Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise on Luxury Boat at Daytime or Sunset
Hop on board and experience the magic of Istanbul at this cruise during daytime or at sunset where you will see the the best of the Bosphorus strait and Golden Horn.
Bosphorus Cruise Tickets & Audio Guide
Set sail on the Bosphorus and cruise along the Asian & European side as you see the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul on this cruise. Learn about the sights you pass from an audio guide.
Bosphorus Cruise including Golden Horn
See Istanbul’s most beautiful landmarks on Asian & European side and the Golden Horn on this picturesque Bosphorus cruise.
Princes' Islands Ferry Ticket
Secure your seat and book your Princes Islands ferry ticket the easy way. Enjoy a relaxing day when crossing the Marmara Sea to to the Princes' Islands. At Büyükada (Big Island)
Golden Horn & Bosphorus Cruise
Explore the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus in this tour.
Hagia Sophia & Bosphorus Cruise Ticket
Experience the best of Istanbul with this price saving combo, which includes a skip-the-line ticket for the Hagia Sophia, a guided tour of the Old City and a picturesque cruise on the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace Ticket & Bosphorus Cruise
Grab this money-saving combo and enjoy skip-the-line tickets to Topkapi Palace with audio commentary along with the Bosphorus & Golden Horn cruise.
Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul
The Bosphorus has been the crossroads of countless civilizations throughout history. Representing an important waterway since ancient times, the strait has a geographical location that connects Asia and Europe. It has been a point in history where many great empires, such as the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans discovered its strategic value.
Due to its maritime trade and strategic importance, the Bosphorus has been the witness of wars and peace. The events that have unfolded on the Bosphorus over the centuries have shaped the rich and deep history of Istanbul.
With the Bosphorus cruise tour, you can admire the splendor of the Bosphorus up close and enjoy a perfect Istanbul cruise. Bosphorus cruise tours are among the most popular attractions in Istanbul, allowing you to see all the different facets of the city. Enjoy an amazing tour on the crystal-clear waters of the world's most mythical Bosphorus.
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Why Visit the Bosphorus?
Visiting the Bosphorus means meeting a unique meeting of history and nature. The Bosphorus' impressive scenery, historic structures, and the vibrancy of the maritime traffic are what attract every visitor.
Additionally, walking along the Bosphorus or traveling by ferry is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Istanbul's unique atmosphere. Passing under bridges that bear the marks of history on a Bosphorus cruise tour provides a magnificent experience, allowing you to see both Asia and Europe simultaneously.
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What to Do in the Bosphorus?
There are many activities to do in the Bosphorus. You can take a walk along the Bosphorus, relax in the parks along the shore, or enjoy the view from the cafes. You can also have a pleasant sightseeing experience by ferry or sea tour in the cool waters of the Bosphorus. With our Bosphorus cruise tour, you can explore the historical palaces and bridges on both sides of the Bosphorus and get to know the rich cultural legacy of Istanbul. Finally, you can also enjoy a charming Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with delicious local food and spectacles.
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How to Reach the Bosphorus?
It is quite easy to reach the Bosphorus. There are public vehicles that provide access to the Bosphorus from every point of the city. You can easily reach both sides of the Bosphorus by metro, bus, and tram. In addition, the roads along the Bosphorus offer easy access for those traveling by private car. If you prefer to go by bus, you can take the 40B and 42T lines, and if you prefer to go by minibus, you can take the SRY-14 lines.
Here is the Google location for most of the Bosphorus Cruise Tours departures.
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Bosphorus Opening Hours
The Bosphorus can be visited at any time of the day. However, the view of the Bosphorus is especially impressive at sunset and sunrise. You can also visit the Bosphorus early in the morning to welcome the first lights of the day or to be mesmerized by the Bosphorus in the moonlight at night.
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Planning a Visit for a Bosphorus Cruise Tour
The Bosphorus cruise tour offers various packages, allowing stops at significant points along the way. Throughout the tour, you can learn about the history of the Bosphorus and the notable buildings surrounding it with the designated historian guide. You are welcome to bring your children for an enjoyable trip.
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What to wear during a Bosphorus cruise tour?
For a Bosphorus cruise tour, it's best to wear comfortable and season-appropriate clothing. In summer, opt for light fabrics, sunglasses, and sun hats to stay cool and protected from the sun. During cooler months, dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended year-round, as you may want to explore the deck or disembark at stops to sightsee.
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What Else Can You Do in the Bosphorus?
There are many activities to do in the Bosphorus. You can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurants along the Bosphorus or enjoy the view with a cool drink at the cafes. You can also explore the history of Istanbul by visiting the museums on both sides of the Bosphorus like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Basilica Cistern or Dolmabahçe Palace. For those who love nightlife, the nightclubs and entertainment venues along the Bosphorus offer a fun option.
Average Time to Spend on the Bosphorus
It can be difficult to determine an average amount of time to explore the Bosphorus because it depends on you. However, it is recommended to allow enough time for a one-day visit. In one day, you can explore both sides of the Bosphorus, visit historical buildings, and enjoy the Bosphorus on a sea cruise. However, it is also possible to set aside a few days for a more detailed exploration. This way, you can explore the history and culture of Istanbul in more depth.
FAQ's for Bosphorus Cruise
The Bosphorus cruise tours take 2 to 4 hours on average.
The tours usually start early in the morning and continue until the evening.
Many historical buildings and landmarks along the Bosphorus can be seen during the tour. These include Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress.
There is a live tour guide and an audio guide.
The Bosphorus cruise tours are organized in all weather conditions. However, in case of extremely bad weather or dangerous conditions, the tours may be canceled.
Yes, booking the tour in advance is recommended. This way, you can guarantee your participation and you do not have to wait in line.
The Bosphorus Cruise Tour fees may vary depending on the duration, content, and the services offered.
Since the ferry is in constant motion, it is usually not possible to get off the ferry during the tour unless it is an Hop-On Hop-Off tour.
Usually, within the 24 hours before the cruise, you have the right to cancel and get a refund free of charge.
Tour ferries have standard marine safety equipment such as fire extinguishing equipment, life jackets, and emergency exits. In addition, the ferry’s staff constantly monitors safety measures.
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