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Guided Tours
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Istanbul Mosques Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye & Blue Mosque
Discover Istanbul’s most iconic mosques and centuries of history on a guided tour.
Everything you get: Dive into Istanbul’s rich heritage with a guided walking tour. Explore Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome and mosaics, the Blue Mosque’s elegant six minarets, and Süleymaniye Mosque’s Ottoman architecture with panoramic city views.
Why choose this experience: Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a single guided walking tour, enjoying expert commentary and a hassle-free way to see multiple highlights in just 4 hours.
Upgrades: Opt for a private tour or skip-the-line Hagia Sophia entry for a more personalized and convenient experience.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
4 hr.
Discover Istanbul’s most iconic mosques and centuries of history on a guided tour.
Everything you get: Dive into Istanbul’s rich heritage with a guided walking tour. Explore Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome and mosaics, the Blue Mosque’s elegant six minarets, and Süleymaniye Mosque’s Ottoman architecture with panoramic city views.
Why choose this experience: Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a single guided walking tour, enjoying expert commentary and a hassle-free way to see multiple highlights in just 4 hours.
Upgrades: Opt for a private tour or skip-the-line Hagia Sophia entry for a more personalized and convenient experience.
Inclusions
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Private/group tour (based on option selected)
English or Turkish-speaking guide (based on option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
Exclusions
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Meals
What to bring
A valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Comfortable walking shoes, as this is a half-day walking tour.
Modest clothing for mosque visits (shoulders and knees must be covered; women must cover their hair with a scarf).
A scarf or shawl for mosque visits if needed.
What’s not allowed
Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage inside the mosques for security reasons.
Pets, except for registered service animals.
Alcohol, drugs, or any form of intoxication.
Smoking inside any mosques or historical sites.
Flash photography, tripods, or filming equipment inside the mosques.
Accessibility
This experience is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and stairs at some sites.
Additional information
Meals are not included in the ticket.
Check your ticket details; Hagia Sophia entry may not be included in all options.
Tours are available in multiple languages—verify your selected guide language.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The tour involves moderate walking; ensure you are physically able to participate.
Mosques may be closed to visitors during prayer times or special religious events; tour timings may be adjusted accordingly.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
From happy customers
Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Denis
FranceDec 2025
4/5
Gives a good overview. Allows a different view by day and by night.
However, the audioguide doesn't follow the itinerary, so it's difficult to associate the explanations with the visuals.
Durame
FranceOct 2025
4/5
On-time departure
90-minute cruise respected
Kindness of staff who let us pass without any problem, even though I had an internet connection problem and couldn't provide the e-tickets.
Possibility of getting off on the Galata side on the way back, which enabled us to visit the fish market and eat there.
The only downside was that I had paid for 3 audio guides, but I didn't get any, which was a shame.
Susumu
JapanDec 2025
5/5
Easy access, no waiting and cue. Smooth entering, just only showing the 3D code on the smart phone. If possible, it's better that one 3D code can be covered multiple person entrance.
I have to say that your support team is perfect. Quick and proper response was helpful. I especially appriciate Megan's support. If possible, " DATE" on the cheket is going to be changed "Purchased date", so that it may reduce the confusion more.
Karen
United StatesOct 2025
5/5
We skipped the line and saved quite a bit of time! The upstairs museum was insightful and a good experience. We liked walking around the exterior of the building as well.
A masterpiece born of Mimar Sinan’s vision
Rising above the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, the Süleymaniye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent as a reflection of his empire’s faith, intellect, and power. Built by Mimar Sinan and more than 3,000 artisans, its vast dome was engineered with such precision that it has stood unshaken for nearly five centuries. The surrounding complex once housed a library, hospital, and soup kitchen that served thousands each day, embodying the Ottoman ideal of worship through service.
Why the Süleymaniye Mosque belongs on your Istanbul itinerary
1/5
Architectural masterpiece
Designed by the legendary Mimar Sinan and completed in 1557, the mosque is a textbook example of Ottoman classical architecture with a soaring central dome, four elegant minarets, and finely balanced proportions.
Hill-top views over the Golden Horn
Perched atop one of Istanbul’s historic seven hills, the mosque offers sweeping views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, its terrace a peaceful vantage point where you can pause and take in the city’s rhythm from above.
Imperial legacy
Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the mosque crowns a grand complex that once housed schools, a hospital, and a soup kitchen, capturing the Ottoman Empire’s vision of faith intertwined with learning and community care.
