istanbul on a time crunch, this full-day guided tour is ideal.
- Enjoy fast-track entry into all the old town’s sights, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
- Listen intently to your tour guide who will fill you in on details about the visited attractions
- Take a short lunch break at a lovely local restaurant .
- End your trip on a high note by hopping aboard a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise.
- Channel through the waters and notice the Dolmabahçe palace, the Çamlıca Mosque, and Maiden's Tower pass along the route.
- Savor snacks like baklava and fresh seasonal fruits along with soft drinks on the yacht.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Turkey is at a crossroads — it is where East meets West, literally. Nestled right in the middle of Asia and Europe, Turkey The Bosphorus Strait is located in northern Turkey; with Bosphorus Bridge being about 8 kilometers away from Istanbul. A Bosphorus Cruise is a great way to discover the beauty of Turkey from a completely different perspective. The glittering sapphire strait serves as your premium seats from where you can see the dramatic landscape of Turkey unfurl. Read on to know more about Bosphorus Cruise tickets and tours.
Thanks to the many varieties and combo tickets, choosing the right Bosphorus cruise for you can be a daunting task. There are different packages to choose from — be it a tour to Princes Island, a cruise to experience the Turkish sunset, or even to discover some of the most famous landmarks such as Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress, and Küçüksu Palace from the azure waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The best way to pick a tour is to figure out what sort of an experience you would like — if you want to see a Turkish dance, enjoy a meal, de-board and explore landmarks, or travel to another place; and then pick a suitable ticket.
All Your Bosphorus Cruise Ticket Options Explained
Sightseeing Cruise
A sightseeing Bosphorus cruise lets you discover the many wonderful landmarks surrounding the Bosphorus Strait. Some of these include Beylerbeyi Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, Anatolian Fortress, and Hagia Sophia. Depending on the ticket chosen, you can get an English-speaking guide, or audio guides available in 10 languages.
Lunch/Dinner Cruise
A lunch or dinner cruise is perfect for those who want to enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes as they enjoy a traditional Turkish meal, alongside snacks and drinks. You can choose between a 2-course or 3-course spread— or a meal with a Turkish night show, which features live entertainment. You will also get complimentary drinks; and if you need vegetarian options, you can book the same in advance.
Yacht Tour
Embark on a 2.5 hour cruise on the Bosphorus Strait in an elegant yacht. Get an incredible view of the sun setting over the indigo sea, the scenic vistas, and the many monuments and landmarks dotting the shores, as you munch on canapés & fruits and enjoy a Turkish drink. You will also be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you insight into the history of the country.
Istanbul Welcome Card
If you purchase the Istanbul Welcome Card, you have the whole of Istanbul open for you to explore. Apart from being able to take guided tours of many monuments like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, this card has a week-long validity, ensuring you can cover as much of Istanbul as you want. You can also take a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise without any prior reservation.
Ferry
You can take a ferry to Princes Island, a must-do when visiting Turkey, and on the way, look out for popular landmarks and attractions. You can download the audio guide on your phone and listen to it as you cross the Marmara Sea. This peaceful getaway is magical and you can see the ruins of Trotsky’s house, St. George’s Church, and Europe’s largest (and the world's second-largest) wooden house.
Why take a Bosphorus Cruise
The calm waters of the Bosphorus Strait beckon you to get aboard and take in the legendary remnants of ancient Constantinople, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. A cruise through the Bosphorus Strait is like witnessing the past and present of Turkey. As you see the ancient monuments, you will also get to see newer buildings and mansions and see how the land has evolved over time. Seeing these monuments from the cruise will give you a panoramic view; a whole different perspective. The sunset from the cruise is awe-inspiring and just cannot be missed.
Depending on the cruise chosen, you can also choose to explore some of the most prominent Turkish landmarks and attractions alongside an English-speaking guide who will give you insight into the historical and cultural significance of the same, thus enriching experience.
Which Cruise is Best for Me
For those looking for an informative visit
A sightseeing cruise is best for those looking for insights into the past, present, and future. With commentary from an expert guide or audio guides, you will learn everything there is to know about Turkey and the bygone eras that shaped it. Some sightseeing cruises also allow you to get down and explore the monument, making for an exciting adventure. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Turkey, who want to take in the opulence of the city from the indigo waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
For those who want to have a traditional meal
A Bosphorus Cruise with lunch or dinner is ideal for families and/or couples who want to enjoy traditional Turkish food and drinks while they traverse the Bosphorus Strait. You can choose between 2-course and 3-course meals, and gorge on the delicious spread as you take in the beautiful views. Some dinner cruises also offer a live entertainment show and/or DJ for patrons. Some sights you will get to see include Blue Mosque, the Kiz Kulesi tower, and Dolmabahçe Palace. You can also catch the sunset at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
For those who want to sit back and relax
If you want a calm, relaxing cruise over the emerald waters, your best bet is to take a yacht and catch the Turkish sunset. Admire the sky as it gets covered in a hue of reds, oranges, and pinks, as you enjoy fresh fruits, canapés, baklavas, and drinks. A professional guide will give you live commentary about all the monuments and landmarks you pass, ensuring your trip is enriching.
