Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City

Istanbul, the city of seven hills, was the capital of three empires, and has a lot to offer to its visitors. From Ottoman-era architecture, museums, mosques, and colorful markets, the city attracts millions of visitors each year. One of the main attractions in Istanbul is a Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City. Visitors are often curious about it, so let’s answer a few questions to give a better idea of what to expect from this activity.

What is a Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City?

Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City is a boat tour that takes you along the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, giving you an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. The activity is an excellent way to explore Istanbul’s main attractions, including magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and famous hills, that you can’t see from the land.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

A Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City provides an opportunity to enjoy the highlights between Europe and Asia, see Istanbul’s landscape from a different view, pass by historic palaces, fortresses, and below the Bosphorus Bridge. You can also take some of the most beautiful photos along the journey. This four-hour boat tour is a perfect way to experience Istanbul’s history and culture while peacefully cruising along the waterway.

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start, and what is included in the tour?

The tour starts in Sultanahmet, the Old City of Istanbul. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a skip-the-line ticket to the boat, a four-hour boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn, and the opportunity to visit the Spice Bazaar before or after the tour.

Is there anything else I need to know about the tour?

Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking the tour. First, always check the weather forecast before planning the boat tour. It can be quite windy and chilly on the water, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Second, the tour requires moderate walking, so it might not be suitable for people with limited mobility. Finally, the tour can get quite crowded, especially during peak travel season, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

Ready to book the Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City? Click here to reserve your spot now and embark on a memorable journey in Istanbul!

Additional Information for Tourists Visiting Istanbul:

Here are some other frequently asked questions by tourists visiting Istanbul:

What is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?

Istanbul can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring (April to May) or the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer than in the summer (June to August).

What are Istanbul’s must-see attractions?

Istanbul has many must-see attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar.

What is Istanbul’s local cuisine?

Istanbul is known for its delicious food, including Turkish kebabs, fish and seafood, baklava, Turkish delight, and the famous Turkish tea and coffee.

How to get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and metro. However, if you want to explore the city like a local, try hopping on a dolmus (shared taxi) or a ferry. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive.

Ready to explore Istanbul? Book your Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City today!

Discover Hidden Gems and Delightful Secrets in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has always evoked mystery and enchantment. Being the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, it is filled with hidden treasures and surprises that leave visitors speechless. While there are, of course, popular tourist attractions to see, Istanbul has many hidden gems that only locals know about. In this insider’s guide, we will take you off the beaten path and show you a side of Istanbul that few tourists get to see.

Local Attractions: Discovering Istanbul’s Hidden Gems

While there are famous structures like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to visit in Istanbul, there are also hidden architectural and historical gems worth exploring. The Basilica Cistern is a mysterious and ancient underground water source that was created in the 6th century. The eccentricities of the city are also on showcase at the supersized Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in Istanbul, with handmade crafts and unique souvenirs on full display. If visitors feel nostalgic, they can take a step back in time with Turkish delight dessert at Hacı Bekir, the oldest confectionery establishment, which has been serving the tastiest sweets since 1777.

Cuisine: Savoring the Flavors of Istanbul

Istanbul’s food scene is fiercely local, brimming with legendary spices, herbs, and traditional Ottoman recipes that have been passed down from countless generations. Of course, traditional dishes like kebabs and baklava should be tried, but it’s also worth exploring the seafood of the Bosphorus or the deserts in Kadıköy, a foodie district on the Asian side where it is said that the pudding shops have been there for over a century. Let’s not forget to mention that tea is not just a pastime or drink it’s a way of life in Istanbul — guests can drink tea everywhere from waterfront cafés to small local shops.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Istanbul’s Traditions

Istanbul is known for its rich and diverse culture that is steeped in tradition. Visitors can attend the Whirling Dervish ceremony, an Islamic ritualistic dance, or the Sema Show at Sema Mevlevi Lodge, where they can discover the art of calligraphy. The Turkish bath, known as hamam, is a unique experience, and in Istanbul, there are many hamams to choose from, which immerse visitors in the city’s history and culture. Flamenco dancing, a Balkan tradition, is something new to experience here, making the city even more vibrant.

Local History: Captivating Stories from Istanbul’s Past

While Istanbul is widely known as the gateway between two continents, it also has a deep and rich history that is often overlooked. The city spans thousands of years of history, with multiple empires that have left their mark. Did you know that Istanbul got its name from the Greek phrase ‘Eis ten Polin’ or ‘to the city,’ which inspired the Ottomans to name it Istanbul? One of the most exciting tales to come from Istanbul’s history is the story of the Topkapi Palace Harem, the labyrinthine quarters where the Ottoman Empire’s wives, concubines, and slaves once resided.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences in Istanbul

If visitors have explored the entire city, don’t despair. Istanbul has many unique and exciting spots beyond the old city. They can experience the city from a different angle by taking a hot air balloon flight over the Cappadocia’s whimsical landscape, a colorful and Instagrammable experience. Enthusiasts of the blues and jazz scene will find swing clubs, jazz bars, and traditional tavernas throughout the city. Lastly, taking a Bosphorus cruise with Golden Horn from the old city is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience that will leave visitors feeling in awe as they witness the city’s stunning sights from a different perspective.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city that is overflowing with personality, history, and hidden treasures. The city is vast, but with this insider’s guide, visitors can experience the city’s rich traditions, arts, charm, and unique flavors beyond the obvious tourist attractions. Summing up, Istanbul is a city worth exploring, not just to see the sites but also to experience the time-honored traditions and its soulful identity.