River trips · ISTANBUL

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises: 15 Sailings to Choose From

49 sailings  ·  boarding from $6 a head

Good sailings fill up days ahead and the best ones first. Below: the 15 istanbul bosphorus cruises to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - A Turkish dinner with useful menu choices
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62,058 reviews · 3 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend three hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, sailing between Europe and Asia while dining on Turkish mezes, grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. You’ll see Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, bridges, and Maiden’s Tower, with folk dancing, flamenco, belly dancing, music, and a DJ. Window, stage, VIP, drinks, and hotel-transfer options cost extra.

“What a fabulous night. The food was delicious, the entertainment was brilliant and our waiter kept our drinks topped up. We had a table by the window so, when I wasnt watching the amazing Turkish dancers, I was gazing at the bright lights of Istanbul gliding past. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Istanbul and I think lots of our friends will be coming because we love it.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show - A dinner built for variety, not fine dining
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises with Live Shows, Dinner Cruises with Live Shows in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

2.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12,954 reviews · 3 hours · from $28

Spend three hours sailing the Bosphorus aboard a modern dinner boat, passing illuminated palaces, bridges, mosques, and Maiden’s Tower. Enjoy Turkish starter plates, a choice of grilled meatballs, chicken, fish, or vegetarian food, plus a 1.5-hour dance show and live DJ. Hotel pickup is optional, and servers such as Blake and Elvis are known for attentive service.

“Excellence in every way. Satisfaction guaranteed. If because of tight schedule you only do this one cruise, you will leave Istanbul with a smile on your face. Seeing the city by night from the Bosporus is amazing! Very recommendable. The organization, the food and the entertainment was awesome.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide - Starting beside Eminönü and Galata Bridge
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, River Cruises with Audio Guide, River Cruises with Audio Guide in Istanbul, River Sightseeing Cruises, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

3.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,704 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $7

Cruise from Eminönü past palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront mansions on a relaxed Bosphorus tour. You get unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafé, Wi-Fi, restrooms, live commentary in five languages, and a phone-based audio guide in 11 languages. Bring headphones and a charged phone.

“Very nice boat trip, food and also Salep were so good. You can see every important buildings near Bospor. So nice people on the boat. We can only recommed.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht - Ortaköy Mosque and the first bridge
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, Luxury River Cruises, Luxury River Cruises in Istanbul, River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Istanbul, Tour Reviews, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises in Istanbul

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

4.Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,465 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Cruise from Kabataş along both shores of the Bosphorus on a small yacht with indoor and outdoor seating. You’ll see palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront neighborhoods while enjoying tea, coffee, lemonade, fruit, baklava, and cookies. The group can reach 40 people, and the boat returns to Kabataş after about 2 hours 15 minutes.

“I really enjoyed the cruise, even though sunset was just at the end due to the time of year (July). The commentary provided was excellent (and better than a city tour I had taken earlier - and paid more for), and the snacks and drinks were a welcome addition. I'd recommend sitting on the left-hand side of the boat (in the direction of travel) as ALL the sights are on that side of the boat, and we had taken seats on the other side :( Still, I'd recommend this experience as it was an enjoyable and memorable couple of hours. Oh, and get to the meeting point when they suggest.…”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide - Starting at Kabataş Square
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, River Cruises with Audio Guide, River Cruises with Audio Guide in Istanbul, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Istanbul, Tour Reviews, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises in Istanbul

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

5.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

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

Cruise from Kabataş toward the Bosphorus’s second bridge, passing palaces, mosques, fortresses, and waterfront homes. An English-speaking guide such as Aleyna, Betül, Nur, or Erdem points out the sights while you enjoy canapés, fruit, homemade mint lemonade, tea, and coffee. The yacht has indoor and covered areas, with a sunset stop near Maiden’s Tower.

“it was such a pleasure trip with affordable price. everything stated in the ad acted accordingly. only improvement need is to provide location precisely.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack - What the boat ride feels like
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Istanbul, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

6.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

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

Set sail from Kabataş for a two-hour sunset ride between Europe and Asia. You’ll pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and more, with an audio guide in six languages. Choose the snack option for fruit, pastries, biscuits, Turkish delights, and soft drinks. Chef Ahmed and Chef River are among the friendly onboard staff often praised for their welcome.

“We had nice boat cruise in Bosphorus with the Turkish delights .”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side - Boarding near Dolmabahçe Mosque
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises in Istanbul

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 cruising the Bosphorus on a comfortable yacht with English commentary, tea, coffee, water, savory pastries, sandwiches, fruit, and Turkish delight. You’ll pass palaces, mosques, fortresses, bridges, and waterfront homes, then stop briefly in Asian-side Kanlıca. Hotel pickup is offered from Taksim, Sultanahmet, Karakoy, and Sirkeci.

“This was better than I expected. Plenty of room.on the boat, able to sit in shaded area if necessary. Great snacks and water, tea, coffee. People able to purchase other drinks. Our guide Marat has grown in the area and a wealth of information. I wish we had done this on our first day”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show - Getting to the orange boat at Kabatas
Dinner Cruises with Live Shows, Dinner Cruises with Live Shows in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

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 Bosphorus dinner boat, passing Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower. You’ll watch whirling dervishes, Zeybek, belly dancing, Horon, and other regional performances before a DJ set. Hotel pickup is optional, drinks depend on your booking, and servers such as Fatih, Dogus, and Kirill are known for attentive service.

“Awesome ! The food was really good and the spectacle so impressive. I recommend it 100 %”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best - The yacht and the small-group feel
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises in Istanbul

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 between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront neighborhoods. An English-speaking guide provides commentary while you enjoy tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, fruit, and canapés. Hotel pickup is available in Fatih and Beyoglu.

