Explore the depths of Islam by visiting lesser-known mosques on an exclusive 3-hour tour of Istanbul, led by an expert guide. Visit beautiful mosques and talk about Islam, its orders, and spirituality in the historical and contemporary context.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 12 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Starting times 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German
Experience
Highlights
- Learn in depth about historical and contemporary Islam
- Visit the first mosque built in Istanbul after the conquest in 1453
- See the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan
- Listen to the stories of Ottoman politics and family life
- Explore an underground mosque where some sacred Muslim objects are kept
Full description
Enjoy a special guided tour designed for people with a deep interest in Islam. Choose a private or a group tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, and delve into the history of Islam in Istanbul. Meet your guide in Karakoy and begin your conversation about the different orders of Islam and its spiritual teachings.
Start your tour with a visit to Yeralti Cami, an underground mosque. Learn about the changes to Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest, and see how Byzantine churches were turned into mosques. Next you'll visit Arap Mosque, far from the tourist route, and see where locals perform their prayers.
Take the train from the Golden Horn and enjoy panoramic views of the city over the seventh hill. Stroll through a traditional neighborhood, filled with old wooden houses to arrive at Suleymaniye Mosque. Feel its mystic atmosphere, learn about Islamic architecture, and admire the view from its courtyard over the Bosphorus.
Includes
- 3-hour walking tour
- English or German-speaking guide
- Public transportation tickets
- Food and drinks
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet at the Karakoy ferry dock. Your guide will wait by the exit. Facing the sea, Galata Bridge will be on your right.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Headscarf
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- All women must wear a scarf and follow a dress code inside the mosques. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Tours are scheduled to take place outside of prayer hours.
- All participants must take off their shoes and carry them in a plastic bag as carpets cover the floor inside the mosques.
- Photography inside mosques is limited.