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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 18 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

After conquering Constantinople, Mehmet the Conqueror converted the Hagia Sophia, the great Byzantine church, into a mosque. By the 1500s, the sultans were transforming Istanbul’s skyline with spectacular granite, marble and tile mosques inspired by the Hagia Sophia – many including complexes of hammams, schools, libraries and markets to fund them.

The legacy was almost 3,000 mosques (more than any other city on earth) of which the magnificent Ottoman imperial mosques – the 17th-century Blue Mosque and Sinan’s Suleymaniye Mosque – are the undoubted stars.

Recommendations

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Blue Mosque

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

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Bucket List Experience
Aerial view of large mosque with six minarets with blue sea in the background

The greatest of Istanbul’s Ottoman mosques, beautifully decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture.

Best for ages 13+

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

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Bucket List Experience
external facade of a large mosque with four turrets

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire. Initially a cathedral, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.

Best for ages 13+

Suleymaniye Mosque

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

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Bucket List Experience
Aerial view of large, blue and white mosque on a sunny day

The grandest mosque in Istanbul, built in 1558, this iconic Byzantine beauty defines the Istanbul skyline.

Best for ages 18+

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Most mosques welcome visitors, but always dress respectfully. Women must wear a long-sleeved top and a long skirt (at least to the knees) – loose, full-length trousers are fine, too – and a scarf or pashmina to cover their heads. Men should wear long-sleeved shirt and trousers. Be prepared to leave your shoes at the entrance.

When to do it

Mosques are usually open all year round, seven days a week, except during prayers (half an hour after the call to prayer). Also avoid the main services on Friday mornings and early afternoons, unless you’re a Muslim.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Istanbul Classics and Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and more!

Istanbul

Istanbul Classics and Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and more!
This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group! You will begin the day with the Roman / Byzantine Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the German Fountain - a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits your guide will take you to Nakkas Cistern and give you a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousent of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Divan-the High Court,Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.

Price: $125

Min age: 1

Rating 4.95 / 5 [315 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Morning Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

Morning Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
Enjoy this 4 hours tour with visits to the highlights of the old city. Firstly visit the magnificent Byzantine church of St Sophia. After here continue to Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople and the Blue Mosque, amazing blue tiles from 16th century. Final visit of the morning is to the Grand Bazaar.

Price: $88

Min age: 0

Rating 4.35 / 5 [80 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Istanbul

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide. Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque. Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to continue exploring Istanbul independently.

Price: €39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.47 / 5 [55 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Visit the historic ‘old town’ of bustling Istanbul on this tour. Photo opportunities await at Sultanahmet’s notable religious sites including the Underground Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. Wander through aromatic spice markets after exploring the Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Witness the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire influences in this part of Turkey's great metropolis. Tour the historic reference points of the old town with an English speaking tour guide Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests Sample Turkish delights in the Grand Bazaar and visit a local carpet workshop Enjoy the best scenery of Istanbul from Blue Mosque

Price: €30

Min age: 7

Rating 4.84 / 5 [45 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Explore the vibrant and storied "old town" of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop. • Enjoy priority access and skip the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern • Indulge in Turkish delights at the bustling Grand Bazaar • Try your hand at weaving loom if you're feeling adventurous. • Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests

Price: €30

Min age: 7

Rating 4.88 / 5 [34 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Istanbul

Marmara Region, Turkey

Large illuminated mosque at night with sea in background

Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.