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Sunset is the best time to be on the Bosphorus. The light turns the palaces and mosques gold, and the city switches on its lights as you sail between Europe and Asia. Here are two ways to do it: a guided yacht cruise or a public ferry with your Istanbulkart.
Option 1: guided sunset cruise on a yacht
This guided yacht cruise sails past Dolmabahçe Palace and up to Rumeli Fortress as the sun goes down, with a live guide on board. Canapés, homemade lemonade and tea are served during the cruise.
Quick facts
- Type: guided yacht cruise at sunset with a live guide
- On board: canapés, homemade lemonade and tea
- Sights: Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress along the way
- Rating: 4.9/5 from about 4,000 reviews on GetYourGuide (October 2026)
- Pier and times: shown on the booking page and in your confirmation
Option 2: do it yourself on a public ferry
If you’d rather keep it simple, the public ferries are a cheap way to see the Bosphorus at sunset, and most take the Istanbulkart.
- Bosphorus tour ferry: the public sightseeing ferry from Eminönü sails up the strait. Check the timetable and ticket options before you go.
- Commuter ferries: short crossings like Eminönü–Kadıköy or Beşiktaş–Üsküdar cost one Istanbulkart fare and give great sunset views of the old city skyline.
See our self-guided Bosphorus by ferry trip and the ferry section of Getting Around.
Yacht cruise or ferry: which is right for you?
| Guided yacht cruise | Public ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher, but snacks and drinks included | One Istanbulkart fare or a ferry ticket |
| Guide | Live guide on board | None, so bring a map app |
| Crowds | Limited to the people on the boat | Can be busy at rush hour |
| Best for | Couples, special evenings, first-time visitors | Budget travellers, spontaneous plans |
When is sunset in Istanbul?
Sunset is around 4:40pm in December and around 8:40pm in late June. Most sunset cruises shift their departure time through the year, so check the time on the day you book.
Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer. It gets windy on the water once the sun goes down.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the yacht cruise leave from?
The pier and meeting point are shown on the booking page and in your confirmation. Plan your route there with our Getting Around guide.
Can I see the sunset from a regular ferry?
Yes. Any ferry crossing around sunset gives you great views, and you pay with your Istanbulkart.
Catch the sunset on the Bosphorus
See available times and book the yacht cruise on GetYourGuide.