- Türkiye
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait, or simply the Bosphorus, is one of the most famous and iconic waterways in the world, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Stretching about 30 kilometers, it separates the Sea of Marmara from the Black Sea, serving as a natural border between two continents. The strait is known for its scenic beauty, with historic landmarks, palaces, and fortresses lining its shores. Whether you're taking a leisurely ferry ride or simply admiring the view, the Bosphorus offers a unique perspective of Istanbul's beauty.
Bosphorus Strait Tours & Excursions
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner & Entertainment Cruise
€30.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
€30.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Hidden Gems of Istanbul: 4-Day Journey
€600.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Experience with Live Guide
€39.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace Tour and Sunset Yacht Cruise
€150.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Private Yacht Cruise with Snacks
€40
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Enchanting Bosphorus Cruise with Optional Meal
€28.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Asian Side of Istanbul: Guided Walking Tour with Ferry Ride
€25.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbuls Wonders: Private Guided Tour 1 or 2 Days
€21
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Discovery: A Guided Food and Culture Tour of Asia and Europe
€100.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul’s Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace: A Guided Historical
€67.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul's Treasures: Topkapi Palace and Harem Experience
€32.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
€8.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
€8.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Asian Side Walking Tour with Ferry Ride
€25.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View
€25.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Segway Tour of the City
€51.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Rooftop Photography Tour
€130.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Across Two Worlds: Istanbul’s Unforgettable Day Tour
€70.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar – A Journey Through Time
€55.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Cruise: Private Yacht with Meal Options
€65
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
€30.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Patterns of Turkey: 13-Day Tour
€4800.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Turkey in 8 Days: From Istanbul to Ephesus Pamukkale
€1500.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Cappadocia Konya and Ephesus Multi-day Tour
€2250.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore the Highlights of Istanbul - A Journey Through Time
€340.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour
€1450.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Timeless Treasures Walking Tour
€85.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Transfers
€54.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best of the City Private FullDay Walking Tour
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Best of the Istanbul City
€150.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation with Transfers and Tours
€665.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bespoke Tour with Guide and SkiptheLine Entries
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Eurasia Bike Boat Half-Day Tour
€75
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Hotel Transfers
€15.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise Day or Sunset
€8.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Daytime or Sunset Options
€8.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Ticket
€65.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Public Transport Card: Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferry Included
€23.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise on A Private Luxury Yacht
€69
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets
€100.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Cultural & Architectural Marvels in a Day
€3
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Old Town Photoshooting
€100.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul City Tour with Hotel Transfer and Lunch
€45.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Private Exploration of Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar
€115.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best City Highlights Guided Tour with Turkish Lunch
€80.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Tour of Istanbul with Red Carpet Treatment
€250.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Cappadocia, Pamukkale 8-Day 7-Night Tour From Istanbul
€1,000
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Istanbul’s Flavors in Style: A Private Food and Culture Tour
€22
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Istanbul’s Food Scene by Ferry: European & Asian Delights
€2
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Topkapi and Harem Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
€58.00
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Recording Memories in the Photography Tour of Istanbul
€170.00
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The Basics
The Bosphorus Strait is vital for both Istanbul's daily life and its history. It has been a key route for trade and military defense for centuries. Today, it remains a major shipping lane, and you can often see massive cargo ships passing by, alongside small ferries and private boats. Visitors can enjoy numerous boat tours that offer scenic views of the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, the fortress of Rumeli Hisarı, and many other famous sights. The strait also serves as a beautiful backdrop to Istanbul’s vibrant city life, blending nature with the urban landscape.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner & Entertainment Cruise
Istanbul - Türkiye
Experience Istanbul like never before on a magical Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Enjoy delicious food, live performances, and illuminated city views from the best seat in the city: the water!
€30.00
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Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover the enchantment of Istanbul on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Delight in exquisite cuisine, captivating live performances, and stunning views of illuminated landmarks for an unforgettable night.
€30.00
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Hidden Gems of Istanbul: 4-Day Journey
Istanbul - Türkiye
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through Istanbul, where ancient history and vibrant culture intertwine seamlessly. Explore iconic landmarks, cruise the Bosphorus, and immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage.
€600.00
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Things to Know Before You Go
When planning a visit to the Bosphorus, it’s important to know that boat tours can get quite popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. For a more relaxed experience, opt for early morning or late afternoon cruises. Be mindful of the weather as conditions can change quickly on the water, and it's wise to bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you plan to take a boat ride in the evening. Many tours offer snacks or drinks, but it’s a good idea to bring some water and sunscreen, especially on hot summer days.
How to Get There
Getting to the Bosphorus Strait is easy from various parts of Istanbul. If you're staying in Sultanahmet or the historic areas, you can easily catch a ferry from Eminönü Pier or Kabataş. The T1 tram line takes you to both these points, and ferries frequently depart to different destinations along the strait. You can also reach the Bosphorus by taxi or private transport to the coastline, where you'll find plenty of spots to enjoy the view or board a boat. If you're staying on the Asian side, Kadıköy and Üsküdar are prime areas for Bosphorus access.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Bosphorus is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the most peaceful experiences, with beautiful light and fewer tourists. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, visiting the Bosphorus in the evening is a great option, as the waterfront areas around Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy come alive with cafés and restaurants offering views of the strait and the city skyline. Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter visit.
Day Trips from Istanbul
A visit to the Bosphorus is a perfect opportunity to explore both sides of Istanbul. From a boat ride, you can visit iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, the Rumeli Hisarı fortress, and the majestic Beylerbeyi Palace. A day trip can also include stops at charming neighborhoods such as Ortaköy, known for its cafés and street food, and Bebek, famous for its picturesque waterfront. If you’re in the mood for more nature, you can explore the beautiful Prince’s Islands, easily reachable by ferry from the Bosphorus.
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