Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Are you in Istanbul and want to try the adventure of a cruise on the Bosphore? Discover all our tips in this article!

Undoubtedly, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The history of the one also called Byzance and Constantinople is so rich that every corner of the street calls for imagination.

If the Sultanahmet district, including Saint-Sophie, is the historic heart of the city, the Bosphorus also plays an important role in the history of Istanbul. Today, making a cruise on the Bosphorus makes it possible to discover Istanbul otherwise, by the waters, sailing between two continents.

This article aims to give all the information about the Bosphore cruises and original and unforgettable excursion ideas.

Istanbul, the multi-millenary city with many heritages

When we arrive in Istanbul, the most fetus of history know that they arrive in what may be the most emblematic city in the world. Byzance, Constantinople, Istanbul: three names for a multi-millenary and unique city, at the cross between East and West.

The famous Strait of Bosphorus has always marked the history of the city. It is obviously one of the must-sees to be made in Istanbul and one can especially appreciate the time of a cruise!

The Bosphore cruise, another way to discover Istanbul

The Bosphorus is neither a river nor a stream. It is a strait connecting two seas, the Black Sea to the north and the Marmara Sea to the south. Since human beings have learned to navigate the waters, Bosphorus is used for the transport of goods and trade. This is the main reason why the situation in Istanbul has always been strategic for all the peoples who have conquered it.

Today, the Bosphorus is still used for international trade and it has also become a place for local tourism. A cruise on the Bosphorus is another way to discover Istanbul. On the waters, in the wind, with sometimes the sing of the storks and, according to the hour, of the muezzin, you can see all the great monuments of Istanbul.

But the Bosphore cruise is unique in the world on a specific point. This is the only cruise between two continents! The Bosphorus is indeed the geographical boundary between Europe and Asia, and Istanbul is also the only city in the world located on two continents. It is therefore a unique and exceptional moment that awaits you with this cruise on the Bosphorus!

At any time, your eyes pass from Europe to Asia without realizing it. We then look at the differences between the two shores, to try to see what distinguishes Europe from Asia! Of course, this navigation between two continents may seem anecdotal. But we cannot escape the emotion that takes hold of us when we are living this moment! What if you're next or next?

What to see and what to do on a Bosphore cruise?

Making a cruise on the Bosphorus is first and foremost the pleasure of discovering Istanbul otherwise. This is the only place where you can see all the great monuments of the city. It is also, as we have said, this unique character, which is impregnated, that of navigating between two continents.

It is finally the possibility to choose a cruise to the diverse theme. For yes, there is not only one type of cruise on the Bosphore and we have selected three to satisfy all tastes!

Cruising ideas on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is so magical that cruise ideas don't miss. Of course, we find the classic cruise to see important monuments and views. There are also dinner cruises, to enjoy the stambouliot night in an exceptional setting. Finally, here is also the possibility of a cruise on the more original and selective Bosphorus on a yacht.

Classic cruise on the Bosphore

The cruise on the so-called tourist Bosphorus is a classic activity during a stay in Istanbul. It is indeed the best way to discover the riches around the Strait. This trip is the perfect example!

The cruise starts from the port of Eminonü, the one from which almost all the public excursions on the Bosphorus depart. To have room, it is advisable to arrive 20 minutes in advance . If you were unable to board the boat, no worries, there is one per hour.

During 1:30 , for a total length of 32 km, you will have the opportunity to sail on the Bosphore in order to admire what makes the wealth of Istanbul: Galata Tower , Topkapi Palace , Sainte-Sophie or the palaces of Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi. Depending on the time of day and season, you will also have the joy of being able to admire the sunset behind the minarets of Sultanahmet, or to sail at night.

Of course, this trip is very frequent but the opinions are unanimous as to its quality and unbeatable rate. If you are with family or have little time on site, we strongly recommend this cruise on the Bosphorus!

Dinner cruise on the Bosphore

Dinner cruise is one of the best cruises on the Bosphore. At nightfall, you can not only enjoy the exceptional view of the Strait and its monuments, but also enjoy the animations and a dinner on the boat .

If your hotel is located on the European bank, your trip starts from the exit of your room as the agency can pick you up on site. Once you arrive at the port, you embark on a pretty boat with a superb pontoon so you can admire the wonders around the Bosphorus.

