- Türkiye
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Bosphorus
Bosphorus
The Bosphorus, Istanbul’s iconic waterway, is much more than a geographical boundary between Europe and Asia; it’s a vibrant cultural and historical corridor. Stretching approximately 30 kilometers, this strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, offering breathtaking views of lush green hills, Ottoman palaces, and modern mansions. Whether you're enjoying a ferry ride or a private cruise, the Bosphorus promises an enchanting blend of natural beauty and history, with landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress dotting its shores.
Bosphorus Tours & Excursions
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner & Entertainment Cruise
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Across Two Worlds: Istanbul’s Unforgettable Day Tour
€70
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul City Tour with Hotel Transfer and Lunch
€45
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Patterns of Turkey: 13-Day Tour
€4800
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Turkey in 8 Days: From Istanbul to Ephesus Pamukkale
€1500
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Cappadocia Konya and Ephesus Multi-day Tour
€2250
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar – A Journey Through Time
€55
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore the Highlights of Istanbul - A Journey Through Time
€340
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Best of Turkey in 10 Days: Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale & More
€2230
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Hidden Gems of Istanbul: 4-Day Journey
€600
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour
€1450
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Experience with Live Guide
€39
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Timeless Treasures Walking Tour
€85
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Transfers
€54
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace Tour and Sunset Yacht Cruise
€150
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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
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Private Yacht Cruise with Snacks
€40
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover the Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul With Lunch
€65
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation with Transfers and Tours
€665
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Tour of Istanbul with Red Carpet Treatment
€250
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bespoke Tour with Guide and SkiptheLine Entries
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Eurasia Bike Boat HalfDay Tour
€75
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Hotel Transfers
€15
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Enchanting Bosphorus Cruise with Optional Meal
€28
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Cruise: Private Yacht with Meal Options
€65
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Asian Side of Istanbul: Guided Walking Tour with Ferry Ride
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise Day or Sunset
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Daytime or Sunset Options
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Ticket
€65
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Public Transport Card: Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferry Included
€23
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbuls Wonders: Private Guided Tour 1 or 2 Days
€21
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise on A Private Luxury Yacht
€69
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Discovery: 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Experience
€16
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Discovery: A Guided Food and Culture Tour of Asia and Europe
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul’s Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace: A Guided Historical
€67
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Topkapi and Basilica Cistern Tour
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul's Treasures: Topkapi Palace and Harem Experience
€32
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Galata to Balat: A Journey Through Time
€60
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Istanbul’s Food Scene by Ferry: European & Asian Delights
€2
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Cultural & Architectural Marvels in a Day
€3
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Topkapi and Harem Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
€58
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Asian Side Walking Tour with Ferry Ride
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Segway Tour of the City
€51
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Istanbul Photoshoot Tour With Local Photographer
€95
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Food and Photography Tour
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Old Town Photoshooting
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Rooftop Photography Tour
€130
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Recording Memories in the Photography Tour of Istanbul
€170
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Turkey in 12 Days: A Journey Through History Nature Culture
€1850
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Private Exploration of Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar
€115
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best City Highlights Guided Tour with Turkish Lunch
€80
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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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The Basics
The Bosphorus is central to Istanbul life and easily accessible. Its shores are lined with lively neighborhoods such as Ortaköy, Bebek, and Üsküdar, each offering unique charm. Cruises are the most popular way to experience it, with options ranging from budget-friendly public ferries to luxurious private yachts. Guided tours provide insightful commentary about its historical and cultural significance, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Don’t forget to bring a camera; the views are spectacular!
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
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Across Two Worlds: Istanbul’s Unforgettable Day Tour
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul’s wonders with a seamless blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views! From the Spice Bazaar to a magical Bosphorus cruise, this tour covers the city's most iconic attractions.
€70
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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
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Things to Know Before You Go
Dress comfortably and layer up if you're visiting during the cooler months, as the breeze can get chilly. Book your cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the weather forecast; clear skies enhance the views. Some ferries and cruises serve snacks and tea, but bringing your own is allowed and adds to the experience. For a budget-friendly option, hop on a public ferry instead of a private tour.
How to Get There
The Bosphorus is easily reached from central Istanbul. Public transport options include trams, buses, and metros leading to ferry terminals in Eminönü, Kabataş, and Beşiktaş. From here, you can board ferries or cruises. Taxis and ride-sharing apps also provide a quick and direct route to the departure points. Alternatively, many guided tours offer pick-up services from major hotels in Istanbul.
When to Get There
The Bosphorus is magical year-round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Early morning cruises provide peaceful, golden-lit views, while evening trips let you witness Istanbul’s dazzling skyline as the city lights reflect on the water. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making for a more tranquil experience.
Day Trips from Istanbul
Enhance your Bosphorus visit with day trips to nearby attractions. Explore the historic Ortaköy Mosque and enjoy street food like kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes). Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side for a glimpse of Ottoman opulence. Take a leisurely stroll in Emirgan Park or Bebek's seaside promenade. For a more immersive experience, join a guided tour combining Bosphorus cruising with visits to iconic landmarks like the Spice Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.
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