Bosphorus Strait Day Trips from Istanbul
Cruising the waters of the Bosphorus on board a sunset cruise will add a magical touch to your visit to Istanbul - welcome to the Thousand and One Nights!
Enjoy the sights of Istanbul during the Bosphorus cruise | ©Can yılmaz
Watching the Bosphorus at sunset while listening to the call to prayer is one of the most authentic images you can take away from your trip to Istanbul. Add a river cruise and your visit to the Turkish capital is complete.
1. The best Bosphorus cruise
The city of Istanbul has two distinct zones: the European part and the Asian part. The Bosphorus is the natural border that divides the two areas. In addition, the Bosphorus enters the city through the stretch known as the "Golden Horn", separating the European part into two areas: the Old City and the Galata district. For all these reasons, a cruise on the Bosphorus is an ideal way to get to know the capital of Turkey while enjoying the sights.
This cruise also includes a bus tour and a pass for the city's cable car, making it the most complete option in the city and the most convenient value for money.
How to book
To secure your place on this Bosphorus cruise, it's best to book online in advance. This way you will be able to choose the best option and, in addition, you will have the guarantee of cancellation up to 24 hours before departure without losing any money. Once you have made your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details that will serve as your voucher.
2. What this cruise is all about
Once you start looking for information about boat tours on the Bosphorus, you will find many options, but I recommend, for duration and value for money, this sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with a bus route along the Golden Horn and access to the cable car. With this experience you will see Istanbul from three different perspectives and I assure you that all of them are worth it.
This tour is available in several languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and French. It includes hotel pick up and drop off at your hotel at the end of the experience, transfers between the different points of the tour and, of course, the services of a local guide who will guide and inform you about everything you see. The total duration of the tour is 3.5 hours including Bosphorus cruise, cable car ride and bus ride.
During the boat tour, you will be able to follow the guide's explanations while enjoying the views and taking pictures of Istanbul's main monuments from a different perspective. The cruise will be at sunset, a time when you can escape the heat that plagues Istanbul in summer and also get a magical view of the city in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the early hours of the day.
What you will see on this tour
- The Bosphorus Bridge; a landmark that separates the European side of Istanbul from the Asian side of Istanbul
- Rumeli Fortress; an example of military architecture intended to protect the Bosphorus strait
- Beylerbeyi Palace; the summer residence of the sultans on the Asian side of the city
- Yildiz Palace; a complex of Ottoman imperial villas built in the late 19th and early 20th century.
- The Jewish quarter of Balat; characterised by synagogues, balconied houses and stepped pavements.
- St. Stephen's Church, built entirely of cast iron.
- The walls of Constantinople; original from the 5th century, 22km long and with 96 towers.
- The Eyup quarter; a less touristy area that is a true reflection of daily life in Istanbul
- Pierre Loti Hill; from where you'll have an unbeatable view of the Golden Horn.
3. Tips on how to enjoy a Bosphorus cruise
The Bosphorus cruise is one of the most popular experiences in Istanbul and you should consider the following before booking:
You don't have to pay a lot
During your trip you will probably be offered a cruise with a private company by a local or two. This is not necessarily a lesser quality experience, but you should be aware that Bosphorus cruise prices are quite affordable. Reject any option that seems too expensive at first glance.
Make sure you get the tour
If you're booking once you're in the city, bear in mind that there are cruises that only cover the Horn of the Bosphorus and others that go as far as the Asian border. The duration can range from one and a half to two hours. Depending on what you want to see, choose one or the other, but always ask before you book.
Sunset is the best time
Personally, my favourite time to take a Bosphorus cruise is at sunset, but there are several departures throughout the day so you can choose your own. There are even evening cruises with dinner included.
Don't be obsessed with photos
Once you start cruising, you'll have plenty of time to capture the images you'll see during the ride, so enjoy the ride and make yourself the protagonist and not your camera.
Better with a guide
This is a personal opinion, but for me a city as charismatic as Istanbul is always best seen from the perspective of a professional guide. You can do this on many cruises, and the one I have suggested is one of them.
Combine it with other activities
You have already seen that there are cruises that also include other experiences such as a bus ride through the city or even a cable car ride. With these packages you can save time and money, so if you have any other activity in mind, consider this option.
Ana's Traveller Tip
A cruise in Istanbul doesn't have to cost a lot. Don't be swayed by individuals offering experiences of dubious quality and high cost.
4. If you are interested in a cruise on the Bosphorus, you will also be interested in
If you choose to take the sunset cruise along the Bosphorus during your visit to Istanbul, you will have seen the city from three very different perspectives: from the water with the boat, from the air with the cable car and from the ground with the bus. All you need to do now is walk through the streets to make your trip to Turkey's capital complete.
If, in addition to touring the city on your own, you would like to do so with a local expert who can explain the history of its main monuments, the customs and culture of its inhabitants and give you useful recommendations for the rest of your trip, I recommend you take a look at this post on Best Tours and Day Trips from Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bosphorus Strait?
The Bosphorus Strait is a natural strait that forms part of the continental border between Europe and Asia (separating Anatolia and Thrace). Istanbul lies on the banks of the strait, on both sides. The Strait's importance also lies in the fact that it connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, along with the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Is it possible to swim in the Bosphorus?
While it is possible to swim in the Bosphorus (there are no laws against it), it is strongly discouraged. Due to the number of boats passing through the Bosphorus, the water is extremely polluted, and its waters have very strong currents.
Which excursion from the Bosphorus Strait should I take?
Two of the most popular and best value for money day trips are the half-day and day cruises from the Strait to the Black Sea. Besides the fact that they tend to be small groups, the guides are knowledgeable and approachable and the food is good quality. The one-day cruise gives you the opportunity to swim in the Black Sea, while the half-day cruise will take you swimming elsewhere.