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The Bosporus by boat

The Bosphorus is best seen by boat and to do this you don't need to take a daily boat trip! Instead you
can hop on one of the ferries departing from Eminonu and head for Kadikoy on the Asian side.  This route will take you past the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace as well as the Galata tower.  To get the best views sit outside on the right side of the ferry.  The ferry ride will take about 20 minutes and on board you can buy tea, soft drinks and snacks.
The boat trip that departs from by the Galata Bridge and where there are touts waiting is expensive.  Walk past the Galata bridge and on the other side you will see a large ferry that offers a 1.5 hour trip along the Bosphorus for considerably less. The prices are displayed and fixed so you know that you are paying the same as everyone else on the ferry. There is no commentary on board but its not really necessary and you can also buy tea and soft refreshments.  The tour runs throughout the year so if the weather is nice you can sit on the top deck.
Take the local transport to Ortakoy and from the small pier at Ortakoy you can take a short boat trip. Its cheap and again the prices are fixed and clearly displayed. Soft drinks and beer are available on board.