11 BEST Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul

rumeli hisari fortress in front of the Bosphorus strait, best bosphorus cruise in istanbul.
 

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First thing’s first. Take our advice. Book a Bosphorus cruise. No really, book a Bosphorus cruise. 

We know you might have questions: Do I have time for a cruise? Is it worth doing? Can I afford it and what do they actually involve?

The long answers to those questions will be covered in this article, but they all add up to ‘Should I book a Bosphorus cruise?’. The answer to that question is ‘Yes.’

You won’t regret it.

Palace surrounded by trees at the water's edge as seen from a Bosphorus tour

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best Bosphorus cruise is this Bosphorus & Black Sea Cruise with Lunch. Sail past Istanbul’s landmarks, enjoy a two-course lunch, explore a charming seaside town, and swim in a hidden Black Sea cove—all aboard a stylish private yacht!

BOOK THIS BOSPHORUS CRUISE HERE

If however, you would like to be a little clearer on what options are available, what each cruise actually involves and what we, as locals, would recommend before booking, then read on.

Then, when you’ve finished all that — book a Bosphorus cruise.

We know that Istanbul is a city with a lot to see and that with so many amazing historical tourist sites, restaurants and super cool neighbourhoods to check out, it's tempting to want to zip between places at full speed trying to cram as much as possible into the time you have.

Trust us, we get it. When we first came to the city we did the exact same thing. 

Dolmabahçe Palace on the edge of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, bosphorus cruise tours istanbul

The beautiful Dolmabahçe Palace.

However, as locals who have lived in Istanbul for many years now, we want to offer some advice. Slow down, put some hours aside and treat yourself to one of the best, most romantic and most underrated ways to see the city and some of its biggest attractions.

There really is nothing like sitting, drink in hand as you sail the azure waters of the Bosphorus Strait at dusk. 

Nothing like watching the domes and spires of one of the world’s most stunning cityscapes melt into the blush of a warm summer’s evening as the cool breeze from the water mingles with the aroma of spices and well-cooked food.

This is Istanbul as it is meant to be seen. 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Best Bosphorus Cruises

If you're in a hurry, here's a quick guide to the best Bosphorus cruises!

Of course you don’t have to go in the evening, or even necessarily have food.

In fact, whatever your preferences are, from time of day, to the number of people you share with or time spent on board, you can pretty much find an option to suit your tastes and budget.

Just make sure you avoid the touts!

Which is why in this guide we’ll take you through the best Bosphorus tours Istanbul has to offer so that you can book in advance, knowing exactly what you're getting and when. 

The silhouettes of the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque at sunset as seen from the Bosphorus, boat trip istanbul

The silhouettes of Istanbul’s mosques at night is a sight that never gets old.

Whether you're looking to splash out on a luxury Bosphorus cruise (well worth it), a sunset Bosphorus cruise (which remains the most romantic time of day) or one of the better Bosphorus dinner cruises, with or without entertainment, we’ll outline the best options to help you plan your perfect Bosphorus cruise experience.

From the indulgent luxury to the surprisingly inexpensive, from private and romantic Bosphorus tours, to public ferries bustling with opportunities to mix with the locals, we’ve got you covered so you can take your pick, then make like Enya and sail away, sail away, sail away…

…and back again.

The Best Bosphorus Cruise Tours

 
 
Large mansions with a Bosphorus bridge in the background along the Bosphorus Strait, bosphorus istanbul

We love looking at the mansions along the Bosphorus Strait.

Why Choose a Private Bosphorus Cruise?

Obviously, the most spectacular, romantic and unforgettable way to take a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul is with one of the private yacht hire packages.

The private Bosphorus yacht cruises tend to last between 2 and 5 hours sailing along the strait and by the key historical sites — which you can see unobstructed — with time to pause.

The smaller and more intimate Istanbul boat tours are ideal for couples looking for the perfect romantic moment in one of the world’s most romantic cities. These cruises, especially at sunset, offer a once in a lifetime experience you are unlikely to ever forget.

It is definitely something we would recommend splurging on at least once. 

The huge Rumeli Fortress at the edge of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, bosphorus cruise tour istanbul

The sprawling Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) on the edge of the Bosphorus. It’s a key attraction on a Bosphorus Strait cruise.

Private yacht tours are also a great option for families or groups. With a limited number of places, the number of passengers on these tours is far smaller than on public tours.

On some of the tours we’ve listed below, you can actually have the whole yacht to yourselves. In most of these cases, the price is per tour rather than per person, with a maximum capacity of 8–15 people — so whether it’s just two of you or a group of ten, the cost is the same.

