What to do in Istanbul: a walk along the Bosporus

Looking at Istanbul from a ship passing you on the Bosporus, you can see what you can't see from the shore, feel the atmosphere of real oriental color with notes of European restraint and Asian noise of the metropolis.

For a quick and most complete observation of the waters of the Bosporus, ship tours with all possible amenities are organized. Costs start at 15 liras/adult for a private ship (~2.5€) and 12 liras (€1.85) for a state-owned liner. Ships depart from Eminonü pier, and the ticket can be bought directly 15-20 minutes before the tour starts. The duration of the short route is 1.5 hours, private boats depart every 30 minutes (the pier to the left of the main pier ticket office) and the state ferry departs daily at 14.35 from the main pier.

Very often, on the way back, guests disembark at Ortaköy and visit the colorful area with the majestic and photogenic mosque. On the way back, starting at 13.00, there are boat trips every hour to Eminonü Marina, also costing 12 liras (€1.85).

Ortaköy is famous for Istanbul's popular delicacies: kumpir - large boiled potatoes with all kinds of fillings (the more the better): black and green olives, seafood or meat, vegetables and herbs, seasoned with mayonnaise or olive paste; also popular is the dessert waffle (made of sweet waffles with fruit, cream and chocolate paste). Kumpir is considered street food; local vendors prepare it right on the street, picking the filling in front of the customer. The price is from €3. This "calorie portion" is extremely tasty on the seafront of the district, where you can sit down on a terrace and watch the seagulls, the Bosporus Bridge, the turbulent waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. And if you are here in the evening, you will also admire the illumination of the majestic Bosporus Bridge.

For lovers of romance we suggest a sunset cruise or an evening cruise with entertainment and dinner on board, but in autumn and winter such evening cruises can be quite chilly due to strong winds. If you choose a walk in the afternoon, the tour will cost €25-50 (the price depends on the entertainment program and dinner menu), if only an evening cruise - about €10-20.

A more budget-friendly option is the public sea transportation vampur. Walking along the Galata Bridge, you can see many ferries that run between the Asian and European parts of the city - these are the ones used by locals. This form of public transportation is very popular, as for 2.5 lira (€0.3) and 20 minutes you can get home or to work without traffic jams. Also, it is the most budget-friendly option for a seaside mini-vacation for tourists. On board the ship, don't forget to try the Turkish delicacy simit. It is a traditional sesame seed bun that can be filled with nutella or peynir goat cheese. Also try the popular strong black tea bardak çay or the famous Turkish coffee Mehmet Efendi, the most famous brand of the first major coffee supplier (the first stores selling coffee roasted beans were opened back in 1871).

Upon arrival after a walk to the pier, do not refuse yourself the pleasure to try another type of street food - balik ekmek - it is grilled fish with vegetables and spices, wrapped in pita bread or bun, seasoned with spices, pomegranate sauce and lemon juice. It is very interesting to watch the process of preparation of this delicacy, as fish is cooked on the ship decorated in pirate style with elements of oriental luxury, and freshly cooked pita or bread is brought to the visitors on the pier. From drinks you will be offered a turnip drink with pickled pepper (the taste is a bit like brine). For such a "pirate set" pay only 2-2,5€.

As you can see, traveling along the Bosporus in Istanbul is quite interesting and very budget-friendly. Do not forget that even in summer time on the ship can be cool, so you should not forget a windbreaker. Enjoy your trip!