How long does a standard Bosphorus dinner cruise last?

Most shared dinner cruises last around 3 hours, while private luxury yacht options typically run for 2 hours.

What does a Bosphorus dinner cruise include?

Depending upon the experience you choose, Bosphorus dinner cruise typically include a sumptuous meal, refreshments, and live entertainment. You can also upgrade your tickets to avail of hotel transfers and alcoholic beverages.

Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served on the Bosphorus dinner cruises?

Seating is generally reserved, with private tables guaranteed on most cruises.

Is photography allowed on Bosphorus dinner cruises?

Yes, you can take as many photographs as you want on the Bosphorus dinner cruises. You will see some breathtaking views of Istanbul on your journey.

Is live entertainment included on all dinner cruises?

Yes, most cruises feature live cultural shows such as whirling dervishes, folk dances, belly dancing, or a DJ.

Can I access the open deck for sightseeing on a dinner cruise?

Yes, all dinner cruise boats and yachts include outdoor decks for skyline viewing and photography.

Are vegetarian/vegan options available?

Vegetarian options are available in the menu, while vegan and other dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

Is alcohol included or available for purchase?

Most Bosphorus dinner cruise tickets include unlimited soft drinks, with some offering two alcoholic beverages; additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruises | Live Shows, Private Tables, & Yacht Options

From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Juan

Chile

Feb 2026

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It was a magical moment, full of memories, and the dancers were magnificent—an unforgettable show. The food was delicious!

Nida

United Kingdom

Jan 2026

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It was a great experience and a perfect envoirment and the staff was very energetic and kind. One of the best experience i had.

Nicole

Switzerland

Feb 2026

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+1 more

I thought it was wonderful! In a relatively short time, I gained some wonderful insights. I can highly recommend this ceremony. Excellent value for money!

Angela

United States

Jan 2026

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+2 more

It was easy to purchase tickets online and once we got in, we were able to bypass the line quickly. We didn't wait at all, and were shepherded immediately to the entrance. It made the whole memorable experience even better. What a beautiful place!

Patrick

Switzerland

Jan 2026

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I was speechless from the moment I entered the cistern. It's simply incredible what was achieved back then. The visit was at the top of my bucket list, and I was not disappointed.

Muhammad

Jan 2026

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+1 more

It was a wonderful experience visiting this amazing palace and Learn about history and some amazing antiques. Also, amazing photo area with opening gates towards Bosphorus. Although, the day we visited it was not busy at all so ticket lines were short, it's still recommend to have Skip the line ticket so you save that extra time and use it to travel between different attractions.

Georgeta

Romania

Dec 2025

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Impressive history of the Ottoman Empire and of the sultans from that period. It was an amazing, magnificent experience, one of unparalleled beauty! We were impressed by both the palace and the garden, the ambiance and the view of the Bosphorus. We will return with pleasure!

Shamara

United States

Jan 2026

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First time in Turkey and my first time celebrating my birthday on a cruise ship and even though I’m usually not a cruise fan, I absolutely loved every moment. The staff was wonderful, the food was amazing, and the whole experience was unforgettable. Definitely recommend!

What to expect on a Bosphorus dinner cruise?

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Seamless boarding and a warm welcome

Step onto your yacht or cruise ship from Istanbul’s lively waterfront piers with the help of a friendly crew. The evening begins with a warm Turkish welcome as you’re guided to your reserved table.

Savor a feast of flavors

Indulge in rich Turkish cuisine, from mezze platters and BBQs to vegetable and vegan options plated across 3 or 4 gourmet courses and served with your choice of soft drinks or select alcoholic beverages.

Cozy ambiance and comfort

Relax into plush seating at your table, where soft candlelight and panoramic windows frame the glittering Bosphorus. Climate-controlled salons keep you cozy in all weathers, while open decks offer cool, fresh breezes.

Enjoy cultural performances under the stars

Lose yourself in an array of cultural performances, from the meditative whirl of dervishes to vibrant folk dances and sword shows. Some cruises also add Latin flamenco dancing, belly dancing, and DJs to mix.

See illuminated city views

As your boat glides along the strait, Istanbul unfolds in shimmering lights: the Bosphorus Bridge glowing in shifting colors, Ortaköy Mosque radiant at the water’s edge, and the domes of Hagia Sophia silhouetted against the night sky.

A sweet finale and return journey

The evening closes with Turkish tea or coffee, perhaps a final dessert, as the skyline shimmers on the water. The boat drifts smoothly back to shore, leaving you with unique memories of Istanbul.

Things to know before booking a Bosphorus dinner cruise

Menu formats: Choose between 3-course or 4-course Turkish set menus, featuring mezze, grilled specialties, and desserts, or opt for a private yacht dinner tailored to your group. Vegetarian options are also included.
Cruise duration: Standard dinner cruises last about 3 hours offering ample time for dining, sightseeing, and shows. Private luxury yacht rentals are usually 2 hours, ideal for intimate celebrations or small groups.
Seating style: Most cruises offer private reserved tables; Private yachts accommodate up to 10 guests, offering a fully personalized experience.
Entertainment options: Cultural shows vary, from whirling dervishes and folk dances to live DJs and flamenco performances.
Available add-ons: You can enhance your experience with add-ons like round-trip hotel transfers in AC vehicles, VIP dining menus, alcoholic beverage packages, or access to exclusive lounge areas.
Drinks: Standard inclusions are unlimited soft drinks and most of the dinner cruise tickets include options to upgrade to 2 alcoholic drinks.
Weather: Dinner cruise ships and yachts feature indoor climate-controlled salons and open decks for all-season sailing.

