Bosphorus Bridge Tours

Bosphorus Bridge
Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

The Bosphorus Bridge is a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) long suspension bridge that crosses the Bosphorus Strait. It stretches between Istanbul’s Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi districts. Opened in 1973, it was the first bridge to connect the continents of Europe and Asia.

Jump on a public bus or a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to travel across the bridge and between the two continents. If possible, sit on the upper deck of a bus and take in the views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Prince’s Islands. At night the bridge is lit up spectacularly, presenting a good photo opportunity.

Each October there is a chance to cross the bridge on foot so you can claim to have sprinted from Asia to Europe. Sign up for the “fun run," which is part of the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon, and join thousands of participants. Visit the marathon’s official website for further details.

An alternative and enjoyable way to see the bridge is on a cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. Passenger ferries and private tours depart from various docks around the city, including Eminönü, Kadiköy and Üsküdar. Ferries pass beneath the bridge, allowing you to appreciate its size. The cruises also offer views of historical mosques and palaces. Some cruises will even go as far as the Black Sea.

Don’t miss the attractions situated on each end of the bridge. Dominating the European side is the Baroque-style Ortaköy Mosque, built in 1853 and decorated with white marble and intricate mosaics. Take your time wandering the cobblestone streets of the Ortaköy district, which are lined with bars and cafés, galleries and handicraft stalls. Go to the Asian side of the bridge to visit Beylerbeyi Palace, a former summer residence of Ottoman sultans. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the bridge from the palace’s gardens.

The Bosphorus Bridge is a 15-minute drive from Istanbul’s historic center. Public buses provide easy access otherwise it is a 1-hour walk.

Plan a trip to see Bosphorus Bridge

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultan Tughra Hotel - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Bosphorus Bridge

Reviews of Bosphorus Bridge

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1140
" "5 - Excellent 58.79319236719959%
4 - Good
664
" "4 - Good 34.244455905105724%
3 - Okay
98
" "3 - Okay 5.054151624548736%
2 - Disappointing
17
" "2 - Disappointing 0.8767405879319237%
1 - Terrible
20
" "1 - Terrible 1.0314595152140278%

5/5 - Excellent

KJ
Dec 9, 2019

Try the beakfast at one of the restaurants along the corniche

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Oct 15, 2019

Dont even try this hotel: Room so dirty and not cleaned even once in my 3 nights stay Towels are not available or supply only one towel for two guests Poor breakfast

5/5 - Excellent

VC
Sep 12, 2019

Please make sure you can climb up

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 12, 2019

The dinnar was fine but too slow serving & the entertainment program the very good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 1, 2019

i also visited Izmir such beautiful place

5/5 - Excellent

J.
Jun 15, 2019

It's worth the walk!!

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.