Rich layers of interior detail
Inside, stained glass bathes the prayer hall in soft color, calligraphy traces the walls like flowing poetry, and courtyard columns reclaimed from ancient structures reveal Sinan’s thoughtful blend of art, history, and devotion.
A quiet escape
Unlike some of Istanbul’s more-visited landmarks, the mosque maintains a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere, letting you explore and absorb its beauty without being rushed.
Things to know before booking Süleymaniye Mosque tickets
Entry to the mosque is free; however, you’re welcome to make a small donation if you’d like to contribute to its upkeep.
Join a Süleymaniye Mosque guided tour to explore beyond the main prayer hall; your guide will lead you through the tombs of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan, the madrasa, hospital, and soup kitchen, all part of the original 16th-century külliye that once served the Ottoman capital. But, if you’re doing a quick ‘photo stop’, focus on the main prayer hall and courtyard.
The site sits close to landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, making it easy to include in a walking-tour loop. Book a guided combo tour to pair your Süleymaniye visit with other top attractions and save time and money.
If your combo includes a Bosphorus cruise, remember you’ll need to walk or transfer to the pier at Eminönü or Karaköy. It’s about a 15 to 20-minute trip depending on your route, so leave a 30-minute buffer between activities to keep your schedule relaxed.
The mosque sits on one of Istanbul’s historic ‘seven hills’, so getting there involves a short uphill walk through cobbled streets. The slope is moderate, but some surfaces are uneven and can be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers, so plan a little extra time for the climb or consider a quick taxi or tram ride to the upper entrance.
Find your perfect ticket
Guided tours
Best for: Curious travelers looking to uncover the deeper meaning and stories behind Istanbul’s most soulful mosque Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Step inside Ottoman grandeur with a local expert who brings the legacy of Sultan Süleyman to life. Hear how Mimar Sinan designed the mosque, how the adjoining külliye once fed the city’s poor, and how the tombs of Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan tell a love story that shaped an empire.
Recommended tours:
Süleymaniye Mosque guided tour
Combo tours
Best for: Travelers who want to see more of Istanbul’s icons while saving time and money Guide: Expert English or Turkish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Pair your Süleymaniye Mosque visit with nearby landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, or cap it off with a Bosphorus cruise for panoramic city views. One seamless booking gives you a full taste of Istanbul’s spirit without the hassle of juggling multiple tickets.
Recommended tours:
Istanbul Mosques guided tour: Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye, & Blue Mosque
The vast central hall, crowned by a 53-meter dome designed by Mimar Sinan, combines perfect symmetry, filtered light, and ornate calligraphy to create a serene atmosphere that embodies Ottoman grandeur.
Plan your visit to Süleymaniye Mosque
Open: 8:30am to 6:45pm
Duration of visit: Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to explore Süleymaniye Mosque, including the main hall, courtyard, and tombs.
Best time to visit: The ideal times are early morning (around 9am) or late afternoon, preferably during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when the light is beautiful and the crowds are thinner.
Note: On Fridays, the mosque is closed until 2:30pm due to congregational prayers.
Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih, Türkey Find on maps
By metro: Use the M2 metro line to Vezneciler Station, then walk for 10 to 15 minutes via Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street.
By tram: Take the T1 tram line and get off at Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı or Laleli–Üniversite stations; from there, it’s about a 10-minute uphill walk.
By bus: Several buses stop near Vezneciler or Eminönü; from either stop, you can reach the mosque on foot in about 10 to 12 minutes.
By ferry: If you’re coming from the Asian side, take a ferry to Eminönü Pier, then either walk (about 20 minutes) or take a short taxi or tram ride uphill to the mosque.
By taxi or car: Taxis and private cars can drive up close to the upper entrance of the mosque from Şifahane Street or Süleymaniye Caddesi.
The main entrance to the courtyard is located on the northwest side of the mosque, facing Şifahane Sokak. This gate opens into the large forecourt, which is the primary visitor access point.
Once you enter through the courtyard portal, you’ll find the entrance to the prayer hall on the southeast side of the courtyard beneath the portico.
If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, you can arrive by vehicle and get dropped off near the upper entrance on the hill, which makes access much easier.
During the five daily prayers, certain parts of the mosque, especially the main prayer hall, are closed to visitors, so it’s best to plan your visit around these times.
There are clearly marked ablution fountains just outside the prayer hall so that visitors and worshippers alike can perform ritual washing in line with mosque tradition.
Shops and small kiosks are located around the outer edge of the complex, where you can purchase light refreshments, souvenirs, and traditional Ottoman-inspired items.
