| Offer | Duration | "From" price (to be checked) | Included (per the listing) | Who it suits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner and belly dancing at Sultana's | about 2.5 h | about $63 to $65 (October 2026) | Three-course dinner, unlimited soft drinks, show; alcohol and transfer optional; rated 3.9 from about 100 reviews | Most people: a full show at a moderate price | See |
| 1001 Turkish Night | about 3.5 h | to be checked (higher than Sultana's) | Dinner and show; hotel transfers per the listing | Those who want to be picked up | See |
| Dinner cruise with show and private table | about 3 h | from €34.25 (October 2026) | Dinner, show, private table per the title; rated 4.8 from 75,655 reviews | Those who want to see the Bosphorus at night | See |
Prices seen in October 2026, varying by date, drinks option and currency. Our notes do not give the rating of the "1001 Turkish Night" listing: check it before booking.
Show on land or on the water?
- On land: a fixed hall, clearer sound, no weather or seasickness, and the show is the main course. Sultana's is a cabaret near Taksim, open every evening in our notes.
- On the water: the dinner cruise adds the view of the illuminated Bosphorus, but the dance programme is shorter and the room noisier; it is the best-selling offer in the city.
- For dance without dinner: Hodjapasha's "Rhythm of the Dance" lasts about 65 minutes (from $42.22 according to our guide to whirling dervishes), with direct ticketing.
Sultana's, the best-known show
It takes place near Taksim Square. The listing states a three-course dinner, unlimited soft drinks, belly dancing and folklore, with an alcohol package and a transfer to choose. Travellers like the atmosphere and the audience participation; the 3.9 rating from about 100 reviews is middling, suggesting mixed views on the food. Book on the official listing: other resellers sell the same show for more. See the listing.
1001 Turkish Night
A longer evening of about 3.5 hours, with dinner, show and transfers per the listing. It costs more than Sultana's and has fewer reviews in our notes: read recent reviews and the "included" detail (drinks, table position) before choosing. See the listing.
Dinner cruise with show
Istanbul's best-selling evening option: dinner, a show and views of both shores, from €34.25 in October 2026. Drinks, transfer and a seat near the stage or windows change the price by option. The detail of 8 offers is in our dinner cruise comparison. See the listing.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Drinks: alcohol is almost always extra; read the package you choose.
- Transfer: it is a paid option on several listings; otherwise plan a taxi, see our advice on taxis in Istanbul.
- Dress: evenings are relaxed; a jacket is enough in winter.
- Safety: stay with official listings and see our guide to safety at night.
- Ramadan: times and atmosphere change; see Ramadan 2027 and iftar.
Which offer to choose
- A real dance show, moderate price: Sultana's.
- A full evening with hotel pickup: the 1001 Turkish Night.
- A view of the Bosphorus: the dinner cruise with show.
- An evening for two: see Istanbul for couples and nightlife.
Booking at the best time
Book a few days ahead for a weekend or high season, and keep this evening for a day when you do not leave early the next morning. By day, a private Old City tour or a Bosphorus cruise fits well.
