Updated Date : 08.03.2023
Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is a glittering strait that connects two continents. Undoubtedly, this is the point where the most peaceful atmosphere of the city meets the sea traffic. He also fascinates us. A pleasant Istanbul trip cannot be complete without a few beautiful photos. If you are a regular social media user, one place you should not skip is the shores of the Bosphorus.
We have made a simple, plain but target-oriented sweet list for you. There are two titles as Europe and Asia. However, if you want to change continents halfway through, you can find boats passing to opposite shores from the ports.
With an Istanbul E-pass you can enjoy Bosphorus Tour. There are 3 types of Bosphorus tours. One is a regular Bosphorus Cruise tour, which operates from Eminonu. The Second is Dinner Cruise which includes pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels. The last one is the Hop on Hop off cruise which you can enjoy every inch of Bosphorus with the tour.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Although the Suleymaniye Mosque is not precisely on the Bosphorus, we wanted to talk about it. We are going to the back courtyard of this precious 16th-century mosque, and the yard opens to a view of the madrasas built on the slope. You will see beautiful Istanbul behind the chimneys of those madrasahs. We wish you a pleasant shooting.
Opening Hours: Every day from 08:00 to 21:30
Karakoy Backstreets
With the change in the face of the city, the colors of Istiklal Street shifted down. Karakoy district awaits you with its colorful streets. You will love its streets decorated with umbrellas and graffiti. You can take the most beautiful photos while sipping your coffee in a corner cafe.
Dolmabahce Palace
Here is the address of that famous door. Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th century. You can see the magnificence of that era in every corner. After visiting the museum, head towards the gate that opens to the sea. We recommend that you go as soon as the museum opens in the early hours of the morning so that you can find it empty.
Istanbul E-pass provides Dolmabahce guided tours every day, except on Mondays. Dolmabahce Palace is one of the visitors’ bucket lists. Do not miss the chance to join Dolmabahce Palace tour with a professionally licensed guide.
Opening hours: Dolmabahce Palace is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays.
Ortakoy
While going north along the coast, we pass the Besiktas region and arrive at Ortakoy. Ortakoy is a region that has also appeared in many international films. Ortakoy (aka Mecidiye) Mosque right next to the port is quite picturesque. Don't forget to buy ice cream waffles too.
Rumeli Fortress
We continue to head north. You will come across a castle with all its grandeur on the slope. No, this is not a castle. When the Ottomans were taking the city, they built this fortress in the 15th century. There are large areas where you can take photos both inside, above, and at the door. The sword and shield battle scenes of old Turkish movies were also shot here.
The Rumeli Fortress is open partially. The fortress is every day except Mondays between 09.00-17.00
Arnavutkoy
This area gives a different feeling to everyone who looks at it. This is a bit old and tired area. But she also has a young spirit that is strong, dynamic, and ready for action. Above all, she is undecided between romance and history. Arnavutkoy is love. It is ashore where you can get your hot chestnuts while walking hand in hand by the Bosphorus.
Maiden's Tower
This is the story of a girl who was locked in the tower. But the local version. And our dragon is a snake. Believe it or not, but love to talk. We like to grab our bagels and tea from street vendors, sit in front of them, and chat. We like to take pictures and post them on Instagram. We especially like to take photos of the Maiden's Tower in the middle of the bagel. It looks as if the bagel is the frame of the Maiden's Tower. If you want to learn more about the Maiden's tower, click here.
Due to renovation Maiden’s Tower is closed temporarily.
Camlica Hill
Camlica Hill is located at the top of the Uskudar region. From above, this hill takes the city entirely under its arms. You love the view of seeing the European side perfectly and even a part of the Anatolian side. You can buy your ice cream or fried corn and take sweet pictures here. And you can sip your coffee in the cafe above. If you go on the weekend, you can see quite a lot of brides and grooms.
Kuzguncuk
There is an authentic village near the Bosphorus. Kuzguncuk has always been a village since its first day. You will be amazed by its colorful streets, sweet cafes, gardens, and tiny houses. Most importantly, it houses a church and mosque that share the same courtyard and a synagogue that leans on them. This is a region where you can take countless photos and make good friends.
Beylerbeyi
After crossing the bridge a little ahead of Kuzguncuk, we arrive at the Beylerbeyi region. It impresses not only with the region but also with its 19th-century palace. Ideally, the region feels like a sweet little fisherman's town. You can take pictures next to the boats. Or you can get beautiful photos in a Turkish tavern or Beylerbeyi Palace.
Cengelkoy
We're going north again along the coast. We will encounter Cengelkoy and its environs. This is a sweet area where you can go to the seaside cafe to grab your pastry and drink tea. You can meet the locals while taking photos with the European continent behind you. Best of all, if you like walking along the long coast, you can try it. Maybe you will come across fishing locals and say you want to try it.
The Final Word
The sweet thing is that no matter which region you go to, the photo's background will be a completely different continent. So share your shots, and don't forget to tag us too. So now you decide whether it is better to watch Europe from the Asian continent or look at Asia from Europe.