On-site restrooms are available within or adjacent to the mosque for visitor convenience, offering a necessary comfort during your visit.
There’s a convenient vehicle drop-off point near the mosque’s upper entrance, allowing visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to get as close as possible to the main gate and avoid the steepest part of the climb.
Inside the courtyard and main prayer hall, the floors are largely level and suitable for wheelchair users, making it easy to move around and enjoy the architecture up close.
The mosque has access ramps at key threshold points, helping wheelchair users transition smoothly from the courtyard into the main prayer hall without obstacles.
Accessible restrooms are available within or next to the complex for visitors with mobility needs.
If you’re booking a guided tour, it helps to mention your accessibility needs in advance, ensuring your driver or guide can arrange drop-off at the most convenient entrance and assist you on arrival.
Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall and place them neatly on the racks provided.
Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders, arms, and legs are covered; women should also cover their hair.
Refrain from using flash when taking photos and never photograph worshippers without their permission.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke anywhere within the mosque complex.
Avoid walking or standing in front of people while they are praying.
Stay within the visitor areas and do not cross into sections reserved for worshippers.
Keep your voice low and avoid loud conversations, especially near people praying.
Turn your phone to silent mode and avoid taking calls inside the mosque.
Visitor tips & guidelines
The Süleymaniye Mosque is an active place of worship, so you may need to step outside or pause your visit during the five daily prayers. If you’re planning a Friday tour, try to avoid slots between 12pm and 2pm when midday prayers draw larger crowds; weekday mornings or mid-afternoons are much quieter and more relaxed.
Dress modestly; women should cover their arms and hair, and men should wear long trousers. If you’re in shorts or a short skirt, you may be asked to borrow a wrap at the entrance.
Bring a pair of lightweight socks or slip-ons, since you’ll remove your shoes at the entrance, and some of the stone floors inside feel cool and slick.
If you use a mobility aid or have limited walking ability, start from the tram stop at the bottom of the hill and take a short taxi or accessible ride up to the upper entrance to avoid the steepest climb.
Arrive just after opening time (around 9am) and head straight to the terrace on the west side for one of the best views over the Golden Horn; the soft morning light makes it especially photogenic.
Pause in the courtyard and listen for the subtle echo of the call-to-prayer; if you time it just as one of the five daily prayers begins, you’ll witness how the architecture amplifies the sound.
Explore the narrow lanes around the mosque after your visit: you’ll find old wooden houses and local tea-houses that most tourist itineraries skip.
Explore nearby
Grand Bazaar
(450m away)
One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where you can wander through over 4,000 shops selling carpets, lanterns, jewelry, and spices; it’s an easy 6-minute downhill walk from the mosque toward Beyazıt Square.
Cemberlitas Hammam
(2.9km away)
A beautifully preserved 16th-century Turkish bath designed by Mimar Sinan, perfect for experiencing an authentic Ottoman-style steam and scrub; reach it in about 10 minutes by tram from Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı or by taxi.
A breathtaking underground chamber supported by 336 marble columns and home to the mysterious Medusa heads; you can get there by tram from Vezneciler or by a 15-minute taxi ride toward Sultanahmet.
Istanbul’s most iconic landmark, blending Byzantine mosaics with Ottoman architecture, offering awe-inspiring interiors and centuries of history; take the tram from Vezneciler to Sultanahmet or enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk through the Old City.
Frequently asked questions about Süleymaniye Mosque tickets
No, entry to the Süleymaniye Mosque is free for all visitors. You can walk in during visiting hours, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the site.
Yes, a Süleymaniye Mosque guided tour adds real value as you’ll learn stories behind the architecture, the life of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and the significance of the külliye’s madrasa and tombs, details you would likely miss on your own.
Yes, many guided combo tours include the Süleymaniye Mosque along with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and a Bosphorus cruise, making it easy to experience several highlights in one itinerary.
Visitors are asked to step outside during the five daily prayers. If you’re visiting on a Friday, try to avoid 12pm to 2pm, when the mosque is busiest for midday prayer.
A self-guided visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but if you join a Süleymaniye Mosque guided tour and explore the complex fully, plan for about 1.5 hours to take it all in comfortably.
Dress modestly; women should cover their hair and shoulders, and men should wear long trousers. Headscarves and wraps are usually available at the entrance if needed.
Access to the main courtyard is fairly smooth, but some paths are cobbled and slightly uphill. Wheelchair users may find it easier to enter from the upper gate via a taxi or tram ride.
