City: Grand Bazaar
Top Things to do in Grand Bazaar
Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Grand Bazaar, Turkey
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. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Turbesi
2. Mimar Sinan Turbesi
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. Suleymaniye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,206 reviews
Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.
Reviewed By ayeasha7865 - Swindon, United Kingdom
What an amazing and beautiful mosque - definitely worth a visit beautiful architecture beautiful grounds and you can see far across the city views are amazing.
5. Mimar Mehmet Aga Camii
6. Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 607 reviews
Reviewed By girl_has_to_travel - Riga, Latvia
This amazing place near the Grand Bazaar is the oldest shisha place in Istanbul and I would recommend you to visit it if you want to have a different and authenic experience. They make really good shishas with smooth smoke and the guy is carrying around the tray with Turkish teas (apple is my favourite)... They have different rooms in the courtyard, but I think the offer is pretty much the same. Stop by if you are in the area!
7. Sehzade Mehmet Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By russypooh - Long Beach, United States
A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture at its finest. Visit to contemplate, admire and soak in the elegant details and history.
8. Laleli Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
This is a charming small mosque that was built by Sultan Mehmed the Third between 1760 and 1763. It is small enough to feel more intimate than the very large mosques but it has interesting architectural features. There is a beautiful courtyard and tombs and fountains are also located on the grounds. The dome and two minarets are outstanding when the sun is setting. The interior of the mosque also includes stain-glass windows.
9. Nuruosmaniye Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
The Nuruosmaniye Mosque (meaning "The light of Osman") was commissioned by Sultan Mahmut I beginning in 1748 and completed by his brother (and successor) Sultan Osman III in 1755. Architects Mustafa Ağa and Simeon Kalfa adopted several western Baroque architectural elements such as: exaggerated ornamentation, a large dome, focus on light, lots of windows, a niched mihrab (similar to a church apse), and polygonal courtyard. Notably, 174 windows topped with Roman arches flood the interior with light (hence, the name). The mosque is flanked by two graceful minarets with two balconies. The prayer hall is covered by a single dome 25m in diameter and 43.5m high; its interior is decorated with “verse of light” from the Quran. A colonnaded portico is hemispheric in shape, unique for Ottoman mosques. The mosque is part of a larger complex (külliye) consisting of the mosque itself, a madrasa (Islamic school), imaret (soup kitchen), tomb (türbe), public fountain (sebil), and library (currently part of the Süleymaniye library and containing personal collections of Mahmud I and Osman III, totaling 7,600 volumes including 5052 manuscripts). The türbe contains Şehsuvar Sultan, mother of Osman III. Nuruosmaniye Mosque is located close to the Çemberlitaş tram station, and near the eastern entrance to the Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar), Column of Constantine and the historical Gazi Atik Ali Pasha Mosque. Nuruosmaniye Mosque is an active mosque so respectful dress is required if you visit. Given its location in a busy neighborhood, I appreciated its peaceful interior, inviting contemplation of the deity. The mosque is open 9am-6pm daily, but closed for an hour at prayer times. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome.
