Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul | Private Yacht Tours
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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Duration
3,5 Hours
Max People
50 People
Availability
All Year
Pick-up & Drop-Off
Include
Dinner on the Bosphorus, with the Turkish Night show
The dinner cruise is a different kind of evening from the sunset cruise. This one starts later — boarding around 8 PM — and runs for about two and a half hours. The boat itself is larger: a three-deck cruise vessel with an indoor dining hall on the lower deck, an open upper deck for the ship’s skyline views, and a stage in the middle.
Dinner is a Turkish buffet: mezzes to start (hummus, haydari, ezme, stuffed vine leaves), grilled chicken or fish as a main, rice and salads, seasonal fruit and baklava at the end. Soft drinks are included; beer, wine and rakı are available to order. You eat while the boat sails slowly up the European side, past Dolmabahçe Palace lit for the night and under the first Bosphorus Bridge.
The Turkish Night show begins after dinner, around an hour in: a folk dance group in traditional costumes, a belly dancer, and a live band playing Turkish classics. At one point they invite guests up to dance — about half take them up on it. It’s friendly, a bit kitsch in the best way, and genuinely fun if you arrive expecting an evening out rather than fine dining.
Who this is for: groups of friends, couples who want the whole evening handled in one stop, travellers who’d rather eat with a view than fight for a restaurant booking. If you want the quiet photographic sail, book the sunset cruise (€34, no dinner, no show). If you want a private boat with your own catering, see the private dinner yacht.
Practical: dress code is smart casual, not formal. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available — note your preference at booking. The boat sails even in light rain; only major storms get rescheduled.
Why is it called “Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise”?
The title Bosphorus Dinner Cruise perfectly reflects the essence of this experience. The Bosphorus is the heart of istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia, history and modern life. Dining on the Bosphorus is not just about food; it is about experiencing Istanbul’s culture, night life, and traditions in the most iconic setting of the city.
This dinner cruise combines Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage, traditional Turkish flavors, and world-famous Turkish Night shows such as belly dancing, whirling dervish, and folk dances. While enjoying dinner, guests witness the illuminated skyline of Istanbul, historic palaces, mosques, and bridges that define the city’s identity at night.
The name Bosphorus Dinner Cruise clearly communicates what makes this experience special:
a night on the Bosphorus, authentic Turkish culture, delicious food, live music, and unforgettable Istanbul night views — all in one journey.
Included/Excluded
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels (European side of Istanbul)
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Beverages (local beers, spirits and soft drinks)
- Live entertainment, DJ
- Dinner
- Important Drinks
- Tips
Tour Plan
Our Bosphorus Dinner Cruise has 3 main courses: fish, meat, and chicken. For drinks, you are free to choose unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks (wine, beers, gin, vodka, raki). Our foods are prepared daily and fresh in our modern and hygiene kitchen.
- Welcome Cocktail - 10 kinds of Cold Mezes (Starters)
- Fresh seasonal salad
- ENTREE (Main Dish with 4 options)
- Mixed grill served with rice and potatoes
- Grilled Fish served with arugula, onion and lemon
- Grilled Chicken Steak served with rice and potatoes
- Grilled Meat Ball with served with rice and potatoes
- Vegetarian Meal (Curry rice, sautéed vegetables, and oven Potato content)
- Dessert ( Baklava & Fruit)
- Unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks
- Unlimited hot drinks (tea, coffee)
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Vegetarian Menu :
- Welcome Cocktail - 10 kinds of Cold Mezes (Starters)
- Fresh seasonal salad
- Main Dish
- Vegetarian Meal: Curry rice, sautéed vegetables, and oven Potato content. (We can prepare your requests such as pasta with sauce, pizza with vegetables, or boiled vegetables if you inform us in advance.)
- Dessert ( Baklava & Fruit)
- Unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks
- Unlimited hot drinks (tea, coffee)
All shows are performed by professional teams on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. You will have the chance to watch many shows from many different regions of Turkish culture: folk dances from the Black Sea, Central Anatolia, and the Anatolian region, henna night specific to Turkish culture, and Aşık Maşuk.
