If you want to understand Istanbul, you have to step into its mosques.
From the iconic domes of Ottoman imperial mosques to the tranquil neighborhood sanctuaries built in the Republic era, these sacred spaces offer much more than religious function. They are places where architecture, history, and daily life still breathe together—often with birdsong in the courtyard and the scent of old stone in the air.
As a licensed tour guide who has spent decades walking through Istanbul’s backstreets with travelers from all over the world, I’ve often been asked:
👉 “Which are the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul?”
👉 “Are they free to visit?”
👉 “When can I go inside without disturbing the prayers?”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 of the best mosques in Istanbul—from the legendary Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to hidden gems like Rustem Pasha or Beylerbeyi. You’ll find updated information for 2025, including opening hours, entrance details, and a few personal notes from my experience as a guide.
Most mosques are free to enter, which makes them some of the best budget-friendly attractions in Istanbul. But be aware: their visiting hours change throughout the year, depending on prayer times and daylight hours. That’s why I regularly update this article to make sure you have the most accurate info before your trip.
Whether you’re passionate about Islamic architecture, a curious photographer, or simply want to feel the rhythm of the city beyond the tourist trails, this guide will help you connect with the spiritual and artistic soul of Istanbul.
Let’s begin…
- A curated list of the most beautiful and historic mosques in Istanbul
- Opening hours and visitor access rules for each mosque (2025)
- Which mosques are free to visit — and when
- Local insights, cultural etiquette, and prayer time tips
- Written by a licensed tour guide with 20+ years of experience in Istanbul
1. Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is the most famous mosque in Istanbul due to its perfect location and blue tiles. Located in the heart of the Old City, the Blue Mosque is adjacent to the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Blue Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Blue Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Blue Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Blue Mosque in 2025. However, you will hear an announcement saying “donations for the mosque” at the exit door of the mosque. If you wish, you can donate for the mosque to the officer at this kiosk.
Insider’s Note: The Blue Mosque is an essential stop for first-time visitors in Istanbul, thanks to its central location and beauty. Like all mosques, it closes during prayer times—but due to its popularity and crowd control needs, these breaks tend to be a bit longer than average. Although generally open for about 9 hours per day, it temporarily closes twice—around noon and in the late afternoon.
2. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque is essentially an Eastern Roman (Byzantine) structure built in the 6th century and is 1500 years old. Hagia Sophia, which has been a mosque since the 15th century, also served as a museum for a while.
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours 2025
Hagia Sophia opening hours are between 08:00 in the morning and 19:00 in the evening. It should be noted that these hours are for the upper floor galleries that are open to tourist visits. Muslim visitors can enter the ground floor throughout the day during all prayer times. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee 2025
Hagia Sophia entrance fee is 25 Euros as of 2025. This is the entrance fee set for touristic visits. Foreign Muslim visitors can enter Hagia Sophia free of charge to pray (only during prayer times).
3. Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque was built for Suleiman the Magnificent, the most famous sultan of the Ottoman Empire. It is also worth noting that the architect who built the mosque was Mimar Sinan, the most famous builder in Turkish history.
Suleymaniye Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Suleymaniye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Suleymaniye Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee for Suleymaniye Mosque in 2025. After visiting this largest mosque in Istanbul, you can leave any amount you deem appropriate in the donation box.
Insider’s Note: Often overshadowed by the Blue Mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque is actually the largest mosque in Istanbul. Beyond its grand size and stunning architecture, two things make it truly special: it was built for Suleiman the Magnificent, the most powerful sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and designed by Sinan, the empire’s most celebrated architect.
4. Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque was built for Mehmed II, the first Ottoman sultan to rule in Istanbul. This Ottoman ruler who conquered Constantinople is also known as Mehmed the Conqueror. Fatih Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, rises on the foundations of the Church of the Holy Apostles, which was also a legendary building.
