Süleymaniye Mosque

Tom Courtney★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

Süleymaniye Mosque was the first place we visited in Istanbul, and honestly, there couldn’t have been a better introduction to the city. The sheer scale of it hits you straight away. This place is absolutely colossal, dominating the skyline and visible from all over Istanbul. It feels like the heart of the city in many ways. Locals told us this is where the call to prayer carries the loudest, and standing up there, it’s easy to see why — it feels like it reaches across the whole city. The views from here are unreal. Several locals recommended it to us as the best viewpoint in Istanbul, even better than Galata Tower, and they were spot on. Looking out over the Bosphorus and the rooftops below gives you a real sense of the scale and beauty of the city — and it’s completely free. The surrounding gardens are peaceful, beautifully kept, and perfect for sitting, taking it all in, and escaping the chaos below. Inside, the mosque is stunning and vast. The size alone makes you feel incredibly small, but in a good way. The design, light, and space create a calm, humbling atmosphere. Add in the warm, welcoming people around the complex, and it becomes a place you genuinely don’t want to rush. For me, this was one of the standout moments of the entire trip.

Stephen Spencer★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

Compared to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque is perhaps not as well known, at least to overseas visitors. However, it should be an essential stop on any visit to Istanbul for its impressive architecture and magnificent location. From the gardens outside there are wonderful views across the Golden Horn to Galata, and the street between here and the Grand Bazaar are filled with wonderful buildings and shops. The mosque is free to visit, and inside is a magnificent display of Islamic architecture. This is an elegant and peaceful building that doesn’t appear to be on the agenda for most group tours, and the surrounding gardens and tombs add to the overall, enjoyment of this gem.

paterjo★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

Süleymaniye Mosque is a beautiful mosque and reflects the grandeur of Ottoman architecture. They welcomed visitors as long as you dressed appropriately and removed your shoes. The mosque is stunning, peaceful, and beautifully maintained. The gardens and open spaces are beautiful and I loved the roses. The view from the terrace overlooking the city is absolutely breathtaking. A must-visit mosque.

Bassam Al Dana★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

A truly breathtaking and peaceful place in the heart of Istanbul. The Süleymaniye Mosque is not only architecturally magnificent, but it also carries a deep sense of history and spirituality. The interior is stunning — from the grand dome and elegant chandeliers to the intricate calligraphy and stained glass windows. The symmetry and scale create a calming atmosphere that makes you want to just sit and take it all in. Despite its size, it feels serene and not overwhelming. The courtyard and surrounding gardens are equally beautiful, offering quiet corners and impressive views of the city. It’s less crowded than some other major mosques, which makes the experience even more special and authentic. Whether you’re visiting for cultural, historical, or spiritual reasons, this mosque is absolutely worth it. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a must-visit in Istanbul.

Nicky Putra Jr.★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

Suleymaniye Mosque is a beautiful and peaceful place. The atmosphere is very calm and comfortable for prayer. The interior is stunning, with impressive architecture and a spiritual feeling that makes you want to stay longer. I also noticed some cute cats around the mosque, which made the visit even more special If you come here, try to explore every corner. Fun quiz: can you find where the Hajar Aswad stone is located inside the complex? 😊 Definitely a must-visit spot in Istanbul