Bosphorus Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Bosphorus. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Best of Istanbul 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

• Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

• Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

• Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

• Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise With Snacks

While it’s free to visit the Bosphorus on your own, there are plenty of affordable tours that can help you learn more about the waterway with an expert guide—and have some fun along the way. Daytime cruises start at just US$9 per person, while sunset trips begin at US$12, and yacht tours with food start at US$24.

Yes, the Bosphorus is worth visiting. The storied strait separates Istanbul's European side from its Asian side, and offers some of the most photogenic views of the city. Whether you're after a quick way to travel between both sides of the city—or want to make the most of your sightseeing, complete with on-board drinks and snacks—it's worth booking a Bosphorus cruise as part of your Istanbul trip.

Per one customer who booked the Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks, "This yacht cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul was one of the highlights of our week. The yacht was beautiful and accommodating. The staff was incredible with excellent information shared from the tour guide throughout the experience. There were good snacks provided along with water and juice and the opportunity to purchase wine and other drinks. The small group was great. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a gorgeous sunset. It was all fabulous."

The standard cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul averages two hours and covers the city’s top waterfront landmarks, such as Dolmabahce Palace and the Maiden’s Tower. Sightseeing tours may be longer if they include disembarkment at specific ports. Dinner cruises, which include live entertainment, last three to four hours, plus hotel pickup and drop-off time.

As Bosphorus cruise views are best enjoyed from the open decks, it’s important to dress according to the weather. It is often quite windy during the tour, even in summer, so bring a long-sleeve shirt or light jacket. The boat’s interior offers shelter from inclement weather and comfortable temperatures.

It is not necessary to book a Bosphorus cruise in advance. However, a prebooked tour can save you valuable vacation time. You can purchase Bosphorus tickets on location from official tour providers or via the public ferry. Tourists should expect long lines in the high season (May to September).

Bosphorus cruises offer travelers exceptional, unobstructed views of numerous historical sites on both the European and Asian sides of the city from a luxury yacht. Highlights include Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Fortress, the Bebek neighborhood, and Beylerbeyi Palace. You’ll also ride under the Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn. The leisurely-paced ovular route ensures you’ll see every landmark regardless of where you sit.

Spring and autumn are the best times to take a Bosphorus cruise to avoid large tourist crowds, ensuring optimal views of the waterfront landmarks. May to September are also ideal as there is a minimal chance of rain or snow. It’s not uncommon for it to snow in Istanbul during the months of January and February. If you have to visit during the hot and humid summer, enjoy peace of mind knowing that most boats offer shade, and outside, there’s always a breeze when you’re on the water.

Most travelers opt for the public ferries that cross the Strait in about 20 minutes. While these boats are the cheapest option, they’re not the only option. If you want a more intimate experience, consider booking the Istanbul Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide tour which has a maximum of 36 passengers per cruise.

If that’s still too many people, or you don’t want to cruise with strangers, book a private cruise like this Exclusive Bosphorus Cruise - Luxury Yacht Experience in Istanbul. At US$400 for three hours, it’s not the cheapest option. But divide it by up to 12 people, the maximum group size, and it’s not a bad deal.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Bosphorus. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Istanbul:

• Hagia Sophia

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapi Palace

• Basilica Cistern

• Hippodrome

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Istanbul.