Looking for the perfect place to unwind during your trip to Istanbul? Consider staying at one of the city’s luxurious waterfront hotels by the Bosphorus.
There’s something undeniably magical about waking up to the sight and sound of the water.
The Bosphorus Strait, a stunning natural waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, divides Istanbul into its European and Asian halves.
Not only is it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, but studies have shown that being near the water, listening to the gentle waves, can significantly boost your mental well-being and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Whether you’re looking to relax or explore the city’s rich history, staying on the Bosphorus gives you the best of both worlds.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best waterfront hotels on both the European and Asian sides of the strait.
Each offers not only breathtaking views but also an experience that will make your stay in Istanbul unforgettable. Ready to find your perfect retreat on the Bosphorus? Let’s dive in!
European Side Hotels
Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
Located between Dolmabahçe Palace and Naval Museum, The Shangri-La Bosphorus is ideally located in the financial and entertainment district of Beşiktaş. The luxurious hotel offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and has 186 oversized rooms and suites provide branded bath amenities and complimentary WI-FI. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport and a 90-minute drive from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is an Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus. Located in Besiktas district, the hotel is near some of Istanbul’s finest attractions, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Yildiz Palace that is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
The hotel is also near Istanbul’s popular nightlife addresses. The luxurious hotel offers guests mesmerizing rooms, a stunning outdoor space including an infinity pool, as well as several fine-dining restaurants with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Along the Bosphorus, in one of Istanbul’s trendiest and most naturally beautiful neighborhoods, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is a former 19th-century Ottoman palace transformed into a hotel sanctuary of luxury and comfort.
Indulge yourself in world-class dining options, relax at its Spa or simply unwind while gazing at the breathtaking Bosphorus view from your room.
The Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
Located on the banks of the Bosphorus in the vibrant Ortaköy neighborhood, The Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul is perfect for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel is located in the beautiful district of Ortaköy with its good choice of quality bars and restaurants.
All 120 rooms and suites has amenities like Free high-speed, wireless Internet. Hotel’s Starboard Restaurant serves delectable meals against the backdrop of the glimmering Bosphorus Bridge.
The Stay Bosphorus
Designed by the internationally acclaimed design firm, Autoban, The Stay Bosphorus offers rooms and suites that enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus from every angle, with the city and its ancient structures as its backdrop.
The hotel is in the lively and vibrant, cobblestoned enclave of Ortaköy, home to a famous mosque as well as a range of restaurants, cafes and clubs. With its panoramic view of the city, from the Ortaköy Mosque to Topkapı Palace, the Bosphorus Lounge is an unforgettable venue for buffet breakfast, light snacks or drinks.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul features 100 spacious, luxuriously designed guest rooms and suites with stunning views over the Bosphorus and the city skyline. A wide range of stylish restaurants and bars, significant entertainment spaces for social gatherings, and an all-encompassing Mandarin Oriental Spa provides an ideal backdrop for leisure and business travel.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is not only home to three of the city’s most popular restaurants, the Mediterranean-Asian fusion Novikov, the modern Cantonese cuisine Hakkasan Istanbul, and Italian Olea & The Bar, it’s also at the very heart of the city’s dining scene.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus offers an extensive range of wellness and beauty therapies and includes luxury treatment rooms, hammams, private relaxation areas, exercise and fitness facilities as well as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, incorporates next-door Sait Paşa Mansion, is located in the prosperous Sariyer district of Istanbul’s European side, famous for its “Pearls of Bosphorus” waterfront properties. The urban resort recreates historic architectural features and artifacts from the site’s former 19th century Kocataş Mansions, which were devastated in a fire years ago, paying homage to its original footprint.
The 45 generously proportioned guest rooms and suites are divided between the two stately three-level heritage mansions, together with lounges, banqueting and function rooms, and a gallery. Inspired by the city’s ability to embrace its contradictions – whether east and west, ancient and modern or mystical and earthly – the interior design blends traditional local flavors with contemporary Six Senses signature touches.
The Grand Tarabya
The Grand Tarabya, a member of The Leading Hotels of The World, is one of the very first five star hotels of Turkey and a true landmark of genuine traditional Turkish hospitality.
The Grand Tarabya is now entirely rebuilt by modernizing its tradition, has 168 deluxe guest rooms, 79 suites, 1 presidential suite, 30 fully serviced exclusive apartments.
Bonus
Rixos Tersane Istanbul
While we’re focusing on hotels by the Bosphorus, there’s a new luxury spot you won’t want to miss: Rixos Tersane Istanbul. Opened its doors in September 2024, this stunning hotel is set to become the city’s newest luxury destination, blending hospitality, culture, and art to create an experience like no other. Though it’s not directly on the Bosphorus, it sits along the waterfront in the historic Tersane area, offering its own unique charm and panoramic views.
Rixos Tersane isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that promises to redefine Istanbul’s tourism scene. Whether you’re a traveler seeking luxury or a local looking for a new hotspot, this hotel is sure to become a key part of Istanbul’s waterfront experience. Why not add it to your list of must-see stays for a fresh take on Istanbul’s evolving hospitality landscape?
Asian side hotels
A’jia Hotel
A’jia Hotel is a boutique hotel, with just 16 elegant but contemporary rooms. This boutique hotel offers luxury and modern designed accommodation in an 1870’s pavilion setting: 10 Deluxe Rooms; including 5 rooms with private balcony and 6 Deluxe Suites; including 3 with Mezzanine Floors. 10 of the Deluxe Rooms and all the Suites have direct view of the Bosphorus.
Sumahan on the Water / VAKKO Hotel & Residence Sumahan
Located in a restored Ottoman-era alcohol factory on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sumahan on the Waters changed its name end of October and will open following renovation in Summer 2024 as VAKKO Hotel & Residence Sumahan.
The hotel is situated in Çengelköy, a pretty village once home to a mixed population of Greeks, Armenians, Jews and other non-Muslim minority groups.
It is 5 minutes’ walk to the Çengelköy port, linking directly by ferryboat to Istanbul’s European side. The hotel also offers complimentary boat service to European side by its own shuttle boat.
Whether you’re drawn to the European side or the Asian side, there’s no denying that staying by the Bosphorus offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The combination of breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and the chance to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich history and culture makes these waterfront hotels a dream for any traveler. From waking up to the sound of the waves to enjoying a sunset over the water, these hotels promise a stay that goes beyond just a place to sleep—it’s an opportunity to experience the magic of Istanbul from one of its most iconic locations.
Ready to plan your perfect getaway? Whether you’re looking for ultimate luxury or a more serene escape, Istanbul’s Bosphorus hotels offer something for everyone. Why not make your next trip to this enchanting city one you’ll never forget? The Bosphorus is waiting!
