Dinners in Istanbul

Dinner cruises in Istanbul offer a delightful culinary experience, immersing travelers in the vibrant flavors and cultural traditions of Turkish cuisine.

These cruises provide an opportunity to explore the diverse gastronomic scene, while also being captivated by live performers promoting the vibrant culture of the city.

You can take in the sights of this metropolis from the deck of a luxury dinner yacht, or venture into the bustling streets on foot if you prefer. Whatever your choice, you'll discover a unique view of Istanbul.

Here's all you need to know about dinner cruises, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Istanbul.

What are the most popular dinner tours in Istanbul?

Dinner cruises in Istanbul are the most popular way to discover the rich flavors of the city, but you can also explore the culinary scene on land.

Bosphorus dinner cruises

Set off on mesmerizing dinner cruise in Istanbul as you glide along the Bosphorus, where enchanting vistas are on the menu. A luxurious yacht awaits to immerse you in a captivating show featuring the rich tapestry of traditional Turkish folk dancing, including whirling dervishes and belly dancing.

You will also indulge in a delectable dinner accompanied by refreshing drinks, all while being treated to breathtaking sights such as the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, the iconic Galata Tower, and the awe-inspiring Bosphorus Bridge.

Whether it's dining on succulent kebabs, savoring traditional meze dishes, or relishing the delights of Turkish desserts, these dinner cruises allow visitors to discover the smorgasbord of flavors that make Turkish cuisine so special.

Alongside the culinary delights, these tours provide insights into Istanbul's history and culture, creating a truly immersive experience that combines food, ambiance, and hospitality in a memorable evening of culinary exploration.

Istanbul by night Turkish dinner tour

This unique tour takes you away from the tourist-trodden routes, unveiling hidden gems of Istanbul's gastronomic landscape and allowing you to discover the finest flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Experience the art of kebab-making, taste freshly baked 'simit' and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of a lively Turkish tapas bar where live music and Turkish meze complete the evening.

Are there any combos available with dinner tours in Istanbul?

Small group sightseeing tour with dinner show

This convenient 2-in-1 tour combo in Istanbul shows you the best of the city and its culture. Start the day with a blitz tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. At the end of the day, you will have 2 hours of downtime at your hotel before heading to one of the city’s most famous restaurants for a hypnotizing folklore show and dinner.

Turkish dinner and dervish show combo

Combine the best of Turkish food and culture with this combo dinner tour in Istanbul. Start the evening with a 1-hour show by Rumi dancers performing the iconic whirling dervish ritual. After the show, you will be transported to a Turkish kebab restaurant where you will indulge in the finest fare the city has to offer.

Which places will you visit?

A dinner cruise in Istanbul is a fabulous way to see the city’s many architectural wonders lit up at night. These are some of the landmarks you will see as you cruise down the Bosphorus at night:

Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge, also known as the First Bridge, is an iconic landmark connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Turkey.

Spanning across the Bosphorus Strait, it serves as a vital transportation link and a symbol of unity between the two continents.

The Bosphorus Bridge attracts both locals and tourists with its mammoth size which offers a memorable experience crossing between two continents in a single stride.

Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi, is an iconic structure situated on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait. This tower has served various purposes throughout the centuries, including as a lighthouse, a defensive fortres, and a quarantine station.

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is a magnificent Ottoman-era mosque located in the Ortaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, right on the edge of the Bosphorus. It showcases a harmonious fusion of Baroque and traditional Ottoman architectural styles, making it a visually captivating landmark.

With its elegant design, stunning waterfront location, and intricate interior decoration, the mosque has become a popular attraction and the view of this icon at night is spellbinding.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is a grand palace located on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait. It served as the main administrative center and residence for the Ottoman sultans and dates back to the mid-19th century.

Its opulent exterior is unmistakable and is only rivaled by its Neoclassical and Baroque-influenced interior. Your Istanbul dinner cruise offers remarkable views of the palace that can only be enjoyed from the Bosphorus.

How much do dinner tours in Istanbul cost?

A basic dinner cruise in Istanbul starts from around US$30 per person. If you would like to add transportation to and from your hotel it will cost around US$40 per person while the all-inclusive option with transportation and alcohol costs around US$50 per person.

A tour of Istanbul’s eateries by night costs US$240 per person and includes multiple stops where you will eat an assortment of delicious Turkish dishes.

Combo dinner tours in Istanbul tours are a great money-saving option. You will pay as little as US$80 per person for dinner and a Whirling Dervish combo tour that includes transportation. Alternatively, opt for a more comprehensive combo that includes several sightseeing stops and a dinner cruise for US$220 per person.

What is included with a dinner tour?

Dinner cruises in Istanbul are comprehensive experiences with lots of inclusions. On the food front, you can look forward to a massive spread of appetizers, warm mains, deserts, sodas and Turkish coffee and tea. There are also extra options that will include alcoholic beverages and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Your dinner cruise in Istanbul will also include a fabulous live show featuring Turkish folk music and dancing.

Exploring Istanbul by night on a dinner tour also includes hotel transportation, two glasses of raki, Turkish coffee and tea, several tastings as well as generous helpings of kebab, meze and soup. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide and you will be treated to live music.

Where does they start?

Istanbul dinner cruises take place on the luxury yachts docked near Galata port. Each yacht has a different location but they are all within walking distance from public transport and taxi drop-off areas.

Your tour operator will send clear directions to get to their dock along with the name of the boat you will be boarding. You could also opt for the extra service of hotel pick-up if you want a more convenient experience.

How long do they last?

Most dinner cruises in Istanbul last between 3 and 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to savor your meal and the sights. An evening dinner tour also lasts about 4 hours.

A sightseeing trip and dinner combo lasts 8 hours and there is some downtime in-between the two activities.

Are they wheelchair friendly?

Most dinner cruises in Istanbul are wheelchair accessible but there are a few exceptions. Mobility-impaired visitors are advised to check with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure that the specific boat they are booking on is wheelchair accessible as well as the transportation to and from the hotel.

When should you take a dinner cruise in Istanbul?

The best time for a dinner cruise in Istanbul would be in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). At this time of year, the city isn't bustling with tourists, and the weather is ideal for a dinner cruise. You can enjoy the cool evening breeze and see the city lights reflect off the Bosphorus.

Summer months (June to August) offer warmer evenings, but this is also peak tourist season and you may find that these cruises get crowded.

Travel tips

• Dinner cruises can get fully booked, especially during peak tourist season. It's advisable to reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Even in the warmer months, it can get chilly on the water, especially in the evening. It's a good idea to bring a light jacket or wrap. While the dress code on most dinner cruises isn't strict, you might want to opt for smart casual attire.
• If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, check the menu before booking. Some cruises may offer only a set menu, while others might have a more extensive à la carte selection or buffet.
• Get to your departure point with plenty of time to spare. The last thing you want is to be stressed or, worse, miss the boat because you were running late!
• The views of the city, the Bosphorus Strait, and the historic landmarks lit up at night is truly stunning. Make sure your camera or phone is charged and has plenty of storage space!