Hop on Hop Off Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul E-pass includes Hop on Hop Off Bosphorus Cruise. Present your Istanbul E-pass at the counter and get access.

Important Note: The cruise currently does not stop at any ports.the

One of the most beautiful places in Istanbul is the Bosphorus. The city has attracted that much attention in history because of this crucial waterway separating the continents. If you want to enjoy Bosporus in a relaxing way by ferry and give stops in essential locations of this vital body of water, Hop on Hop off Bosporus Tour is an excellent tour for you.

The boat starts from the Kabatas and follows the north, making stops at Besiktas, Emirgan, Kucuksu Pavilion, and returns to Kabatas, where the tour starts from. At any stop, you may step off the boat and walk around the area. When your visits are over, you can continue with the next ship and follow the same steps. The tour is over when you complete the whole circle. Let's have a look at what you can see at every stop step by step.

Besiktas

Besiktas is one of Istanbul's centers where the locals come on the weekends and spend some time in this neighborhood's lively streets. There is the Naval Museum, one of the oldest museums in Istanbul when it comes to places of visit. You can see how the sultans were cruising the Bosphorus with a good display of Sultanate Boats or enjoy the history of the Ottoman Turks' marine history. You may visit the Barbarossa tomb after the Naval Museum, the biggest name of a navy admiral in Ottoman history. Barbarossa lived in the 16th century and conquered most the Northern Africa himself. After the visits, you may enjoy the streets of the famous fish market of Besiktas and observe what the locals are doing on a typical day out.

Emirgan

Emirgan has one of the most beautiful parks in the city that attracts many tourists every year, especially for a particular festival. Every year in April, the tulip festival is celebrated here and millions of tulips can be seen with tens of different colors. Other than the festival, many locals come here for a nice picnic or have breakfast in the park's cafes and restaurants on the weekends.

Kucuksu Pavilion

There are beautiful palaces and pavilions for the royal family built in the Ottoman Empire's times in the Bosphorus. One of these beautiful constructions is the Kucuksu Pavilion. This construction was designed for the royal family as a temporary residence. When the Sultan wants to spend some time with the family outside of the palace, Kucuksu Pavilion was one of the places he may choose to stay. Today the pavilion serves as a museum with the original furniture of the 19th century.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace was built in the 19th century by order of Sultan Abdulaziz. This is the second-largest palace in the Bosphorus after the primary residence of the Sultan in the 19th century, Dolmabahce Palace. Rather than a home for the royal family, this palace was a place for the Sultan's guests to stay. The palace hosted lots of notable people in the course of history and functions as a museum today.

Why Is the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise a Great Way to Explore Istanbul?

The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise offers a unique and relaxing way to experience Istanbul's stunning skyline and historic landmarks. Unlike walking tours or buses, the cruise provides unparalleled views of the city from the water, showcasing iconic sites such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Maiden’s Tower. The leisurely pace allows visitors to appreciate Istanbul's rich cultural and architectural beauty without the stress of navigating crowded streets.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise Over Regular Tours?

The Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise stands out for its flexibility and convenience. Unlike regular tours with fixed schedules, this cruise lets you design your itinerary at your own pace. Even though the current setup does not include stops at ports, the uninterrupted journey allows you to focus solely on enjoying the serene waters and panoramic views of both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. It’s an ideal option for those who prefer a stress-free experience without the need for constant planning.

What Are the Best Times to Take a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise?

The best times to take the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise are during the early morning or late afternoon. These times provide optimal lighting for photography and offer cooler temperatures, especially during summer. The golden hours around sunset are particularly magical, as the soft light enhances the beauty of the city’s landmarks and the surrounding natural scenery.

How Long Does a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise Tour Typically Last?

The entire loop of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, depending on weather and traffic along the Bosphorus Strait. This makes it an excellent option for those with limited time who still want to experience the city's highlights in a comprehensive yet efficient manner.

What Should You Bring for a Comfortable Cruise Experience?

To fully enjoy the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise, consider bringing:

Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather.
A light jacket or scarf, as it can get breezy on the water.
Sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime cruises.
A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views of Istanbul’s landmarks.
Snacks and water, as on-board refreshment options may be limited.

Can You Combine a Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise with Other Tours in Istanbul?

Absolutely! While the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Cruise itself begins and ends at Kabataş Port without any stops, it pairs perfectly with other activities in Istanbul. For example, you can start your day with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, which is located near the port, or end the cruise with a stroll along the vibrant Beyoğlu district. By planning ahead, you can seamlessly integrate the cruise into a full day of sightseeing.