
Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise
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
4.3/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise worth booking?
Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $87 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (47)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $87 per person
A great way to see Istanbul in a short time. See both European & Asian sides and the most important highlights of the city on the boat cruise in 2 hours. Also, have an opportunity to visit the Asian side of Istanbul. Aft
What you get
About this experience
A great way to see Istanbul in a short time. See both European & Asian sides and the most important highlights of the city on the boat cruise in 2 hours. Also, have an opportunity to visit the Asian side of Istanbul. After the cruise, travel through the neighborhoods by the Golden Horn on the bus tour and have free time in the Fener and Balat districts.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Hotel drop-off
What you'll see and do
Kucuksu Pavilion
Boat tour stops point at the Küçüksu Palace is one of the Ottoman palaces. Located on the Asian side of the city.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Eyup
Stop point in our Bus tour to see a great view of the Golden horn and Cable Car experience.
120 minutes here
Dolmabahce Palace
One of the important palaces in İstanbul.
Pass by without stopping
Great Palace on the Bophorus
Pass by without stopping
Bosphorus Strait
The first bridge of İstanbul between Europe and Asia.
Pass by without stopping
KIz Kulesi
Must see.
Pass by without stopping
Rumeli Fortress
Visiting every Monday and Thursday instead of Küçüksu Palace when it is closed.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque of Suleyman The Magneficent from 16th Century.
Pass by without stopping
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The famous Hagia Sophia Church/Mosque from 6th Century.
Pass by without stopping
Bosphorus Bridge
1st Suspension Bridge of Bosphorus Strait.
Pass by without stopping
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
2nd Suspension bridge of İstanbul.
Pass by without stopping
Halic
Golden horn is the natural lagoon apart from Bosphorus.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
"Next to the Sultanahmet Tram station"
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
"Tour terminate at Sultanahmet Square"
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
- IBO Cruise
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- We visit Rumeli Fortress only on Thursdays On Mondays Both Rumeli Fortress and Küçüksü Palace will be closed and visits replaced with freetime in Bebek neighborhood.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time! Beautiful sights!
Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The boat tour was fabulous enough but then came the bus tour and some fantastic sights! We even stopped for lunch on a hill top restaurant with some spectacular views!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much :)
via Viator
Great experience in one of the world's most incredible cities.
The tour was amazing, the guide was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. The company staff was very kind and welcoming. We did a tour around the Bosphorus strait, hilltop viewpoint and the city walls, best way to discover Istanbul and it's beauties, totally recommended, specially if you have little time and would like to go around the main city attractions.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review! We're glad you enjoyed the Istanbul tour. Our guides aim to be both informative and entertaining. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent boat and bus Tour
Thank you Emirhan, He really knows the history of places and also, he and his team has been very nice. Exellent tour, Me, My wife and my boys (11-13 y ) really enjoyed the tour. (Boat and bus ) really good. I really recommend him and his team. Thank you.
Response from the operator: Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Boat tour on the Bosphous
We enjoyed the boat tour very much Emirhan was our guide and was very informative. The tour was conducted in English for us.
Response from the operator: Thank you :)
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Tour
The tour guide Emirhan was so kind and accommodating! He was full of energy and was very friendly. The boat tour was stunning and educational. The bus portion took us through the city where we stopped at a gorgeous restaurant with a stunning view.
Response from the operator: Thank you :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $87 to $123
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise cost?
+
Prices start at $87 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 Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise take?
+
Plan for about 6 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 Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 47 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 Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise?
+
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 Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise?
+
Around 16 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise 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 Istanbul Bus and Boat: 5 Hours Guided City Tour & Boat Cruise.
Pick your date