- Whirling Dervish
- Turkish Gypsy Dance
- Caucasian Dance
- Belly Dancer Group Show
- Turkish Folk Dance
- Asuk Masuk
- Rhythm Show
- Belly Dancer
- Professional DJ Performance
All the information you need to know before joining the Bosphorus dinner cruise. What to expect, how to buy ticket, from which pier it departs...
What to expect on a Bosphorus Dinner cruise?
You can expect a Bosphorus boat cruise in the evening, a romantic dinner with soft drinks or alcoholic drinks, entertainment with folk dance from different regions of Turkey, a whirling dervish show, belly dancers, and a live DJ performance.
How to book a Bosphorus dinner cruise ticket?
You do not need to buy a ticket for the Bosphorus dinner cruise. You can request a pre-reservation a few days in advance. After your reservation request, you will be notified of the transfer time and your reservation will be finalized.
How to pay for the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
There is no need to prepay or pay online for the Bosphorus dinner cruise. After making a reservation request, you can pay on the boat with cash or credit card. You can make your cash payment in Turkish lira, dollar, or euro.
What is included in the Bosphorus dinner cruise price?
Bosphorus dinner cruise is an all-inclusive tour. Dinner, Turkish night shows, unlimited drinks, and hotel transfers are included.
Where is the Bosphorus dinner cruise pier?
The departure pier of the Bosphorus dinner cruise ship is Kabataş pier. It is within walking distance of Dolmabahçe Palace and next to the IDO boat pier.
Is there free transfer from the hotels on the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
On the Bosphorus dinner cruise, there is a free transfer service from central hotels on the European side of Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Kabatas, Taksim, Şişhane, Karaköy, Sirkeci, Yenikapı, Laleli, Pera, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Aksaray, Eninönü, Cemberlitaş, Beyazıt, Harbiye, Beyoğlu).
Is there free transfer from the Istanbul Asia side on the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
Unfortunately, there are no transfers from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul. If you are staying in a hotel on the Asian side, you have to come to Kabataş pier yourself. You can reach Kabataş pier in 15-20 minutes by ship from Kadıköy pier. Since the tour ends around 23:30 in the evening, it is very difficult to go back by public transport. For this reason, we recommend that you return by taxi.
Is there a transfer from Airbnb?
Unfortunately, there is no transfer service from Airbnb. For our Airbnb customers, they are notified of the location of a hotel within walking distance of their location, and a transfer service is provided from that point.
How do get to the boat by public transport?
The easiest way to get to Kabataş pier, where the boat departs, is by tram. When you get on the tram going in the direction of Kabataş, you should get off at the last stop, Kabataş. The pier is right across from the station.
If you are coming by your car, you can park your car at Dolmabahçe palace car park. Kabataş pier is 5 minutes walking distance from Dolmabahçe Palace.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is a kind of boat tour on the Bosphorus with Turkish food, appetizers, and drinks. It also offers the opportunity to see some entertainment, such as boat tours, Turkish belly dance, Turkish folk shows, and much more. The Bosphorus dinner cruise is the best way to explore the Bosphorus.
After a romantic dinner, you can enjoy some entertainment offered by professional teams. This tour is incredible for Whirling Dervish, Turkish belly dances, caucasian dance, belly group show, Turkish folk fance, Belly Dancer, and more. You can continue reading our article for more about our Bosphorus Dinner Cruise options.
How much does the Bosphorus Dinner cruise cost?
The dinner cruise on the Bosphorus has three different package offers. The prices for these packages start from 45€. These are as follows:
1- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show
Soft Drinks in this option: 45 €. Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks cost 60 €. We pick up our guests from their hotels and drop them off at their hotels. Our departure time is between 7-8 pm, and events lasts 3.5 hours. There is a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before our event starts.
2- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Ottoman Night
Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Ottoman Night show, cruise the Bosphorus on a 3.5-hour dinner cruise and enjoy the magnificent view of the Ottoman palaces and the Blue Mosque under the magic of evening illuminations. Enjoy unlimited drinks and live entertainment on board. Moreover, soft Drinks in this option: 40 €. Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks cost 55 €.
How long is Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?
In general, our dinner tours take about 3.5 hours. Apart from that, you can customize this service with our Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with a Private Yacht option.
3- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Yacht
The combination of panoramic Bosphorus views, delicious Turkish food, and attentive service on board make this a great place for an unforgettable dinner in Istanbul. In this option, the prices vary according to your wishes. Take-off is also optional. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or airport are offered.
