Experience the unique thrill of cycling across two continents, Europe and Asia, on a half-day tour from Istanbul. This journey on public ferries combines scenic routes and offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and cultural discovery.
Begin your adventure by meeting your tour leader in the historic Balat district on the European side of Istanbul. This charming area, famous for its colorful streets, traditional houses and lively atmosphere, serves as the perfect starting point for your journey. After a brief introduction, choose your bike for the day and get ready to explore the city in a unique and unforgettable way.
Take a short ride to the shores of the Golden Horn, where you will board a public ferry to cross the Bosphorus. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Istanbul skyline as the boat glides over the waters. Take incredible photos of world-famous landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque, Maiden's Tower and the majestic Bosphorus Bridge.
Once you arrive in Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul, hop on your bike and pedal along the scenic coastal routes. Your destination is the peaceful Fenerbahce Park, a picturesque retreat by the sea. Along the way, your guide will stop at key points to share fascinating insights into the history, culture and local life of the area. This part of the journey offers a great mix of physical activity and cultural exploration.
After cycling through lively streets and quiet parks, we will stop at a cozy local café. Here, you can enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee while taking in the panoramic views of the Princes’ Islands in the distance. This relaxing moment will allow you to recharge and reflect on your journey so far, while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
After a rest, we will continue on to the Kadıköy Pier, a lively area known for its street art and local markets. From there, we will board another ferry for a scenic return journey to Karaköy on the European side of the city.
On the way back to Balat, you will feel a sense of accomplishment for having crossed two continents in just half a day. The tour usually ends around 14:00, depending on the group’s cycling speed.
Your tour guide will greet you at the meeting point, where you’ll select your bike and prepare to embark on an exciting journey.
We will take a ferry to cross from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul. During the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Istanbul’s iconic landmarks from the sea, offering a uniqu
Upon arriving at Üsküdar Pier, it’s time to disembark and begin exploring the scenic coastline of Istanbul’s Asian side.
After the two-hour journey, we will take a well-deserved break at a local café where you will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, during which time you will witness the magnificent views.
Kadıköy is one of the most vibrant and iconic districts on the Asian side of Istanbul. During our visit to its bustling bazaar and lively city center, you’ll encounter fascinating sights and architect
To end the tour, we board the ferry to return to the European side and head back to our meeting point.
We return our bikes, bid farewell to our guide, and depart, carrying the sense of fulfillment and contentment from a truly memorable day.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Marijn Voskamp - Netherlands
05 May
The mix of cycling and taking the ferry was a great way to explore Istanbul. Our guide, Cem, shared a lot of interesting information about the city’s history and its different neighborhoods. He also took us to a lovely spot for a delicious lunch. We had a truly enjoyable day!
Carrie Ayers - United Kingdom
09 May
Everything was very enjoyable. I joined the tour Even though the tour was conducted in English, our guide Mr. Mert kindly explained everything to me in my language as well. The attention and care were excellent. I recommend this experience to everyone.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on 49 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
The mix of cycling and taking the ferry was a great way to explore Istanbul. Our guide, Cem, shared a lot of interesting information about the city’s history and its different neighborhoods. He also took us to a lovely spot for a delicious lunch. We had a truly enjoyable day!
Helpful? Yes
Everything was very enjoyable. I joined the tour Even though the tour was conducted in English, our guide Mr. Mert kindly explained everything to me in my language as well. The attention and care were excellent. I recommend this experience to everyone.
Helpful? Yes
We were pleased to be guided on the way back to a small Bulgarian church. As non-Muslims, it’s important for us to acknowledge and appreciate the traditions of other faiths. As an architect, I found it a real pleasure to observe the remarkable restoration of this beautiful Orthodox church. We’re grateful to our guides for taking five minutes out of their schedule to let us visit this impressive site near their office. Exploring by bike is a fantastic way to get a close-up view of a country’s culture and traditions. Well done to Istanbul Bike & Boat Tours.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was both enjoyable and fun. We had a great 5 hours with Furkan, who explained everything clearly. We felt safe throughout the entire ride and would highly recommend cycling in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Poorly prepared and poorly delivered there was no storytelling at all. The guide really needs to improve in this area. It lacked any entertainment value.
Helpful? Yes
Everything was perfect. The guide and his assistant were attentive throughout the entire tour, providing explanations about the places we passed. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Helpful? Yes
We had a fantastic experience with Ikbal and Baran! They were both informative and enjoyable to be around. It was a truly unique tour with stunning views. I’d absolutely recommend it 10 out of 10!
Helpful? Yes
A big thank you to Furkan, with whom we had the pleasure of sharing a truly great moment. We appreciated the conversations and the recommendation for the best fish wrap in town! We highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys cycling and wants to explore the city from a different perspective.
Helpful? Yes
Thanks to the combination of boat and bike, we got to see a lot! Our guide, Ikbal, shared plenty of insights about the history, culture, and daily life in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
This was an outstanding tour. Our guide Ikbal met us exactly where the taxi dropped us off, even though it wasn’t the planned meeting spot. The experience was fantastic. Biking allowed us to see far more of Istanbul than other tours, covering both the European and Asian sides. I will definitely join another tour with Ikbal when I return to Istanbul. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Cycling through Istanbul was very enjoyable. The route included many hills, so an electric bike might have made things easier. I truly appreciate the efforts of our tour guide.
