How to Plan Your Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City

Istanbul is an incredible city situated in both Asia and Europe, divided by the beautiful Bosphorus Strait. One of the best ways to experience the city’s mesmerizing beauty is to take a Bosphorus cruise, a must-do activity while you’re in Istanbul. Get ready to explore the best landmarks and historical sites that the city has to offer from a unique perspective. In this post, we will guide you on how to plan your Istanbul tour: Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City.

Experience

The Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City is easily one of the top experiences you can have in Istanbul. This relaxing cruise allows you to explore both sides of the city while enjoying the stunning views of the historic waterway that separates Europe and Asia.

Highlights

While on the Bosphorus Cruise, you will get to enjoy the following highlights: – Seeing all the Istanbul landscape from a different view – Passing by all the historical palaces, fortresses, and below Bosphorus Bridge – Discovering the magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and famous hills and parks – Spectacular seaside residences from different centuries – Getting the opportunity to shoot your most beautiful photos along the journey

Full Description

The Bosphorus cruise tour starts at the Old City in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Once you board the boat, you will embark on a journey that will take you along the European side of the Bosphorus Strait. You will go beyond the modern city skyline and get to see the vibrant history of Istanbul’s ancient and medieval moments. This tour is a great way to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s culture and history. As you cruise along the Bosphorus, expect to see breathtaking views of both the European and Asian sides of the city. You will pass by the famous Dolmabahce Palace, which is one of the most significant architectural masterpieces from the Ottoman Empire. In addition, you will see the Ciragan Palace, which is the only surviving palace in Istanbul. Its breathtaking architecture, fascinating history and location right by the Bosphorus make it a must-visit on this tour. Ortaköy Mosque, a small yet charming mosque set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus is also part of this tour. It was built in the Ottoman Baroque style and is considered as one of Istanbul’s most photogenic landmarks. The Bosphorus Bridge also falls within the attraction spots that you will see on this tour. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece that is considered one of the busiest bridges in the world. Moreover, it’s a must-visit spot, especially for those who love to take amazing photos. Rumeli Fortress is another awe-inspiring historical site that you will get to see along the journey. It’s an Ottoman fortress that was built in the 15th century to protect Istanbul from the Black Sea’s Northern entrance. It commands the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, and its array of towers connected by walls make it a beautiful spot to visit. Finally, the Beylerbeyi Palace, a historical summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, is part of the itinerary. Completed in 1865, the palace boasts a blend of various architectural styles, including traditional Ottoman-style and Western Baroque-style. The Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn offers a memorable experience to everyone. You will get to enjoy the beautiful views, fascinating history, and spectacular landmarks while relaxing on a boat.

Booking Your Bosphorus Cruise

Booking the Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City is easy! To book your spot, head over to the website of our trusted partner, GetYourGuide, through this link Book Your Spot Here and follow the instructions given. We hope you have an amazing time on your Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn from Old City tour!

Frequently Asked Questions: Istanbul

Istanbul is a stunning city located in Turkey that has so much to offer, from rich history and culture to amazing sights and sounds. Visitors often have many questions about the city before they arrive, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you on your trip to Istanbul.

1. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and it’s less crowded. The temperature is usually around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during spring and around 20-30°C (68-86°F) during autumn.

2. How can I get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has a good public transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro, and ferry. You can use the Istanbulkart, a reloadable transportation card, to get around the city. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Walking is another great way to explore Istanbul, especially in areas like the Old City where most of the major sights are within walking distance.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Istanbul?

Istanbul is known for its many attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. The Bosphorus strait and its many beautiful viewpoints are also worth a visit, as well as the Galata Tower and the Dolmabahce Palace.

4. What are the best places to eat in Istanbul?

Istanbul is famous for its delicious cuisine that’s a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Turkish flavors. Some of the best places to eat in Istanbul include Kizilkayalar Hamburger, Hamdi Restaurant, Borsa Restaurant, Lokma, and Ciya Sofrasi. The city is also famous for its street food, such as simit, kebab, and Turkish delight.

5. Is Istanbul a safe city to visit?

Istanbul is considered a safe city to visit, but like any other big city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings. Also, avoid political rallies and protests.

