Bosphorus boat tours

A visit to Istanbul is a great option for those who would like to experience the real flavor of Turkey in a short period of time. This city harmoniously combines features of European, Asian, and Oriental cultures, creating a unique atmosphere and lifestyle within itself. Usually, it will take months to fully immerse yourself in all of this diversity. But if you are short on time, we suggest just following the traveler's guide to Istanbul. In particular, discover all the major attractions and iconic places and see them with your own eyes; make a gastronomic run through street food and authentic restaurants; stock up on some oriental sweets; and, of course, discover the magnificent views of the Bosphorus on an Istanbul boat trip. Let's talk a little more about the last idea. 

The Bosphorus itself is one of Turkey's «must-see» attractions. It is the city's largest natural body of water and its main transportation hub. Locals use the strait as another way to commute, and public ferries offer a quick and convenient transfer from one side of the Bosphorus to the other. For travelers, however, it is an absolute must-see on the list of attractions in Istanbul, thanks to which you can experience the atmosphere of the city and get a full picture of its scale. There are many famous landmarks located along the strait: old palaces, modern galleries, ancient mansions of the sultans, and futuristic suspension bridges. So even a 1-hour Bosphorus cruise tour in Istanbul is good enough to spot a couple of interesting locations to visit on a walking tour later on and to get a general impression of the city.

Due to the high popularity of Bosphorus tours in Istanbul, the city offers a great variety of daily cruise formats, from the simplest trips on public ferries and group sightseeing tours to special themed gastronomic tours and individual yacht charters. On this page, we have collected the most interesting offers for group tours on the Bosphorus that will help you immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere and life. And most importantly, these cruises will guarantee you a lot of unique experiences and memories. 

The majority of group boat cruises on the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn can be divided into two main categories: sightseeing tours and thematic cruises. The first category is great for getting to know the city and immersing yourself in the history of the capital for the first time. During this water cruise in Istanbul, you have enough time to see the European and Asian parts of Istanbul from the water, view the main landmarks, and learn interesting stories about the city with the help of audio guides available in English. The price of the tour may also optionally include complimentary Turkish sweets with tea, a little break in one of Istanbul's districts, or a free shuttle from the city center. The second type of cruise is also suitable for a first introduction to the city, yet it offers a fuller program. The price of such a cruise usually includes lunch or dinner, a live music concert, or a show with oriental dances and other traditional entertainment. During the cruise, you will not only fall in love with Istanbul for its spectacular views but also use all of your senses to really immerse yourself in its atmosphere.

Cruise options:

• The Bosphorus sightseeing cruise is a water cruise of Istanbul with a tour of the main sights. It is a classic sightseeing tour on a spacious boat along both the European and Asian parts of the city. On board, there is a tour guide in English, Turkish, and Russian languages. A perfect option for a first-time acquaintance with Istanbul.
• The evening sunset cruise is the most romantic and atmospheric cruise on the Bosphorus. This tour offers the opportunity to watch Istanbul's sunset from the water, adding a romantic twist to the evening. And the highlight of the evening is a visit to the Asian part of the city with some spare time and a complimentary treat of oriental sweets and tea.
• A cruise with dinner on a motorboat is the most colorful cruise around the city. During this cruise, you can experience the evening life of Istanbul — with its incredible oriental dances and traditional costume shows. A dinner of Turkish cuisine and unlimited local wine provides a true immersion in Turkish culture.

Tickets purchase 

You can buy a ticket for one of Istanbul's boat rides online on our website. All you have to do is pick the cruise format that has the most suitable price and description, click on the yellow button on this page, select your preferred date and time from the calendar, fill out all of the required fields, and proceed to check out. Once the payment is complete, the ticket will be sent to your specified email address.

The boat cruises on the Bosphorus in Istanbul will help you to introduce yourself to the city, get closer to the unknown culture, and make your first, most special impression. After the boat cruise, you will start to better understand Turkish traditions, learn how to navigate in the city, learn local legends and stories, and most importantly, you will get a lot of cool new emotions and authentic memories from one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey. We wish you a pleasant cruise!