Fatih Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Fatih Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Fatih Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee for Fatih Mosque in 2025. However, you can leave a small amount of money in the donation box at the exit to show your gratitude. Donations are used for the daily expenses of the mosque.
5. Bayezid Mosque
Bayezid Mosque is a mosque dedicated to Bayezid II, son of Mehmed the Conqueror. The mosque, which is very close to the Grand Bazaar, is adjacent to Bayezid Square, one of the largest squares in Istanbul, and Istanbul University.
Bayezid Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Bayezid Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Bayezid Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Bayezid Mosque in 2025. You can make a reasonable donation after visiting this mosque, which is famous for its magnificent colorful columns in the courtyard.
6. Yavuz Selim Mosque
Yavuz Selim Mosque remains on the far side of Old Istanbul from Sultanahmet, but is very close to the Fener and Balat districts, which have become very popular in recent years. The mosque is dedicated to the sultan who tripled the borders of the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 16th century.
Yavuz Selim Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Yavuz Selim Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Yavuz Selim Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Yavuz Selim Mosque in 2025. You can make a donation you deem appropriate after visiting this mosque, which rises on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and is famous for its simplicity.
7. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is located in the Edirnekapi district of Old Istanbul, close to the ancient city walls. Mihrimah was the daughter of Sultan Suleiman and his famous wife Hurrem Sultan. By the way, there is another mosque in Uskudar on the Asian Side, dedicated to Mihrimah Sultan.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in 2025. You can visit this elegant mosque, built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, without paying any fee.
Insider’s Note: So far, we’ve covered the grand imperial mosques built for Ottoman sultans — which tend to stay closed longer around prayer times. Starting from this point in the list, you’ll find smaller neighborhood mosques (except for the Blue Mosque), where visiting hours are more flexible. These usually close about 30 minutes before prayer and reopen shortly after it’s finished.
8. Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, like the original Hagia Sophia, is a Byzantine structure built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The building was originally named Sergius and Bacchus Church and was renamed by the Ottomans after it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque in 2025. After visiting this unique building, which carries the common heritage of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, you can visit the handicrafts market in its courtyard.
9. Kariye Mosque
Kariye Mosque is essentially a monastery church from the Byzantine period and is a unique structure with the Byzantine mosaics on its walls. The building, originally named Chora Church, is definitely among the best Byzantine monuments in Istanbul.
Kariye Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Kariye Mosque opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening in 2025. Please note that Kariye Mosque is closed to touristic visitors all day on Fridays due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Kariye Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
Kariye Mosque (former Chora Church) entrance fee is 20 Euros as of 2025. This is the entrance fee set for touristic visits. Foreign Muslim visitors can enter Kariye Mosque free of charge to pray (only during prayer times).
10. Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Nuruosmaniye Mosque is a wonderful 18th century structure adjacent to the Grand Bazaar. This mosque is one of the first Baroque style works at the time when traces of Westernization began to be seen in Ottoman architecture, and it attracts attention especially with its unique courtyard design.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Nuruosmaniye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Nuruosmaniye Mosque in 2025. After visiting this elegant Ottoman work, you can leave a reasonable fee in the box where donations are collected for the mosque upon exit.
11. The New Mosque
The New Mosque was built by the sultan’s mother, “Valide Sultan” as she was traditionally known. Mehmed IV’s mother, Hatice Turhan Sultan, built this mosque in 1665 as a complex with the Spice Bazaar next to it and the tomb where she would be buried.
New Mosque Opening Hours 2025
New Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
New Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the New Mosque in 2025. You can visit this magnificent mosque, which shapes the silhouette of the Old City, for free and donate any amount you deem appropriate.
Insider’s Note: The New Mosque (Yeni Cami) holds a unique place in Ottoman history. It was initiated by Safiye Sultan and completed decades later by Hatice Turhan Sultan — both powerful royal women from the so-called “Sultanate of Women” era. Right next to the mosque is the famous Spice Bazaar, which was originally built as part of this mosque’s charitable complex.
