Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul: Know The Best Things To Do

Picture a scene! You and your partner are watching the sunset on a Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul trip. Or, you can also share the most intimate moments with your S/O as the evening breeze caresses you.

So, no wonder that a cruise trip on the Bosphorus is the most romantic thing you can do in Istanbul. However, cruise tourism in Istanbul is more than romantic getaways.

The cruise tourism industry has a major impact on the country’s tourism sector and the overall economy.

Furthermore, cruise tourism in the Bosphorus is experiencing significant expansion, with an anticipated 37% increase in the number of ship arrivals and a 46% rise in the number of passengers to Galataport.

Galataport has also maintained a strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines for some time now, ensuring its continued importance in the cruise tourism industry around the Bosphorus.

So, with the cruise tourism industry in Istanbul growing rapidly, it’s time to start a fresh voyage now.

And in this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss the best time to plan a Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul, the things to do, and everything else you need to know.

We have got https://www.lotusyat.com/bosphorus-cruise/ as our expert partner, helping us to share the most authentic information with you.

What Is The Best Time To Go On A Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul?

Summer may be the best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul. However, hot and humid weather conditions and high traffic or crowds make these months quite uncomfortable in the Bosphorus.

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to go on a Bosphorus cruise Istanbul. Clear and mild weather conditions offer an excellent view of the city and its surroundings.

Furthermore, the crowd is less in the shoulder seasons compared to the summer rush.

Having said that, before you travel to Turkey, have a look at the table below to understand the weather conditions of the Bosphorus.

Months	Highest Temperature	Lowest Temperature
January	10	5
February	11	6
March	14	8
April	16	9
May	21	14
June	25	20
July	30	22
August	29	24
September	25	20
October	20	15
November	17	12
December	12	8

What Are The Most Unique Things To Do On A Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul?

The Turkish cruise industry is expected to reach $34.19 million by the end of 2025. Turkey is further trying to establish itself as a global cruising destination, leveraging its 8,000-kilometer coastline, historical sites, and natural attractions.

Additionally, the country is expanding its port infrastructure to accommodate more visiting ships. For example, Galataport Istanbul hosted MSC Sinfonia, one of the biggest ships in Europe, every Wednesday till April 2025.

These infrastructural developments and growing numbers only indicate the amount of fun you can have during a Bosphorus cruise Istanbul.

Also, don’t forget to explore these things to do.

1. Soak In The Local Culture

A cruise ride in the Bosphorus offers you the most immersive cultural experience. You will find small fishing villages and quaint bookshops here.

Further, the traditional markets, mosques, and eateries here are filled with the aroma of Turkish Coffee.

You will also meet traditional belly dancers or performers during a cruise trip in the Bosphorus.

2. Experience The Magic Of The Black Sea

Want to try something adventurous? You can cross the Bosphorus Strait and reach the Black Sea to experience its magic.

You will see quaint towns such as Poyrazkoy and Beykoz around the sea. Furthermore, you can take a dip in the Black Sea, enjoy the lush greenery, and explore the remains of the medieval fortresses here.

3. Try The Best Local Food

Kebabs! Baklava and more! It’s a sin not to try the best food in Turkey when you are on a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.

You will also love the spicy meatballs and various rice dishes during a Bosphorus cruise Istanbul.

Moreover, don’t forget to try the Turkish Coffee.

4. Visit The Historical Places

The stone fortresses and ancient palaces in the Bosphorus Strait tell the stories of many wars and empires.

The Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have been prominent among the countless empires that used the strategic location of the Bosphorus Strait for trade across the world.

5. Enjoy The Mesmerizing Views

The Bosphorus Strait is beautiful. You will also find the remains of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires on the banks.

The most beautiful architectural marvels you will come across during the cruise trip are:

The Rumeli Fortress
Dolmabahçe Palace
Ortakoy Mosque
The First Bosphorus Bridge
Galata Tower, etc.

Moreover, the surrounding fishing villages and hamlets add to the scenic appeal of the place.

6. Watch A Live Performance

You can watch the live cultural performance on the cruise in the evening. You can watch the belly dancers perform, and the Turkish dervishes spread an air of spirituality.

Furthermore, there will be folk dances, shows, and DJ nights.

7. Meet The Maiden’s Tower

How about meeting a lonely structure standing in the middle of the water since the medieval ages? This tower was built during the Byzantine Empire.

Further, stories and myths are associated with this tower.

A king built this tower to protect his daughter, who was supposed to die on her 18th birthday due to a snakebite.

However, unfortunately, the king gifted her a fruit basket on her 18th birthday, and a snake was hiding there. The snake bit her, and she died.

8. Cross The Bosphorus Bridge On A Cruise

Bosphorus Bridge, or the Martyrs’ Bridge, is one of the main attractions during a Bosphorus cruise Istanbul.

This 8-lane toll bridge offers beautiful views of Asia and Europe. Further, it is close to many other prominent landmarks of the Bosphorus, such as the Ortakoy Mosque and Dolmabahce Palace.

How Is Cruise Tourism Preserving The Ecosystem Of The Bosphorus?

The Istanbul City Council, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has organized free dolphin-spotting cruises during the summer.

The Bosphorus Strait is home to two species of dolphins and one species of porpoise. The cruise trips will help ensure that the dolphins continue to live here, preserving the ecosystem of the Bosphorus.