Lotus Yat

Jul 30, 20213 min

Top 10 Sights You Must See in Istanbul by Boat at Bosphorus Cruises

Updated: Dec 22, 2023

1. Historical Peninsula

The historical peninsula of Istanbul, which can fill the entire list. The view of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, historical walls and Gulhane Park fascinates everyone at the entrance of the Bosphorus. Sit back and enjoy the view on bosphorus cruises by Lotus Yachts.

2. Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower, which has witnessed the history of Istanbul, was built on a small islet on the shores of Salacak. The Maiden's Tower, which has been used for different purposes such as the army headquarters or checkpoint, exile, quarantine room of ships entering the Bosphorus for thousands of years, continues to serve its visitors as a restaurant and museum today.

3. Bosphorus Bridges

Perhaps the first sight that comes to mind when talking about the Bosphorus is the bridges between Asia and Europe. You will be surprised to see how magnificent and impressive the bridges are from the Bosphorus waters, which are decorated with the lights of Istanbul, especially at sunset and evening.

4. Golden Horn

Perhaps the busiest point of Istanbul's waters is the entrance to the Golden Horn. Fishermen on the Galata Bridge swinging their fishing rods, city lines that carry passengers between Asia and Europe without stopping, the magnificent historical peninsula on one side and Karaköy and Galata Tower on the other. From this perspective, the Golden Horn is one of the most beautiful paintings that describe Istanbul.

5. Haydarpaşa Train Station

Haydarpaşa train station, built in the early 1900s on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, is the starting point of the train line connecting Istanbul to Anatolia (Asian land of Turkey). The building, which was closed in 2010 due to a fire and planned to reopen in 2021, is one of the most important symbols of Kadıköy.

6. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace, which was opened for use in 1856, is one of the most impressive structures on the Beşiktaş coast. Dolmabahçe Palace, which receives thousands of visitors every day and more than a million visitors a year, has turned its beautiful face, which it did not show to the land, to the Bosphorus. The palace, which is also actively used by the Presidency, is one of the most beautiful structures on the Bosphorus.

7. Çırağan Palace

Another magnificent palace on the Beşiktaş coastline is Çırağan Palace, which is used as a hotel today. The building, which became irrelevant after the fire that broke out when it was used as a parliament at the beginning of the twentieth century, was put into service in 1990 after the restorations it went through. The building, which is a magnificent image of the Bosphorus, serves as a hotel today and hosts important activities, like wedding ceremonies or important events.

8. Ortaköy Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Mecidiye Mosque and with the Bosphorus Bridge behind it, has been one of the pearls of the Bosphorus since 1853, creating one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul. Discover this unique landscape, which has been the subject of many movies, from the Bosphorus.

9. Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, whose construction was completed in 1865, stands next to the Bosphorus with its mansions, set gardens and eye-catching architecture. A part of Beylerbeyi Palace, which hosted the important leaders of history from past to present, serves as a museum today.

10. Rumeli Fortress

The fortress, which was built in 1452 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to protect the Bosphorus line, directly opposite of Anadolu Hisarı, has not lost anything from its first day's splendor.

Rumeli Fortress, which is in very good condition, is used as a museum and concert venue today.
 

Bonus:

Judas Trees during Bosphorus Cruises

Judas tree is one of the symbols of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires as well as Istanbul. Its flowers, which bloom for a few weeks at the end of April, surround the Bosphorus and herald the arrival of spring by creating unique landscapes in the Bosphorus. If you are in Istanbul this season, do not miss the opportunity to take a boat tour on the Bosphorus.

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