• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the Bosporus, is a strait and international waterway that separates Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction and divides Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus, a 30-kilometer-long passage connecting Asia and Europe, links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It has an average depth of 60 meters, with the deepest point reaching 120 meters. The width varies, with the widest point being 3500 meters.

Surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, counter currents appear on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace, an Ottoman palace, spans 250,000 m² in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, between Dolmabahçe Street and the Bosphorus. It sits on the left bank at the Bosphorus entrance from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Uskudar and Kuzguncuk.

Once a cove where ships anchored, Dolmabahçe became a favored residence of the sultanate, embodying centuries of history and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace replaced a wooden summer palace built by Selim III in 1800. During its construction, the wooden structure and nearby Besiktas Mevlevihane were destroyed. Completed in 1871, the marble palace covers 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here, as was Murat V for 29 years. Post-1908, it served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The grounds were later used by Besiktas Sports Club as Seref Stadium. Restored in the 1990s, it reopened as a luxury hotel.
• Ortakoy - Ortakoy, a neighborhood in Beşiktas on the European side of the Bosphorus, includes Ortakoy and Mecidiye districts. It is situated on slopes along a valley opening to the coast, bordered by Kurucesme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yildiz districts, with Defterdarburnu to the north.

Ortakoy Bazaar is lively with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Activity picks up after 10:00 am, though the early morning is quieter.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus, connects Ortaköy on the European side with Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. The first bridge over the Bosphorus, it links the city’s two sides along with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and ferries.

The idea of a Bosphorus bridge is old, but construction began in 1970, and it opened on 29 October 1973, the Republic’s 50th anniversary. This suspension bridge is a key part of Turkey’s transport network and a significant crossing in the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon. Besides transportation, it is a symbol of Istanbul with its unique Bosphorus view.

• Bebek Park - Bebek, a historic neighborhood on the European shores of the Bosporus, is surrounded by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. The name Bebek, meaning baby, refers to its attractive Bosphorus location. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population reflects its diverse history. Today, it features historical buildings like Bogazici University, waterside mansions, beautiful Bosphorus views, and upscale restaurants.
• Rumeli Fortress - Located in Sariyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) was built opposite Anadolu Hisari (the Anatolian Fortress) in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror at the Bosphorus’ narrowest point. Constructed in just three months, it protected against naval attacks before Istanbul’s conquest and later served as a maritime traffic inspection point.

Over time, small wooden houses filled the fortress, but they were removed during 1953 restoration work. Now, the fortress hosts summer concerts and functions as an open-air theater and museum.

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Istanbul’s second Bosphorus bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Koprusu), connects Kavacik and Hisarustu. Built between 1986 and 1988, it is the world’s 14th largest steel suspension bridge.

Along with the Bosphorus Bridge and ferries, it handles much of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic and is a notable part of the city’s skyline.

• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) in Beykoz, on the Asian side, sits at the Bosphorus’ narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it includes a citadel and exterior walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it became a military hospital. The area around the castle later developed, with waterfront houses and old mansions among the ruins. Restored from 1991-1993, it is now an open-air museum, though only the outer walls are accessible.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Kucuk Su Palace, on the Bosphorus coast road between Uskudar and Beykoz, is a small Ottoman summer palace commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit and designed by architect Nikogos Balyan. With its excellent Bosphorus view, it attracted many sultans for relaxation. Due to its fine furniture, paintings, carpets, and detailed craftsmanship, it became a museum during the Republican period.
• Beylerbeyi Palace - Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning “Lord of Lords,” is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shore, now lying under the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, it blends Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from East and West. The main stone building, on a high basement, covers 2,500 square meters. The South side was the Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side was the Valide Sultan’s Apartment, with six halls, 24 rooms, a hamam, and a bathroom over two floors.

Besides its stunning Bosphorus view and historical architecture, visitors should explore its lily pond and large garden.

• Galata Koprusu - The Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu), a key Istanbul spot, dates back to 1845. Spanning the Golden Horn, it has undergone many changes, most recently being rebuilt after a 1992 fire. The old bridge was moved to Halic. The Galata Bridge is a vital Istanbul symbol, integral to daily life, literature, and popular culture. With restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers splendid city views, especially in the evening.

With street vendors, fishermen, and ferries, it captures daily life in Istanbul.

• Galataport Istanbul - Galataport, a modern port and social hub in Istanbul’s Karaköy district, blends historical charm with contemporary architecture. It features restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues, making it a vibrant spot for locals and tourists. Its innovative underground terminal efficiently manages cruise ship traffic, showcasing Istanbul’s fusion of culture and modernity.

• KIz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi), a distinctive Bosphorus landmark, sits on a tiny island 200m from Uskudar’s shore. It is the subject of many legends, the most popular involving a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan built the tower for her to live in secrecy. On her 18th birthday, a snake hidden in a fruit basket bit her, fulfilling the prophecy. Thus, the tower is named Maiden’s Tower.

• Halic - The Golden Horn’s shores, a popular part of the historical peninsula, are a must-see in Istanbul. Long and narrow with a horn-shaped geography, it is also called the Golden Horn. Historically, it was a major trade center in old Istanbul. Below is information on popular places, activities, and transportation along the Golden Horn’s shores.

• Galata Tower - Built by the Genoese in 1348, the nine-story Galata Tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the city’s tallest building at the time.

In the Ottoman Era, it served various purposes, including a fire observatory and jail. Its most notable event was in 1632 when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi glided from the tower across the Bosphorus to Uskudar with self-made wings. A storm in 1875 destroyed its conic roof, which was not restored until the 1960s when the wooden interior was replaced with concrete. Now open to the public, the tower houses a restaurant and cafe on its upper floor. It offers a panoramic view of Istanbul and is a key part of the city’s skyline.

• Luxury yacht decorated with passengers’ comfort in mind
• Turkish Baklava
• Daily prepared fresh season fruits plate
• Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard
• Indoors & covers (safe from rain)
• A pleasant tour accompanied by an experienced guide
• Complimentary drinks, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, tea and coffee

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Alcoholic Beverages