If you’re looking to understand Turkey’s art, architecture, history, culture, and faith, its mosques are a must-visit. With over 3,000 mosques in Istanbul alone, you’ll enjoy a half-day walking tour of the city’s most beloved places of worship, starting in the Sultanahmet area. Your first stop will be Hagia Sophia, originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral by Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the sixth century A.D. This iconic landmark has served various roles over its nearly 1,500 years, including that of a Catholic church, mosque, and museum.

Next, you’ll visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, originally named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque after its builder. Despite lacking notable military achievements, Sultan Ahmed built this grand mosque in the early 1600s, which has since become his lasting legacy and earned its nickname from the blue tiles adorning its walls. Your tour will conclude at Suleymaniye Mosque, once the largest in Istanbul for over 450 years and designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, showcasing the stunning architectural heritage of the city.

Duration: 4 hours