Süleymaniye Mosque Location | Directions, Access, & Tips

Where is the Süleymaniye Mosque located?

Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Perched atop Istanbul’s historic Third Hill, the Süleymaniye Mosque overlooks the Golden Horn, offering sweeping panoramic views of the old city and the Bosphorus. Situated in the Fatih district, it lies within the heart of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed Historic Peninsula, just a short distance from iconic landmarks like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Eminönü waterfront.

Winding lanes filled with tea gardens, old stone houses, and quiet workshops lead up to the mosque’s hilltop perch, where the scent of simit and echoes of daily life capture the spirit of old Istanbul.

Nearest landmarks: Grand Bazaar (700m away), Egyptian Spice Bazaar (1km away), Cemberlitas Hammam (2.9km away), Hagia Sophia (3.1km away)

How to get to the museum by public transport?

Best for: Travelers looking for a fast and direct route from central Istanbul or those staying near metro-connected areas like Taksim or Şişli.
Travel time: Around 20 minutes from Taksim Square
Closest stop: Vezneciler Station (10 to 15 minutes on foot)
Pro tip: Exit toward Istanbul University for a more scenic uphill walk past student cafés and bookstores that offer a glimpse into local campus life.

The M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman metro line connects most of Istanbul’s modern neighborhoods to the Historic Peninsula. From Vezneciler Station, take the exit toward İstanbul Üniversitesi and follow Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street uphill. This route is particularly efficient if you’re traveling from modern districts like Taksim, Levent, or Şişli, all directly connected via the M2 line. Metro services run frequently, and stations are accessible with elevators and escalators, making this a convenient option even for those carrying light luggage or strollers.

Best for: Visitors exploring the Historic Peninsula or staying near Sultanahmet, Eminönü, or Sirkeci who prefer scenic street-level travel through the city’s heritage core.
Travel time: Around 10 minutes from Sultanahmet
Closest stop: Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı or Laleli–Üniversite (10-minute uphill walk)
Pro tip: Hop off at Laleli–Üniversite if you’d like a gentler climb; it’s slightly less steep than the Beyazıt route and lined with authentic textile shops.

The T1 Bağcılar–Kabataş tram line is one of the best ways to explore Istanbul’s old city, linking almost every major attraction, from Topkapı Palace to the Spice Bazaar. Trams run every 5 to 7 minutes and accept İstanbulkart contactless payment. Get off at Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı for a direct route through vibrant market streets, or at Laleli–Üniversite for a slightly quieter climb past fabric shops and old inns (han).

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers or those staying in neighborhoods not directly linked by tram or metro, such as Beyoğlu or Aksaray.
Travel time: Approximately 25 minutes from Taksim
Closest stop: Vezneciler or Eminönü (10 to 12 minutes on foot)
Pro tip: Use the İstanbulkart app to check real-time bus arrivals and plan your route efficiently; it’s especially handy when multiple lines run through the same corridor.

Several İETT city buses connect central Istanbul to the Süleymaniye area, offering a slower but authentic look at daily life. You can take buses 28T, 30D, or 32T from Taksim, or 36ES and 41Y from nearby central neighborhoods, which all stop close to Vezneciler and Eminönü. From either stop, it’s a pleasant 10 to 12-minute walk uphill toward the mosque, passing locals, students, and small eateries serving traditional Turkish dishes. Buses are frequent, but avoid rush hours (8am to 10am and 5pm to 6pm) if possible, as traffic in the Fatih district can be dense.

Best for: Visitors coming from the Asian side of Istanbul or anyone wanting a scenic approach with panoramic views of the skyline and the Golden Horn.
Travel time: Around 25–30 minutes from Üsküdar or Kadıköy (including walking time)
Closest stop: Eminönü Pier (20-minute walk or short taxi/tram ride)
Pro tip: When you arrive at Eminönü Pier, stop by one of the waterfront stalls for a quick fish sandwich (balık ekmek) before heading up the hill to the mosque.

Ferries from Üsküdar and Kadıköy to Eminönü offer one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to reach the mosque. Services are frequent and punctual, and the ride itself is a highlight; you’ll pass the Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, and the Süleymaniye skyline from across the water. Once you arrive at Eminönü Pier, you can walk uphill through the lively Tahtakale market area, take the T1 tram two stops to Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı, or grab a short taxi ride to the mosque entrance. Ferries accept the İstanbulkart, and most operate year-round, offering both indoor and open-air seating.