“Nice tour. The boat was great. My wife gets motion sickness, but no issues here. Friendly staff and great guide. Everyone got their perfect pictures. Thx”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table - Dinner at a private table, with mixed results
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

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

Board the Mega Lüfer near Kabataş for a three-hour evening of Turkish appetizers, grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes, followed by folk dance, belly dance, flamenco, rhythm shows, and a DJ. You’ll see the Maiden’s Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, Galata Tower, and illuminated Bosphorus bridges from a private dining table.

“Great service, attentive and friendly. Meal starts when you arrive, lots of food and endless drinks. Show goes on all evening.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option - What the 90-minute route feels like
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

11.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,973 reviews · 2 hours · from $6Best value

Sail between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores on a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise with upper and lower decks, skyline views, and a smartphone audio guide in several languages. Choose the 4 PM or 5 PM departure for sunset color on the water. An English host helps at the meeting point, but hotel transfers are not included.

“Good audio guide and comfortable cruise. We sat on the top deck and enjoyed ourselves!”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show - Hotel pickup and the start of the evening
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises with Live Shows, Dinner Cruises with Live Shows in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

12.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,950 reviews · 3 hours · from $28

Cruise Istanbul’s Bosphorus for three hours aboard the air-conditioned Pereme, with Turkish appetizers, salad, a choice of four main dishes, tea, coffee, and a lively night show. You’ll pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, two bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Hotel pickup is optional, and Reham is one of the helpful contacts often involved in arrangements.

“we really like the transport that took us to cruise, we love the food and performance we have a lovely evening”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment - From Dolmabahçe Palace to Ortaköy
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

13.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

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

Spend three hours aboard the AMOR yacht cruising between Europe and Asia. You’ll pass Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces, two bridges, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower while enjoying dinner, local soft drinks, Turkish dance, belly dancing, and a DJ. Hotel pickup, alcohol, and multilingual support depend on the option you choose.

“We really enjoyed the tour. We had fun times on the boat. We didn't run out of drinks during the tour, whenever we asked for new drinks (and we drank a lot). An observation to be made is that the drink was not cold. Actually we can't find cold drinks anywhere in istanbul, unfortunately. We didn't eat the starter meal because they were already laid out on the table when we got on the boat and the internal temperature at the beginning was really hot, so we preferred to avoid it. Regarding the main course, it was great, we expected for less. The artistic performances were also interesting and the…”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option - Finding the yellow umbrella near Hagia Sophia
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, River Cruises with Audio Guide, River Cruises with Audio Guide in Istanbul, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

14.Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

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

Meet your host near Hagia Sophia, walk about 10 minutes to the pier, then cruise the Golden Horn and Bosphorus toward the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. You’ll pass palaces, fortresses, waterfront villages, and Maiden’s Tower with smartphone audio in eight languages, plus live help from the crew. Sunset departures are available when scheduled.

“Second time going on this boat trip and it was very nice. Good explaination in different languages and nice Guide. Worth a trip.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon) - From Dolmabahçe to Ortaköy Mosque
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises, Yacht and Catamaran Cruises in Istanbul

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

15.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, cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores with commentary from guides such as Nahed, Serdar, or Senol. You’ll stop for about 30 minutes in Kanlıca to sample local yogurt, Turkish coffee, and snacks. Hotel pickup is available in Fatih and Beyoğlu.

“Highly recommend this yacht cruise! The boat was modern, spacious and clean. They provide snacks and refreshments which were really nice. The guide/announcer who gave us the info about the sights we were seeing was very informative and entertaining. The Kanlica yogurt is delicious! The cruise was the first thing we did in Istanbul and was a great way to orient ourselves. Highly recommend this tour My husband loved it as much as I did.”

Check sailings →Read our full review

Newly added: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises

★ 4.8Dolmabahce Palace Ticket & Bosphorus Boat Tour ExperienceFrom $5810 reviews
★ 4.1Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour with Private TableFrom $4216 reviews
★ 5.0Chora Mosque & Balat Walking Tour w Bosphorus Sunset CruiseFrom $872 reviews
★ 5.0Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Guided Cruise TourFrom $237 reviews
★ 3.6Afternoon Cruise on the Bosphorus and Golden HornFrom $148 reviews
★ 4.4Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise with Private TableFrom $47609 reviews
★ 5.0Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night ShowFrom $443 reviews
★ 4.4Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Unlimited Drinks & EntertainmentFrom $3529 reviews
★ 4.0Bosphorus: Dinner Cruise with Live Performances ExperienceFrom $4456 reviews
★ 5.0Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Shows and Private TableFrom $297 reviews
★ 3.9Dinner Cruise on the BosphorusFrom $354353 reviews
★ 4.6Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night with Live ShowsFrom $2918 reviews
★ 4.4Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour with Local GuideFrom $1129 reviews
★ 4.5Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Dance Shows with Private TableFrom $4214 reviews
★ 4.2Bosphorus Cruise Morning or Sunset Boat TourFrom $1537 reviews

More rivers to browse

Dinner Cruises in IstanbulYacht and Catamaran Cruises in IstanbulSunset River Cruises in IstanbulLuxury River Cruises in Istanbul
Scroll to Top

Explore the rivers

Pick a river, a city or a kind of boat.

Named rivers

The NileThe DouroThe DanubeThe ThamesThe Chao PhrayaThe Mekong

Kinds of sailing

Canal CruisesDinner CruisesSunset SailsNight CruisesLuxury BoatsSightseeing Boats

Paris and Istanbul

The SeineSeine DinnersThe BosphorusBosphorus DinnersBosphorus Yachts

Egypt

CairoLuxorAswanAbu SimbelNile and Balloon