12. Sehzade Mosque
Sehzade Mosque is a building dedicated to the son of the famous Ottoman sultan, Sultan Suleiman, who died at an early age. Located in the heart of the Historical Peninsula and adjacent to the Valens Aqueduct dating back to the Roman period, this mosque is among the must-see places in Istanbul.
Sehzade Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Sehzade Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Sehzade Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Sehzade Mosque in 2025. Sehzade Mosque is also adjacent to the other 16th century work on our list, Suleymaniye Mosque. When you visit the Sehzade Mosque, look carefully at the magnificent stone carvings on its minarets, because this type of workmanship is not found in any other mosque in Istanbul.
Insider’s Note: According to one historical anecdote, the Şehzade Mosque was originally intended to be the final resting place of Sultan Suleiman himself. However, when his beloved son Şehzade Mehmed died unexpectedly from smallpox, the project was dedicated to him instead. This sudden shift led architect Sinan to later design a larger and more majestic mosque for the sultan — the magnificent Süleymaniye.
13. Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, with its magnificent Iznik tiles from the 16th century. Blue tiles in this mosque cover all the walls and this is actually the real blue mosque in Istanbul.
Rustem Pasha Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Rustem Pasha Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Rustem Pasha Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Rustem Pasha Mosque in 2025. The officer who greets you at the entrance of the mosque is very friendly and helpful. You can help him by purchasing souvenirs or books sold at the exit.
Insider’s Note: I always recommend the Rüstem Pasha Mosque on my private tours — it’s a true hidden gem. Most of my guests know nothing about it beforehand, but they trust my suggestion. And without fail, when we finally step inside and they see the breathtaking tile work, they turn to me with joyful faces, grateful they followed the path less traveled.
14. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Eyup Sultan Mosque rises where it is believed to be the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and is therefore the most sacred of the mosques in Istanbul.
Eyup Sultan Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Eyup Sultan Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Eyup Sultan Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Eyup Sultan Mosque in 2025. After visiting Eyup Sultan, one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul, you can take the cable car in this district on the shores of the Golden Horn and go up to Pierre Loti hill.
Insider’s Note: Eyüp Sultan Mosque is probably the place where you’ll see the most local visitors. Considered one of the holiest sites in the city, it draws Istanbulites throughout the week — not just on weekends. Muslim travelers from abroad also flock here to visit the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, making it a deeply spiritual experience for many.
15. Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque was built in the 16th century for one of the famous admirals of Ottoman history. The admiral, who was originally Italian and whose name was Giovanni Dionigi Galeni (aka Occhiali), built this mosque as a small copy of Hagia Sophia.
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque in 2025. The Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque complex also has the Kilic Ali Pasha Hamami, which is among the best Turkish baths in Istanbul.
16. Nusretiye Mosque
Nusretiye Mosque was built by Mahmud II, who started the Westernization in the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, the influence of European architecture is clearly seen in the mosque. The mosque, which has Baroque and Neo-Classical details, is next to Galataport.
Nusretiye Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Nusretiye Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Nusretiye Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Nusretiye Mosque in 2025. After visiting the Nusretiye Mosque, you can also visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum in the cruise port (Galataport).
17. Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahce Mosque was built for Bezmialem Valide Sultan, the mother of Abdulmejid, one of the most important Ottoman rulers of the 19th century. Today, this mosque is located in the heart of modern Istanbul and neighbors the Dolmabahce Palace.
Dolmabahce Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Dolmabahce Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Dolmabahce Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Dolmabahce Mosque in 2025. After visiting the mosque, you can visit the Dolmabahce Palace next to it. Both buildings are located in the most beautiful part of the Bosphorus.
18. Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is among the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul with its elegant architecture and excellent location on the shores of the Bosphorus. Inside the mosque, there are the most beautiful examples of 19th century Ottoman decorative art, and there is a Bosphorus view from its windows.
