One of the three impressive landmark bridges arching over the Bosphorus Strait, the Bosphorus Bridge connects Europe and Asia without ever leaving Istanbul. Its official name is 15 July Martyrs Bridge and it’s also known as the First Bridge.
The bridge extends from the trendy nightlife district of Ortakoy on the Thracian European side of the city to Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian Asian side. It features eight lanes that offer spectacular views of the water and two continents.
Bosphorus Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Visit at night to catch the impressive LED light show. You can also take a Bosphorus cruise starting at the Golden Horn, which provides views of the bridge and other Istanbul landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach the bridge on foot is to take a bus to Ortakoy and walk toward the bridge. You can also see the bridge from vantage points, such as Ortakov Mosque on the European side and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side.