6. What is the currency used in Istanbul?

The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish lira (TRY). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices or withdraw cash from ATMs. Many shops and restaurants in Istanbul also accept credit cards.

7. What should I wear in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city that combines modern and traditional cultures, so it’s important to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed in mosques, and both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. In areas like Taksim and Besiktas, you can dress more casually.

8. What are the most popular neighborhoods in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city that’s divided into two parts; the European side and the Asian side. Some of the most popular neighborhoods on the European side include the Old City, Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Cihangir. On the Asian side, Kadikoy, Moda, and Uskudar are popular neighborhoods.

9. What is the language spoken in Istanbul?

The official language spoken in Istanbul and throughout Turkey is Turkish. English and other languages are also widely spoken in areas like Taksim and Sultanahmet, where many tourists visit.

10. What souvenirs should I buy in Istanbul?

Istanbul is known for its beautiful handcrafted ceramics, rugs, textiles, lanterns, and jewelry. The Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar are two great places to shop for souvenirs. You can also find traditional Turkish sweets and spices at these bazaars.

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Istanbul is a beautiful city that’s rich in history and culture. Knowing the answers to these common questions can help make your trip to Istanbul more enjoyable and stress-free. Remember to respect the local culture and customs when visiting mosques and religious sites, and enjoy all the amazing sights, sounds, and flavors that Istanbul has to offer.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that bridges two continents, Europe and Asia. It is a hub of cultural and historical significance, with a rich history, art, and a fusion of east and west. Istanbul is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and friendly people. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your time as a tourist in Istanbul. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Istanbul. Whether you are interested in history, art, food, or architecture, there is something for everyone in Istanbul.

1. Visit the Top Tourist Attractions

Istanbul is home to many incredible tourist attractions, and no trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting them. Here are the top tourist attractions in Istanbul that you should consider visiting:

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic Istanbul landmark. The building was a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum. The interior is breathtaking, with ornate mosaics, marble pillars, and grand domes that are sure to leave you in awe.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. The palace is now a museum that houses artifacts, ornaments, and treasures from the Ottoman Empire. You can explore the different pavilions, visit the harem section, and admire stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a stunning mosque with six minarets and a central dome. The interior is decorated with intricate tilework and stained glass windows, and it is open to visitors outside of prayer times.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry, textiles, spices, and antiques. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs, enjoy Turkish tea, and experience the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s market life.

2. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Istanbul’s food scene is a fusion of traditional Ottoman and Turkish dishes, along with modern and international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting Istanbul:

Kebabs and Grilled Meats

Istanbul is famous for its kebabs and grilled meats, which are cooked to perfection using traditional methods. Some of the popular dishes include döner kebab, shish kebab, and adana kebab.

Baklava and Turkish Delight

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. Turkish Delight is a sweet made with sugar, corn starch, and flavorings. Both of these sweets are popular in Istanbul and make great gifts to take home.

Börek and Pide

Börek is a savory pastry made with layers of filo pastry and filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. Pide is a Turkish flatbread baked with cheese, minced meat, and vegetables.

3. Take a Bosphorus Cruise

A Bosphorus Cruise is a great way to see the sights of Istanbul from a different perspective. You can admire the city’s skyline, see stunning palaces, and witness the Asian and European sides of the city. You can take a guided tour, or hire a private boat and explore at your own pace.

4. Visit the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands are a group of nine islands off Istanbul’s coast, famous for their natural beauty, stunning beaches, and charming architecture. You can take a ferry from Istanbul to the islands, and spend the day exploring the car-free streets, enjoying the beaches, and indulging in fresh seafood.

5. Experience Istanbul’s Nightlife

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. From rooftop bars with stunning views of the Bosphorus to traditional Turkish bars with live music, there is something for everyone. Some of the top nightlife spots in Istanbul include Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, and Kadikoy.

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Istanbul is a city that is rich in culture, history, and beauty. By following this guide, you will be able to experience the best that Istanbul has to offer, from its stunning landmarks to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. We hope you enjoy your time in Istanbul and make unforgettable memories.