The Bosphorus is the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia, and its shores are lined with landmarks from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. A Bosphorus cruise is the easiest way to see them. This guide explains the main types of Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul, from public ferries to shared tours and private yachts, and where they leave from, so you can plan the right trip.
If you already know the basics and want to compare specific tours, see our ranking of the best Bosphorus cruises, or our advice on which Bosphorus cruise to take.
Shared Cruise or Private Yacht?
Every Bosphorus cruise falls into one of three groups:
- Public ferries: city ferry lines run sightseeing routes along the Bosphorus. They are the cheapest option, but there is no guide, no food included and the boats can be crowded.
- Shared cruises: organised tours on a boat shared with other travellers, usually with a guide or commentary, and often with a meal or a show. You pay per person and follow a fixed schedule.
- Private yacht cruises: a yacht with captain and crew for your group only. You choose the time, the route, the pier and what is served on board.
Shared tours suit solo travellers, couples and anyone on a fixed budget. A private yacht makes more sense for families, groups of friends, celebrations and company events, or simply if you want the boat to yourself. Acetes Travel's private yachts take anything from a couple to 250 guests, and fuel and marina fees are included in the written quote, which usually arrives within the hour by WhatsApp. See our reasons to book a private Bosphorus cruise for more on the differences.
Types of Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul
1. Bosphorus sunset cruise
A sunset cruise is timed so that you are on the water as the light changes over the palaces, mosques and bridges. It is one of the most popular options and the best for photos. You can join a shared Bosphorus sunset cruise or book a private sunset yacht cruise. Our article on the Bosphorus sunset cruise covers timings by season.
2. Bosphorus dinner cruise
The classic shared Bosphorus dinner cruise lasts around 3.5 hours and combines a Turkish dinner with a Turkish night show of folk dances and belly dancing. For a quieter evening, a private dinner cruise on a yacht lets you set the menu and the mood. Read more in our guide to Bosphorus dinner cruises in Istanbul.
3. Bosphorus lunch cruise
A lunch cruise sails from the European side across to the Asian shore and north towards the Black Sea, with lunch served on board. It is a relaxed daytime option. See the shared Bosphorus lunch cruise or the private lunch cruise.
4. Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise
Half-day and full-day trips continue past the second bridge towards the mouth of the Bosphorus, where the strait meets the Black Sea. The full-day version takes around seven hours and covers both the European and Asian shores. Details are on the Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise page. A private alternative is our Anadolu Kavağı yacht trip with fish lunch.
5. Princes' Islands cruise
The Princes' Islands are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, off the Asian side of the city. Island tours usually visit three of them, such as Büyükada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada, known for their car-free streets and old wooden mansions. See the Princes' Islands tour.
6. Combined tours: palace or city tour plus cruise
Some tours combine a cruise with sightseeing on land. The Dolmabahçe Palace tour and Bosphorus cruise pairs a guided visit to the last great Ottoman palace, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent his final days, with a trip along the strait. Other combinations add a drive along the old city walls or a visit to Pierre Loti Hill above the Golden Horn. Browse all options on our Istanbul tours page.
Where Bosphorus Cruises Depart: The Main Piers
Most shared cruises and public ferries leave from the piers around Eminönü, Karaköy and Kabataş, close to the old city and the T1 tram line. Many shared tours include hotel pick-up, so check where yours starts.
Private yachts are more flexible. Acetes Travel's yachts can pick you up from eight piers:
- European side: Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy and Bebek
- Asian side: Kuleli and Beylerbeyi
Choose a pier near your hotel or restaurant, or one that suits your route. Karaköy is close to the Galataport cruise port, which opened in 2021, making it convenient for cruise ship passengers. If you arrive by ship, see our private yacht tour for cruise passengers and our Istanbul shore excursion. For the full picture, see our private Bosphorus yacht cruise page.
What You Will See on a Bosphorus Cruise
Routes vary, but a typical cruise between the Galata Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge passes these landmarks. For background on each, read our Bosphorus Strait guide.
European shore
- Galata Bridge and the Galata Tower
- Galataport
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Çırağan Palace
- Ortaköy Mosque
- The Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge)
- Rumeli Fortress
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Asian shore
- Maiden's Tower
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Çengelköy
- Kuleli Military School
- Kandilli
- Küçüksu Pavilion
- Anadolu Fortress
- The Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha waterfront mansion
- Kanlıca
To focus on the historic wooden waterfront houses, consider the Bosphorus mansions (yalı) cruise.
Tips for Planning Your Cruise
- Prices depend on the type of cruise, the time of day and, for private yachts, the size of the boat and the length of the trip. Current shared cruise prices are on our Bosphorus cruises page, and what affects private yacht prices is explained separately.
- Services and departure times differ from tour to tour, so check what is included before you book.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer. It is often windier and cooler on the water than in the city.
- Plan a sunset cruise early in your stay, so you can move it to another evening if the weather changes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Bosphorus cruise?
Short sightseeing cruises last one to two hours, dinner cruises around 3.5 hours, and full-day Bosphorus and Black Sea trips around seven hours. Private yachts can be booked for the time you need.
Where do Bosphorus cruises leave from?
Most shared cruises and ferries depart from the Eminönü, Karaköy and Kabataş area. Acetes private yachts can board from eight piers, including Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Bebek and Beylerbeyi.
What is the difference between a shared and a private Bosphorus cruise?
On a shared cruise you join other travellers on a fixed schedule and pay per person. On a private cruise the yacht, captain and crew are for your group only and you choose the time and route.
What is the best time for a Bosphorus cruise?
Late afternoon into sunset gives the best light and photos. Evening cruises show the bridges and palaces lit up, while daytime cruises are best for seeing details along the shore.
See the Bosphorus on your own yacht
A private yacht cruise with captain and crew, only for your group: sunset, dinner or a full day on the strait. Book directly with a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul operator.
More from our Istanbul guide
- Istanbul Bosphorus Guide: Landmarks, Villages and CruisesBosphorus and cruises
- Best Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul: Which One to ChooseBosphorus and cruises
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruises in Istanbul: Which Type to ChooseBosphorus and cruises
- Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul? A Guide to the OptionsBosphorus and cruises