This is ideal if you want to experience the Bosphorus with your loved ones without going on a public ferry where you might still encounter the hustle and bustle so characteristic of the city experience. 

Here are some of our favourite options:

Private Bosphorus Tour for Couples, Families or Groups with ‘Hidden Cove’ Swimming

A fantastic option for families or couples, this daytime cruise with lunch is a little longer than some others at 5 hours and is essentially a full-day experience.

You will definitely get that opulent film star feeling on this Istanbul cruise as you sail past the major historical sites and enjoy a delicious two-course Turkish lunch on board your own private yacht. 

Tea, coffee, fruit and other snacks are provided throughout the journey and hotel pickup is available in some areas (depending upon where your hotel happens to be). 

You will stop off at the picturesque town of Anadolu Kavağı and in the summer months can drop anchor at a hidden Black Sea cove giving you time for a refreshing swim. For us, that swim is what makes this the best Bosphorus cruise Istanbul has to offer!

Just be sure to remember your trunks, cozzie and towels!

Cruising back just as the sun begins to set over this magical skyline is the perfect way to round off a day of exploration and a truly unforgettable experience. 

Mansions and private yachts at a small village on the edge of the Bosphorus, boat tours istanbul

Private Yacht Tour With Glowing Reviews

This private Istanbul yacht tour on the Bosphorus — with almost 250 five-star reviews — lasts 2 hours and is suitable for up to 12 people.

You will cruise past key landmarks like the major bridges, Ortaköy Mosque, Cırağan Palace Kempinski, Rumeli Fortress and the Maiden’s Tower and can choose whether or not to to have an expert guide on board with you as an option when you book.

Non alcoholic beverages and snacks are provided. There is no hotel transfer with this one but the pickup point is easy to reach. 

The neo-Baroque style Ortaköy Mosque with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background, cruises from istanbul

The gorgeous Ortaköy Mosque with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background.

Bosphorus Marriage Proposal Tour

Remember how we said that a Bosphorus sunset cruise is romantic? 

This private marriage proposal tour caters specifically to those looking for a special location to pop the question. What better place than the meeting point of two continents for you to make the commitment to join two lives together?

The yacht caters for up to 10 guests, so you can share the moment with family and friends — or, as most people choose, keep it intimate with just you and your soon-to-be betrothed. Sunset cruise, Bosphorus views and the two of you. What could be better?

Not only will you get magical photographs and have an unforgettable location to get down on one knee, but the cruise also includes some scrumptious Turkish food and drinks. 

The ornate Küçüksu Pavilion (Littlewater Pavilion) on the edge of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul with trees in the background,

The ornate Küçüksu Pavilion (Littlewater Pavilion) on the Bosphorus.

Private Bosphorus Tour With Unlimited Wine

If, on the other hand, you’re more about the partying than the proposing — or perhaps you’ve already said 'yes' to the proposal and are now on a stag or hen 'do — then this Istanbul Bosphorus cruise tour with unlimited wine might be for you.

This 2 hour cruise covers eight of the major sites and is limited to 10 people. And yes, it includes unlimited wine. Bosphorus boat tours don’t get much better than this!

Just make sure you don’t drink too much as you’ll definitely want to be able remember the experience in the morning. 

Ornate hotels and mansions on Bosphorus Strait with the Bosphorus Bridge and trees in the background, bosphorus boat tour istanbul

New Year's Eve Party Cruise on the Bosphorus

One Bosphorus tour that is guaranteed to be a spectacular one-off experience is this Istanbul New Year's Eve Tour.

New Year’s Eve in Istanbul is rocking and every year the city says “Hoş Geldeniz” (welcome) to the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the Bosphorus. 

What better way to see these once-a-year pyrotechnics and raise a glass to 2026 than by actually being on the Bosphorus at the time?

These special tours not only include a three-course Turkish meal with unlimited local drinks and champagne at midnight, but also a dance show and DJ so you can boogie your way into January. 

These Istanbul cruises are popular, so if this is your kind of thing make sure you book well in advance.

It’s a truly unique way to spend New Year’s Eve in Istanbul!

Fireworks being set off on the Bosphorus to celebrate New Year in Istanbul, bosphorus cruise dinner istanbul

New Year’s fireworks on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Bosphorus Cruise With Food Tour

One of the top rated ferry cruise tours is this Guided Food and Culture Tour with a ferry ride.

