Turkiye · BOSPHORUS CRUISES

Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul: 15 Sailings Compared

113 tours  ·  from $7

The strait is the cheapest good thing in Istanbul and the most over-sold. These 15 separate the eight-dollar public run from the dinner boats with a real kitchen, on price, length and which bridges each one turns at.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - Boarding at Kabataş and choosing your transfer
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 44,561 reviews · from $34Our pick

Spend three hours aboard the Mega Lüfer, sailing between Europe and Asia while dining at a private table. You’ll see Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower, with Turkish folk dance, flamenco, dervishes, belly dance, live music, and a DJ. Staff members such as Devran, Talip, Murat, and Fatih are often praised for attentive service.

“Good food, great show, excellent hospitality. Especially good was our server, Talip. He made the evening precious!”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show - Dinner on board: a generous Turkish-style menu
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

2.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10,127 reviews · from $34

Spend three hours sailing between Europe and Asia with dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Turkish coffee and tea, and a 1.5-hour cultural show. You’ll pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Hotel pickup may be added, and attentive staff such as Elvis, Mert, Ibrahim, and Tufan are often praised for friendly service.

“Great evening cruise along the historic Bosphorus! 3-course meal is amazing and our server Tufan did really well. The Turkish show was fantastic!”

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Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View - Is the $28 price good value?
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Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

3.Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,985 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Top rated

At Istanbul Experiences Workshops, you’ll learn how perfume notes work, test up to 100 scents, and blend a personal 50ml fragrance with help from English-speaking guides such as Tuana, Elif, Beren, and Irmak. The workshop takes place on a restaurant’s fourth floor with Bosphorus views, tea, packaging, and all materials included.

“This is my second time in Istanbul and also my second time attending the perfume workshop at Istanbul Experience Workshops — and once again, it was an incredible experience. I’m a perfumer myself and I have a large niche fragrance collection, so I truly appreciate quality, creativity, and well-balanced compositions. Even with that background, I was genuinely impressed. Tuana was absolutely five stars. She is warm, patient, and very knowledgeable. She makes the entire process feel special and inspiring, guiding you in a way that allows you to create something truly personal. We created a beautiful perfume, and the whole experience felt refined, welcoming, and memorable. I highly recommend thi...”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide - European Istanbul, palace by palace
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

4.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,845 reviews · 2h 15m · from $19

Sail from Kabataş toward Rumeli Fortress, then return along the Asian shore past wooden houses, palaces, and Maiden’s Tower. An English-speaking guide such as Aleyna or Betul explains the sights while you enjoy canapés, fruit, tea, coffee, and fresh mint lemonade on a comfortable yacht. Expect open-air views, covered seating, and a sunset photo stop.

“Honestly, everything was exactly as described. Great guide, smooth service, and perfect timing. Noor was super easy to communicate with and really on point”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack - Starting at Kabataş near Dolmabahçe Palace
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

5.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours · from $8Best value

Sail from Kabataş for two hours past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and both Asian and European shores. You get an audio guide in six languages, with soft drinks and snacks available if your option includes them. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, blankets in colder weather, and a warm bar area.

“Chef river made our experience even better. he was friendly and made us laugh which made us feel happy and welcome. 11 stars from us! all the way from south africa”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide - Finding the boat at Sea Land Travel Agency
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

6.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,694 reviews · from $8

See Istanbul from the Bosphorus on a two-hour Sea Land cruise between Europe and Asia. You’ll pass palaces, mosques, bridges, waterfront mansions, and Maiden’s Tower, with unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafé, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and an audio guide in 11 languages. Staff members including Tarik and Daria help guests find the boat.

“It was good but very busy. Great value certainly, but that was balanced by the boat being over sold. I was on this same cruise in January with far fewer passengers and it was a more enjoyable, albeit cooler, experience.”

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Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side - Starting beside Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

7.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,251 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard a comfortable yacht cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. An English-speaking guide such as Serdar, Murat, Marat, or Asha points out palaces, mosques, bridges, and fortresses. Snacks, fruit, tea, coffee, and water are included, with a short Kanlıca stop for its famous yogurt.

“This was a very relaxing and informative cruise on a beautiful lot going up the Bosphorus channel. The boat made a short stop on the Asian side where most tried the yogurt for which Turkey is known. The stay could have been longer and in an area with more shopping and things to see. The narrator on board made the trip interesting.”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show - Starting at Kabatas, or using hotel pickup
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show

8.Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,181 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Spend three hours aboard a dinner boat cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. You’ll pass Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower while watching whirling dervishes, folk dances, belly dancing, Caucasian and Black Sea performances, then a live DJ set. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Highly recommend this trip. We went as a big group and every single member of the family really enjoyed themselves. The food was served cold which was a let down but the entertainment made up for it. Defo need to try it if you can”

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Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best - Boarding Near Kabataş
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Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best

9.Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,181 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about 2.5 hours on a 25-meter yacht cruising between Europe and Asia. An English-speaking guide points out palaces, mosques, fortresses, bridges, and waterfront neighborhoods while you enjoy tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, fresh fruit, and canapés. Hotel pickup is available in Fatih and Beyoğlu.

