Bosphorus Cruise

Explore the clear blue waters around the Istanbul coastline with a cruise on the Bosphorus. Set aside a morning or afternoon and prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget as you cruise across the straits aboard your small ferry. The most popular tours are run by the city’s official ferry company, Şehir Hatları.

Choose the Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise for a quick trip from Eminonu docks to Ortakoy, before sailing on to Istinye and back for a picture-perfect two hour tour. For the best photo opportunities, go out onto the ship’s open-air decks.

If you want a longer adventure, choose the Full Bosphorus Tour which takes you from Eminonu to the Black Sea, with five stops along the way for pick ups and drop offs. Your cruise will also stop at Anadolu Kavagi, where you can get off and explore the harbour, visiting the traditional seafood restaurants for delicious freshly caught fish.

With your stop here lasting for three hours, there’s plenty of time to go and visit Yoros Castle. It’s a steep 20 minute walk away, so don’t forget to take water with you. Once you reach the castle, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views out across the water.

Whichever cruise you choose, make sure you listen to the audio guide which points out more than 70 sights along the way. For an experience with a difference, take the evening tour that’s available on Saturdays during the high season, and see the sunset and take in the night time atmosphere at Anadolu Kavagi before returning by starlight.

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Istanbul: Basilica Cistern | Grand Bazaar | Hagia Sophia | Topkapi Palace