Bosphorus Bridge

Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a coastal town and a river or creek
Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus Bridge
Photo by The Adventure Rally


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-kilometre) 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 centre. Public buses provide easy access otherwise it is a 1-hour walk.

Plan a trip to see Bosphorus Bridge

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Hotel The Pera Hill
Richmond Istanbul
Lamartine Hotel

Reviews of Bosphorus Bridge

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
359
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
370
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
60
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

cruise was nice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A truly amazing structure.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Book amazing Bosphorus tours through

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go on the Bosphorus trip, if possible about half an hour before sunset. You can enjoy the daylight and the sunset - sunset is amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very beautiful view and a lots of places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No tips easy to get here transport is easy in Istanbul use it

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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.

Things to do near Bosphorus Bridge

Near the Bosphorus Bridge, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including theatre performances and shopping in vibrant local markets. A highlight of the area is the opportunity to embark on scenic boat trips and tours, offering stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding landscapes. This blend of cultural experiences and picturesque excursions makes for a memorable visit to this iconic location in Istanbul.

Shopping

Experience shopping near the Bosphorus Bridge at Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, just 3.2km away, offering vibrant entertainment and family-friendly options. Mecidiyekoy Square, 4.8km away, provides a bustling atmosphere, while Balık Pazarı, also 4.8km away, is perfect for local goods and city vibes.

Recreation

Tupras Stadium, located 3.2km from the Bosphorus Bridge, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, situated 4.8km away, where you can indulge in soothing body treatments. Enjoy live performances at Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall, also 3.2km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 8.0km from the Bosphorus Bridge, where adventure awaits. Hike the scenic Sultans Trail, 6.4km away, immersing yourself in breathtaking outdoor vistas. For family fun, take a ride on the Eyüp Cable Car, also 8.0km from the bridge.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Bosphorus Bridge at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre for captivating performances, or enjoy family fun at The Game For Big Kids arcade. For a dose of culture and romance, visit Uskudar Tekel Sahnesi, a charming theatre just 966m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge area offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore stunning mosques, historic palaces, and lively piazzas, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Istanbul. Whether you're seeking city life or scenic views, the attractions around the Bosphorus Bridge promise memorable moments for every traveller.

  • Taksim Square: This vibrant piazza is the heart of modern Istanbul, brimming with energy and cultural significance. It's a perfect spot to experience local life, enjoy street performances, and indulge in delightful cafes and shops.
  • Dolmabahçe Palace: A stunning blend of European and Ottoman architecture, this historic palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of sultans. The lavish interiors and beautiful gardens provide a serene escape with rich historical context.
  • Ciragan Palace: Once a royal residence, this grand building now serves as a luxury hotel. Its exquisite architecture, beautiful waterfront views, and rich history make it a captivating place to explore.

Best time to go to Bosphorus Bridge

The best time to visit Bosphorus Bridge is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bosphorus Bridge

To save money during your visit to Bosphorus Bridge, consider travelling in the off-peak months from January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia to find the best hotel rates and combine bookings for flights and activities to secure better deals. Public transport is affordable and efficient, making it easy to explore the area. Additionally, take advantage of free activities and scenic walks along the Bosphorus for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bosphorus Bridge are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bosphorus Bridge is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Bosphorus Bridge is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation near the Bosphorus Bridge with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia