Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkiye

4.5 (10.4k reviews) Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #11 in Istanbul Bodies of Water

Great Way to Explore Istanbul

I was advised by my hotel concierge to take a boat that departs from the area close to the Dolmabahce Palace. The boat tour lasts for nearly two hours and stops in three destinations. You can hop on and off any of the boats free of charge. The cost for this trip was 60 TRY, which is just over £3, and was the best value boat tour I've ever taken. There is so much to see along the shore, palaces, mosques, villas, grand buildings, stunning houses, castles, bridges and private yachts. I departed at 1.45 as I knew the light would be good for both legs of the journey. Unfortunately I can to remember the name of the company, as I paid in cash and disposed of the receipt. I thoroughly recommend this trip, particularly as some companies charge 10 time the price.
Istanbul review images

Address

, Istanbul, Türkiye, Postal Code: 34122.

Working hours

Monday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Current local date and time now

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 0:08

User Ratings

4.5 based on (10.4k reviews)

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67%

Good

27%

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Reviews

5B1714D 5:00 PM Sep 29, 2020
Take any vessel and enjoy
Istanbul is a unique city in the world - the only one spreading on two continents, Europe and Asia. The strait that divides them is the Bosphorus Strait. This was my 6th time in this magnificent city, and every time I take any vessel to cruise around, and it's the best time spent there for me with most enjoyable views. City's main highlights are along the Bosphorus or are visible from it - Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace, Blue Mosque, Maiden island, Dolmabahce palace, Galata tower, new Camlica Mosque,....and many others. You can take a tourist boat for an hour or two cruise or just step on any water taxis with locals (preferred and cheaper way) connecting the European and Asian shores.
4nickers28 5:00 PM Jan 1, 2020
Definitely worth the trip
Bought the short Bosphorus cruise ticket from Uskudar pier (Asian side ) and it cost us TL 25 per person which included the passenger ferry to Besiktas and then change to the cruise right next to the pier. I read that the short cruise should only cost TL 15 but there was no other option for us from Uskudar pier. I think if you buy the cruise ticket from Eminomu pier (Sehir Hatlari booth), you can just get on the cruise there. It is a 1.5 hour tour on the Bosphorus to see lovely attractions and huge waterfront mansions. Think there may have been a broadcasted audio guide in Turkish but couldn't really hear it well. A man came around with a tray of hot drinks for purchase and we bought two yummy cups of warm Salep ( he practically shoved them into our hands so well, why not ? Not too expensive anyways). The views can be enjoyed on the semi-open deck of the boat but if you fear the cold ( in winter), there is always the comfortable indoor part of the boat. Overall, I was glad to have taken the short cruise instead of the full one, as it allowed us to see everything without having to stop on the island.