Exploring the Iconic Coves, Bays, and Hills of the European Side of the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s most captivating waterways, bridges two ancient continents—Asia and Europe—while shaping Istanbul’s rich identity and stunning landscape. Stretching from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, the European side of the Bosphorus offers a breathtaking blend of picturesque coves, lush hills covered in endemic flora, and a coastline steeped in centuries of history.

For those eager to explore this scenic side of the city, start your journey by taking the Eminönü T1 Tram line and getting off at Kabataş, the final station. From there, hop on bus 22 to follow a scenic route that reveals the European side’s most beautiful coves and bays—each one offering its unique charm, history, and unforgettable views of Istanbul’s timeless beauty.

Haliç (The Golden Horn)

The Golden Horn is a natural harbor surrounding the Historical Peninsula. There are various reasons for the English name Golden Horn. Some argue that the bird' s-eye view of the cove is similar to a Horn. However, others contend that the Ottomans took a large amount of gold under the cove upon the conquest of the city in 1453. 

The neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks of Greek and Bulgarian heritage. The Fener neighborhood is known for housing the Greek Patriarchate, the main church of Greek Christianity. The Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, entirely made of iron, is one of the rarest examples of its kind in the world.

If you would like to experience a cruise in Haliç, you can purchase a ticket from Karaköy Pier. You can board the ferry every hour from 08:10 to 21:25.

Kuruçeşme Cove

Kuruçeşme (meaning 'Dry Fountain') was named in the 17th century. It was originally known as Koruçeşme ('The Fountain of the Woods') and had fountains that supplied water. However, after the water sources dried up, the area was renamed Kuruçeşme.  

It is a tranquil cove near Ortaköy and the First Bridge, surrounded by green hills and historic mansions. Just offshore at Kuruçeşme, there is a small island called Galatasaray Islet, one of the largest sports teams in the city.

Bebek Cove

The name Bebek (meaning 'Baby') comes from the Turkish official Mustafa Çelebi, who was known for his handsome appearance while overseeing the small town after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. This upscale area is home to some of the most luxurious restaurants and cafés in the city. Additionally, the neighborhood features a small yet charming park, next to the Egyptian consulate's grand Art Nouveau mansion. Bebek hosts one of the most prestigious universities in Türkiye, known as Bosphorus University. 

Rumeli Hisarı Cove

Rumeli Hisarı Cove is located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus just next to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (The Second Bridge). This is why it hosts a major fortress, along with Anadolu Hisarı on the Asian side, playing a critical role in the fall of the city from the Byzantine Empire. It is one of the most remarkable castles and we highly recommend to try out our Bosphorus cruise tours. 

İstinye Cove

İstinye has one of the largest coves on the Bosphorus. That is why it has a scenic pier with many boats and yachts. For many years, the cove was used as a dry dock because the neighborhood has a bus stop called Tersane (Shipyard). This neighborhood hosts the Istanbul Stock Exchange and Istinye Park, a luxury shopping mall. 

Yeniköy Cove

Just passing through İstinye, visitors are welcomed by Yeniköy’s charming mansions and embassies. The region's name originally comes from the Greek 'Neohorion' (The New Town), which was later adapted into Turkish as 'Yeniköy'.

Yeniköy retains the largest number of yalis (Turkish mansion houses) in Istanbul. The most well-known yali in this neighborhood is Ahmet Arif Paşa Yali, which combines elements from Western and Eastern architecture. Also, Agatha Cristie stayed at this spectacular mansion while writing her well-known novel “The Murder of Orient Express.”

Tarabya Cove

Tarabya's name derives from a mispronunciation of its Byzantine origin, Therapeia (Therapy). The hot springs in the neighborhood used to have a therapeutic effect until the earthquake occurred in the 14th century in the Ottoman Empire.

The cove hosts churches, consulate generals, and high-end restaurants. For centuries, this neighborhood has been an ideal hotspot for government officials and foreigners. That is why many European countries have summer residences on this lovely coast. 

Büyükdere Cove 

Büyükdere (meaning 'Big Stream') Cove is home to Turkey’s first privately owned museum, the Sadberk Hanım Museum. The museum houses collections of Turkish and Islamic art, as well as archaeological artifacts. This neighborhood is also known as a retreat from the city’s summer heat. On the backstreets, wooden houses serve as perfect examples of classical Ottoman architecture, featuring front-facing balconies known as cumba in Turkish.