This is a great option if you’re pressed for time and want to squeeze what are essentially two separate experiences (a guided Istanbul food tour and a Bosphorus cruise) into one package. 

This food tour begins on Istanbul’s European side followed by a 30-minute Bosphorus ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul where the tour continues. You’ll cruise the Bosphorus again at the end of the tour and get the chance to see all of the city’s magnificent landmarks lit up at night.

The public ferry ride is lovely and is the perfect way to experience an authentic slice of Istanbul life alongside some delicious local food experiences.

That said, in the spirit of being honest with our readers, we’d suggest enjoying these two experiences separately if you have the time. It gives you the chance to fully appreciate each one in its own right (and yes, our foodie bias might be showing here!).

Wooden seating on the outside of a public ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul with other ferries in the background, bosphorus boat trip

Outdoor seating on the public ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul.

Of course, we know that combining them into a single package will appeal to anyone who values convenience — and if that’s you, this tour is an excellent choice with great reviews.

If however you’d prefer to keep your cruising and your fooding separate, we have an entire post dedicated to exploring the best food tour options in Istanbul

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Unlimited Drinks and Entertainment

Looking for a little more than just the sights with your sunset Bosphorus cruise? Perhaps a Bosphorus cruise dinner or maybe a Bosphorus cruise with dinner and entertainment?

If so then this Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment and unlimited drinks, provided by Turyol, (a ferry company that we often use for its services back and forth to the Asian side of Istanbul) might be for you. 

On this evening Bosphorus cruise tour with dinner, you’ll still get to see the city’s key sights —Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, and the Anatolian Fortress, to name just a few — but you’ll also enjoy the added bonus of a traditional Turkish meal and live show.

There are several ways to tailor the experience, from packages with unlimited soft drinks to options including alcoholic beverages and hotel pickup and drop-off to make your life a little easier. 

The Turyol Bosphorus cruise, which usually lasts around 3 hours, includes an authentic Turkish dinner that can be tailored to suit your dietary needs and a live performance of traditional music and dance.

You’ll be invited to get up and dance yourself, so be prepared!

The Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) in Istanbul with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background, dinner cruises on bosphorus

The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi).

Extremely Popular Dinner Cruise Option

Another similar and HUGELY popular option for a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is run by HGRc cruise travel agency with Mega Lufer Yachts.

This private Bosphorus dinner cruise with entertainment has almost 50,000 reviews on Get Your Guide! At the time of writing it also has a 4.8/5 rating making it one of the best Istanbul Bosphorus dinner cruises.

Again, there are options for a hotel pickup and transfer or you can make your own way to the agreed meeting point. 

This experience lasts around 3 hours and includes an audio guide, a private table and a three-course meal with a choice of mains — options include sea bass fillet, mixed grill or vegetarian — plus entertainment.

There is a package which includes two alcoholic drinks in the price — further drinks are available for purchase if you happen to have a bit of a thirst on or just want some additional lubrication before you party to the traditional dancing and live music show. 

There’s also an option with unlimited local alcoholic drinks if you really want to party…

This is definitely the Bosphorus dinner cruise Istanbul is famous for!

Sunset over the Bosphorus Strait with the major mosques uplit and the silhouettes of other mosques at dusk, sunset cruise bosphorus

Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus

Public Bosphorus Cruise: The Options

If a private yacht tour sounds a little too flash and upmarket for what you’re after, you might want to check out some of the public ferry options. Whilst these options do not have the personalised service of a private yacht tour they will pass by the same historical sites.

There are a few options to choose from — they just differ by time of day and length of the cruise.

Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect from each so you can pick the best tour for you.

Şehir Hatları — Short Tours, Long Tours, Night Tours

Probably the best value options for Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul are provided by Şehir Hatları, Istanbul’s official ferry company.

With Şehir Hatları Bosphorus cruises you have three options to choose from: the Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, the Full Bosphorus Cruise, and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night.

‘What are the main differences’? I hear you cry. Well, let’s look at each in detail. 

A Şehir Hatları public ferry on the Bosphorus Strait with trees in the background and a large Turkish flag, bosphorus ferry tour

A Şehir Hatları public ferry.

Short Circle Bosphorus Tour

As you might expect the short circle tour is the cheapest option (and the shortest, duh).

The Sehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise is a great choice if you are on a tighter budget but still want to try a cruise, or you are pressed for time and want to slot one in between the millions of other things you have planned to see in the city.

Trying to cram as much as possible into a small window? Then check out our 1 day in Istanbul itinerary. Even if you have much more than a day, this guide will give you some pointers on what to see and how to get easily between the main sites to maximise your time.

