A dinner cruise in Istanbul is an evening on the Bosphorus with a meal, drinks and a Turkish night show on board. It is very different from a daytime sightseeing cruise: the palaces and bridges are lit up, the music is live and the mood is festive. Here is what the evening looks like from pick-up to drop-off, so you know exactly what you are booking.
Still deciding between a shared cruise with a show and a private yacht dinner? Our guide to types of Bosphorus dinner cruise compares them.
Timing: how the evening runs
- Hotel pick-up: transfers from central hotels usually start between about 19:00 and 19:45. You will be told your exact pick-up time after booking.
- Boarding at Kabataş: the boat leaves from Kabataş pier on the European side, and the cruise begins around 20:30.
- Dinner and show: for around 3.5 hours the boat cruises the Bosphorus while dinner is served and the entertainment programme runs.
- Return: the boat returns to the pier late in the evening, and the transfer takes you back to your hotel.
Free transfers cover central areas on the European side, including Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Çemberlitaş, Beyazıt, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapı, Karaköy, Kabataş, Taksim, Şişhane, Pera, Beyoğlu, Harbiye, Nişantaşı and Şişli. Times and the areas covered can change, so check them on the Bosphorus dinner cruise with Turkish night show page.
The dinner menu
Dinner follows a classic Turkish format: cold starters, salad, a main course of your choice and dessert. You choose your main course and drinks option when you book.
- Welcome drink and ten kinds of cold mezes (starters)
- Fresh seasonal salad
- Main course, with four choices:
- Grilled fish with rocket, onion and lemon
- Grilled chicken with rice and potatoes
- Grilled meatballs (köfte) with rice and potatoes
- Vegetarian dish: curried rice, sautéed vegetables and oven-baked potatoes
- Dessert: baklava and fruit
- Unlimited soft drinks, or unlimited local alcoholic drinks, depending on your package
- Unlimited tea and coffee
Read more about traditional Turkish drinks and Turkish desserts such as baklava. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you book.
The Turkish night show
The entertainment is the heart of the evening. Performers move between regional folk dances and the more theatrical acts, and guests are often invited to join in at the end.
- Whirling dervish performance
- Turkish folk dances from different regions
- Caucasian dances
- Turkish Roma (gypsy) dance
- Aşık Maşuk, a playful folk performance
- Rhythm show
- Belly dancer solo and group show
- DJ music to finish the night
For the background to each act, see what is a Turkish night show.
The dinner cruise boat
The boat has three decks with indoor and outdoor areas, a kitchen, a bar and a stage area for the show. Dinner is served indoors, and you can step out onto the open decks between courses for photos of the illuminated shoreline.
What is included in the price?
The price covers dinner, the hotel transfer from central hotels and the Turkish night entertainment. The only thing that changes the price is the drinks option: soft drinks or local alcoholic drinks.
Prices change by season. See our current Bosphorus cruise prices, or ask us for a private yacht quote.
What to wear and tips for the night
- Dress is smart casual. There is no formal dress code, but most guests dress up a little for the evening.
- Bring a light jacket or scarf. It is windy on the open deck, even in summer.
- Be ready in your hotel lobby a few minutes before your pick-up time.
- If you are staying on the Asian side, make your own way to Kabataş pier: take the T1 tram to its last stop, Kabataş, and the pier is right across from the station.
- Prefer a quieter evening with your own group? A private dinner cruise on a yacht lets you set the menu, music and timing.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Istanbul dinner cruise start?
Hotel pick-ups usually start between about 19:00 and 19:45, and the cruise begins around 20:30. It lasts around 3.5 hours.
What should I wear on a Bosphorus dinner cruise?
Smart casual clothes are fine. Bring a light jacket or scarf, because the open deck can be windy and cool at night.
Is there a vegetarian option on the dinner cruise?
Yes. The main course has four choices, including a vegetarian dish. Mention any allergies or dietary needs when you book.
Are drinks included on the dinner cruise?
Yes. Depending on your package, you get unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks, plus tea and coffee.
See the Bosphorus on your own yacht
A private yacht cruise with captain and crew, only for your group: sunset, dinner or a full day on the strait. Book directly with a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul operator.
More from our Istanbul guide
- What Is a Turkish Night Show? Dinner, Music and Dance in IstanbulBosphorus and cruises
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruises in Istanbul: Which Type to ChooseBosphorus and cruises
- Istanbul Bosphorus Guide: Landmarks, Villages and CruisesBosphorus and cruises
- Best Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul: Which One to ChooseBosphorus and cruises