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.

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Things to do near Bosphorus Bridge

Near the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including engaging theatre performances and vibrant shopping experiences. The area offers a unique blend of cultural attractions and modern retail opportunities, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in both the local arts scene and the bustling marketplace atmosphere.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, just 1.2km from the Bosphorus Bridge, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. Ozdilek Park Istanbul, 1.9km away, is another great option for gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Mecidiyekoy Square, also 1.9km away.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Vodafone Park, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in the rejuvenating treatments at Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam. Conclude your day with an entertaining concert at Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall, immersing yourself in Istanbul's rich cultural scene.

Adventure

Embark on the Sultans Trail, a scenic hiking path 2.5km from the Bosphorus Bridge, offering breathtaking views and adventure. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, head to Fethi Paşa Korusu, located 559m away. For thrill-seekers, Istanbul Jumping provides an exhilarating bungee jump 3.1km from the bridge.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Bosphorus Bridge at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre for a cultural evening. For a family adventure, visit The Game For Big Kids arcade. Don’t miss Uskudar Tekel Sahnesi, perfect for romance and entertainment, just a short stroll away.

Find the best attractions near Bosphorus Bridge

When visiting the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, you'll find a wealth of cultural and historic attractions, including stunning mosques and grand palaces. This area offers a perfect blend of outdoor experiences and city exploration, catering to travellers seeking to immerse themselves in local culture. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait.

  • Taksim Square: Taksim Square is a vibrant hub known for its lively atmosphere, surrounded by shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, embodying the heartbeat of modern Istanbul.
  • Dolmabahçe Palace: This stunning historic palace is a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture, offering insight into the opulent lifestyle of the sultans. Its lavish interiors and beautiful gardens provide a glimpse into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
  • Ciragan Palace: Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, Ciragan Palace is a beautiful historic building located along the Bosphorus. Today, it is a luxurious hotel, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of its architecture and stunning waterfront views.

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 (dry). 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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

For budget-friendly travel to the Bosphorus Bridge, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices, avoiding the peak summer months. Book your stay on a Saturday to save money, as Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to filter for the best deals, combining hotel, flight, and activity bookings for added savings. Look for options with free cancellation and great deals to ensure flexibility. Additionally, explore the area on foot or via affordable public transport to enjoy the stunning views without overspending.

  • 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, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. To discover the most economical prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it economical to combine your hotel reservation near the Bosphorus Bridge with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.