



Arabic Night Show on the Bosphorus
Experience Istanbul's Arabic Night Show on the Bosphorus: a three-hour cruise with Arabic/Ottoman performances, Eastern-Western buffet, and stunning night views. Ideal for all travelers seeking culture and fun.
Highlights:
- Delight in Live Cultural Performances During Your Meal
- Experience the Mesmerizing Beauty of the Bosphorus by Night
- Savor a Variety of Eastern and Western Dishes with an Open Buffet Dinner
Includes:
- Boat cruise
- Buffet dinner
- Arabic folklore
- Arabic modern songs
- Ottoman Turkish dance show and the famous dance
- The authentic songs in Arabic
- DJ live performance
Not included:
- Imported drinks
- Pick-up and drop off
- Drinks
- Tips
- Fruits
- Photos
Please note: hotel pick-up and drop off is possible from centrally located hotels only for additional price - 15 euro per person. Payment on board.
An Atmospheric Bosphorus Dinner Cruise by Night
This experience places you right at the heart of Istanbul after dark, combining a Bosphorus dinner cruise with a full Turkish night show in a way that feels immersive rather than staged. Once on board, the cruise slowly glides between Europe and Asia, passing iconic landmarks while the night sky settles over the water. You enjoy dinner at your table as live performances unfold around you, blending Arabic folklore, Ottoman Turkish dance, belly dance, folk dances, and modern Arabic music. Unlike daytime sightseeing, this cruise focuses on mood and rhythm. The Bosphorus becomes a moving backdrop, palaces and bridges glowing as the boat cruises steadily through the strait. Compared to a restaurant evening, this experience feels like killing two birds with one stone, sightseeing and culture in a single night, without rushing between venues or crowds.
Practical Tips Before Boarding
A few details help you enjoy the evening fully.
- Smart casual clothing works best, evenings can be breezy
- Arrive early to secure your preferred seating area
- Bring a light jacket, night temperatures drop on the water
- Photography is best during the first hour and later near landmarks
- The cruise is relaxed and suitable for all ages
More Facts About This Experience
The Bosphorus is one of the most filmed waterways in the world. Major movies such as Skyfall, The International, From Russia with Love, and Argo used Bosphorus night scenes to frame Istanbuls dramatic skyline. Popular Turkish TV series including Muhteşem Yüzyıl, Çukur, and Ezel regularly filmed Bosphorus sequences showing illuminated palaces and bridges. Dinner cruises themselves appear in Turkish romantic dramas as symbols of celebration and status. The strait hosts seasonal cultural festivals and special night sailings during public holidays. Historically, the Bosphorus has always been a stage for evening entertainment, from Ottoman boat concerts to modern cruise performances, making night cruises a continuation of living tradition.
Experiences That Pair Well with This Cruise
A historical peninsula private walking tour works well before the cruise, adding context to the landmarks you later see from the water. A full day Troy tour from Istanbul offers a strong contrast, ancient ruins by day and modern culture by night. Travelers interested in style and souvenirs often add a private shopping experience in Istanbul for a relaxed final day.
Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most
This cruise suits couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families with older children. It is ideal for travelers who want culture without physical effort, first time visitors to Istanbul, and anyone seeking a memorable night rather than another standard dinner.