The best Istanbul river cruises
Sightseeing, sunset and dinner cruises on the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, from short sailings to evenings with a show.
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All river cruises
ViatorIstanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Experience on Luxury Yacht
2.3 hoursFrom €30
ViatorIstanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop
2.5 hoursFrom €50
ViatorIstanbul Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise Experience with Local Guide
2 hoursFrom €30
ViatorEnjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises
2 hoursFrom €7
ViatorIstanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table
3 hoursFrom €29.23
ViatorSunset Luxury Yacht Cruise With Live guide & Snacks
2.3 hoursFrom €25
ViatorBosphorus Evening Cruise Dinner Live Shows and Private Table
3 hoursFrom €27
ViatorBosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
1 hourFrom €6
ViatorBosphorus Explorer: 2-Hour Cruise Throughout the Day
2 hoursFrom €7
ViatorIstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience
3 hoursFrom €24
ViatorIstanbul Private Bosphorus Yacht Tour w Swimming or Guide Option
2 hoursFrom €350
ViatorSkip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel
6 hoursFrom €41.10
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A cruise on the Bosphorus is the classic way to see Istanbul from the water. The strait runs about 30 km from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, past Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and the wooden yalı mansions of the old villages, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. The cruises on this page include short sightseeing sailings, sunset trips and evening dinner cruises with a show.
Before you book
Most private cruises last 90 minutes to two hours and leave from Eminönü, Kabataş or Beşiktaş; check the pier. The city ferry company Şehir Hatları also runs public tours from Eminönü (in winter 2026, a long tour at 10.35am for ₺640 return and a short tour at 2.40pm for ₺340 for foreign passengers). Sailings can be cancelled in storms, and open decks are cold in winter.
Istanbul river cruises: questions
How long is a Bosphorus cruise?
Most private sightseeing cruises take 90 minutes to two hours. The public long tour takes about six hours with a stop at Anadolu Kavağı.
Is a dinner cruise worth it?
For an evening out with a show and the lit bridges, many visitors think so. For the views alone, a daytime or sunset cruise is cheaper.