Bosphorus Strait

This strait separates Europe and Asia and has been known since ancient times, named after a mythological figure connected to Jupiter. It resembles the Dardanelles in size and current but is distinct for being lined with palaces, villages, and forests rather than deserted shores. The waterway is lively and scenic, with new views appearing at every mile.

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Dolmabahce Mosque

The mosque in Istanbul was commissioned by Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan, the queen mother.

Dolmabahce Palace

Known as the Sultan’s Palace or Palace of the Bosphorus, this large complex features marble steps leading to the Bosphorus. Its architecture includes windows, balconies, pilasters, and arabesque designs reminiscent of Venice’s Palazzo Doria. A terrace runs along the building’s length beside the Bosphorus, bordered by columns and an ornate wrought-iron balustrade with floral and arabesque motifs.

Ortakoy

A lively waterfront area where people gather for concerts or tea at cafes. Streets are filled with stands selling waffles and stuffed baked potatoes, alongside souvenir shops. The bright Ortaköy Camii mosque stands near the water beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. After dark, the area features upscale restaurants and clubs.

Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge is a gravity-anchored suspension bridge with steel towers and inclined hangers. Its aerodynamic deck hangs on steel cables and measures 1,560 m (5,118 ft) long with a deck width of 33.40 m (110 ft). The main span between the towers is 1,074 m (3,524 ft), the towers reach a total height of 165 m (541 ft), and the clearance from sea level is 64 m (210 ft). Upon completion in 1973, it was the fourth-longest suspension bridge span in the world.

Bebek Park

A neighborhood on the Bosphorus known for its many good and affordable eateries, especially fish restaurants. Visitors can walk by the sea, watch boats passing, see people fishing, and enjoy a generally safe area both day and night.

Galatasaray Island

A small natural island on the Bosphorus near the Kuruçeşme neighborhood, owned by Galatasaray Sports Club.

Rumeli Fortress

Also called Boğazkesen Castle, this medieval fortress is located on hills on the European side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district. The surrounding neighborhood shares its name.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

Known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, it spans the Bosphorus and was the fifth-longest suspension bridge span worldwide when finished in 1988.

Anadolu Hisari Fort

A medieval fortress on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, also called Güzelce Hisar. It is Istanbul’s oldest surviving Turkish architectural structure and names the surrounding neighborhood in Beykoz district.

Kucuksu Pavilion

A summer pavilion located in the Küçüksu neighborhood of Beykoz district on the Asian shore, situated between Anadoluhisarı and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

Beylerbeyi Palace

An Ottoman summer residence built between 1861 and 1865 in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Üsküdar on the Asian side, located just north of the first Bosphorus Bridge.

Uskudar

A residential area on Istanbul’s Asian side featuring Beylerbeyi Palace near the Bosphorus Bridge. The Kuzguncuk neighborhood has a village atmosphere, and Mihrimah Sultan Cami mosque stands near busy ferry docks. Cafes along the promenade offer views of Maiden’s Tower island and Sultanahmet across the water.

KIz Kulesi

Also called the Maiden’s Tower or Leander’s Tower, it stands on a small islet 200 meters off the coast of Üsküdar at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus.

Historic Areas of Istanbul

The old city includes the Blue Mosque with its minarets and the mosaic-covered Hagia Sophia mosque. Sultanahmet Square nearby has gardens, fountains, the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, and the 4th-century Stone of Million pillar ruin. The district contains shops, hotels, and traditional restaurants.

Galata Koprusu

A bridge spanning the Golden Horn, historically significant in Turkish literature, theater, poetry, and novels since the late 19th century.

Eminonu Square

A quarter of Istanbul’s Fatih district, located where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus near the Sea of Marmara. The Galata Bridge connects this area with Karaköy on the European side.

Karakoy Rihtim

The commercial quarter of Beyoğlu district at the northern entrance of the Golden Horn on the European side. One of Istanbul’s oldest districts, it is a transport hub connected to surrounding neighborhoods via various streets. The Galata Bridge links Karaköy to Eminönü.

Galata Tower

A tower in Beyoğlu district named after its neighborhood, originally built as a watchtower in the Walls of Galata. It currently serves as a museum and exhibition space.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Also called İstanbul Modern, this museum of contemporary art opened in 2004 in Beyoğlu district. It focuses on Turkish artists.