Bosphorus Bridge
DestinationIstanbul, Turkey
CategoryInternational
Starting fromOn request
CancellationAs per policy
Bosphorus Bridge in Turkey Tours
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known today as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü), is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning the Bosphorus Strait, it connects the European and Asian sides of the city and represents Istanbul’s unique position between two continents.
Opened in 1973, the bridge was Istanbul’s first major road bridge across the Bosphorus. Its impressive suspension design and strategic location make it a prominent feature of the city skyline, particularly when viewed from the waterfront or during a Bosphorus cruise.
The bridge offers a striking backdrop to Istanbul’s historic waterfront and is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. It is a symbol of the city’s modern infrastructure, geographical importance and connection between Europe and Asia.
What is included & excluded
- Entry: The Bosphorus Bridge is a major road bridge connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It is not a ticketed tourist attraction.
- Booking: No booking is required to view the bridge from public viewpoints. Visitors cannot normally access the roadway on foot.
- Opening Hours: The bridge operates as part of Istanbul's road network and is accessible to traffic throughout the day, subject to traffic and official restrictions.
- Duration: Visitors can view and photograph the bridge from permitted public areas according to their itinerary.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted from public viewpoints and waterfront areas. Visitors should not stop on the roadway or interfere with traffic.
- Accessibility: Public viewpoints around the bridge may have different accessibility conditions. The bridge roadway itself is not a pedestrian sightseeing area.
- Safety: Visitors should use designated pedestrian areas and viewpoints and follow traffic, security, and local authority instructions.
- Weather Conditions: Fog, rain, strong winds, or other weather conditions may affect visibility of the bridge.
- Cancellation: Not applicable for an independent visit because there is no admission ticket or reservation.
- Guided Tours: If the bridge is included in a paid Istanbul sightseeing or Bosphorus tour, the tour operator's cancellation and refund policy applies.
- Changes to Access: Traffic restrictions, security measures, maintenance, official events, or emergencies may temporarily affect surrounding access or visibility.
- Important: The bridge was renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü) in 2016. Visitors should view it from designated public areas rather than attempting to access the bridge roadway.
Cancellation policy
The Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) is a major road bridge connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and is not a ticketed tourist attraction. Therefore, there is no separate cancellation or refund policy for viewing or crossing the bridge. If the Bosphorus Bridge is included as part of a guided sightseeing tour, excursion, or travel package, the cancellation and refund conditions of the respective booking will apply.
Terms & conditions
- The bridge is not generally accessible to pedestrians; visitors should not attempt to walk onto or cross the bridge on foot.
- Visitors must comply with traffic regulations, road-safety requirements and instructions from authorities.
- Stopping, parking or leaving a vehicle on the bridge except where legally permitted is prohibited.
- Visitors must not enter restricted maintenance, operational or security areas.
- Photography should be carried out only from safe and legally permitted locations.
- Commercial photography, professional filming or organised shoots may require prior permission.
- Visitors should not interfere with traffic, emergency services or bridge operations.
- Children must remain under the supervision of an accompanying adult when viewing the bridge from nearby public areas.
- Weather, traffic, security situations and official events may affect visibility or access to nearby viewing areas.
- Temporary restrictions may be imposed because of maintenance, emergencies, official ceremonies or security requirements.
- Visitors should follow the instructions of police, traffic authorities and other authorised personnel.
- The bridge itself generally has no tourist admission ticket, so there is no standard entrance cancellation or refund policy.
- If the bridge is viewed as part of a Bosphorus cruise, sightseeing tour or private vehicle tour, the tour operator's own cancellation and refund policy will apply.
- If a tour route is changed because of traffic, weather, security or operational reasons, alternative arrangements are subject to the operator's terms.
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01Do I need to book a hot air balloon ride in advance for Cappadocia?
Answer. Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance as balloon rides are very popular and can sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
02Can I use my mobile phone in Turkey?
Answer. Yes, international roaming works, but local SIM cards (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom) are affordable and offer good data plans.
03What should I wear in Turkey?
Answer. Turkey is modern and diverse, but modest clothing is recommended when visiting mosques or religious sites. Carry a scarf for women to cover their heads when entering mosques.
04Do I need travel insurance for Turkey?
Answer. Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
05What kind of food can I expect in Turkey?
Answer. Turkish cuisine includes kebabs, mezes, baklava, Turkish delight, pide (Turkish pizza), and çay (tea). Vegetarian options are also widely available.
06What is the official language in Turkey?
Answer. The official language is Turkish, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
07What is the local currency in Turkey?
Answer. The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors and rural areas.
08How many days are ideal for a Turkey tour?
Answer. A minimum of 7–10 days is recommended to explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale. For a more relaxed trip including Antalya or Ephesus, plan for 12–14 days.
09What is the best time to visit Turkey?
Answer. The best time to visit Turkey is April to June (spring) and September to November (autumn) when the weather is pleasant and sightseeing is most enjoyable. July and August can be very hot, especially in inland areas.
10Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Answer. Yes, most travelers require a visa or e-Visa to enter Turkey. Some nationalities can get an e-Visa online before arrival, while others may be visa-exempt. Check the official Turkish e-Visa website for details.
Things to do in Turkey
16 experiences · book the good bits before you land
Hagia Sophia
Turkey
Topkapı Palace
Turkey
Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque
Turkey
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Turkey
Serpentine Column
Turkey
Column of Constantine
Turkey
Grand Covered Bazaar
Turkey
Bosphorus Cruise
Turkey
Spice Bazaar
Turkey
Hot Air Balloon Tour
Turkey
Uçhisar Castle
Turkey
Göreme Open-Air Museum
Turkey
Çavuşin Village
Turkey
Pottery Workshop
Turkey
Paşabağ
Turkey
Devrent Valley
Turkey