Key points
- European shore road from Taksim to Sarıyer
- Return along the Asian shore to Üsküdar
- Parking is limited in Ortaköy, Bebek and Arnavutköy
- Weekday mornings are the most relaxed time
The short answer
The best-known way to see the Bosphorus by car is to drive down from Taksim to Dolmabahçe, follow the European shore road through Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek and Emirgan to Sarıyer, cross to the Asian side on one of the bridges and come back through Beykoz, Kanlıca, Çengelköy and Üsküdar. The shore roads can be very busy at weekends, so starting on a weekday morning makes the day much easier.
Route at a glance
| Section | Route | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taksim – Dolmabahçe – Beşiktaş | Short city stretch |
| 2 | Ortaköy – Arnavutköy – Bebek | Narrow, busy shore road |
| 3 | Rumelihisarı – Emirgan – İstinye – Sarıyer | The scenic stretch |
| 4 | Bridge crossing | Fatih Sultan Mehmet or 15 July Martyrs |
| 5 | Beykoz – Kanlıca – Çengelköy – Kuzguncuk – Üsküdar | Asian shore |
| 6 | Back to Taksim | Bridge or Eurasia Tunnel |
The European shore
Taksim to Beşiktaş
It's a few minutes from Taksim down through Gümüşsuyu to Dolmabahçe. After Dolmabahçe Palace and Beşiktaş, the shore road narrows and follows the water.
Ortaköy, Arnavutköy and Bebek
The busiest part of the route. The road drops to a single lane in places, pedestrian crossings are frequent and parking is very limited. If you want to stop in Ortaköy, leave the car in a nearby car park and walk. Street parking in Bebek and Arnavutköy is also hard to find.
Rumelihisarı to Sarıyer
After Rumelihisarı the road eases. Drive past Emirgan Park, the İstinye inlet, Yeniköy and Tarabya with the Bosphorus alongside. From Sarıyer you can continue to Rumeli Kavağı, or north to Rumeli Feneri and Garipçe; see day trips from Taksim.
Crossing over
From Sarıyer the nearest crossing to the Asian side is the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. You can also cross further north on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, which makes the route longer. Bridge tolls are electronic, with no cash booths. On the Fatih Sultan Mehmet and 15 July Martyrs bridges the toll is charged only from Europe to Asia. See tolls and traffic fines in a rental car.
The Asian shore
Beykoz and Anadolu Kavağı
After the bridge, head north towards Beykoz and on to Anadolu Kavağı. This side is usually calmer than the European shore.
Kanlıca, Çengelköy and Kuzguncuk
Heading south, the shore road follows the water again through Kanlıca, Kandilli, Vaniköy and Çengelköy. Kuzguncuk's colourful streets are best explored on foot, so park nearby.
Üsküdar and Çamlıca
Finish on the Üsküdar waterfront or drive up Çamlıca Hill for sunset. Evening traffic back to the European side can be slow; compare the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Eurasia Tunnel on your sat-nav.
When to go
- Weekday mornings: the shore roads are at their quietest.
- Weekends: Bebek, Arnavutköy and Ortaköy get very crowded. Start early.
- Evenings: bridge approaches get congested. Head back before sunset or later at night.
Which car?
With narrow stretches and limited parking, a compact car is easiest, so an economy car is usually enough. For more comfort consider a mid-size car, or a luxury car for a special day. To collect in Taksim, see Taksim car rental.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Bosphorus drive take?
With stops and traffic, a route covering both shores usually takes a full day. Driving only the European shore to Sarıyer is shorter, depending on traffic.
Is parking difficult along the Bosphorus?
Around Ortaköy, Bebek and Arnavutköy parking is limited. Use a car park and walk to the places you want to see.
Do I pay a bridge toll on a Bosphorus drive?
Yes. Bridges are tolled electronically; on the Fatih Sultan Mehmet and 15 July Martyrs bridges the toll is charged only from Europe to Asia.