Helpful? Yes
A top-notch tour. Ikbal and Duzgun were fantastic guides. I gained a lot of insight about Istanbul during the bike ride. I will definitely join again if I’m back in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Ikbal is an outstanding guide. We enjoyed a wonderful and leisurely cycling tour through both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Thanks to the guide for the experience, I gained a much deeper understanding of Istanbul. The tour was a lot of fun, and I had the chance to meet some wonderful people along the way. I highly recommend this unique bike tour that covers both the European and Asian sides of the city.
Helpful? Yes
Thanks to our guide Ikbal, we discovered the most beautiful areas of Istanbul. Ikbal is an enthusiastic and friendly guide, full of knowledge about Istanbul’s history. We’re grateful for this wonderful experience!
Helpful? Yes
It felt overpriced for what was offered. While the guides were friendly, I expected more effort from them. Much of the bike ride took place in the industrial port area, and when we reached more recognizable spots, there was little to no explanation. Overall, I felt more disappointed than satisfied. We missed out on a more engaging route and a guide who could truly educate us.
Helpful? Yes
Ikbal was a knowledgeable and passionate guide. A very friendly young man who clearly enjoys what he does. The manager was also very approachable and took time to chat with us after the ride, offering plenty of extra tips. It was a fantastic way to explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was a fantastic way to explore neighborhoods on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosporus. Our second guide was unavailable, so Mustafá had to manage everything alone, but he proved to be an incredible source of knowledge about the sights and Turkish culture. After the bike tour ended, he went above and beyond to help us get back to our hotel when he found out there were no taxis and heavy traffic blocked the way. He kindly showed us how to use public transport and even accompanied us all the way to ensure we didn’t get lost. His generosity is a cherished memory from our trip.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was fantastic! Mustafa was an excellent guide who showed us various popular spots and provided great explanations. We ended the tour at a lovely place where we enjoyed a delicious fish sandwich for lunch. We highly recommend this tour as a unique way to experience a different side of Istanbul. Wishing Mustafa and the company all the best!
Helpful? Yes
The weather was pleasant, and I was able to cycle with ease. I covered a considerable distance, experiencing things I wouldn’t have without a bike. Suggestion for improvement: Since it is cycling after all, it might be better if a guide accompanied the group at each stop to provide more detailed explanations during the tour around Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Fantastic experience! The tour was both interesting and comfortable, providing plenty of information while allowing enough time to take everything in and explore. The combination of boat and bike was enjoyable. Our guide, Atakan Kayı from Istanbul, was passionate, genuine, and knowledgeable. It was refreshing to see Istanbul beyond the usual tourist spots. I highly recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
The guides were fantastic friendly and attentive, ensuring our safety navigating the busy streets. They introduced us to some unique spots that we hadn’t encountered on other tours. I would definitely recommend this experience. Thank you for a wonderful time, despite the unfortunate weather.
Helpful? Yes
I truly enjoyed the bike tour, especially the ride from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side. The long coastal stretch made for a great cycling experience. I’d prefer taking this tour when the weather is more favorable.
Helpful? Yes
I truly enjoyed the bike tour, especially the ride from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side. The long coastal stretch made for a great cycling experience. I’d suggest taking this tour in mid-April when the weather is more favorable.
Helpful? Yes
The guides were warm and knowledgeable, offering a wonderful way to explore the city. We had engaging conversations about culture, history, football, food, politics, and more, all while staying active and connected physically.
Helpful? Yes
The best part of this bike tour was exploring areas of Istanbul that are off the typical tourist route. My 17-year-old really enjoyed it, especially the fast pace and the mix of city streets with scenic bike paths along the Bosporus and Golden Horn. The mail office in the Balat neighborhood was a highlight—very unique. After the ride, we had a tasty lunch, and my son even got a haircut at a local barber while I enjoyed fresh juice. For families with teens, this is a fantastic activity. However, as an adult, I wished there had been more historical information throughout the tour, and I found the price a bit steep for what was offered. A heads-up: this tour isn’t for cautious riders. You need to be confident cycling through city streets and busy pedestrian areas, as parts of the route are fast-paced and weave through crowded zones.
Helpful? Yes
This was a pleasant bike tour mostly along the Asian side of the Bosphorus, making the most of Istanbul’s limited cycling paths. It’s important to know before booking that major landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia aren’t included on this route. Emre and Mert were both friendly and supportive guides. The tour provided a great chance to engage with young locals and learn about Turkey from their perspective. That said, the details shared about the sights themselves were somewhat minimal. Overall, we really enjoyed our time with Emre and Mert and would gladly join this tour again.
Helpful? Yes
An enjoyable tour covering two continents. A fantastic way to explore Istanbul. Our guides, Levente and Soraya, were excellent knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging throughout.
