Süleymaniye
When visiting Istanbul everyone knows to head to the famous Blue Mosque. However Süleymaniye is in many ways preferable. Like the Blue Mosque it is free to enter but the complex itself is bigger with more areas to explore. As it’s generally less well known it’s also quieter – not quite some many selfie-stick wielding tourists! The mosque itself is beautiful and is set within gardens which offer a great view back over the city. It’s a nice place to relax with plenty of shade to escape the midday heat. Süleymaniye is located on the Third Hill just north of Istanbul University and it takes about 10 minutes to walk there from the Grand Bazaar.

Beautiful ceiling in part of the Süleymaniye mosque