The Friday mosque of Sultan Süleyman, built by the architect Mimar Sinan between 1551 and 1558 on Istanbul's Third Hill. It is still a working mosque where the five daily prayers are held. Behind the prayer hall, in the walled garden, are the tombs (türbe) of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and his wife Hürrem Sultan. Most visitors to the old city queue at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia; Süleymaniye is a short walk away, calmer and free.
Step 2 of 8Next: Visiting rules↓Visiting rules
Visiting with respect
- Do not enter or walk in front of worshippers during namaz; wait outside or stand still at the back.
- Speak quietly inside the prayer hall; no eating or drinking.
- Follow the mosque attendants (görevli), who guide visitors on dress and where to stand.
Hours and rules can change for festivals and services. Check the official site on the day.
Step 3 of 8Next: Getting there↓The route, stop by stop
The whole route first. Tap any stop and the map zooms to just that place.
Route
Stops
Istanbul Airport to the old city → Süleymaniye Mosque → Tombs of Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan → Süleymaniye terraces and Golden Horn view · Directions in Google Maps ↗
- 1Metro M11 from the airport to Gayrettepe, then M2 to Vezneciler, about 10 minutes' walk to the mosque. Pay by Istanbulkart; fares around 35-42 TL a ride in recent guides, with transfer discounts Map ↗
- 2Walk up from Vezneciler metro, or about 15 minutes uphill from Eminönü Map ↗
- 3In the walled garden directly behind the mosque Map ↗
- 4Walk to the north side of the mosque grounds Map ↗
Travel legs add up to about ₹146 per person.
Step 4 of 8Next: Cost↓What it costs
A do-it-yourself budget for the visit: local transport and any entry fee. Donations and guided tours are extra.
What to book ahead
Where to stay and eat
Stay
Hostels in the Fatih district start around £12 (₹1,300) a night per a July 2026 listing, with older snapshots as low as £8 (₹870). Staying in Fatih puts the mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Eminönü ferries within walking distance.
Food
The street on the mosque's west side (Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi) is known for kuru fasulye, white beans in tomato sauce served with rice and pickles, in small Anatolian canteens such as Erzincanlı Ali Baba. It is a cheap, mostly vegetarian-friendly meal; we could not confirm 2026 prices.
Photos
Questions people ask
How many days do you need for Süleymaniye Mosque?
Half day, starting from Istanbul (Istanbul Airport, IST).
What is the best time for Süleymaniye Mosque?
April-May and September-October for mild weather. Come mid-morning or mid-afternoon between prayers; Friday noon (Cuma) prayer is the busiest time and visitors wait outside. The terraces behind the mosque are best near sunset, but avoid arriving right at the evening (akşam) prayer.
How much does Süleymaniye Mosque cost?
From about ₹300 per person doing it yourself, with the travel legs adding up to roughly ₹146.
What needs to be booked in advance?
No ticket needed: Visitor guides agree entry is free and there is no booking. We found no official statement from the mosque or the Istanbul Müftülüğü, so check at the door. Prayer times (must book): Visitors are not let in during the five daily prayers. Times change every day; check the day's prayer times (namaz vakitleri) before you go. Dress (must book): Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair. Shoes come off at the door. Large Istanbul mosques usually lend coverings at the entrance, but carry a scarf and long trousers.
Where do pilgrims stay?
Hostels in the Fatih district start around £12 (₹1,300) a night per a July 2026 listing, with older snapshots as low as £8 (₹870). Staying in Fatih puts the mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Eminönü ferries within walking distance.
What about food?
The street on the mosque's west side (Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi) is known for kuru fasulye, white beans in tomato sauce served with rice and pickles, in small Anatolian canteens such as Erzincanlı Ali Baba. It is a cheap, mostly vegetarian-friendly meal; we could not confirm 2026 prices.
Sources and last check
Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
- kulturportali.gov.tr OfficialAddress; Mimar Sinan; built 1551-1558 for Kanuni Sultan Süleyman; tombs of Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan
- goturkiye.com OfficialOfficial tourism description (no visitor rules)
- gov.uk OfficialFCDO (updated 21 Sep 2026): advises against travel only within 10 km of the Syria border; Istanbul not covered
- istanbul.comDress practice in Istanbul mosques: shoulders and knees covered, women's hair covered, shoes off
- nomadotravel.appOpen daily about 09:00-18:00 except prayer times; no ticket needed
- ensonhaber.comDiyanet/müftülük practice of dress rules and loaned clothing for tourists in historic mosques (Bursa example)
- hurriyet.com.trKuru fasulye canteens beside Süleymaniye (Erzincanlı Ali Baba)
- makemytrip.globalFatih hostels from GBP 12 a night (updated Jul 2026)
More sacred places and routes
Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we sell nothing, take no commission, and every booking link goes straight to the provider. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 11 October 2026 · Photo: İhsan Deniz Kılıçoğlu · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: İhsan Deniz Kılıçoğlu · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Moonik · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Dr.Suskun · CC BY 4.0 · source
