spread between Asia and Europe, Bosphorus Bridge It is a symbol of amazing architecture. Being one of the three suspension bridges built over the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, it connects the European and Asian parts of the Turkish capital. This bridge is a haunt for photographers as you can get a view of large parts of the city along the Bosphorus Strait. The location of the Bosphorus Bridge makes it a very famous attraction and the history of the bridge adds to its importance as a world famous tourist destination. Well, if you are worried about missing the tour, you have the Istanbul City Bus Tour service that will take you to the bridge.
The first attempt to build a bridge was made in the year 511BC. The king was able to transfer his entire army to the other side of the water body using a temporary bridge made of boats. Later the Italian architect Mondracole proposed a permanent bridge but Sultan Abdulhamit II did not support it. The Bosphorus Bridge was completed on 30 October 1973. Previously one could walk along the length of the bridge but now walking is not allowed on the Bosphorus Bridge, only vehicles are allowed to cross.
Best time to visit Bosphorus Bridge
The best time to visit the bridge would be at night when it is illuminated with LED lights. This is the most photographed site in Istanbul. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Bridge at night and enjoy the beautiful view of the illuminated bridge.
But if you are very excited about walking across the bridge then you should join the Istanbul Marathon. It is Turkey’s biggest marathon race which takes place every year in November. The marathon route passes over the bridge so only pedestrians are allowed on the bridge.
Bosphorus Bridge Statistics and Facts
The length of the Bosphorus Bridge is 1,560 meters and the bridge deck is approximately 33.5 meters. The river data shows that it is a very wide and huge bridge. No wonder it was once ranked fourth among the longest suspension bridges in the world. The architecture is impressive to look at with its wide pillars. Here are other interesting facts about the bridge:
- This bridge is a symbol of the country.
- Crossing the bridge on foot is strictly prohibited.
- There is a toll bridge where you cannot pay by cash or card.
- The only way to pay toll tax is through toll transponder. So make sure the vehicle you are traveling on has one.
- Today about 180,000 vehicles pass over the bridge every day.
- When the bridge is completely filled the bridge becomes loose right in the middle by about 90 cm.
- In the year 2013, Tiger Wood’s ball from Asia’s side fell on the bridge. It fell on the European side.
- Today the bridge costs approximately US$300 million.
Places to visit around Bosphorus Bridge
While you’re at it, here are other interesting places to visit around the magnificent bridge to make the best of your visit to Istanbul.
1. Blue Mosque
The minarets of the Blue Mosque can be seen from the Bosphorus Bridge. It is also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque and is a historical tourist spot. You have to dress carefully when you are going to the mosque. Make sure that your head is covered when you are entering the place. It is one of two mosques in Turkey that has six minarets in its complex. The interior is decorated with more than 20,000 tiles made of ceramic. Its captivating architecture makes it a good reason to visit this mosque.
Place: Sultan Ahmet District, Atmedani CD. No.7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
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2. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is another church-turned-mosque that can also be seen from the bridge and on a Bosporus cruise. It used to be a former Greek Orthodox church which was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Today it is a museum where history lovers come from all over the world. This structure is famous for the dome on top. Hagia Sophia literally means ‘Holy Wisdom’.
Place: Sultan Ahmet District, Hagia Sophia Square, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
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3. Ortaköy Mosque
This is another magnificent structure that can be seen from the Bosporus Bridge. However this is on the European side of the bridge. This is a very picturesque place of the country. Built in the 18th century, it served as the grand royal mosque for the Ottoman Sultan. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times.
Place: Mesidiye District, Mesidiye Köpru SK. 1/1, 34347 Besiktas/Istanbul, Türkiye
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Restaurants around the Bosphorus Bridge
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This country is very famous for its cuisine. However, enjoying your meal at the Bosporus Bridge Restaurant is a wonderful experience. Here are the names of some restaurants that will serve you both good views and good food. You have the Bosporus rooftop restaurant. From here you can have a view of the bridge while enjoying your meal.
Then you have the restaurant known as Banin. It is very close to the bridge. It is famous for its authentic cuisine. Only organic and fresh ingredients are used in it. As a result, it is quite a popular place.
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How to reach the Bosphorus Bridge?
If you want to reach the Ortaköy side of the bridge from Sultanahmet, you will have to take the T1 tram to Kabataş. After which you will get connecting buses to Ortaköy. There is also an alternative route which goes through water. You can take a ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy. However, keep in mind that you cannot take the ferry on Sundays as services are closed on these days.
Now if you want to go to the Asian side of the bridge take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar. This will help you reach Beylerbeyi Palace. But after getting down from the boat, you will have to board the buses going to the palace.
Place: Kuzguncuk District, 15th July Martyrs Bridge, Uskudar/Istanbul, Türkiye
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Best way to visit the Bosphorus Bridge
The best way to explore the bridge and surrounding areas would be to take a Bosphorus cruise. There are many cruises that start from the Golden Horn. It is an important tourist destination of the country. If you go on a cruise you will get to see many beautiful tourist places which will definitely make a place in your photo collection.
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These are some of the main attractions of the famous Bosporus Bridge. A lot of people from all over the world visit this famous place throughout the year. A large part of the country’s economy depends on tourism. Ensure a safe journey to Istanbul.
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