Visitors to the Istanbul strait have a wealth of sights to capture their attention. Vessels traveling the route vary from public ferries to tricked-out velvet and gold laden rides.
The Bosphorus, or the Istanbul Strait if you prefer, is one of those places that’s been visited by just about anybody who’s anybody - Jason and the Argonauts, the Persian Emperor Xerxes, and Heraclius I of Byzantium just to name drop a few.
Of course, they were more concerned with crossing it than hanging out and absorbing its beauty, but that’s their loss.
Visitors today have a wealth of sights to capture their attention. Vessels traveling the route vary from public ferries to tricked-out velvet and gold laden rides.
One of the more celebrated sights is the Dolmabahce Palace. Built during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, the royal abode has about 240 rooms. Those who don’t care for that one need not worry – there are 5 others along the route.
Of course there are mosques and minarets. And about midway through the southern end is the Selimiye Barracks, a workplace of Florence Nightengale’s.
For nature lovers, the waterway is lined with well manicured and designed parks with water features of their own like falls and ponds. Many of them also offer stunning views of the Bosphorus itself.