“I enjoyed this tour very much. The service was great—they served us tea and snacks, were punctual, and provided a lot of information. I highly recommend this tour.”

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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table - What arrives on the Turkish dinner plate
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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

10.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,021 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $30

Spend about three hours aboard the Mega Lüfer, sailing from Kabataş between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. You’ll have a private table, Turkish appetizers, a choice of grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian main course, and a fast-moving show program. Hotel pickup is available from many central districts, with staff such as Ulas and Talip praised for friendly service.

“Over our eight-day vacation, we did many, many tours, and this was one of our favorites. The drinks were flowing, the service was 5 stars, and we met so many cool people from around the world!! It was reasonably priced although the food was just okay. I ordered the sea bass for my main course, and I barely touched it because it was dry. However, there were so many other courses, I was able to find enough to eat. The only other thing that I would recommend is to have less performers and more time/opportunity for the guests to mingle and dance – that was by far the MOST FUN…”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment - Dolmabahçe and Çırağan, Istanbul’s palace waterfront
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

11.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,852 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Spend three hours on the Yacht AMOR cruising between Europe and Asia while dinner, Turkish folk shows, belly dancing, and DJ music fill the evening. You will pass Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces, Rumeli Fortress, two major bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Hotel pickup is optional, and multilingual assistance is available.

“It was a very good experience. We have genuinely enjoyed our choice - FRIENDLY service, nice food and energetic atmosphere. This was so far my best choice of activity in Istanbul. Absolutely recommended. Book and enjoy the beautiful moments :)”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option - From the Golden Horn to Galata Tower
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

12.Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours · from $14

Meet the guide by the yellow umbrella opposite Hagia Sophia, then walk about 10 minutes to the pier for a two-hour cruise. You’ll pass Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower while an offline multilingual audio guide explains the sights. Choose a daytime or sunset departure.

“Great activity to see all the sights of Istanbul from the river cruise!”

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Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon) - Meeting at Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)

13.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,657 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the Sunset Bosphorus yacht, passing palaces, mosques, bridges, and forts with onboard commentary. Stop in Kanlıca on the Asian shore for local yogurt, Turkish coffee, and a short break. Pickup is available from Fatih and Beyoğlu hotels, with drop-off at Taksim or Sultanahmet.

“Great tour. The guide was knowledgeable, the staff were friendly, the boat ride was great, they even gave out drinks, blankets, and snacks. Highly recommend.”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option - Finding the TURYOL Port at Eminönü
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

14.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,636 reviews · from $9

Sail from Eminönü TURYOL Port for 90 minutes between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. You’ll see Galata Tower, palaces, bridges, and waterfront homes from a spacious boat, with a smartphone audio guide in several languages. Choose the 4 PM or 5 PM departure for sunset, and bring a light jacket for the wind.

“Amazing comfort on the boat and experience. One of the activities we enjoyed the most. Strongly recommend this tour.”

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks - Setting out between two continents
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks

15.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,549 reviews · 2 hours - 125 minutes · from $15

Spend about two hours cruising between Europe and Asia on a yacht limited to 40 passengers. Expect sunset views of Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Fortress, bridges, and waterfront villas, plus fruit, cookies, snacks, tea, and coffee. Guides such as Kadir, Yasin, Hassan, and Kadir regularly add stories and help with photos.

“Great Tour Guide, very engaging and the hospitality was great. they provided us with great snacks and even took some wonderful pictures for us.”

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New in Bosphorus Cruises

★ 5.0Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableFrom $6024 reviews
★ 4.0Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Music and Live PerformancesFrom $80158 reviews
★ 5.0Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in IstanbulFrom $1297 reviews
★ 3.8Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus ViewFrom $28159 reviews
★ 4.5Europe and Asia Tour By Bus And Bosphorus CruiseFrom $11336 reviews
★ 4.6Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner CruiseFrom $35102 reviews
★ 4.3Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus with TransferFrom $4124 reviews
★ 4.8Sunset Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with A break on AsiaFrom $1740 reviews
★ 4.4Istanbul’s Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti TourFrom $11828 reviews
★ 4.3Private Bosphorus Strait Sightseeing Yacht CruiseFrom $18347 reviews
★ 5.0Private Bosphorus Cruise on Luxury Yacht42 reviews
★ 4.9Private Old City Tour with Bosphorus CruiseFrom $10229 reviews
★ 4.4New Year’s Eve Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Party 2027From $33136 reviews
★ 3.8New Year’s Eve Bosphorus Dinner Cruise 2027From $33118 reviews
★ 4.6Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with LunchFrom $177153 reviews

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