Your Bosphorus dinner cruise options

Bosphorus dinner cruises with private table

Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table & Live Show

Relish a fine Turkish dinner with unlimited soft drinks and enjoy live performances like belly dancing and dervish dances.
Duration: 3 hours

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertainment / Private Table

Savour an exquisite meal accompanied by spectacular views of Istanbul's illuminated night skyline and live music and entertainment.
Duration: 3 hours

Bosphorus dinner cruises with 3-course dinner

Bosphorus 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment & DJ

Experience the beauty of Istanbul under the night sky with unlimited drinks, a delectable dinner, and lively traditional music and dancing.
Duration: 3.5 hours

Bosphorus 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Oriental Show & Transfers

Enjoy 6 different live performances as you sail past Istanbul's magical night views while savouring a lovely 3-course dinner and unlimited soft drinks.
Duration: 3 hours

Your Bosphorus dinner cruise boarding points

Address: Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. 36/A, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | Find on map

Getting there:

By tram: Take the T1 line to Kabataş, then a 2-3 min walk to the pier.
By metro: Take the funicular from Taksim Square to Kabataş, then a 2-minute walk.
By bus: Several city buses stop at Kabataş terminal.
By taxi: Accessible via the Bosphorus coast road; parking is limited.

Famous for: It is a central and convenient pier with easy access to the Dolmabahce Palace and scenic waterfront views, and easy connections to the Sultanahmet and Taksim hotels.

Address: Kabataş Pier, Ömer Avni, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | Find on map

Getting there:

By tram: Take the T1 line to Kabataş, located right by the pier.
By metro: Take the direct funicular to Taksim Square, 2 min ride.
By bus: Multiple bus lines connect to Kabataş terminal.
By taxi: Easily accessible, but parking is scarce along the waterfront.

Famous for: It is one of the busiest departure points for Bosphorus cruises, close to Dolmabahçe Palace and with excellent transport links for visitors staying in Sultanahmet or Taksim.

Address: Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd., 34342 Beşiktaş, Istanbul | Find on map

Getting there:

By tram: Take the T1 line to Kabataş, then a short walk to the marina area.
By metro: Take the funicular from Taksim to Kabataş.
By taxi: Reachable via the Dolmabahçe coast road, with limited parking available.

Famous for: It is a posh departure point for luxury yachts and private charters, offering a quieter and more upscale atmosphere right along the Bosphorus coast.

Plan your Bosphorus dinner cruise experience

Bosphorus Bridge at sunset with yacht and birds during Golden Horn cruise.

General dinner cruise timing:

Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Show & Private Table: 8:30pm
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show and Private Table: 8:30pm
Bosphorus Private Luxury Yacht Cruise with Dinner, Drinks & Transfers: 3pm and 5pm

Best season/months to go on a dinner cruise in Istanbul:

The best times to visit Istanbul and take a Bosphorus dinner cruise are from March to May (spring) and between September and November (autumn). That’s when crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, room rates are less expensive than the peak summer season, and daytime temperatures generally range between 15°C and 25°C.

Bosphorus cruise timings

Climate-controlled salons
Restrooms
Live entertainment (shows and DJ)
Snack/drink bars
Open decks for uninterrupted views
Optional hotel transfers
Audio guides on select cruises
Professional captain and crew

Yacht cruising on the Bosphorus at sunset with Istanbul skyline in the background.

Boats and piers vary in accessibility. Many dinner cruises include ramps and are stroller-friendly, but true wheelchair access may be limited on smaller or older vessels.
Boarding often features gentle ramps, though some yachts have steep steps.
Onboard, larger vessels may offer reserved spaces and accessible restrooms, but smaller boats may not.
For travelers with mobility needs or the elderly, early boarding is recommended, and the crew is trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

Bosphorus Bridge illuminated at night over the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul.

Dinner cruises are popular, especially in summer, and can sell out days ahead. Reserve 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred seating and dining option.
Boarding usually begins before departure, and arriving early gives you time to settle in and request a window table if available.
While there’s no strict dress code, elegant casual attire matches the upscale ambiance and looks great in photos with the skyline.
Inform the operator in advance about vegetarian, vegan, or halal meal needs to ensure your preferences are accommodated.
Window-side tables or spending time on the upper deck provide the most spectacular angles for photography.
Some yachts charge separately for additional drinks, photos, or onboard souvenirs, so carrying small cash is handy.
Follow all safety guidelines and remember that you cannot climb any structures of your cruise boat.

Other types of Bosphorus cruises

Bosphorus sightseeing cruises

Take a sightseeing cruise to admire Istanbul’s landmarks in full daylight or at the time of sunset. Shorter and budget-friendly, these cruises are perfect for first-time visitors.

Explore Bosphorus sightseeing cruises

Bosphorus evening cruises

Enjoy a relaxed evening sail, focused on sunset views and the illuminated skyline. Ideal if you want the romance of the Bosphorus sunset with drinks or light snacks instead of a full meal.

Explore Bosphorus evening cruises

Bosphorus yacht tours

Charter a private yacht for an exclusive experience on the Bosphorus. Ideal for small groups, these tours offer personalized service, flexible itineraries, and unmatched privacy.

Explore Bosphorus yacht tours