Speaking of time, this Bosphorus boat cruise clocks in at around 2 hours

The Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus short cruise leaves twice a day during summer from Eminönü docks (ticket offices are on the left as you get off Galata bridge) and the cruise goes as far as Istinye and back.

You’ll get to see a range of key sites, including tons of gorgeous Ottoman mansions, the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden’s Tower. 

You can find the official departure times for this Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus cruise here.

A mansion with green turrets on the edge of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, bosphorus trip

Beautiful Bosphorus houses

The Long (Full) Bosphorus tour

This Şehir Hatları tour leaves once a day and you can board at several places on both the European and Asian sides which may make it easier depending upon where you happen to be staying. Check out the departure points here.

The Long Bosphorus Tour goes all the way up to the Black Sea and back.

Whilst this isn’t a Bosphorus dinner cruise, there is a stop of two hours in Anadolu Kavagi, the last harbour before the Black Sea where passengers can get off and enjoy lunch at one of the many fish restaurants. 

And if your knees are feeling up to it, you can also make the steep climb up to Yoros Castle — a fortress that has incredible views of Istanbul and the Black Sea.

Towers and turrets of Anadolu Fortress peeking out from behind buildings at a fishing village along the Bosphorus Strait, bosphorus day cruise

The towers and turrets of Anadolu Fortress in a small fishing village - you will pass this on the full Bosphorus day cruise.

The digital guide available on board comes in a variety of languages (ten at the time of writing) and provides detailed background information about the many things you’ll see during the journey.

We won’t be listing all 70 of the highlights here but trust us, when they say a ‘full tour’ they mean it. Including the two-hour stop at Anadolu Kavağı, the round trip takes around 6 hours. You won’t go home feeling like you missed anything!

Just between us, here’s a tip — if you do plan on snapping some photos of the main sites or simply want the best views possible, then it is worth trying to get a seat on the left hand side of the ship, outside.

You might need to hurry and be prepared for a little jostling if you want those prime spots though.

Just saying. 

Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) as seen from the waters of the Bosphorus with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background, boat trip on the bosphorus

Rumeli Fortress and the Bosphorus Bridge

The full Bosphorus cruise tour from Şehir Hatları is a great way to pack in a lot of sights in a short time, especially if you are on a tight budget.

In the height of summer this day cruise can get very crowded, so do bear that in mind if you choose this option. However, it does give you the chance to mix with the locals and perhaps make a few new friends, which is always a bonus!

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate experience, we recommend opting for a private tour with limited numbers instead.

The availability of these tours also changes with the seasons, so it’s always worth checking out the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus cruise timetable for the latest information.

Colourful wooden mansions along the edge of the Bosphorus Strait, bosphorus boat ride

You should also note that whilst the boat does stop at five locations to let folks on and off (and you will be expected to get off for the two-hour stop in Anadolu Kavağı) you should not get off at any other point unless you’re not planning to get back on.   

You can, of course, reserve the option to get off along the way if you really feel you’d like to explore the area around one of the stops and abandon the rest of the journey.

However this will involve you organising your own transport back and is probably not the most cost effective way to visit these areas in the first place.

A huge white and red roofed building with pointed grey turrets of the former Kuleli Military High School on the Bosphorus Strait, bosphorus ferry ride

The former Kuleli Military High School.

Bosphorus Night Cruise

The final option offered by Şehir Hatları is the Night Cruise.

This cruise covers the same route and sights as the full tour — the main difference is the time of day that it departs and its availability. 

Setting off just as the city descends into twilight, the night cruise offers you the chance to see the city from the water at dusk on a sunset Bosphorus cruise which, simply put, is a magical and unforgettable experience. 

As mentioned, the night cruise takes the same route as the full cruise and stops at Anadolu Kavağı for just over two hours to allow you to catch an evening meal at one of the many fish restaurants. 

Silhouette of a mosque as seen over the water and against a pink sky at sunset, bosphorus cruise night

The night cruise by Şehir Hatları is probably the cheapest sunset cruise Istanbul offers!

Please note that this is a ‘cruise on the Bosphorus to a nice location to get dinner’ — it isn’t a ‘Bosphorus Dinner Cruise’ of the kind where you get a reserved table on the boat and the food is included.

Food in Anadolu Kavağı will be at your own cost so make sure you remember to take your wallet — preferably with something inside it — so you don’t go hungry.