Ortakoy Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Ortakoy Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Ortakoy Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Ortakoy Mosque in 2025. After visiting Ortakoy Mosque, you can do the walk from Ortakoy to Bebek, which I always recommend as one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
Insider’s Note: With its elegant Baroque architecture, Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most graceful mosques in Istanbul — and it comes with a breathtaking Bosphorus view. Locals love taking selfies here with the mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge in the background. The shimmering blue waters seen from inside the mosque also add a unique atmosphere to its already stunning interior.
19. Beylerbeyi Mosque
Beylerbeyi Mosque is one of the rare Ottoman imperial mosques on the Asian side of Istanbul. The mosque was built together with Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the sultans, and has Baroque and Neo-Classical architectural styles.
Beylerbeyi Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Beylerbeyi Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Beylerbeyi Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Beylerbeyi Mosque in 2025. After visiting the mosque, you can go to Kuzguncuk, one of the most beautiful districts of the Asian Side.
20. Camlica Mosque
Camlica Mosque is the youngest among the large mosques of Istanbul. The recently built mosque is inspired by classical period Ottoman architecture and is one of the most distinctive works in the skyline of Istanbul’s Asian Side.
Camlica Mosque Opening Hours 2025
Camlica Mosque opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 18:45 in the evening in 2025. The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer hours. As an exception, it is closed for half a day on Fridays until 14:30 due to congregational prayers. ✅ Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Camlica Mosque Entrance Fee 2025
There is no entrance fee to the Camlica Mosque in 2025. After visiting this mosque, you can wander around Camlica Hill and take wonderful panoramic photos of Istanbul.
Written by Serhat Engul
Vielen Dank für die schönen Informationen!!! Sehr gelungener Bericht über die wichtigsten Tipps für Istanbul.
Vielen Dank für Ihre freundlichen Worte zur Website. Wir wünschen Ihnen eine schöne Reise in Istanbul!
Hello
Will Kariye Mosque be open next summer? It’s not very clear for me.
Same questions for Galata tower (but I’m afraid you will confirm it will still be closed) and for the Museum of Ancient Orient (which seems to be closed for renovation).
Thank you
Hello Olivier, no official statement has been made yet regarding the reopening of Kariye Mosque. It has been under renovation since 2020 and is said to be nearing completion. It is expected to open later this year.
Galata Tower restoration is still ongoing. Actually, it was going to be a short-term renovation, but it has been extended and I think it will remain closed for a few more months.
The Tiled Pavilion and Museum of Ancient Oriental Works sections of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums are still closed and I do not think they will open this year.
On the other hand, it would take hours to visit the parts of the archaeological museum that are currently open.
Thanks for the info on mosques. I would like to visit the Yeni Mosque, which is not listed here. What are the opening hours for tourists?
Hi Soeun, Yeni Mosque is actually on the list and is ranked 11th. New Mosque means “Yeni Cami” in Turkish.
Thanks for the good information. However, I understand that non-Muslim tourists are only allowed to enter during certain times. Could you tell me what time we can visit?
Hi Soeun, the visiting hours of mosques change constantly depending on the length of the day. For this reason, I cannot share the exact hours with you. However, maybe this image here (although not up-to-date) can give you a general idea.
Hola: He visto en Internet que rustem pasha camii y yeni camii abren a las 7 horas. No se corresponde con tus horarios es cierto? Gracias
Hola, la última vez que actualicé el horario de entrada a la mezquita fue en enero. Ahora que los días son más largos, es posible que el horario de entrada se haya extendido un poco más. Creo que ahora se puede visitar hasta las 18:30. Iré a la Ciudad Vieja en unos días; lo revisaré y actualizaré ese día.
Hello, I last updated the mosque entrance hours in January. Now that the days are longer, the entrance hours may have been extended a little later. I think you can visit until 18:30 now. I will go to the Old City in a few days, I will check and update that day.