Helpful? Yes
Tobias did an excellent job guiding me through some hidden gems around Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
A thoroughly enjoyable adventure with diverse landscapes and fascinating stops. Our guide, Tavi, was friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights into history and engaging conversation. I would gladly join another tour like this.
Helpful? Yes
The bikes we used were quite old and in poor shape — faulty brakes, no bells, and no proper safety check before we got them. The route was unclear, and we weren’t sure what places we were supposed to visit. Communication was difficult since the guide’s English wasn’t very good. On top of that, the price felt way too high for what we got. On the positive side, the guides were friendly and shared some helpful tips for food and shopping spots.
Helpful? Yes
I’ve taken several city bike tours before, but the bikes on this one were below par. My bike’s rear tire was misaligned, which made braking awkward and unsafe. The guide was friendly, but unfortunately, their English skills were quite limited. Usually, I learn a lot during these tours, which I really enjoy, but this time I didn’t get much from it. Overall, I was disappointed with the service, especially considering the price paid.
Helpful? Yes
We truly enjoyed our bike and ferry combo, especially exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Our guide, Kamal, a dental student, was excellent and sparked some fascinating conversations about Istanbul, Turkey, and its culture. He managed the timing perfectly — we even had a relaxing coffee and pastry break in Üsküdar and a beautiful, long ride along the Marmara coast. Since it was just my partner and me, it felt like a private tour. We did encounter a couple of minor issues: one of our bikes had a flat tire initially (which we quickly exchanged), and later Kamal himself had a tire blowout, which caused a small logistical hiccup on the way back. Still, it wasn’t a major problem. Plus, Kamal showed me how to navigate with maps, which was very helpful!
Helpful? Yes
The day was wonderful, and our guide was absolutely fantastic, taking excellent care of us throughout. It was truly the best way to explore the city.
Helpful? Yes
The experience went really well. It was such a cool way to explore the city, and our guide, Levente, was incredibly knowledgeable about both the history and Istanbul itself. Although the tour was in English, Levente spoke Spanish fluently and would chat with me in Spanish occasionally, which I really appreciated. He was kind, attentive, and always made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Both he and his colleague, Alina, took great care of us throughout the day. This tour is a fantastic way to get to know Istanbul. Big thanks to Levente! If you’re heading to Istanbul, he’s the guide you want.
Helpful? Yes
My brother and I had an excellent tour covering about 20 miles in 3.5 hours. We were a small group of five, and our guide, Kaspar, was very thoughtful, always making sure we stayed together. It’s definitely a challenging ride for someone not used to cycling regularly, but since we both ride often, we really enjoyed it. The European side had some tough spots, but most of the Asian side route followed scenic bike paths along the water, which was great. We also had a refreshing 30-minute break halfway through for drinks. I’d definitely recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
An incredible way to explore the city. Our guide, Jorin, was outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this tour to others. Can’t wait to return to Istanbul and do it again!
Helpful? Yes
Fantastic experience discovering so many peaceful cycling spots throughout the city. Our guide, Kian, kept a great pace and shared a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Our guides, Liora and Zev, were very friendly and talkative. We really enjoyed their tour and appreciated their deep knowledge about the country. I traveled with my two teenagers, and they had an amazing time as well. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience!
Helpful? Yes
We had a great time cycling through Istanbul, exploring both the European and Asian sides, with beautiful views during the boat crossing. Our guide, Sienna, was attentive, constantly making sure the pace was comfortable and sharing fascinating insights all along the way.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was fantastic and offered a great exercise session. I definitely plan to join again on my next visit to Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide Soren provided an engaging tour through various areas of Istanbul. He was approachable and attentive to our requests. A delightful morning experience.
Helpful? Yes
A fantastic way to discover Istanbul from a fresh perspective. The route was well planned and very safe, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Our guide, Elara, was outstanding throughout.
Helpful? Yes
The guide and owner were both extremely kind and easy to communicate with, and the bikes were in solid condition. However, the experience felt more like a pleasant bike ride than a guided tour. While the guide's English was understandable, we only made a few stops for explanations about landmarks or local points of interest. Most of the time was spent cycling along waterfront paths or navigating busy streets. Unfortunately, I didn’t come away with much new knowledge about Istanbul, which was quite a letdown.
Helpful? Yes
Exploring Istanbul by bike was a fantastic experience it exceeded my expectations. Mr. Can, our guide, was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. He shared so much valuable information and made the tour both engaging and enjoyable. I had a great time and would definitely recommend this tour to others.
Helpful? Yes
Ramo was a warm and approachable guide with strong English skills. Although riding against heavy traffic felt a bit intimidating at times, it seems to be standard practice in Turkey. The bikes were in good condition, and Ramo consistently checked in to make sure we felt safe and at ease throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
This activity was truly fantastic. It offers an incredible way to feel the rhythm of Istanbul, crossing from the East to the West. An absolute must for those with a spirit for adventure and a desire to experience the city from a unique perspective!
Helpful? Yes
An unforgettable experience all around fantastic route, great people, and a stunning city. Absolutely a must-do while in Istanbul, as long as you're not pregnant or elderly.
Helpful? Yes
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