Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour

★★★★★★4.5/5 (4)

5 hours | 27.65 miles
From €75 EUR
Istanbul

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Unearth Istanbul’s cultural confluence

Take a bike tour of Istanbul, the city that spans two continents. Separated by the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has both a European and an Asian side, each with their own distinct atmosphere and sightseeing opportunities. During this bicycle tour you'll gain insights into the rich history of the city and the cultural confluence it enjoys as the land bridge between Europe and Asia. This day tour includes bike rental and will take in various neighborhoods, starting at Balat on the European side before traversing the Bosphorus by boat and heading into Uskudar, Kadıköy, Moda, and Fenerbahce on the Asian side of Istanbul. You'll then return to the European bank of the city, and make your final stop in the Galata neighborhood.

Balat beckons as the first stop on this city tour. The European side of Istanbul is generally considered to be the busier, less residential area of the city, and Balat certainly bears this out. The area was once home to a large Jewish community, and remains colorfully multicultural today. You'll cycle along bustling narrow streets, flanked by colorful houses and historic synagogues.

Cycling on to the port, you'll board a boat that will carry you and your bike across the Bosphorus. The Golden Horn, as this inlet of the Bosphorus is known, connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and has long been a key trade route in the region. As you glide across the shimmering water, your guide will help you pick out the iconic buildings that line the shores, including the formidable Rumeli Fortress and the magnificent Ortakoy Mosque.

Alight and begin your exploration of the Asian side of the city on this guided tour. Your first stop will be the neighborhood of Uskdar, with many iconic sites of religious and cultural significance, including the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Maiden's Tower. Enjoy panoramic views back over the Bosphorus towards the European side of the city, before riding on to the next neighborhood in this city tour: Kadıköy.

The next stop on your ride is known as a hub for culture and entertainment, and has enjoyed a resurgence recently after the former port area was left to deteriorate for many years. The former Ottoman Bank Headquarters and Haydarpaşa Train Station, among many other historic buildings, have been given a new lease of life as art spaces. At every turn of the handlebars, you'll see how old world charm and contemporary innovation co-exist in this trendy quarter. Within Kadıköy, you'll ride through Moda, an ultra hip area that is every bit as cool as its name suggests. As you ride your guide will point out the best new restaurants, bars and boutiques that are springing up in this ever-evolving part of town.

Onwards to Fenerbahce, a leafy, upmarket neighborhood. As you cycle through on this guided tour you'll admire the upscale residences, the wide, tree-lined streets, and the altogether refined atmosphere of this residential neighborhood. The area is also home to the Fenerbahce Sports Club, one of the country's most renowned sporting institutions, and Fenerbahce Park, a green oasis where families and friends often gather for a day out.

You’ll then set sail back across the Bosphorus and take a ride around Galata for the final part of this route. This area’s narrow streets exude a bohemian atmosphere, and you’re sure to catch sight of the iconic Galata Tower as you cycle through. By the end of this day tour, you’ll have crossed two continents and gained an appreciation for the variety and richness of Istanbul’s colorful, intercontinental cultural heritage.
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Schedule

Days Start Finish

Daily 9:00 am ~2:00 pm

Private tours can be booked also, with day and time upon request.

Prices

Rate EUR

Adult €75

Private* tour €100

*Price per person

Highlights

Balat, Uskudar, Kadıköy, Moda, Fenerbahce, Galata neighborhoods

What’s included
- Bike and helmet rental
- English-speaking guide
- Public boat tickets
Meeting place & directions

Istanbul on Bike - Balat, Kalpakçı Çeşmesi Sk. 13/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour Photos

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Reviews

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- ★★★★★ Mariëtte 15 hours ago
  
  Een leuke en leerzame tour door Istanbul
  
  · Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour
  
  De perfecte manier om een grote stad te verkennen en ervaren is een fietstour. Zo hebben wij al meerdere keren mogen ervaren. Dit keer in Istanbul onder begeleiding van Cem en Yasmine. Een goed onderlegde, Engelssprekende gids, die ons veel wetenswaardigheden wist te vertellen over Istanbul.
  We fietsten met hem door het Europese en Aziatische deel, met tussendoor een boottocht om zo het prachtige Istanbul vanaf het water te aanschouwen. Cem wist ons veel te vertellen over de stad en zijn geschiedenis. Tussendoor was vragen stellen over van alles mogelijk en verzoeken om nog wat spontane dingen te bezoeken als de tijd dat toeliet, was ook geen probleem. Tussendoor gaf hij ons nog tips over goede restaurants of andere must-sees. De fietsen zijn in prima conditie. Wij hebben het 's een hele leuke tocht ervaren.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  April 2025
  How many tours have you completed?
  Veel
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 4/5 Route selection
  - 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
- ★★★★★ Jack 5 days ago
  
  Great tour guides and adventure
  
  · Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour
  
  Bikes were good and the experience overall was well worth it. Lucky to have had two guides. Ahmed and Tuna. Includes ferry ride to the Asian side.
- ★★★★★ Eric B 2 weeks ago
  
  Fun ride around Istanbul
  
  · Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour
  
  Istanbul on bikes is a unique experience. I would never try it without a guide. The bike lanes are as rare as good road. However with a guide there are ways to see the sites. Our guide, Furkan was a delight. He guided is to many unique sites while giving us a glimpse into life as a Istanbul local. Bravo!
- ★★★★★ Linda T. 4 months ago
  
  Great for a short visit
  
  · Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour
  
  We spent a total of three days in Istanbul, and this tour was the perfect way to see so much in a short time. I truly feel we made the most of our visit thanks to this bike tour. Ipek was an amazing guide, thanks again!
- ★★★★★ Anonymous December 10, 2023
  
  Nice (but expensive) way to explore Istanbul
  
  · Europe & Asia Istanbul Bike Tour
  
  Pro: friendly guide, exploring a big part of Istanbul, Easy going
  Con: Very expensive (especially because even lunch is not included), sometimes a bit too long at one spot
  
  How many tours have you completed?
  6
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 2/5 Value
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 3/5 Local tour company services
  - 3/5 Route selection
  - 4/5 Guides (if applicable)