Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide in Istanbul
by SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€14Overview
This two-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise in Istanbul offers a boat tour along both the European and Asian shores of the strait. The first hour follows the European side, passing landmarks such as Galata Bridge with its restaurants and fishermen, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace. The route also includes views of neighborhoods like Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy, as well as bridges connecting the two continents. The second hour continues along the Asian side of the Bosphorus, where you will see historical sites like Beylerbeyi Palace, Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), and the Rumeli and Anatolian Fortresses. The cruise also passes by waterfront mansions known as Yalıs, the Küçüksu Pavilion, and several neighborhoods such as Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk. Throughout the tour, you can take photos and enjoy included onboard amenities such as tea, coffee, restrooms, and WiFi. An audio guide in 11 languages is provided via a smartphone-based system, so you will need your own headphones and a charged device to listen to detailed information about each stop. Live announcements are limited to general information and safety instructions. The cruise departs from Galataport, the modern cruise terminal in Istanbul, and offers a unique view of the city’s historic and modern waterfront sights over about two hours.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Galata Koprusu
Galata Bridge links Istanbul’s historic and modern areas across the Golden Horn. The current structure dates from 1994, replacing the original 19th-century bridge. It is known for seafood restaurants beneath and fishermen on the upper level, offering city views.
Galata Tower
Built in 1348 by the Genoese, Galata Tower stands 67 meters tall. Originally a watchtower, it is famous for the legendary flight of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi. Today it hosts a museum and café with panoramic views of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Constructed in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia later became an Ottoman mosque and currently functions as a mosque again. It features a large dome and mosaics representing Istanbul’s cultural history.
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. It contains royal treasures, sacred relics, and courtyards overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting Ottoman imperial life.
Galataport
Galataport is Istanbul’s modern cruise terminal opened in 2021. It includes an underground terminal, luxury shops, restaurants, and museums welcoming international cruise ships.
Cihangir Mosque
Built in the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman’s reign, Cihangir Mosque is in the Cihangir neighborhood. It offers peaceful surroundings and views of the Bosphorus, named after Suleiman’s son, Cihangir.
Istanbul Resim Ve Heykel Muzesi, Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Universitesi
Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, founded in 1882, is a prominent Istanbul art school named after the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It provides courses in architecture, fine arts, and design.
Dolmabahce Mosque
Located near Dolmabahçe Palace, this mosque was completed in 1855. It blends traditional Ottoman mosque design with Western architectural elements.
Beşiktaş Stadium
Known as Vodafone Park, Beşiktaş Stadium is home to Beşiktaş J.K., a leading Istanbul football club.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, built in 1856, served as the Ottoman Empire’s main administrative center until 1922. It combines European and Ottoman architectural styles along the Bosphorus shore.
Çırağan Palace
Originally constructed in the 19th century, Çırağan Palace is an Ottoman imperial palace located on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Galatasaray University
Founded in 1481 as an elite Ottoman school, Galatasaray University is one of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
Ortakoy
Ortaköy is a lively Istanbul neighborhood on the Bosphorus known for its cafés, art galleries, and waterfront views.
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge, also called the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, connects Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Galatasaray Island
Galatasaray Island is a private island in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, owned by Galatasaray University and used for education and recreation.
Kuruçeşme
Kuruçeşme is an upscale European shore neighborhood along the Bosphorus, known for its waterfront dining and scenic views.
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is a historic Istanbul neighborhood on the European Bosphorus shore, notable for narrow streets, old wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture.
The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Istanbul
The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt is located in Bebek, a prestigious neighborhood along the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Bebek Sahili
Bebek is a posh neighborhood on Istanbul’s European Bosphorus shore, known for parks, waterfront views, and upscale homes.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress or Rumeli Hisarı is a historic castle on Istanbul’s European side overlooking the Bosphorus.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge, it links Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Anatolian Fortress
Anatolian Fortress, or Anadoluhisarı, is a historic stronghold on the Asian Bosphorus shore.
Kucuksu Pavilion
Küçüksu Pavilion is a 19th-century Ottoman summer palace built by Sultan Abdulmecid I along the Bosphorus.
Kandilli
Kandilli is a historic, quiet neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side by the Bosphorus.
Kuleli Military High School
Kuleli Military High School is a historic military academy overlooking the Bosphorus on the Asian shore.
+ 5 more places this tour can include
Meeting point
*Please check in at our office next to the pier. *Arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth start. *After check-in, we'll guide you to the boat. *Need help? Contact us on WhatsApp anytime. *Please ensure the address matches on Google Maps. Be cautious of Google ads when clicking the location.
