⁠A Full Day Along Bosphorus

⁠A Full Day Along Bosphorus

Istanbul is home to many beautiful sites. What to visit, on the other hand, is always a difficult choice. In this article, we offer you a good plan to cover the best places around Bosphorus. Our basic route will be as follows:

  1. Dolmabahçe Palace
  2. GalataPort
  3. Karaköy Pier and Tunnel
  4. Galata Tower
  5. Galata Bridge 

Let's give you an overview of what you will see in these places:

1. Dolmabahçe Palace 

This 19th-century Ottoman palace is one of the most important monuments you will see during a classic Bosphorus cruise tour. The administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887, the palace is a superb example of Western-influenced luxurious 19th-century architecture in Istanbul. Ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid I (a pioneer of the modernization movement in the Ottoman Empire) and realized by the Armenian Balyan brothers, this palace was a mixture of Baroque and Rococo elements with a huge usage of gold and crystal. During the building process of the palace, over 100 kg of gold was used just for the decoration of the palace. The total cost of the palace is estimated as 35 tons of gold, which is roughly 2 billion US dollars today. This cost was perhaps one of the reasons for the collapse of the Ottoman economy by the end of the 19th century.

The palace is also home to a painting museum today, which was used as the section of the crown price in the past. About 200 oil paintings are on display in the museum today. 23 paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky, a Russian romantic painter and the court painter of the Ottoman palace, are an important part of the collection. Aivazovsky is known for his portrayals of Istanbul views from many different angles. Works of other orientalist painters like Pierre Desire Guillemet, Eugene Fromentin, and Stefano Ussi, as well as the works of Turkish painters like Osman Hamdi Bey, Abdulmecid Efendi (the last Caliph), and Seker Ahmed Pasha, are also on display.

Dolmabahçe Palace takes approximately an hour to visit if you only explore the Harem (Sultan’s Chamber) section. However, if you are eager to visit the Selamlık section, you will need an additional half an hour.

At the end of your tour of the Harem section, there is a café offering a small selection of sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. Prices range from mid-range to somewhat expensive.

You can book a ticket on our website at a lower price than the official rate.

2. GalataPort 

GalataPort is Istanbul’s modern cruise port that hosts luxurious stores, cafés, and the Istanbul Modern Art Museum overlooking the Bosphorus. This port/mall combines history and contemporary features at the same time. It is home to famous institutions including the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, renovated structures like the Tophane Clock Tower, and a restored ancient post office. The project includes The Peninsula Istanbul, a worldwide luxury hotel brand, as well as flexible office spaces with a sustainable approach. The area has 230 retail and culinary enterprises, making it a popular shopping and dining destination. Galataport Istanbul's emphasis on historical preservation and urban design establishes it as a cultural and economic cornerstone of the city.

You can take a break at this modern shopping mall and enjoy the latest exhibitions in the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. The duration of your visit depends on your preferences and it can take up to 2 hours if you include the museum. There usually is no line in the entrance, so you can buy your ticket at the counter. 

If the weather is nice, you can enjoy the nearby park with the famous Tophane Fountain. It was constructed by Sultan Mahmud I, and its Baroque features create a harmonious blend of Western influence on Eastern culture.

3. Karaköy Tunnel and Pier

Karaköy is part of the historical part of the Galata neighborhood, known as a vibrant place for Christian, Jewish, and Levantine influence. 

Today, it is one of the trendiest hubs in Istanbul for a lively cultural experience. Here, you can visit Russian, Armenian, and Turkish Orthodox churches to admire their European-style architecture.

When you step onto the main street (Kemeraltı Caddesi), you'll find a variety of options to drink, relax, and dine. On this street, you can explore the French Passage (Fransız Geçidi) to experience French influences in Istanbul.

At the end of the route, treat yourself to delicious baklavas at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, the most famous dessert company in Istanbul—highly recommended!

Finally, you'll arrive at the Karaköy Pier, which features a pedestrian area that's a fantastic hotspot for taking photos of the Historical Peninsula. Due to the gentrification of the region, the area now combines modern and historical buildings, creating a unique urban landscape. This is an ideal place to start your Bosphorus sunset cruise! It is an unforgettable experience for your journey. You can book a ticket via this link - at a discounted rate!

When you turn left you will see the Tünel, the second underground system in the world after London. If you would like to visit Galata Tower, then it's the fastest option for you! Another way is to climb the hill via Bankalar Caddesi (Banks Street) to see European-style buildings of the former central bank of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Türkiye.

4. Galata Tower 

The Galata Tower, located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey, is a must-see landmark.  Standing at 67 meters tall, this medieval stone tower offers scenic views of Istanbul, including those of the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Built in 1348 by the Genoese, the Galata Tower has witnessed centuries of Istanbul's vibrant history.

The tower also witnessed one of the earliest intercontinental flights in history! Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, an Ottoman scientist, according to the history, achieved to fly from Europe (Galata) to Asia (Üsküdar), a distance of about 2 miles with the wings that he made himself!

If you want to avoid the crowd, early morning is the best time to see the breathtaking view of the Galata Tower. You can also visit during the sunset to enjoy appealing views in the Bosporus and the Golden Horn.

The Tower is open from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM. However, you need to enter the tower by 10 PM at the latest.

You can buy tickets at the front desk or online to skip the line and you need to be prepared for a security check at the entrance.

5. Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge is one of the most lively and busiest places in Istanbul, connecting the old Eminönü area to the vibrant Karaköy district. It is lined with fishermen casting lines, adding a touch to the city's view. Below the bridge are restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood or a cup of tea while looking out at the Golden Horn and ferries passing by. The atmosphere is full of energy, with local tourists and street vendors.

A walk across the bridge or sitting down to take in the views gives you a real taste of Istanbul's friendly atmosphere. At the end of the bridge, you will head to Eminönü pier, an ideal hotspot to start your Bosphorus sunset cruise. We offer you the most affordable prices on the market, you can check out our website now!