Plizio Visual Lab
Bosphorus Bridge
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in 2016, is the first suspension bridge to span the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia. Built between 1970 and 1973, it was inaugurated on the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey by President Fahri Korutürk. With a total length of 1,560 meters and a main span of 1,074 meters, it was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world upon its completion. The bridge's deck stands approximately 64 meters above sea level, allowing for the passage of large international vessels through the strait. It serves as a critical artery for Istanbul's traffic, carrying more than 180,000 vehicles daily. At night, the bridge is illuminated by a dynamic LED lighting system, making it a prominent and colorful landmark visible across the city's skyline.
- Location: Turkey
- Top sights: Bosphorus Bridge · Beylerbeyi Sarayı Selamlık Sahil Köşkü · Üryanizade Camii
- Nearby: Istanbul (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 68 | 53 | 42 | 35 | 36 | 20 | 22 | 54 | 70 | 63 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) is an iconic suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Visitors can walk across the pedestrian sidewalk on the bridge.
Typical hours
The bridge is open 24/7, the pedestrian walkway is accessible at any time. Traffic can be heavy; the best time for a stroll is early morning.
Photography
Photography is allowed from the bridge, offering spectacular views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus. A tripod can be useful for long exposures.
Time needed
A walk across the bridge takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow extra time for photos and enjoying the view.
Combine with
Combine the bridge walk with a visit to the Ortaköy district on the European shore. A Bosphorus cruise also features a great perspective on the bridge.
Getting there
The bridge is accessible by public transport; the nearest bus stop is „Ortaköy”. Alternatively, take a taxi or a ferry to Ortaköy.
Insider tip
Go early morning or at sunset to avoid traffic and have the best light. Keep your camera ready for the iconic silhouette.
Geography
Facts
- The construction of the bridge cost approximately 200 million US dollars.
- The steel towers of the bridge stand 165 meters above the road level.
- Pedestrians have been banned from crossing the bridge since 1977 for safety reasons.
- Once a year, during the Istanbul Marathon, the bridge is opened to runners crossing between continents.
- The bridge was designed by British engineers Sir Gilbert Roberts and William Brown.
- Under extreme wind conditions, the bridge can sway up to 90 centimeters at its midpoint.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bosphorus Bridge (10)
Beylerbeyi Palace🏛 museum
19th-century summer palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.
Beylerbeyi Parkı🌳 park
City park in Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus.
Ortaköy Mosque
18th-century baroque-style mosque in Istanbul.
Kuzguncuk Camii
Mosque in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Istanbul.
Kuzguncuk Gazhanesi
Ruins of a former gasworks in Kuzguncuk.
Kuzguncuk
Bosphorus neighborhood with wooden houses and a synagogue.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
No, pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge.
Is it an important traffic artery?
Yes, it connects Europe and Asia and is extremely busy daily.
When does it look best?
In the evening, when the bridge is illuminated, it looks particularly impressive.
Is there a better way to see the Bosphorus?
Yes, a boat trip is the best way to experience the bridge and the city.
Is there a toll for crossing?
Yes, a toll is charged for vehicles.
Bosphorus Bridge: where is it located?
Bosphorus Bridge is located in Turkey.
Bosphorus Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Sarayı Selamlık Sahil Köşkü, Üryanizade Camii.
Bosphorus Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Bosphorus Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially renamed the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in 2016, is the first suspension bridge to span the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Turkey →
Nearby cities
Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, spanning across two continents, Europe and Asia.
Arnavutköy
A vast district in northwest Istanbul, famous for its Black Sea coastline and the new international airport.
Yalova
Yalova is a green coastal city famous for its healing thermal springs, lush arboretums, and beautiful botanical gardens.
Princes' Islands (Büyükada)
The largest of the Princes' Islands, a car-free sanctuary featuring grand Ottoman-era wooden mansions and lush pine forests.
History & landmarks
Dolmabahçe Palace
An opulent palace on the shores of the Bosphorus, which replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans.
Maiden's Tower
An elegant tower on a small island in the Bosphorus, boasting a long history of legends and myths.
Galata Tower
A historic stone tower in the Beyoğlu district, offering sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul's Golden Horn.
Topkapı Palace
Once the magnificent main residence of the Ottoman sultans, the palace now houses an impressive museum.
Hagia Sophia
An architectural masterpiece in Istanbul that served as both a church and a mosque throughout its long history.
Basilica Cistern
A massive subterranean water reservoir from the Byzantine era, known for its atmospheric lighting and Medusa heads.
Blue Mosque
A historic mosque known for its striking blue İznik tiles that decorate the interior.
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul's old city.
More places
Yıldız Park
Once the royal hunting grounds of the Ottoman sultans, this huge park now offers picturesque walkways and old pavilions.
Gülhane Park
A historical urban park in Istanbul that was once part of the Topkapı Palace gardens, now offering a green oasis.
Emirgan Park
A historical park on the Bosphorus, world-famous especially for its annual tulip festival in spring.
Miniatürk
An impressive miniature park in Istanbul featuring detailed replicas of the most famous buildings from Turkey and Ottoman history.
Isfanbul Theme Park
A large amusement park in Istanbul offering roller coasters, shopping centers, and entertainment for the whole family.
Belgrad Forest
An extensive mixed forest in the northwest of Istanbul, serving as an important source of fresh air and recreation area for the city.
Port of Ambarlı
The Port of Ambarlı in Istanbul is the most important hub for Turkey's maritime trade.