14 Sep, 2025
🌉 Bosphorus Bridge Views (15 July Martyrs Bridge) – Istanbul
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Bosphorus Bridge Views

🌉 Bosphorus Bridge Views Istanbul (15 July Martyrs Bridge) – Best Photo Spots & Night Cruises | Tripmoo

Turkey • Istanbul • Bosphorus

🌉 Bosphorus Bridge Views (15 July Martyrs Bridge) – Istanbul

Iconic Europe–Asia bridge Ortaköy & Beşiktaş viewpoints Night Bosphorus cruises

The Bosphorus Bridge — officially 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü — was the first bridge to connect Europe and Asia in Istanbul. Its colourful night lights, reflections on the water and surrounding skyline make it one of the city’s most photogenic landmarks. This guide shows you the best Bosphorus Bridge viewpoints, night cruises that pass under the bridge, how to get there and simple ideas to elevate your visit.

Bosphorus Bridge lit up at night with Istanbul skyline and reflections on the water

Updated: • Approx. 4–6 min read

Want to see the Bosphorus Bridge from the water? You can pre-book sunset and night Bosphorus cruises, plus more Istanbul activities, here:

⛴️ Bosphorus cruises 🏙️ All Istanbul activities

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🧾 Bosphorus Bridge – quick overview

Europe–Asia icon

Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) is one of Istanbul’s best-known symbols, stretching across the Bosphorus Strait between the European and Asian sides of the city. You’ll spot it lit up in different colours at night, with ferries and cruises passing underneath.

You can’t walk across the bridge itself (it’s for vehicles only), but you can enjoy it from waterfront squares, hilltop viewpoints and Bosphorus cruises that sail right under the structure.

📍 Best viewpoints for Bosphorus Bridge

Top photo spots
  • 🏘️ Ortaköy Mosque Square
    The classic postcard frame: Ortaköy Mosque in the foreground with the bridge rising behind. Great at sunset and blue hour.
  • ☕ Beşiktaş waterfront cafés
    Sit by the water with full bridge views, ferries passing and a lively local atmosphere.
  • 🌅 Çamlıca Hill (Asian side)
    Hilltop lookout with wide panoramas of the Bosphorus, bridge and skyline – especially beautiful at sunset.
  • ⛴️ Bosphorus cruise
    Evening and night cruises sail directly under the bridge, giving dramatic angles and photos of the illuminated structure.
  • 🏨 Waterfront restaurants & hotels
    Upscale places like Çırağan Palace Kempinski and Four Seasons Bosphorus offer dining or stays with bridge views.

✨ Suggested activities around the bridge

Make it a full evening
  • 📸 Sunset at Ortaköy Mosque
    Arrive before sunset, find a spot on the square and frame the mosque with the bridge behind.
  • 🍽️ Waterfront dinner
    Book a table at a bridge-facing restaurant in Ortaköy or Beşiktaş for a romantic or relaxed evening.
  • ⛴️ Evening Bosphorus cruise
    Join a sunset or night cruise to see the bridge, palaces and coastline illuminated.
  • 🚶‍♀️ Promenade walks
    Take easy walks along the Beşiktaş waterfront on the European side or in Üsküdar on the Asian side for constant bridge views.

🚇 How to get to Bosphorus Bridge viewpoints

Public transport • taxis
  • 🚌 Bus to Ortaköy
    Direct buses to Ortaköy run from Taksim and Beşiktaş. From the bus stop it’s a short walk to the mosque square and waterfront.
  • 🚇 Metro M2 + bus
    Take metro M2 to Gayrettepe, then transfer to a bus heading to Ortaköy or the waterfront.
  • ⛴️ Ferries to Üsküdar or Kadıköy
    From the Asian side, waterfront promenades in Üsküdar and some areas near Kadıköy also offer bridge views.
  • 🚖 Taxis & apps
    Taxis and apps like BiTaksi (Istanbul taxi app) » and Uber in Turkey » are convenient, but traffic can be heavy around popular areas.

For shorter inner-city hops, combining metro/tram + a short taxi ride can be faster than staying in traffic the whole way.

💡 Photo & visit tips

Get the best shots
  • 🌃 Timing is everything
    Aim for golden hour → blue hour → night so you capture the sky colours and the bridge lights in one visit.
  • 📷 Use Night Mode or a small tripod
    On phones, enable Night Mode. If you have a small tripod or mini stand, it helps keep shots sharp in low light.
  • 🥙 Try local street food
    In Ortaköy Square, sample famous Kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) and crêpes while enjoying the view.
  • ⛴️ Consider a short cruise
    A Bosphorus cruise gives unique angles from under the bridge that you can’t get from land.

❓ Bosphorus Bridge – FAQ

Quick answers
Where are the best Bosphorus Bridge viewpoints?
Classic spots include Ortaköy Mosque square, the Beşiktaş waterfront cafés, Çamlıca Hill on the Asian side and Bosphorus cruises that pass under the bridge.
Can you walk across the Bosphorus Bridge?
No. The Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) is for vehicles only and not open to pedestrians. For views, use waterfront promenades or join a Bosphorus cruise.
When is the best time for bridge photos?
The most photogenic times are sunset, blue hour and nighttime, when the bridge lights are on and reflections appear on the water.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take buses to Ortaköy from Taksim or Beşiktaş, or ride metro M2 to Gayrettepe and continue by bus. You can also use ferries to Üsküdar or Kadıköy for Asian-side views, and taxis or apps like BiTaksi and Uber are widely available.
Are there night cruises under the bridge?
Yes, many evening and dinner cruises on the Bosphorus pass directly under the bridge, giving some of the best night-time angles of the lights and skyline.
© Tripmoo – Bosphorus Bridge Views Istanbul Guide 2025 • Best Viewpoints, Cruises & Photography Tips
Bosphorus Bridge Views Istanbul (15 July Martyrs Bridge) | Best Photo Spots & Night
Best Viewpoints for Bosphorus Bridge Views

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