Where to Go When Renting a Boat in Ayvansaray?

Ayvansaray is the most mystical and "oldest" corner of the city, where Istanbul's walls meet the Golden Horn (Haliç). This place is completely far from the flashy, current-filled, and wavy structure of the Bosphorus. In Ayvansaray, the sea is as calm as a mirror.

As the Limancepte.com team, we love the Golden Horn region very much; because this place offers the only route to our guests with "no guarantee of seasickness". Boarding a boat from Ayvansaray is like entering a time tunnel. Byzantine walls on one side, Eyüp Sultan, the spiritual center of the Ottomans, on the other... This is the quiet harbor for those who want to touch the soul of Istanbul.

Here are 3 historical and peaceful routes you will watch in lake tranquility when you depart from Ayvansaray, the heart of the Golden Horn:

1. Eyüp Sultan and Islands Direction: Spiritual Peace

When you turn the bow of your boat into the Golden Horn, towards Eyüp, the greenest and quietest view of Istanbul welcomes you. This route goes around small islets known as the Golden Horn Islands (Bahariye Islands). The famous view of Pierre Loti Hill rises on your left. The water is so calm here that you hear nothing but the engine sound of the boat. Especially in the early morning hours or for iftar tours during Ramadan, this region rests your soul with its spiritual atmosphere.

2. Fener - Balat and Iron Church: Dance of Colors

When you leave Ayvansaray and turn the route to the sea, that is, towards Eminönü, Istanbul's most photogenic coastline begins. The star of this route is undoubtedly the Sveti Stefan Church (Iron Church). Seeing the only standing church in the world made entirely of iron from the sea is fascinating. Immediately after, the famous colorful bay window houses of Fener and Balat and the imposing structure of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College (Red School) greet you.

3. Golden Horn Bridges and Galata Silhouette

As your boat proceeds further, you experience passing under the bridges connecting the two sides of the Golden Horn (Golden Horn Metro Bridge, Atatürk/Unkapanı Bridge). This route offers you the "old" and "new" faces of Istanbul at the same time. Suleymaniye Mosque on one side, Galata Tower on the other... Being on this route is priceless, especially at sunset when the water of the Golden Horn truly takes on a "golden" color.

Golden Horn (Ayvansaray) vs. Bosphorus?

Our customers often ask "Should we do a Bosphorus tour or a Golden Horn tour?". Here is the sharp distinction to help you decide: