Istanbul for couples: 15 romantic ideas

On the water

1. The late-afternoon ferry

The ferry crossing between Eminönü or Karaköy and Kadıköy or Üsküdar is the most romantic and cheapest outing: half an hour of water, gulls and skyline. Go up on the outside deck with a glass of tea. Boats are paid with the Istanbulkart: see our guide to transport in Istanbul.

2. The Bosphorus cruise

A cruise on the strait passes palaces, yalı and fortresses: see the Bosphorus cruise page. A late-day cruise gives beautiful light; check the company's seasonal timetables.

3. The Maiden's Tower at sunset

The Maiden's Tower is reached by boat from Üsküdar. The Salacak shore, just opposite, is one of the best places to watch it together, with the domes of the old city as a backdrop.

4. The Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands offer a car-free day: cycling or a horse-drawn carriage ride, wooden houses, a fish lunch facing the Sea of Marmara. Allow the whole day.

The viewpoints

5. Pierre Loti Hill

In Eyüp, Pierre Loti Hill overlooks the Golden Horn; you go up on foot or by cable car and have a tea while evening falls.

6. The Galata Tower

The Galata Tower gives a 360° panorama over the old city, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. At sunset it is busy: see our page for hours and tickets.

7. The Galata Bridge at dusk

The Galata Bridge is where Istanbul residents come to fish and watch the sun set over the Süleymaniye. Access is free; a restaurant under the deck can extend the evening.

Neighbourhoods for two

8. Balat and Fener

The colourful streets of Balat and Fener, their sloping houses and cafés can be explored aimlessly, hand in hand.

9. Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk, a village on the Asian shore with wooden houses, small streets and cafés, is one of the most peaceful places in Istanbul.

10. Bebek and Arnavutköy

The seafront walk between Bebek and Arnavutköy takes an hour for two, with a fish dinner facing the strait at the end.

11. Cihangir and Çukurcuma

Wander between antique shops and cafés in Cihangir and Çukurcuma, with a view of the Bosphorus from the terraces.

Moments to share

12. A hammam for two

A historic hammam is a moment of relaxation, but men and women are generally separated; some establishments offer private cabins or couples' packages: see our guide to the best hammams in Istanbul.

13. Tea at the Pera Palace Hotel

The Pera Palace hotel, opened in 1892 for Orient Express travellers, has kept its period lounge. Tea or coffee there is an elegant way to spend an afternoon; check the access conditions.

14. A fish dinner

Dine facing the water in a Bosphorus village or in Kumkapı: see our guide to where to eat fish in Istanbul. For payment and tipping customs, see our guide to money, payment and tipping in Istanbul.

15. A slow breakfast

End with a long kahvaltı for two, in a Cihangir café or on the Bosphorus: see our guide to Turkish breakfast in Istanbul.

A sample evening

1. 5 p.m.: ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar.
2. 6 p.m.: walk to Salacak, sunset facing the Maiden's Tower.
3. 7:30 p.m.: ferry back, with a view of the lit-up city.
4. 8:30 p.m.: fish dinner in Karaköy or in a Bosphorus village.

Practical tips

• Season: spring (April-May) and early autumn offer the softest light; in summer the heat favours evening outings. See our guide to the best time to visit Istanbul.
• Dress: to visit a mosque, shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Bookings: in the evening and at weekends, book dinners.
• Where to stay: our guide to where to stay in Istanbul compares the districts.
• Public affection: holding hands is common; stay discreet in places of worship.

Summary

Going further

For viewpoints, see the Galata Tower; for islands, the Princes' Islands. In the evening, our guide to nightlife takes over.