On the menu, of course, Turkish dinner Generally composed of mezes cold, fresh season salad, a main dish with vegetarian option, local drinks and Turkish coffee, quite special at the start but we love once we discovered it! As for the proposed animations, you will be entitled to a Katibim, a traditional Turkish musical performance, an Asuk Masuk, a performance of the Taseli district of Silifke, as well as a traditional... In short, a good evening in perspective!

Finally, you will have of course the opportunity to admire, at night, the most beautiful buildings around the Bosphorus that are the Galata Tower, the Ottoman Palaces, the residence places of the Asian shore and the minarets of Sultanahmet. Once you have returned to the port, the agency offers you to take you to your hotel.

Cruise on the Bosphorus with a yacht

If the first trip tempts you but there are too many people for you, this cruise on the Bosphorus is recommended. This agency offers you to discover the riches of the Strait aboard a sublime yacht , at sunset time.

Boarding takes place from the port of Kabatas, close to the metro station of the same name. The very kind manager welcomes you and offers you immediately to drink. If it’s not really talking about a dinner, experience includes tasting of local dishes and drinks.

In the sunset, at the sound of the muezzin calling for prayer, you leave for an extraordinary adventure on the Bosphorus. The excellence of the tour is reinforced by the unanimous quality recognized in the guide. He explains in detail every place you can admire. This cruise on the Bosphorus has a more inclusive and historical side, with the many references made by your guide.

After 3 hours dream and having admired the sunset and the most beautiful monuments of Istanbul, you are back to the port of Kabatas with stars full of eyes!

How do I go to Istanbul to make a cruise on the Bosphorus?

Every year at the end of August, if you have at least €17,000 on the side, it is possible to make the original route of the Orient-Express train between Paris and Istanbul. At Wanderlix, if we like the challenges, we’ll advise you on the plane!

Be reassured, you can divide the price by 100 to allow you to land in Istanbul! The city is so well served since the France that you have the embarrassment of choice, with direct flights from most major French airports.

Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination.

The right addresses

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The offer of accommodation is plethora in Istanbul and you will have the embarrassment of choice! Wanderlix has selected for you two accommodations located in the historic district, where the majority of attractions in the city are concentrated.

Apartment with terrace in the historic district

What makes the charm of this apartment for three people is its terrace and location. The view of the Marmara Sea is splendid and the location in the ruins of the old Byzantine palace of Boucoléon is unique!

The interior of this accommodation is pretty well arranged and quite sober, we have everything we need to spend a pleasant stay.

Modern apartment in the historic district

Compared to the previous one, this accommodation is much more modern inside and we love its contemporary style. The furniture and equipment are of high quality.

And what about the solarium? If it is not only reserved for this accommodation, its immensity makes it absolutely exceptional!

Many other dwellings Airbnb are available, you will necessarily find your happiness! Otherwise, you can also call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

Restaurants

Of course, the restoration can be an integral part of a cruise on the Bosphorus. In this paragraph, we focus on restaurants located on the farmland.

Making a choice is more than difficult as the number of quality restaurants is huge! For this, we have chosen three different types of restaurants located in the city's busiest neighborhoods.

Located in the Kadıköy district on the Asian shore, Çiya Sofrası is the Turkish restaurant par excellence. His tradition? Discover dishes from different regions of Turkey, at unbeatable prices. The reputation of this restaurant is no longer necessary and it is an excellent option before or after a cruise on the Bosphorus.

We’re completely changing the mood Ulus 29 , a chic restaurant located in Beşiktaş. Here, a more international and expensive menu, and a recognized quality of all. His little plus? Its location on a hill offering stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Do you like fish and seafood? Then direction the restaurant On Balık Sarayburnu in the historic district of Sultanahmet! Facing the Marmara Sea, it offers delicious fish dishes, in a cossue atmosphere and a good atmosphere.

The spots

During a cruise on the Bosphore, you can find spots every second! If we had to select three to immortalize in photo and in your memory, here they are.

First, the breathtaking view of Sultanahmet, day and night. The minarets of mosques, storks and most of the historical monuments of Istanbul can be seen in this area.

Then, located on the European bank before the first bridge, the Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman building and it is from a cruise on the Bosphorus that you can see it best.

Finally, always on the European bank and just before the second bridge, the Rumeli Hisarı is a fortress built in a few weeks by the Sultan Mehmet II just before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. An exceptional place that you can easily admire from the Bosphorus.