Zeyrek Mosque (Zeyrek Camii)

The Basics

Tick off the Zeyrek Mosque on a day tour of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed areas or take your time to sightsee and sip coffee around Zeyrek, soaking up the laidback vibes of the wider neighborhood. Private guides are a great way to get the full scoop on the mosque’s long and often-overlooked history. Many tours combine a visit with a stop at the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s other Byzantine giant.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Zeyrek Mosque is a great alternative for return visitors who’ve already seen the Hagia Sophia.

• Zeyrek Mosque is still in use as a place of worship, so be prepared to follow usual customs.

• Some tours offer wheelchair-accessible transfer between the city’s main architectural landmarks, including Zeyrek Mosque.

How to Get There

Since navigating Istanbul’s labyrinthine roads is best left to the locals, most tours include round-trip transportation from your accommodation. The closest bus stop to Zeyrek Mosque is Unkapanı, which is served by several local buses.

When to Get There

Istanbul’s ancient landmarks are famously sweltering during the heights of summer, so aim to visit early or later in the year. Zeyrek Mosque is not open to visitors during prayer times.

Insider Tips for UNESCO-listed Istanbul

Zeyrek is one of four Historic Areas of Istanbul recognised by UNESCO, with the Archaeological Park, Suleymaniye quarter, and Theodosian land walls making up the other three. Given the sheer size of each area, it’s worth looking for a tour with included transportation, otherwise you might spend more time searching than sightseeing through this ancient city.