Bosphorus Dinner Cruises

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Stephanie

Aug 2025

4/5

The absolute highlight was the sunset with a view of the Bosphorus Bridge, there was a lot of information during the trip, friendly service.

Janine

United Arab Emirates

Jul 2025

5/5

+1 more

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

José

Spain

Jul 2025

5/5

+1 more

Pleasant walk along the recognized Strait, fabulous views of palaces and historic buildings, alternating with beautiful scenery. The staff very friendly and attentive. From 10, highly recommended.

Michel

May 2025

5/5

+1 more

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!

Mónica

Aug 2022

5/5

Despite a caotic start ( we were a big group and had to run over the streets to follow the guide), the rest was very good, it was a good relation quality/prize. We could see the european and asian coast for two h, seing the sunset and listening to music. Nice pictures.

Michael

Jun 2022

4/5

The trip itself was good. However, experience around the meeting point didn't feel professional. A random guy just came up and said he was our guide. Felt very suspicious but he took us to the actual guide who was running late. Just made everyone feel a little unsure.

Nima

Sep 2022

5/5

Ein rundum fantastischer Abend für mich und meine Familie! Wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt. Werde ich definitiv weiterempfehlen. Vielen herzlichen Dank für alles.

Mark

Canada

Jun 2025

5/5

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.

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

Boat tour on the Bosphorus in Istanbul with cityscape and seagulls in view.

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

Luxury yacht cruising on the Bosphorus with a bridge in the background.

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

Frequently asked questions about Bosphorus dinner cruise tickets

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.