Boat Cruise in Istanbul

There’s no better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Istanbul than by going on a sunset boat cruise in Istanbul along the Bosphorus. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city or a local seeking an escape with visiting friends, this tour promises an unforgettable evening. On the cruise, you’ll see the city’s iconic landmarks lining the shoreline while being served great snacks and drinks.

It starts around 6pm in the summer and ends at 8:30pm. Everything ran on time for us. I loved the experience and would take this trip again.

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How to Book

We booked our experience through Viator using this tour for USD 67 per person. I thought it was the best option because it also has a bar with beer and wine. Although this is at an extra cost, what’s a boat ride without some vino? Some of the other cruises weren’t clear if they had alcohol on board and I didn’t want to have to contact each and every one to find out. The Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul also has the most reviews online for a sunset boat cruise.

Here is our boat!

Meeting Location

The boat cruise in Istanbul starts at the Kabataş ferry terminal. You can walk or take one of the city trams that seem to run every 5 minutes. There will be guides at the entrance to the terminal with the Velena Travel sign. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the departure time as they are prompt and will leave you behind.

You’ll be Whatsapped the location point after your payment goes through as well. Be sure to give your whatsapp number rather than a local number. I loved how communicative the tour company was. There will be several boat guides at the terminal. Find the one with the iPad so they can tell you which guide you’re going with. You can’t get on a boat without being signed in like this first. Don’t wait around and expect someone to ask you what tour you’re with. Ask someone!

If you’re going in a group, get one person to book your experience rather than each individual or couple doing it separately. This matters because there are actually several boats to accommodate all the passengers. Your group may get split up by accident. We didn’t realize this but after realizing we were on different boats than our friends, we chatted with the tour operator. She was able to rearrange the groups a bit to accommodate us so it worked out!

Snacks on the Boat Cruise in Istanbul

I was amazed by all the different snacks and drinks included as part of the ticket. Once we left the dock, we were served peanuts, juice, and water. Then, we were served a plate of fruit. Finally, we had baklava with Turkish tea. Sorry, the baklava picture not included but because I ate it as soon as it was served…

We had a light dinner afterward and fish wrap beforehand, but it was great that we were served the entire trip.

Bar on Board

Beer is available on board as well as white or red wine. A bottle of beer or a glass of wine will cost you 150 lira each.

I tipped our server 5 USD at the end of the trip, but I didn’t see anyone else do so. I just thought he was super nice to keep going up and down the stairs with our drinks.

Hi to our friends!

What you’ll see

The Bosphorus boat cruise in Istanbul takes you up the European side of the Bosphorus and then down the Asian side after passing under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

Our guide was fluent in both English and Spanish and chatted about each of the sites. The sound was clear enough that you could hear him if you wanted to learn more or you could chat with your friends the whole time without yelling over the sound.

If you want the best views on the boat, make sure you sit on the left side as that will be the closest to the shore. We sat on the right and though we totally enjoyed it, my pictures weren’t as great because I was trying to cut out the people sitting on the edge of the boat…

We sat on the top deck but some people were also seated around the bow of the boat.

While on the boat cruise in Istanbul, if you’re lucky, you might spot a few dolphins swimming in the water. We didn’t but we heard it’s possible!

Besides the historical sites, it was fun to see some of the fancy mansions neighborhoods on both sides of the continent.

I also thought it was amazing getting so close to the many, many cargo ships that go through the Bosphorus.

European Sites

First, you’ll see sites on the European side of Istanbul. My photos just don’t do the sites justice and the sun will be right in your face for the first hour as you stare at the sites. The cruise passes by many historical landmarks, including the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, and the Rumeli Fortress. It was hard getting good pictures as the sun was impacting the light and we were just enjoying the views rather than standing up to take pictures as every historical site passed us.

The Rumeli Fortress was cool because we didn’t know it existed before passing by it on the tour.

Then, you’ll cross under the bridge that connects the two continents together before going down the Asian side.

Asian Sites

If you don’t have a lot of time in Istanbul, you may never end up seeing the Asian side. It’s more residential but there is still a lot to see! This boat cruise will give you a teaser of what you’re missing out on (if you don’t have time) or give you some inspiration of what to visit.

I loved imagining what summer house I could potentially buy (lolol).

I want this one…

We were also very lucky to spot a bride walking down a majestic staircase on her wedding day at one of the palaces. Truly a romantic sight.

Do you see her coming down the staircase on the right?

As you head back to the ferry port, the sunset is stunning. It really is best seen from the water. Book your tour now!

Tour Alternatives

If you don’t need alcohol on your boat trip, then this tour is cheaper and also has great reviews too. If you want to spend the least possible amount on a boat cruise, then you can kinda cheat the tour system by taking the local, boat transport between the Asian and the European sides around sunset. Use the line toward Üsküdar to get to the Asian side and back. Most of the last boats for the evening leave around sunset. if you get stuck you can take train or a taxi back to the European side.