Two-and-a-half-hour dinner cruise with Turkish buffet and live Turkish Night show (folk dance, belly dancer, live band). Boarding around 8 PM, sails past Dolmabahçe Palace and under the Bosphorus Bridge. From €30 per person — soft drinks included, English-speaking guide onboard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We serve an open buffet dinner with traditional Turkish cuisine including grilled meats, fresh salads, rice dishes, mezze, and seasonal desserts. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Yes. The dinner cruise includes a Turkish Night show with belly dancing, whirling dervish performance, and traditional folk dances. Live music plays throughout the evening.
The dinner cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, departing in the evening. Plenty of time to enjoy dinner, watch the shows, and take in the illuminated Bosphorus views.
Soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are included. Alcoholic beverages including local wine, beer, and raki are available for purchase on board at reasonable prices.
Yes, families are welcome. Children enjoy the shows and the boat experience. We can arrange a kids-friendly menu if you let us know in advance.
Smart casual is perfect. There is no strict dress code, but most guests dress nicely since it is an evening event. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be on a boat.
Absolutely. Let us know in advance and we can arrange a cake, decorations, and a special announcement during the evening. Many guests choose the dinner cruise for celebrations.
Yes. Our Private Bosphorus Dinner Yacht Cruise gives you a yacht exclusively for your group with a custom menu and flexible timing.
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Wedding Anniversary
Victor Chen (verified owner) –
For a special celebration, the Gold Package delivers an elevated experience. The private seating area is calm and spacious. The service is personalized; our server remembered our drink preferences. The food quality was a notch above, with more elegant presentation. The view is uninterrupted and spectacular. You still feel the energy of the shows but are insulated from the main crowd. The inclusion of imported alcoholic drinks was appreciated. It’s a pricey option, but it reframes the entire evening into a luxurious, romantic affair rather than a boisterous group tour. We felt very well taken care of.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Victor! The Gold Package for a special celebration is the perfect choice. Calm, spacious, and personalized — we’re honored we could make your evening memorable!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Elias Vance (verified owner) –
A very enjoyable and well-organized tour. The pick-up was on time. The coach was comfortable. The boat had ample seating, though window seats go fast. The dinner was a pleasant surprise; the starters were excellent and my mixed grill was flavorful. The unlimited local drinks are a fantastic deal—the wine was quite good. The entertainment was lively and professional, with a good mix of traditional and interactive acts. The views are, of course, the main attraction and they did not disappoint. It’s a long evening but it never dragged. Good value for a complete night out with transport included.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Elias! On-time pickup and comfortable coaches set the tone for the evening. Great tip about window seats going fast — early boarding definitely helps!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Ayla Tan (verified owner) –
This cruise was a magnificent experience. The coordination was seamless from hotel pickup to return. The boat was elegant and not overcrowded. We enjoyed a delicious meal with an extensive selection of mezes and a perfectly cooked main course. The cultural show was the highlight—each performance was authentic, passionate, and incredibly skilled. The whirling dervish was a moving, spiritual display. Gliding on the Bosphorus with the city lights twinkling was magical. The staff were all courteous and efficient. A perfect synthesis of fine dining, cultural immersion, and breathtaking sightseeing. Highly recommended.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ayla! Seamless coordination and an elegant, uncrowded boat — that’s exactly the experience we aim for. So happy the Bosphorus dinner cruise was magnificent for you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Ethan Reed (verified owner) –
A fun and well-organized night out. The all-inclusive package offers great convenience. The pickup was on time. The boat is spacious, though window seats are limited. The food was decent; the meze platter was good. The open bar with local drinks is a fantastic value. The entertainment is lively and gets the crowd involved. The night views of the city and bridges are stunning. It’s a boisterous, party-like atmosphere. The return transfer was smooth. For an all-inclusive evening that delivers on its promises, it’s a solid choice and good value for a fun night.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ethan! The all-inclusive package offers great convenience indeed. Good tip about window seats — getting on board early is always a smart move!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Finn O’Reilly (verified owner) –
The Gold Package transformed the dinner cruise into a luxurious event. The private seating area was spacious and quiet, with the best views on the boat. The dedicated service was impeccable—attentive yet unobtrusive. The meal was superior to the standard offering, with higher-quality ingredients and preparation. We enjoyed the vibrant entertainment from a comfortable distance. Having premium drinks included was a nice perk. While it is a splurge, the level of comfort, privacy, and personalized service made our anniversary feel extraordinarily special. It’s the difference between a group tour and a private celebration.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Finn! The Gold Package is designed to be a truly special experience, and we are thrilled it delivered for you. The private seating and premium views make all the difference. Hope to host you again!