Sights Covered
Hagia Sophia
No visit to Istanbul is complete without seeing the majestic Hagia Sophia. Built in 537 as a church in the Byzantine era, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 with the advent of the Ottoman empire. Between 1953 and 2020 it served as a museum, after which it reopened as a church.
Hagia Sophia Tickets
Basilica Cistern
The largest among hundreds of cisterns under the city of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern covers 9,800 square metres of area and is held up by 336 marble pillars. Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine era, it is known for the Hen’s Eye column and the Medusa bases columns.
Topkapi Palace
Once the main residence and administrative quarters of the Ottoman rulers, Topkapı Palace today stands tall as a highly famous museum. With hundreds of rooms featuring different objects such as manuscripts, relics, weapons, and clothing, it gives visitors a direct look into Turkey’s past.
Topkapi Palace Tickets
Blue Mosque
A mosque from the Ottoman times, the Blue Mosque (“Sultan Ahmed Mosque”) finished construction in 1616. It features Islamic architecture style with Byzantine elements. Today, it is still a functioning mosque — one that is visited by over 4 million people annually.
Dolmabahce Palace
The main administrative center of the Ottoman empire, Dolmabahçe Palace was built between 1843 and 1856. The largest palace in the country, it covers an area of a little over 11 acres, and features a mix of Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles.
Bosphorus Bridge
Opened in October 1973, the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) connects Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi over the Bosphorus Strait. This suspension bridge is illuminated at night by LED lights with changing colours and patterns, making for an enchanting view.
Plan Your Visit
The timings are generally based on the ticket chosen. All-day cruises typically start earlier in the morning, around 10 AM. Lunch cruises start by 12:20 PM, and dinner cruises around 8:30 PM.
This depends on the ticket, but some Bosphorus cruise tickets come with a complimentary audio guide.
Again, this depends on the ticket, but some cruises do allow patrons to explore the city on foot as well as via the cruise.
To know where to board your cruise, check the ticket information prior to booking as it differs from cruise to cruise.
Bosphorus Lunch Cruises are available on all days of the week between 12.30 PM and 5:30 PM.
Your cruise includes a 2-course meal, Turkish tea, complimentary drinks, a bilingual guide, and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
The Bosphorus cruise lunch tour departs from Kabatas Pier.
Yes, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are available throughout the year, with departure at 8:30 PM.
Your cruise includes a 3-course meal, complimentary drinks (you can pick between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages), live entertainment, and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
Head to the entrance of Dolmabahçe Palace. You will see someone with a board saying “Bosphorus Tours”, who will help you board.
You will get to enjoy a show that features belly dancing, traditional folk music, and even a live DJ.
Visitor Tips
- It is advised that you only carry the essentials in a small bag aboard the cruise.
- If you are taking a sightseeing tour that lets you get off and explore, ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
- Purchase tickets online and in advance as the cruises are very popular.
- Carry your own mask and keep it on at all times.
- Taking a ferry across the Strait can also give you great views of the surroundings.
- If you want to explore the city at your own pace, take a Hop on Hop off Bosphorus Cruise. This way you can enjoy the cruise but also check out the city’s landmarks.
- Different cruises have different timings and pick up locations. Do check the information thoroughly before booking your tickets.
- Taking a cruise with an audio guide or a guide will ensure you learn about the city and know more about the attractions. This way you can also decide which ones you would like to go and visit properly.
All Your Questions About Booking Bosphorus Cruise Tickets Answered
You can purchase your Bosphorus Cruise tickets online or at one of the many harbours surrounding the Strait.
To reduce contact, it is recommended that one purchase their Bosphorus Cruise tickets online. Additionally, the use of masks by visitors, the use of PPE kits by staff, regular disinfection of the cruise, use of hand sanitizer at entry, and adherence to physical distancing are some other safety measures taken.
Visitors can choose between Bosphorus Sightseeing tours, Lunch/Dinner cruises, and yachts and/or ferries.
Depending on your tickets for the cruise, you might be able to cancel 24 hours in advance or not at all. It is highly advised you check the cancellation policy when booking.
This depends solely on the cruise chosen. However, typically, children aged under 4 can go for free, while those aged 4-15 can avail discounts on Bosphorus Cruise tickets, provided they have a valid ID.
Your cruise tickets are valid for the day and time chosen during checkout.
Bosphorus Cruises are available throughout the year. The timing depends on the cruise chosen, but it is typically between 10 AM - 12 PM. Dinner cruises usually begin around 8 PM.
Yes, lunch and dinner Bosphorus cruises are now open to the public.
The best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise is between April and September.
This depends on the type of cruise chosen. A sightseeing cruise can take between 1 to 10 hours, while a lunch or dinner cruise takes about 3-4.5 hours.