12 RMB to cross Eurasia! The Ultimate Romantic Guide to Istanbul Ferry

Who says crossing the Eurasian continent has to cost a fortune? In Istanbul, you can take a ferry between two continents for just 12 RMB round trip! 📍 Recommended Boarding Locations Top choice: Eminönü Pier (heart of the Old City): 🌟 Close to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Spice Bazaar, perfect for a day tour Other piers: On the European side, you can also choose Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas; on the Asian side, Uskudar and Kadikoy. 🎫 Ticket Tips • 💰 Price: Public ferry one-way costs about 50-60 lira (around 12 RMB) • 💳 How to buy: Purchase tickets at the pier’s automatic ticket machines or use the Istanbul transportation card (one card costs 165 lira and can be shared among friends) 🌅 Best Route Experience Highly recommend the 5:00 PM departure: • Enjoy daytime, sunset, and night views all in one trip • The sunset turns the Maiden’s Tower orange-gold, super romantic • On the return trip, Ottoman palaces on both shores light up, like traveling back to the Ottoman Empire Departing from Eminönü, the route passes landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress, with views of the Maiden’s Tower and warships. 📸 Photo Tips 1️⃣ Seating: Head straight to the front row of the open-air deck on the second floor for a 360° unobstructed view 2️⃣ Outbound trip: Choose the left side (facing the bow, left hand side) to sail along the European shore, capturing mosques, the New Palace, and Galata Tower 3️⃣ Maiden’s Tower shots: When passing the Maiden’s Tower, take continuous shots. This 2,500-year-old lighthouse symbolizes love and has a tragic legend behind it 4️⃣ Warship photos: You might see warships along the way (the Bosphorus Strait is a strategic waterway) 5️⃣ Seagull interaction: Bring some bread crumbs to capture dynamic shots of flocks of seagulls chasing the boat 💡 Helpful Tips • 👕 Wind protection and warmth: It’s windy at sea, especially on the second-floor deck, so bring a jacket • ⏰ Arrive early: Arrive 30 minutes in advance; seating is not assigned and is first-come, first-served • 🍞 Snacks: Drinks and snacks are available on board, or bring simit (Turkish bread rings) to feed the seagulls This is definitely my most worthwhile experience in Istanbul! As the ferry slowly sails between two continents, seagulls circle overhead, and the call to prayer echoes from afar. At this moment, I truly understood the romance of the "City of the World." Bosphorus Strait