The 13 Best Asian Side Tours in Istanbul

1.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,251 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60Our pick

Cruise Istanbul’s Bosphorus for about 2.5 hours on a comfortable yacht, with English commentary, tea, coffee, snacks, and a short Kanlıca stop on the Asian side. Pickup is available in Sultanahmet, Taksim, Karaköy, and Sirkeci. Guides have included Asha, Serdar, Marat, and Murat.

“This was a lovely boat and friendly crew. The tour guide was funny and easy to listen to. The sites were interesting. There were lots of things to eat and drink including nuts, cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit, water, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee. Our only complaint was that the yogurt they recommended we try on the Asia side was incredibly overpriced and they didn’t tell you until it was too late. There are other yogurt shops near the boat and in the city you could go to. Each yogurt was approximately $5 USD.”

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2.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,657 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the Sunset Bosphorus yacht, passing palaces, mosques, bridges, and fortresses on both shores. Guides such as Nahed, Serdar, and Senol provide commentary, while tea, coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi, and blankets add comfort. A short Kanlıca stop brings Turkish yogurt and coffee.

“This was a very well organised trip, from before we were collected we were informed by WhatsApp of the exact vehicle picking us up (photos too) to how we were treated through the 2.5 hour trip. From stepping onto the boat we were given drinks and snacks and throughout the trip we received more drinks and snacks. Nahed gave commentary throughout the trip and she obviously knows her stuff, very informative and lovely and friendly; all the staff on board were. Highly recommended trip.”

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3.Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,195 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $12Best value

Spend about three hours cruising between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, mosques, fortresses, and bridges before stopping near Beylerbeyi. Choose morning or afternoon departures, or a shorter night sailing. Commentary is offered in English, with some departures also using Russian.

“The two-hour boat trip was fascinating, and when it rained we were served hot tea and snacks. Our guide was very well-informed and shared great historical facts throughout”

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4.Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,043 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $28

Spend 2.5 hours on a 25-meter yacht cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. An English-speaking guide points out palaces, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront districts. Enjoy tea, Turkish coffee, fruit, pastries, and a short Kanlica stop for local yogurt or ice cream.

“Tour was good. Everything was fantastic, even the duration. Everything as prescribed. No negative feedback from my side. Best regards”

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5.European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,038 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $135

Spend 5.5 hours eating across Istanbul with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 10. Start near the Spice Bazaar, then cross by ferry to Kadıköy and Moda for kebab, dolma, tantuni, kokoreç, baklava, Turkish coffee, and dondurma.

“Selen was an amazing guide and had so much useful information about where different foods originated and how it reflected Istanbul's multicultural history. Absolutely recommend!!”

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6.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 925 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Cruise between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores aboard a comfortable yacht, passing palaces, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront districts. An English-speaking guide such as Sinan or Deniz adds history and humor, while tea, coffee, fruit, pastries, and a Kanlıca stop round out the 2.5-hour trip.

“A lovely yacht and the guide and staff on board were excellent. Easy to find meeting point, was sent pictures on WhatsApp the day before, then a short walk to the yacht. A good selection of complimentary snacks with tea and coffee whilst cruising both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. A 30 minute stop on the Asian side. All in all a good way to spend 2.5 hours in Istanbul.”

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7.Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Tour – Asian Side Stop & Exploration

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 697 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Spend about 2.5 hours on a yacht between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. An English-speaking guide, possibly Serdar Cengiz, explains the palaces, mosques, bridges, and fortresses, with snacks, tea, Turkish coffee, and a short Kanlıca stop.

“It is a great way to see the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in 2.5 hours. Guide is really knowledgeable, too .”

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8.Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Experience – Asian Side Visit in Kanlica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 590 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Spend about two and a half hours cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. Expect live English commentary, tea, Turkish coffee, water, fruit, Turkish delight, and a 30-minute stop in Kanlıca for its famous yogurt. Guides may include Murat or İkbal, though assignments vary.

“Great cruise along the stunning Bosphorous with a very knowledgeable guide and delicious food. Loved every minute”

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9.Half Day Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard a comfortable, restroom-equipped boat between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. A guide points out palaces, bridges, fortresses, the Maiden’s Tower, and the Old City, with snacks, tea, coffee, water, and a Kanlica stop included. Murad has been praised for his helpful guiding.

“I couldn’t do this activity due to error of Viator. I double booked the activity due to a message I received that my cruise is cancelled. Viator refused to provide a refund.”

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10.Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise – Stopover in Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Spend about 2.5 hours cruising the Bosphorus in a spacious yacht with English commentary, tea, coffee, snacks, and views of Ottoman palaces, bridges, and waterfront districts. You will stop in Asian-side Kanlica for its famous yogurt before returning to Dolmabahçe Mosque.

“Great!! Everything was flawless: the boat, the guide, the views, and everything else. The guide was very well informed about the places we are passing by, gave us a lot of info and juicy gossips mixed all together in a delicious experience.”

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11.Istanbul Kadikoy Food Tour with 12+ Local Delicacies Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Spend about three hours walking Kadikoy with a local English-speaking guide such as Melis or Jeremy. Taste Turkish breakfast, menemen, muhlama, pide, lahmacun, baklava, coffee, tea, wine, ayran, and a secret dish while learning about food and neighborhood life.

“Great conversation, great food. Kind of experience one would miss if you did not travel around with someone from the city. Not just about the food but the neighbourhoods, quaint streets and off the beaten track places Gunes took us to.”

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12.Asian Side Walking Tour with Ferry Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 224 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $29

Meet at Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar, cross to Kadıköy by public ferry, and walk its food market, antiques street, bar lanes, shopping avenue, and umbrella street. Guides such as Haluk and Emre add local food tips, transport advice, and sunset views across the historic peninsula.

“fantastic experience... I would include the fee for the ferry back as an optional add on.”

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13.Taste of Turkey on Two Continents: From European Istanbul to Asian Kadikoy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $132

Start with Turkish breakfast near Eminönü, sample börek and menemen, then cross by ferry to Kadıköy for local snacks, lunch, coffee, and sweets. Groups stay small, with a maximum of eight. Guides including Erol, Gamze, Elif, Kim, and Tolga bring food, history, and neighborhood insight together.

“My partner and I got a private tour because there were no others. Our guide Gamze was incredible. She is a true local with extensive knowledge of not only the cuisine but history too. She was very personable and passionate which made the tour unforgettable. Highly recommend doing this tour within the first few days of your stay in Istanbul.”

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