Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Are you in Istanbul and looking for a cruise on the Bosphorus? Find out all our tips in this article!

Without a doubt, Istanbul is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The history of the city that was also known as Byzantium and Constantinople is so rich that every street corner inspires the imagination.

If the Sultanahmet district, with Saint Sophia in particular, is the historic heart of the city, the Bosphorus also plays an important role in Istanbul’s history. Today, a cruise on the Bosphorus offers a different way of discovering Istanbul, sailing between two continents.

This article aims to give you all the information you need about cruises on the Bosphorus, as well as ideas for original and unforgettable excursions.

Istanbul, the multi-millennial city of many heritages

When you step ashore in Istanbul, even the most ardent history buffs know they’re arriving in what is perhaps the world’s most emblematic city. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul: three names for a unique, multi-millennial city at the crossroads of East and West.

The famous Bosphorus strait has always left its mark on the city’s history. It’s obviously one of Istanbul’s must-sees, and can be enjoyed on a cruise!

A cruise on the Bosphorus, another way to discover Istanbul

The Bosphorus is neither a river nor a stream. It is a strait linking two seas, the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south. The Bosphorus has been used to transport goods and trade since man first learned to navigate the waters. This is the main reason why Istanbul’s location has always been strategic for all the peoples who have conquered it.

Today, the Bosphorus is still used for international trade, and has also become a favorite spot for local tourism. A cruise on the Bosphorus is another way to discover Istanbul. On the water, in the wind, with the occasional song of the storks and, depending on the time of day, the muezzin, you can catch a glimpse of all Istanbul’s great monuments.

But the Bosphorus cruise is unique in the world in one respect. It’s the only cruise between two continents! The Bosphorus is the geographical boundary between Europe and Asia, and Istanbul is also the only city in the world located on two continents. A unique and exceptional experience awaits you on this cruise on the Bosphorus!

At any given moment, your eyes shift from Europe to Asia without you realizing it. You try to observe the differences between the two shores, trying to see what distinguishes Europe from Asia! Of course, this navigation between two continents may seem anecdotal. But you can’t escape the emotion that takes hold of you when you’re living this moment! What if you were next?

What to see and do on a Bosphorus cruise?

A cruise on the Bosphorus is above all the pleasure of discovering Istanbul in a different way. It’s the only place from which you can see all the city’s great monuments. And, as we’ve already said, it’s also the unique experience of sailing between two continents.

Last but not least, you can choose a cruise with a wide range of themes. Yes, there’s more than one type of cruise on the Bosphorus, and we’ve selected three to suit all tastes!

Cruise ideas on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is so magical that there’s no shortage of cruise ideas. Of course, there’s the classic cruise to see the major monuments and landmarks. There are also dinner cruises, to enjoy the Stamboulian night in exceptional surroundings. Finally, there’s the possibility of a more original and selective Bosphorus cruise on a yacht.

Classic cruise on the Bosphorus

A cruise on the Bosphorus is a classic activity when visiting Istanbul. In fact, it’s the best way to discover the riches around the strait. This excursion is a perfect example!

The cruise departs from the port of Eminonü, from which almost all public excursions on the Bosphorus depart. To save space, we recommend arriving 20 minutes early. If you didn’t get on the boat, don’t worry, there’s one every hour.

For 1h30, over a total length of 32 km, you’ll have the opportunity to sail on the Bosphorus and admire all that Istanbul has to offer: the Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace. Depending on the time of day and the season, you’ll also have the pleasure of watching the sun set behind the minarets of Sultanahmet, or sailing by night.

Admittedly, this excursion is very popular, but reviews are unanimous about its quality and unbeatable price. If you’re a family or have little time to spare, we highly recommend this cruise on the Bosphorus!

Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus

The dinner cruise is one of the best cruises on the Bosphorus. As night falls, you can not only enjoy the exceptional view of the strait and its monuments, but also enjoy entertainment and dinner on the boat.

If your hotel is located on the European shore, your tour starts as soon as you leave your room, as the agency can pick you up on the spot. Once you’ve arrived at the port, you’ll board a pretty boat with a superb pontoon so you can admire the wonders of the Bosphorus up close.

