BOSPHORUS · ISTANBUL
The Bosphorus classics.
The 9 most popular bosphorus + golden horn cruises in Istanbul. What each one includes, who runs it, and what you'll pay.
A budget-friendly Istanbul cruise linking Europe and Asia, passing major palaces and fortresses, with an optional sunset slot at 6:30 PM.
“The walk to the boat was a bit uncomfortable since it was quite crowded, but the boat ride itself was awesome. Excellent views, but a bit too long perhaps.”
Morning or sunset cruise on the Bosphorus and Golden Horn with hotel pickup, coffee and tea, and an audio guide for classic Istanbul views.
“Transportation from pick up point and back needs improvement. Guide should be more often guiding”
Bosphorus and Golden Horn boat tour with hotel pickup, tea and Wi‑Fi. See Asian and European Istanbul plus Rumeli Fortress stop.
“Awesome experience, great vision, great commentary, lovely crew on board. Such excellent value for money.”
Cruise Istanbul’s Bosphorus and Golden Horn with English audio and major Ottoman sights, plus great views at sunset or night.
“Good way to see and hear about most of the places of interest. Pity that the culture of extracting money from tourists was evident. It would greatly improve the trip if the drinks/fruit were offered for free. But it is Turkey. Nothing is for free, just a means of gaining financial gain.”
Istanbul Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with an English expert guide. Pass Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Topkapi with snacks and coffee.
“Unfortunately I was quite disappointed by the experience. The tour is advertised as a tour with an “expert guide” however it seemed the guide knew little about Istanbul, the sights or its history as all that was pointed out was clubs, shops and residential areas. There was a group of at least 14 people and…”
A 2-hour small-group Bosphorus sunset cruise with an onboard guide, snacks, and classic Istanbul sights from Kabataş to Karaköy.
“Die Fahrt ging lediglich den Bosporus von Anlegehafen bis wieder dorthin zurück. Eine Fahrt in das Goldene Horn fand nicht statt. Die Bauwerke südlich des Anlegeplatzes waren kaum bis gar nicht zu sehen. Man sitzt hinter Plastikfenstern, fotografieren war somit unmöglich. Der Guide lieferte kaum Informationen und sprach zudem nur schwer verständliches Englisch. Man sollte…”
Short Golden Horn and Bosphorus boat tour from Istanbul, with an English guide, iconic palaces, and Europe-Asia views for about two hours.
“A tour very well organised. Compact, but seeing more of the unusual sites of Istanbul. Chora Church is a must-see for its wonderful mosaics. Tour was done, despite myself being the only tourist. The tour guide extremely knowledgeable and courteous.”
Golden Horn and Bosphorus sunset cruise with an Anatolian side stop from Karaköy Iskelesi. 2.5 hours, audio guide, no pickup.
“Very nice experience, view of the sunset over the Bosphor”
2-hour guided boat tour around Istanbul’s Bosphorus and Golden Horn, with views of palaces, towers, bridges, and villas for $16.