In terms of availability, this evening Bosphorus cruise is a little more seasonally dependent as the cruises are only available on Saturdays from June to August and do tend to fill up fast.

So if this is your preferred option, we’d recommend making your booking well in advance

 
 

FAQs About the Best Bosphorus Cruise Tours

Why take a Bosphorus cruise?

Really the question should be: why wouldn’t you? 

When it comes to seeing the historical sites of Istanbul there really is no more idyllic, atmospheric or romantic way to do it than with a Bosphorus cruise. 

Easily one of the most underrated experiences the city has to offer, a Bosphorus tour allows you the chance to see and learn about Istanbul’s famous landmarks whilst literally sailing along the meeting point of two continents that makes this city so rich and culturally diverse. 

What does a Bosphorus cruise actually involve?

The Bosphorus Strait itself extends for 17 nautical miles all the way from the Sea of Marmara up to the Black Sea

With its gorgeous blue waters, picturesque sun-kissed shorelines and the sort of expansive skies that sunsets were made for, it would be a gorgeous stretch to cruise along in its own right, even if it wasn’t absolutely jam packed with sites of major historical significance. Though of course…it is. 

Istanbul Bosphorus cruises travel a waterway that seems to stretch across the centuries as much as they do distances. 

Suleymaniye Mosque on a sunny day over the water with ferries in the foreground, private yacht tour istanbul

As you glide past the coastline you’ll be guided through a veritable cornucopia of Byzantine and Ottoman wonders. 

One of the tours outlined above lists 70 points of interest to be spotted and discussed. Most tours won’t cover or point out every one of these but the major sites will definitely be included because, well, they have to be. 

You’ll be sailing down the same stretch of water so it’s not like you’re not going to pass them is it?

From big hitter tourist spots like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace to lesser known treasures like the Ottoman Palaces and the Maiden’s Tower, the historical sites are not only individually fascinating, but from the water they offer hands-down some of the most stunning views of Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia with blue water in the foreground on a cloudy day, private boat tour istanbul

An epic view of the Hagia Sophia from an Istanbul private boat tour!

What’s better, a private yacht tour or the public ferry tours?

The short answer is — it depends on the kind of experience you want.

Now here’s the long answer:

The cheaper public options are great value — you will see most of the same historical sites and they are a fantastic way to experience the city on a budget. However, in terms of personalisation, service, relaxation and privacy they are a world away from a private cruise. 

Private cruises can be exactly that: private. Which is ideal if you want to experience the Bosphorus with just your loved ones without going on a public ferry where you might still encounter the hustle and bustle so characteristic of Istanbul.

Rather than being crammed on to a public ferry or cruise tour shared with a lot of people, these personalised experiences allow you privacy and relaxation in an unforgettable setting.

Some private tours will be with others, but in much, much smaller groups. Just be sure to check before you book if you want to be completely alone or just with your group.

Mansions surrounded by trees and facing the blue water of the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus bridge which spans the Asian and European sides of Istanbul is in the background, full day private bosphorus cruise tour

Most private tours have the option of adding a knowledgeable local guide, depending upon whether you want to immerse yourself in the history, or would rather simply enjoy the atmosphere and stunning panoramas as the key sites are pointed out to you. 

Private yacht Bosphorus tours also allow you to cruise the Bosphorus in comfort, sometimes with a departure time of your choosing depending upon whether you prefer to see the highlights in daylight, watch the sun come up, or want to enjoy the undeniable romance of the sunset.

Having said all that, if you want to see the sites for a lot less cash, find the buzz of the crowd and mixing with the locals exciting (as we often do) or think you’d enjoy the atmosphere of more people around, then the cheaper public options might be better for you.

The best option for you really depends on what you're looking for in the first place. 

(If only there were some kind of helpful blog that went through the options and outlined exactly what they involved to help you make that decision…)

A Sehir Hatlari public ferry at a ferry port in Istanbul, bosphorus evening cruise

What about food and drink?

The availability of food and drink depends upon which tour you take. On Bosphorus dinner cruises you will get a table and a sit down Turkish meal of several courses. 

Food on these tours is usually of a high standard and the operators will cater to dietary requirements if told in advance when you book. 

Some of these packages also include a show, DJ, dancing and the option to add alcoholic drinks if that’s your thing. 

On other private Bosphorus cruise tours, food and drink provision varies according to the individual provider and the package you book. 

Snacks and soft drinks are usually included free and full meals come as part of a number of packages (the marriage proposal package for example) but it’s best to check if you want to be sure. 

