Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 61 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies worth booking?
Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies is a 2-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $7 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 61 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (61)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $7 per person
This is not just a boat ride — it's a magical journey through centuries of history, art, and culture, all set against the glittering night skyline of Istanbul. What makes our cruise truly unique is the perfect blend of
What you get
About this experience
This is not just a boat ride — it's a magical journey through centuries of history, art, and culture, all set against the glittering night skyline of Istanbul. What makes our cruise truly unique is the perfect blend of storytelling, comfort, and scenery. As you sip your warm Turkish tea and enjoy homemade cookies, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of palaces, mosques, fortresses, and iconic bridges — all beautifully illuminated and brought to life through the voice of our knowledgeable guide. Unlike daytime tours, our evening cruise offers a serene, romantic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. The reflections of city lights on the Bosphorus waters create an unforgettable ambiance — ideal for couples, photographers, history lovers, and anyone looking to see Istanbul from a new perspective. Add to that our carefully planned route covering both European and Asian shores, and you get an immersive cultural experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
What's included
Included
- Tea and Cookies(only night tour option)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Wi-Fi On Board
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Bosphorus Strait
Experience the enchanting beauty of Istanbul illuminated by night as we sail through the legendary waters of the Bosphorus. This two-hour guided evening cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, bathed in the warm glow of city lights and history.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Galata Koprusu
Our journey begins near the historic Galata Bridge, a vibrant symbol of Istanbul connecting continents, where the modern city meets its ancient soul. As we glide by, the striking silhouette of the Galata Tower stands proudly over the old city skyline.
Pass by without stopping
Dolmabahce Palace
Cruising north along the European shore, we pass the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman grandeur, followed by the elegant Çırağan Palace, now a luxurious hotel with a royal past
Pass by without stopping
Ortakoy
the picturesque Ortaköy Mosque greets us with its Baroque beauty nestled by the water, a favorite photo stop for many.
Pass by without stopping
Rumeli Fortress
As the Bosphorus narrows, we approach the powerful stone walls of Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the 15th century. Directly across the strait stands its counterpart, the lesser-known but equally charming Anadolu Fortress, marking the historic control of the strait.
Pass by without stopping
Bosphorus Bridge
We cruise beneath two iconic suspension bridges: the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, both connecting Europe and Asia, illuminated beautifully at night.
Pass by without stopping
Beylerbeyi Palace
On the Asian side, we admire the graceful structure of Kuleli Military High School, an architectural gem by the waterfront, and soon arrive at the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
Pass by without stopping
KIz Kulesi
As we make our return, we pass the romantic Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), steeped in legends, standing alone on a tiny islet.
Pass by without stopping
TopkapI Palace
enjoy complimentary tea and cookies as our expert guide shares fascinating stories and historical insights, turning every sight into a window into Istanbul's rich and layered past.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Please find the boat named NARAL at our pier located on the Eminönü Golden Horn side, next to Istanbul commerce university and ahi çelebi Mosque. If the boat is not yet there, please wait until the tour start time. Kindly note that the boat's docking may be delayed
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please find the boat named NARAL at our pier located on the Eminönü Golden Horn side, next to Istanbul commerce university and ahi çelebi Mosque. If the boat is not yet there, please wait until the tour start time. Kindly note that the boat's docking may be delayed
Options you can book
Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise
Duration: 2 hours: "The tour lasts about 2 hours, with a possible variation of ±15 minutes due to wind currents." Cookies and Tea: Tea and cookies are served as light refreshments. Bosphorus Strait: As we cruise, enjoy views of numerous historic monuments and famous sites along the Bosphorus, Boat, Ferry: Enjoy your cruise on our modern, comfortable, and well-equipped boat.
Sunset Tour
Sunset Cruise: Join us for a memorable sunset experience along the Bosphorus, where you’ll witness the city’s iconic skyline. Duration: 2 hours: The tour lasts about 2 hours, with a possible variation of ±15 minutes due to wind currents. This tour does not include any: this tour does not include tea and cookies Bosphorus Strait Boat,Ferry
Sunset / Before Dark Tour
Duration: 3 hours Bosphorus Channel Boat / Ferry Tea and Cookies not included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- IMCA TOURISM
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 62 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
62 verified traveler reviews for Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful
Amazing tour, good value for money
via Tripadvisor
Great
Definitely an experience everyone should do if you are in Istanbul
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience
A beautiful evening cruise on the Bosphorus. Excellent explanations and very friendly service. Very nice boat and a lovely touch with tea and biscuits. I would definitely do it again. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour
Great tour and amazing for the value of money
via Tripadvisor
Boat tour
It was a great experience, we went twice. The tour speaker showed/explained everythig perfectly and all the other staff were super friendly.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $7 to $10
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies cost?
+
Prices start at $7 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 61 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies?
+
Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
+
On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies.
Pick your date
