In a nutshell
- On a city trip to Istanbul, a Bosphorus boat trip is an absolute must. Sailing between two continents is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
- In this article, we share our top 6 boat tours in Istanbul. The classic choice is the 2-hour sightseeing boat trip in Istanbul.
- This Bosphorus tour is also included in all Istanbul city passes. It’s a smart choice if you plan to see many sights anyway.
- Looking for something more special? A romantic evening on the water is perfect with a dinner boat tour across the Bosphorus.
Overview of Boat Tours in Istanbul
Before we show you the 6 best boat tours on the Bosphorus, here’s a quick overview of boat trips in Istanbul.
This will help you see which Bosphorus tour in Istanbul suits you best.
Almost all boat tours follow the same route on the Bosphorus: they go just past the Bosphorus Bridge and then turn back. Only the boat to Princes’ Island takes a different route.
| Tour Name | Price | Duration | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Sightseeing Cruise | starting from ₺589 | 2 hours | Book Ticket |
| Boat Tour with a Stop in Asia | starting from ₺1,962 | 2.5 hours | Book Ticket |
| Short Sightseeing Cruise | starting from ₺245 | 1.5 hours | Directly at the harbor |
| Dinner Cruise | starting from ₺1,472 | 3 hours | Book Ticket |
| Sunset Yacht Cruise | starting from ₺1,717 | 2 hours | Book Ticket |
| Princes' Islands Boat Trip | starting from ₺589 | Day trip, approx. 45 minutes travel time each way | Book Ticket |
Good to know: All boats usually run daily on the Bosphorus – even in winter.
Our tip: All Istanbul city passes also include a Bosphorus boat tour. If you’re planning a lot of sightseeing, check out our pass comparison.
2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour in Istanbul
- Duration: 2 hours
- Info: Audio guide available in English
- Price: from ₺589
- Where to start: At the pier opposite Kadir Has University (to Google Maps)
The 2-hour sightseeing boat trip in Istanbul is the classic of all boat tours on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. You sail past many of Istanbul’s sights without stopping.
Soft drinks, tea and coffee are included. Depending on the option you choose, snacks, lunch, or dinner are available. Everything is delicious.
We especially recommend the sunset tour – it’s stunning! On sunny days, the upper deck is the perfect spot to enjoy the views.
This boat tour in Istanbul offers really good value for money, and the audio guide via app gives you lots of useful info.
Buy your ticket for the classic sightseeing boat trip
Boat Tour with Stop on the Asian Side
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Info: English-speaking tour guide on site
- Price: from ₺1,962
- Where to start: At the Kabataş ferry port (to Google Maps)
The Bosphorus boat tour with a stop on the Asian side combines the classic sightseeing trip with a short guided shore excursion in Kanlica.
Kanlica is still an insider tip in Istanbul, away from the usual tourist paths. The atmosphere is very authentic.
A guide accompanies you during the shore excursion, showing you the alleys and taking you to a local spot to try the famous Kanlica yogurt.
Along the route, the guide shares fun facts and info about the sights along the Bosphorus. Tea, coffee and snacks are included.
Get your ticket for the boat tour with a stop in Asia
90 Minutes Sightseeing Boat Trip in Istanbul
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Info: Audio guide in English
- Price: from ₺245
- Where to start: Karaköy ferry port (to Google Maps)
If you want a shorter boat trip in Istanbul, don’t want to book online in advance, and like to be spontaneous, the Turyol tour is perfect.
There are two big advantages: boats depart every hour from 10 am to 8 pm, so you can just hop on. And the starting point at Karaköy ferry port is super central, in the Beyoğlu district – less than 15 minutes on foot from Walton Hotels Galata. For us, it’s the boutique hotel in Istanbul with the best price-performance ratio.
Drinks are not included on this tour, but Turkish tea costs about TL 40.
You can buy your ticket at the counter on site
Dinner Cruise Across the Bosphorus
- Duration: 3 hours
- Info: Audio guide available in English
- Price: from ₺1,472
- Where to start: Near the Kabataş ferry port (to Google Maps)
A dinner boat cruise on the Bosphorus is a special experience. You’ll see the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous sights in the world, beautifully lit up in the evening.
You’ll also be treated to a delicious menu of Turkish dishes – the perfect way to complement your Istanbul dining experience.
Soft drinks, tea and coffee are always included. You can also opt for unlimited alcoholic drinks if you like.
A live entertainment program with traditional music and dance adds a special touch. For an even more relaxed evening, you can arrange hotel pickup from your Istanbul hotel.
Get your ticket for the dinner boat cruise in Istanbul
Boat Tour on a Yacht at Sunset
- Duration: 2 hours
- Info: Audio guide available in English
- Price: from ₺1,717
- Where to start: At the departure point indicated in your booking
If you want to see Istanbul’s highlights in a relaxed atmosphere from a yacht deck, this boat tour on a yacht in Istanbul is ideal.
You’ll cruise across the Bosphorus with a small group of up to 16 people on a 20-meter yacht – the setting itself is a highlight.
While you relax on a sun lounger, fresh fruit, snacks, tea and coffee are included. The price is excellent for the experience.
Tours are available during the day or at sunset – sunset is especially magical on a clear evening.
Book your ticket for a boat tour on a yacht
Boat Tour to Istanbul's Princes' Island
- Duration: round trip, about 45 minutes each way
- Info: Audio guide available in English
- Price: from ₺589
- Where to start: Eminönü Turyol harbor (to Google Maps)
The Princes’ Islands are a group of islands in the Sea of Marmara, south-east of Istanbul. Nine islands exist, four of which are inhabited and popular with visitors.
The boat tour takes you to Büyükada, the largest and most visited island. It’s known for its historic villas, scenic monasteries and viewpoints.
The ferry brings you there and back, with multiple departure times to choose from. Our tip: go early and return late.
Once on the island, explore on your own – renting a bike just a few meters from the port is the best way.
Book your ticket for the boat tour to Princes’ Island
Extra Tip: Cheap Boat Trip in Istanbul by Ferry
One of our best insider tips for Istanbul: If you don’t want a long Bosphorus boat trip, a ferry ride is a great alternative.
Ferries run from almost every major port in Istanbul. They’re mainly useful for traveling from the European side to the Asian side.
The main Asian pier is Turyol Haydarpaşa Pier, right in the charming Kadiköy district.
You can also get there from Karaköy or Kabataş piers, or take a ferry to Eminönü or Ortaköy.
Official website with schedules and prices
Fares are super cheap. We paid around 37 TL for Kabataş to Kadiköy.
The easiest way to pay is with the Istanbulkart, which also works on trams and trains from the airport. You can get one at the airport machines.
Read our tips for getting from Istanbul airport to the city
FAQ about the Boat Tours in Istanbul
How much does a ferry ride cost in Istanbul?
With the Istanbulkart, a single trip (within the city, not the Princes’ Islands) costs between 33 TL and 50 TL. It depends on the distance.
Can I use the Istanbulkart for the ferry?
Yes, the Istanbulkart is the standard means of payment for public ferries (Şehir Hatları). Journeys do not work without a card.
Is it worth taking a guided boat tour in Istanbul?
We think so! Guided boat trips in Istanbul give you more comfort and explanations of the individual sights.
Depending on the option you choose, most boat tours on the Bosphorus also include drinks and food. This makes it a very special experience.
How much does a boat trip on the Bosphorus cost?
The boat tours we recommend for Istanbul are between TL 245 to TL 1,956.
What time of day is best for a boat tour in Istanbul?
Our favorite is a boat tour on the Bosphorus at sunset. The atmosphere is romantic and the light is particularly beautiful for great travel photos.