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Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Architectural Buildings
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Mihrimah Sultan Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Noted for its interesting construction and exceptionally high dome, this mosque was built in 1557 for the daughter of a Sultan.
Reviewed By Ivankuntara - Jakarta, Indonesia
Must visited mosque in Istanbul, to see the architect of Islam and the beautiful of Bosphorus Straits. You may see "beautiful" of the acoustic and air circulation technology here
2. Rustem Pasha Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,215 reviews
One of the smaller mosques in the city, it was built by Rustem Pasa in 1561 and is noted for the very fine tiles covering the interior and exterior walls.
Reviewed By ferdab_11 - Nanaimo, Canada
A bit tricky to find but worth it! From Yenikapi tram station, head towards the front entrance Egyptian bazar or Spice Market. Don't enter. Stay outside and follow the right hand side (if you are facing the entrance) of the market OUTSIDE past cheese vendors and etc. Continue on until you see (and smell the coffee) Mehmet Efendi Kurukahveci. Pass the coffee shop and turn right down the street before Mehmet Efendi's. Walk straight down for 5 minutes and the mosque will be on the right. You'll turn right to find the entrance I think. It is another masterpiece from Mimar Sinan, the celebrated Turkish architect. The combination of red carpets and the turquoise tiles is breathtakingly beautiful and because it is in a smaller scale than his other mosques, the impact is intensified. Remember women to dress modestly and bring a scarf to cover your head. There's no shortage of beautiful scarves around to buy if need be. This whole area is full of treasures if you are willing to look. I recommend having lunch at Saray Muhallebicisi back towards Yeni Cami. They are very good.
3. Yeni Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,195 reviews
This mosque was positioned on a hill overlooking the harbor at Eminonu. Today, the local pigeons make their home in its graceful domes and arches.
4. Fatih Mosque and Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Named for the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, this mosque was part of a large religious complex atop one of the city's many hills. Among the other original buildings in the complex were a school, library and hospital.
Reviewed By doofvfood
Was gutted when I realised we would miss the Wednesday market near the mosque which the guidebook mentioned. It's a bit further out but worth a visit. On first sight of the mosque, the marble square is really impressive and the interior of the mosque is beautiful. Was interested to learn the architect for the original mosque was not Mimar Sinan but Atik Sinan. The present mosque was rebuilt in 1700s after an earthquake destroyed the original. It was a good view from the women's area in the terrace. Istanbul has no shortage of stunning mosques & Fatih is one of the best we have visited. A visit is definitely recommended.
5. Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
This l6th-century mosque, built on the slope of a hill near Sultanahmet, is one of the most beautiful examples of classical Turkish architecture in the city. Of special interest are the prayer niches and pulpit, which are covered in lovely Iznik tiles.
Reviewed By jayyen93 - Dublin, Ireland
Amazingly, despite being so close to perhaps Istanbul's most popular mosque - the Blue Mosque, this mosque is on the other hand oft-ignored. However, I would argue that Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque is more significant architecturally and historically! The Blue Mosque was designed by the pupil of the master architect Mimar Sinan, who was the designer of this mosque. Although lacking the grandeur of the Blue Mosque, SMP Mosque is nonetheless a masterpiece that reveals Mimar Sinan's perfected skills and trumps even his own famous works like Suleimaniye Mosque! For instance, take a look at the courtyard. Ottoman mosques were designed as a complex to include buildings of various functions like school and hospital, and SMP was no exception. However, while almost every other mosques have these buildings separated and disjointed, all the buildings in SMP were seamlessly integrated by Sinan. The result is a fully functional and harmonious complex! Literally on top of this architectural harmony is the multi-cupola that is an iconic Ottoman mosque element, although on this mosque, the multiple cupolas were designed to complement one another in a harmonious splendor almost as a single multifaceted cupola without the excessive extravagance or redundancy in the works from Sinan's pupils. Long story short, SMP is truly a masterpiece that is worth the (very short) detour from the main tourist path and may be even more worthy to see than the more famous mosques in Istanbul! I highly recommend seeing this beautiful mosque, especially before this becomes an open secret like Rustem Pasa Mosque.
6. Tekfur Sarayi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By 1973LYS - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Visiting Tekfur Palace Museum is part of my long walk exploring Byzantium historical sites, churches, fortification, palaces, and ruins. Walking along Blachernai wall to Tekfur Palace is another experience. I was the only one tourist visited the museum. I've been told that the museum was recently opened for public. Entry fee is 10 TL for Turkish citizen and foreigner who has residency or work permit in Turkey. Good reading of Ahmet Özbilge's book ''Fener Balat Ayvansaray" has given me a great insight about the history of the palace.