Rohan Singh (verified owner) –
We celebrated a special birthday with the Gold Package and it was perfect. The private table provided an intimate setting with breathtaking, uninterrupted views. The service was exceptional—attentive, personalized, and seamless. The gourmet dinner options were delicious and beautifully presented. We enjoyed the vibrant shows from our exclusive area without the crowd. The premium drink selection was appreciated. The price is high, but for a special occasion, the enhanced comfort, privacy, and elevated experience made it a memorable and luxurious celebration. We felt truly pampered.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Happy birthday celebration, Rohan! The Gold Package is perfect for special milestones. We are thrilled the private table and breathtaking views made your birthday unforgettable!
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Happy belated birthday, Rohan! The Gold Package’s intimate private table with breathtaking views was made for celebrations just like yours. So glad it was perfect!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Oscar Diaz (verified owner) –
A well-organized tour that offers convenience and fun. The door-to-door service is a major advantage. The boat is large and offers great views from the outer decks. The dinner was decent; the mezes were tasty, the main course was average. The unlimited drinks package is excellent value and well-managed. The entertainment is professional and interactive, creating a lively party atmosphere. The night-time scenery along the Bosphorus is the star and does not disappoint. It’s not a quiet or gourmet experience, but for a fun, social night out with everything included, it’s a great choice and good value.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Oscar! The door-to-door service is one of our most appreciated features, and we are glad the views from the upper deck impressed you. We hope to welcome you back!
Ravi Singh (verified owner) –
This was an exceptional experience that beautifully blended entertainment, dining, and sightseeing. The organization was seamless. The boat was elegant and we had a wonderful table. The food was delicious—the variety of mezes was impressive, and the fish main course was perfectly cooked. The cultural show was the highlight: authentic, vibrant, and utterly captivating. Each performance told a story. Seeing Istanbul’s historic landmarks lit up from the water was breathtaking. The staff were all courteous and professional. It was a perfect introduction to Turkish nightlife and a magical way to see the city. An absolute must-do.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ravi! We are delighted the magnificent evening and seamless coordination met your expectations. A lovely uncrowded boat is what every guest deserves!
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ravi! We are delighted the evening was magnificent and the coordination seamless. A lovely, uncrowded boat with delicious food is what we strive for. Hope to see you again!
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you so much, Ravi! We are delighted you found the blend of entertainment, dining, and sightseeing exceptional. The Bosphorus truly offers a magical backdrop. Hope to see you again!
Sebastian Thorne (verified owner) –
The Gold Package offers a significant upgrade in comfort. The private table near the prow provided unobstructed, breathtaking views throughout the cruise. The service was discreet and prompt, with our glasses never empty. The dinner menu had a wider selection; the sea bass was excellent. While you share the boat, the Gold section feels like a separate, calmer bubble. You experience all the vibrant shows without the crowded hustle. For a special occasion where atmosphere and service are paramount, it’s a worthwhile investment. The imported spirits were a nice bonus, and the overall feeling was one of exclusive luxury.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Sebastian! The Gold Package is designed for exactly that — unobstructed views and premium comfort. We’re thrilled the private table at the prow delivered the experience you were hoping for!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Soraya Vaziri (verified owner) –
An absolutely magnificent evening. The coordination was seamless. The boat was lovely and not overcrowded. We enjoyed a delicious meal with an extensive selection of mezes and a perfectly grilled main course. The cultural performances were outstanding—authentic, passionate, and deeply engaging. The whirling dervish was a spiritual highlight. Sailing on the Bosphorus as the city lights shimmered was magical. The entire crew was friendly and professional. This cruise offers a perfect package of sightseeing, dining, and cultural entertainment. A highlight of our Istanbul trip and highly recommended.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Soraya! A lovely, uncrowded boat with delicious food and seamless coordination — that’s the Bosphorus evening we love to create. Glad it was absolutely magnificent!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team