Bosphorus Bridge (Asian Side), Istanbul

The modern and scenic Bosphorus Bridge links Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait 鈥� one of the world's most important, strategic waterways 鈥� since its official opening in 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Over 1,500 meters in length, it was at the time the 4th-longest suspension bridge in the world and cost over $200 million to build. Traffic has become so dense and communications between Asia and Europe so important, however, that the cost was recovered in less than 10 years.

Before this symbolically and economically important "First Bridge" 鈥� as it is also known 鈥� was built and designed by British civil engineers, everyone depended on ferry boats to go to the Asian side of the city. Today, around 180,000 vehicles pass daily in both directions, with almost 85% being cars. The only way for visitors to cross the bridge on foot is by participating in the 'fun run' held in October of each year.

In 2007, a computerized LED lighting system was installed to illuminate the bridge at night, now being used to create a colorful light show each evening. To get the best views, get on one of the various cruises that operate on the Bosphorous, allowing ample photo opportunities.

Tip:
Note that vehicle traffic is quite intense during rush hours, so whether you cross the bridge (by taxi or city bus) or get a view from afar, try doing so after dusk.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Istanbul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Bosphorus Bridge (Asian Side)
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey (See walking tours in Istanbul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

Create Your Own Walk in Istanbul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Istanbul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Situated at the heart of Old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet neighborhood is a fascinating hub of historical timeline. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, this area was formerly an administrative pole of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and as such, reflects numerous influences of the cultures once prevalent here.

Whether you feel like walking... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Istanbul is the only megalopolis in the world that straddles two continents. The Bosphorus Strait splits Turkey's biggest city into two parts: European and Asian. The latter, known locally as Asya Yakas谋 (鈥淎sian Side鈥�), or more commonly as Anadolu Yakas谋 (鈥淎natolian Side鈥�), is found east of the strait, geographically on the Asian mainland.

The vast Anatolian shore, wrongly... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

Bosphorus Coast Walking Tour

One of the planet's most praised stretches of water, the Bosphorus is a source of great pride for Istanbulites and of admiration for travelers. The 30-km strait dividing Europe and Asia and connecting the Marmara with the Black Sea is one of the city's highlights, having been for all ages the subject of legend and art.

This self-guided walk will take you along the coast so that you... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles

Old European Quarter Walk

Back in the Ottoman era, the Beyo臒lu neighborhood (then known as Pera) together with Galata formed the European Quarter of Istanbul. Home to embassies and trading centers, as well as the fine 19th-century, Parisian-style apartment houses, this area was much loved by the city's non-Islamic minorities.

Its growth was boosted by the opening of the Orient Express line, connecting Paris to... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Istanbul City Walls

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

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