On the menu, of course, is a Turkish dinner generally consisting of cold mezes, fresh seasonal salad, a main course of your choice with vegetarian option, local drinks and Turkish coffee, which is rather peculiar at first but which we love once we’ve discovered it! As for the entertainment on offer, you’ll be treated to a Katibim, a traditional Turkish musical performance, an Asuk Masuk, a show from the Taseli district of Silifke, as well as a traditional dance… In short, a great evening ahead!

Last but not least, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the most beautiful buildings around the Bosphorus at night, including the Galata Tower, Ottoman palaces, residences on the Asian shore and the minarets of Sultanahmet. Once back at the port, the agency will take you back to your hotel.

Cruise the Bosphorus on a yacht

If the first excursion appeals to you, but it’s too crowded for you, we recommend this cruise on the Bosphorus. This agency offers you the chance to discover the treasures of the strait aboard a sublime yacht at sunset.

Boarding is from the port of Kabatas, close to the Kabatas metro station. The friendly manager welcomes you and immediately offers you a drink. Although not strictly speaking a dinner, the experience includes a tasting of local dishes and drinks.

At sunset, to the sound of the muezzin calling for prayer, you set off on an extraordinary adventure on the Bosphorus. The excellence of this excursion is enhanced by the unanimous quality of the guide who accompanies you. He explains in detail every place you can see. This cruise on the Bosphorus has a more inclusive and historical side, with the many references provided by your guide.

After 3 hours of dreaming and admiring the sunset and Istanbul’s most beautiful monuments, you’re back at the port of Kabatas with stars in your eyes!

How do I get to Istanbul for a cruise on the Bosphorus?

Every year at the end of August, if you have at least €17,000 to spare, it’s possible to make the original Orient-Express train journey between Paris and Istanbul. At Generation Voyage, if we like a challenge, we’d rather advise you to take the plane!

Rest assured, you can divide the price by 100 and land in Istanbul! The city is so well served from France that you’re spoilt for choice, with direct flights from most major French airports.

Please consult our partner Skyscanner to find the right combination.

Good addresses

Accommodation

There’s a plethora of accommodation on offer in Istanbul, and you’ll be spoilt for choice! Generation Voyage has selected for you two accommodations located in the historic district, where most of the city’s attractions are concentrated.

Apartment with terrace in the historic district

The charm of this three-person apartment lies in its terrace and location. The view over the Sea of Marmara is splendid, and the location in the ruins of the old Byzantine palace of Boucoléon is unique!

The interior of this accommodation is fairly well laid out and sober, with everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Modern apartment in the historic district

Compared to its predecessor, this home has a much more modern interior, and we love its contemporary style. The furnishings and fittings are of the highest quality.

And what about the solarium! If it’s not reserved exclusively for this unit, its sheer size makes it absolutely exceptional!

Many other Airbnb accommodations are available, so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for! Alternatively, you can use a hotel comparator to get the best deals.

Restaurants

Of course, dining out can be an integral part of a Bosphorus cruise. In this paragraph, we concentrate on restaurants on land.

Making a choice is more than difficult, as the number of quality restaurants is immense! For this reason, we have chosen three quite different types of restaurants located in the city’s liveliest districts.

Located in the Kadıköy district on the Asian shore, Çiya Sofrası is THE Turkish restaurant par excellence. Its tradition? Featuring dishes from the different regions of Turkey, at unbeatable prices. The restaurant’s reputation is well established, and it’s an excellent option before or after a cruise on the Bosphorus.

A complete change of atmosphere at Ulus 29, a chic restaurant in Beşiktaş. Here, a more international and more expensive menu, and quality recognized by all. Its little plus? Its location on a hill offering a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.

Do you love fish and seafood? Then head for the Sur Balık Sarayburnu restaurant in the historic Sultanahmet district! Facing the Sea of Marmara, it offers delicious fish dishes in a cosy atmosphere.

Spotlights

On a cruise on the Bosphorus, you can find spots every second! If we had to pick three to immortalize in photos and in your memory, here they are.

First, the breathtaking view of Sultanahmet, day and night. You can see mosque minarets, storks and most of Istanbul’s historic monuments.

Next, on the European bank before the first bridge, the Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman edifice best seen from a cruise on the Bosphorus.

Finally, still on the European shore and just before the second bridge, the Rumeli Hisarı is a fortress built in a matter of weeks by Sultan Mehmet II just before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. An exceptional site that can easily be admired from the Bosphorus.