Choose your pass

Enjoy Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

You are visiting Istanbul and you want to have fun on the Bosphorus for the whole day! This is fantastic because anybody visiting the city will enjoy all the sea has to offer via a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
October 6, 2021 4 min
Enjoy Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul


Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait. It connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara while serving as a boundary between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus, which is lined with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions like Dolmabahçe Palace and spanned by three intercontinental bridges, is the city's beating heart.


The Bosphorus Strait has drawn empires for centuries as a major shipping and trading route, and their ruins can be seen along the coast. From the water, you can see Ottoman summer quarters, Hagia Sophia, historical imperial gardens, palaces, and more. The Bosphorus attracts a large number of visitors, many of whom travel by boat. Let's look at the various Bosphorus Tour opportunities so you can decide which is the best way to spend your day.


Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Shows


Dinner Cruise combines classic Turkish cuisine with a breathtaking view of the city by day or night. This cruise tour, on the other hand, goes beyond and above what you would expect from a boat tour. Since it also includes traditional musical shows, a folk dance demonstration, belly dancers, and a DJ performance, you will enjoy the Turkish way of life on the water. Following a delightful dinner, Turkish coffee will be served, and you will continue to enjoy your evening to the fullest. The Dinner Cruise departs at 20.30 and lasts about three hours. During your Istanbul travel, Except for New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day, the cruise is available every day.


There's no need to be concerned with how to get to the Bosphorus Cruise with Turkish shows. When making your reservations, you may agree to be picked up and/or dropped off. If you want to get to the boat on your own, take the tram in the direction of Kabataş and exit at the last station, Kabataş. The other choice is to take the funicular from Taksim to Kabataş, which only runs between two stations, and walk past the gas station after exiting the vehicle to find the port on your right side. If you are unsure about the instructions, you can look them up online. If you love a night on the Bosphorus with dinner, cruises from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m. may be of interest to you.


 


Attractions Near Bosphorus


We've given you a lot of choices for things to do on the Bosphorus; now it's time to show you which popular architectures you'll see on your tours. Many waterfront mansions will first catch your eye. The Bosphorus strait is densely filled with those mansions, which are exquisitely built. Esma Sultan, Küçüksu, Sadberk Hanim, and Sadullah Pasha are among the most famous waterfront mansions in Istanbul. Then you'll be mesmerized by the waterfront palaces. They are the most critical elements of Istanbul's landscape. 


Dolmabahçe Palace is one of them. Throughout the history of the Ottoman empire, royal families and political figures have stayed here. The Maiden's Tower is next, and it has a fascinating legend of it being in love with Galata Tower up the Bosphorus. It looks like a little island floating in the water off the coast of Üsküdar. Kuleli Military High School and Ortaköy Mosque are also nearby. On either side of the Istanbul Bosphorus Strait, Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress are worth seeing and photographing. They were designed to defend Istanbul against the enemies by Mehmet the Conqueror and are situated on the narrowest section of the strait. Visit Istanbul for these attractions and more!


Have A Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Istanbul Tourist Pass!


Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to more than 85 attractions, including the beautiful dinner cruise on Bosphorus we talked about. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you get more than what you pay for, as the Pass can let you save up to 75%!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Under Istanbul: Cisterns Beyond Basilica
calendar_today May 29, 2025 6 min

Under Istanbul: Cisterns Beyond Basilica

Istanbul dazzles in the sun. Minarets catch the morning light, ferries leave white trails across the Bosphorus, and shopkeepers sweep their doorways as the city wakes. Yet a different Istanbul waits far below the cobblestones. There, under layers of brick and time, cool water once flowed through hundreds of stone chambers. Most travelers line up […]

First-Time Istanbul Layover? 5-Hour Itinerary Using the Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today Nov 24, 2025 6 min

First-Time Istanbul Layover? 5-Hour Itinerary Using the Istanbul Tourist Pass®

If your flight gives you a short window in Istanbul, you can still get a real taste of the city. This istanbul layover itinerary is built for first timers who want an easy route, quick transfers, and zero stress. Follow the steps, keep a safe buffer for airport security, and you will be surprised how […]

Istanbul’s Sky-High Delights: 10 Rooftop Bars for Unforgettable Views
calendar_today Jan 3, 2024 13 min

Istanbul’s Sky-High Delights: 10 Rooftop Bars for Unforgettable Views

Istanbul is the city where the East meets the West with ancient domes harmonizing with modern skyscrapers, Istanbul invites you to savor its beauty from every corner. From Sultanahmet's cobblestone streets to the lively shores of the Bosphorus, each view tells a unique story. To truly capture the essence of this timeless metropolis, take to […]

Istanbul Music Festival
calendar_today Apr 28, 2025 8 min

Istanbul Music Festival

Istanbul is one of the few cities that can easily combine old and new. The city is full of music, from the call to prayer resonating across the Bosphorus to late-night jazz coming from meyhanes on back streets. Its castles are the sites of chamber concerts and its parks are the settings for outdoor symphonies. […]

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Benefits for Pass Holders
calendar_today Apr 4, 2026 11 min

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Benefits for Pass Holders

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time
calendar_today Jul 1, 2024 8 min

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time

One of the most impressive points of Istanbul is undoubtedly the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Thousands of artifacts from a wide geography ranging from the pre-Islamic periods of Anatolia to Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula await their visitors here. This museum is a treasure trove for archaeology enthusiasts and offers the opportunity to travel […]

Exploring the Golden Horn in Istanbul: A Historical Marvel
calendar_today Nov 17, 2023 14 min

Exploring the Golden Horn in Istanbul: A Historical Marvel

Istanbul is a city full of wonders, from its ancient history to its bustling streets, it is one of the greatest capitals of the world. One of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul is the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has played a vital role in the city's development for centuries. The Golden Horn […]

Dolmabahce Palace Local Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
calendar_today Apr 22, 2025 11 min

Dolmabahce Palace Local Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

Visiting Dolmabahce Palace with a skip-the-line ticket and audio guide is the perfect way to explore this 19th-century Ottoman gem at your own pace with Dolmabahce Palace Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide. To help you make the most of your experience, here are locally-informed tips covering everything from cultural insights to on-site practical advice. Enjoy […]

Skip the Ticket Lines
calendar_today Feb 16, 2025 2 min

Skip the Ticket Lines

Istanbul Tourist Pass® will let you welcome easy exploring instead of lengthy lines. With just a QR scan, our innovative Show&Go technology lets you rapidly visit famous sites, therefore removing waiting periods and improving your sightseeing experience. Furthermore, the interesting audio guides provided allow you to explore Istanbul's rich history and cultural beauties at your […]

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz
calendar_today May 9, 2025 9 min

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz

Istanbul is a city that never sits still. Ferries criss-cross the Bosphorus, prayers drift from slender minarets, and side streets burst into sudden song. Yet behind all the movement, the city keeps pockets of calm where artists think, cats nap, and conversations spill out of tiny cafés. One of those pockets is Cihangir. 
 
 […]