Getting to the Süleymaniye Mosque by car

Best for: Travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort, families with children, or visitors with mobility concerns who’d rather avoid steep uphill walks.
Travel time: Around 10 to 15 minutes (3km from Sultanahmet Square)
Nearest parking: İSPARK Süleymaniye Otoparkı (2 to 3-minute walk)

Directions:

Start from Sultanahmet Square and head west on Divan Yolu Caddesi, passing the Çemberlitaş Column on your right. Continue straight until you reach the Beyazıt Square intersection.
Turn right onto Ordu Caddesi, then follow signs toward Vezneciler and Fatih. After about 1 km, turn left onto Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi, which leads uphill toward the Süleymaniye Mosque.
As you go uphill, follow the signs for Süleymaniye Camii that lead directly to the mosque complex.

Parking Emununu (260m away): A small but convenient parking area near the waterfront, ideal if you’re arriving from the ferry or exploring the Spice Bazaar before heading uphill to the mosque.
Estacionamiento (260m away): Located close to the main road connecting Eminönü and Fatih, this spot offers quick access to the lower entrance paths leading toward Süleymaniye.
Şirin Katlı Otopark (450m away): A covered, multi-storey facility that’s well-suited for longer stays, offering secure parking and easy pedestrian access to the mosque via Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street.
Coral iSPARK Storey Car Park (550m away): A reliable and spacious car park managed by İSPARK, perfect for those seeking official city-operated parking with modern facilities and 24-hour security.
Otopark (600m away): A practical and affordable open-air parking lot near the Vezneciler area, convenient if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Istanbul University before walking up to the mosque.

Walking to the Süleymaniye Mosque

Best for: Visitors who enjoy exploring Istanbul’s historic streets, taking in local sights and sounds, and discovering hidden corners of the old city at their own pace.
Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes (from Sultanahmet Square)
Distance: Around 1.5km

Start your walk from Sultanahmet Square, passing by Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then head west along Divan Yolu Caddesi toward Çemberlitaş. Continue straight past the Column of Constantine and follow signs to Beyazıt Square and the Grand Bazaar. From there, take the narrow streets leading uphill through the Vezneciler area, where local shops, tea houses, and street vendors line the way. As you climb, the domes and minarets of the Süleymaniye Mosque gradually appear above the rooftops, guiding you to one of Istanbul’s most breathtaking viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions about Süleymaniye Mosque’s location

What is the best way to reach the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The easiest route is to take the T1 tram line from Sultanahmet to Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı Station, then walk about 10 minutes uphill through the historic streets toward the mosque.

What is the nearest metro station to the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The closest metro stop is Vezneciler Station on the M2 line, located roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk from the mosque via Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street.

Is there direct public transport from the Asian side of Istanbul?

Yes, you can take a ferry from Üsküdar or Kadıköy to Eminönü Pier, then either walk uphill for about 20 minutes or transfer to the T1 tram for two stops to Beyazıt–Kapalıçarşı.

Can I reach the Süleymaniye Mosque by car?

Yes, the mosque is accessible by car via Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi, and there are several parking options nearby, including the İSPARK Süleymaniye Otoparkı just below the mosque complex.

What is the cheapest way to get to the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Using public transport with an İstanbulkart is the most budget-friendly option, as the tram, metro, and ferry systems are all interconnected and offer low fares for transfers.

How long does it take to walk from the Grand Bazaar to the Süleymaniye Mosque?

It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar’s western exit, taking you through narrow, uphill streets lined with traditional shops and local eateries.

Are taxis or ride-sharing options easily available near the mosque?

Yes, taxis are readily available near the mosque’s lower entrances and around Eminönü and Vezneciler. You can also use popular ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi or Uber, both of which operate widely in Istanbul and are convenient for getting back to central areas.

Is the route to the mosque steep or difficult to walk?

The streets leading up to the mosque are moderately steep but well-paved. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore nearby attractions on foot.

Is it safe to walk to the Süleymaniye Mosque at night?

Yes, the area around the mosque and the surrounding Fatih district are generally safe, especially along main routes like Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street. However, as the streets can be quiet after dark, it’s best to visit before sunset or use a taxi for your return trip.