On the public ferry options you will usually be dropped off for a short excursion on shore at a harbour close to the Black Sea. This picturesque stop has a variety of restaurants — mostly selling seafood — where you can have lunch or dinner.

A bright red Turkish flag at the back of a boat with the wake of the boat on the Bosphorus and the major mosques in the distance, istanbul bosphorus night cruise

How long is a Bosphorus tour?

There are a variety of options and it depends on which one you choose. A private Bosphorus yacht cruise can take between 2 and 5 hours depending upon which option you choose. 

In terms of public tours you can pick the tour that best suits you. If you’re in a hurry, jump on the short Bosphorus cruise tour (around 2 hours) and if you have more time you can go for the full circle tour (around 5 hours).

Is a Bosphorus cruise worth it?

Aside from being a great way to take in the sites of the city and have a unique experience, Istanbul Bosphorus cruises tend to be incredible value when compared to similar excursions like yacht tours or day trips in other locations. 

If you add to that the usual costs of a tour guide, snacks and drinks or even a full meal, transfer to and from your hotel and/or entertainment, you soon realise that the tours are great value given what is offered.

When it comes to bang for your buck, with the variety of possible Bosphorus cruises Istanbul is hard to beat.

How much does a Bosphorus cruise cost?

This is again dependent on the type of experience you want.

A private Bosphorus boat trip for a limited number of people can start from around £40 ($54/€46) per person to £350 ($470/€400) for a group. The more exclusive the experience — like this marriage proposal cruise — the more expensive it will be.

Private Bosphorus dinner cruises can be super cheap - the most popular and best dinner cruise in Istanbul is currently just £19 ($25/€22) per person!

If you’re really pinching the pennies but still want to cruise the Bosphorus Strait, the full-length Şehir Hatları cruise is the best value Bosphorus tour in Istanbul.

Bosphorus mansions surrounded by trees on the edge of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, bosphorus yacht tour

Sasha couldn’t get enough of these Bosphorus mansions!

What should I take with me on a Bosphorus tour?

It all depends on the specifics of the tour you book.

For example, there’s not much point taking swimming shorts if your tour doesn’t involve a stop for swimming, but its best to take them if it does. Naked swimming is somewhat frowned upon and you don’t want the seagulls pecking at…well you get the picture. 

Some items worth remembering for all tours would be your camera or camera phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat (as it can get hot out there), extra water and some cash/ your bank card if you are stopping off for lunch or want to buy souvenirs. 

Also, if you’re planning on popping the question on one of the marriage proposal tours, do be sure to take the ring. 

Though it works in an emergency, putting a simit over someone’s wrist just isn’t the same. 

Mansions and hotels surrounded by trees at the edge of the water with the Bosphorus suspension bridge in the background, bosphorus cruise from istanbul

Who should I take on a Bosphorus tour?

This is kind of up to you and how social you’re feeling at the time. Some tours — like this private yacht tour in Istanbul — charge a fixed rate per group for up to 10 or 15 people depending upon the size of the vessel. 

So whether you want to take just your partner, a small group, or your whole family, you’ll likely be able to find a tour that will accommodate you. 

On the other hand, if you’re a solo traveller, love the idea of some quiet reflective time or are just feeling a bit misanthropic these days, we have heard of people booking a Bosphorus cruise tour alone. It certainly sounds like an idyllic place for some ‘me’ time. 

On public ferries you can take as many or indeed as few folks as you wish so long as there are available spaces when you book.

⛵ Ready to Sail Away?

And there you have it - our guide to the 11 best Bosphorus cruises.

Hopefully this article has given you some insight into how the tours work and what’s available so that you can choose the perfect experience for you, your loved ones and your specific tastes and needs.

I guess now there’s only one thing left to do.

You guessed it…book a Bosphorus cruise.

More Useful Resources For Your Istanbul Trip

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Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:

🗓️ The Best 1 Day in Istanbul Itinerary

🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels

🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre

🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days

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🕌 Things to Do in Mardin: Turkey’s City of Golden Stone

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🚂 Sirkeci Station: Discover Istanbul's Orient Express Station

🙋 Best Istanbul Food Tours

🍴 A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Mardin Restaurants

🍯 Where to Find the Best Baklava in Istanbul

🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do

🏞️ Zelve Open Air Museum Cappadocia: A Complete Guide

🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay

9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul

🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try

12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul

✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center

20 Best Cafes in Istanbul

🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods

🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul

🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul

🥘 26 Must-Try Gaziantep Foods

🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep

🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul

🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants

Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.

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