End point
Please check in at our Eminönü office, next to the pier, at least 15 minutes before departure. After check-in, our staff will guide you to the boat. For assistance, contact us on WhatsApp. Please use the address on your voucher and verify it on Google Maps.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide in Istanbul
by SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€14Overview
This two-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise in Istanbul offers a boat tour along both the European and Asian shores of the strait. The first hour follows the European side, passing landmarks such as Galata Bridge with its restaurants and fishermen, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace. The route also includes views of neighborhoods like Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy, as well as bridges connecting the two continents. The second hour continues along the Asian side of the Bosphorus, where you will see historical sites like Beylerbeyi Palace, Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), and the Rumeli and Anatolian Fortresses. The cruise also passes by waterfront mansions known as Yalıs, the Küçüksu Pavilion, and several neighborhoods such as Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk. Throughout the tour, you can take photos and enjoy included onboard amenities such as tea, coffee, restrooms, and WiFi. An audio guide in 11 languages is provided via a smartphone-based system, so you will need your own headphones and a charged device to listen to detailed information about each stop. Live announcements are limited to general information and safety instructions. The cruise departs from Galataport, the modern cruise terminal in Istanbul, and offers a unique view of the city’s historic and modern waterfront sights over about two hours.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Galata Koprusu
Galata Bridge links Istanbul’s historic and modern areas across the Golden Horn. The current structure dates from 1994, replacing the original 19th-century bridge. It is known for seafood restaurants beneath and fishermen on the upper level, offering city views.
Galata Tower
Built in 1348 by the Genoese, Galata Tower stands 67 meters tall. Originally a watchtower, it is famous for the legendary flight of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi. Today it hosts a museum and café with panoramic views of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Constructed in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia later became an Ottoman mosque and currently functions as a mosque again. It features a large dome and mosaics representing Istanbul’s cultural history.
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. It contains royal treasures, sacred relics, and courtyards overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting Ottoman imperial life.
Galataport
Galataport is Istanbul’s modern cruise terminal opened in 2021. It includes an underground terminal, luxury shops, restaurants, and museums welcoming international cruise ships.
Cihangir Mosque
Built in the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman’s reign, Cihangir Mosque is in the Cihangir neighborhood. It offers peaceful surroundings and views of the Bosphorus, named after Suleiman’s son, Cihangir.
Istanbul Resim Ve Heykel Muzesi, Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Universitesi
Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, founded in 1882, is a prominent Istanbul art school named after the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It provides courses in architecture, fine arts, and design.
Dolmabahce Mosque
Located near Dolmabahçe Palace, this mosque was completed in 1855. It blends traditional Ottoman mosque design with Western architectural elements.
Beşiktaş Stadium
Known as Vodafone Park, Beşiktaş Stadium is home to Beşiktaş J.K., a leading Istanbul football club.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, built in 1856, served as the Ottoman Empire’s main administrative center until 1922. It combines European and Ottoman architectural styles along the Bosphorus shore.
Çırağan Palace
Originally constructed in the 19th century, Çırağan Palace is an Ottoman imperial palace located on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Galatasaray University
Founded in 1481 as an elite Ottoman school, Galatasaray University is one of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
Ortakoy
Ortaköy is a lively Istanbul neighborhood on the Bosphorus known for its cafés, art galleries, and waterfront views.
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge, also called the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, connects Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Galatasaray Island
Galatasaray Island is a private island in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, owned by Galatasaray University and used for education and recreation.
Kuruçeşme
Kuruçeşme is an upscale European shore neighborhood along the Bosphorus, known for its waterfront dining and scenic views.
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is a historic Istanbul neighborhood on the European Bosphorus shore, notable for narrow streets, old wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture.
The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Istanbul
The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt is located in Bebek, a prestigious neighborhood along the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Bebek Sahili
Bebek is a posh neighborhood on Istanbul’s European Bosphorus shore, known for parks, waterfront views, and upscale homes.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress or Rumeli Hisarı is a historic castle on Istanbul’s European side overlooking the Bosphorus.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge, it links Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Anatolian Fortress
Anatolian Fortress, or Anadoluhisarı, is a historic stronghold on the Asian Bosphorus shore.
Kucuksu Pavilion
Küçüksu Pavilion is a 19th-century Ottoman summer palace built by Sultan Abdulmecid I along the Bosphorus.
Kandilli
Kandilli is a historic, quiet neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side by the Bosphorus.
Kuleli Military High School
Kuleli Military High School is a historic military academy overlooking the Bosphorus on the Asian shore.
+ 5 more places this tour can include
Meeting point
*Please check in at our office next to the pier. *Arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth start. *After check-in, we'll guide you to the boat. *Need help? Contact us on WhatsApp anytime. *Please ensure the address matches on Google Maps. Be cautious of Google ads when clicking the location.
End point
Please check in at our Eminönü office, next to the pier, at least 15 minutes before departure. After check-in, our staff will guide you to the boat. For assistance, contact us on WhatsApp. Please use the address on your voucher and verify it on Google Maps.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.