# Free things to do in Istanbul: a day with no tickets

> Some of the best places in Istanbul cost nothing to enter: the [Blue Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/blue-mosque), the [Süleymaniye Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/suleymaniye-mosque), the [Hippodrome](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/hippodrome), the [Grand Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/grand-bazaar), the [Spice Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/spice-bazaar) and [Gülhane Park](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/gulhane-park). Here they are as one day in the order with the least walking.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/free

## Plan

1. [Blue Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/blue-mosque.md) — YesGo score 86/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · Free
   ↓ 3 min on foot
2. [Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/hippodrome.md) — YesGo score 77/100 (Yes, go) · 20 min · Free
   ↓ 14 min on foot
3. [Grand Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/grand-bazaar.md) — YesGo score 61/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · Free
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 12 min on foot
4. [Süleymaniye Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/suleymaniye-mosque.md) — YesGo score 70/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · Free
   ↓ 10 min on foot
5. [Spice Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/spice-bazaar.md) — YesGo score 54/100 (Yes, go) · 40 min · Free
   ↓ 20 min by transport
6. [Fatih Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/fatih-mosque.md) — YesGo score 52/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · Free

Total with walks: 6 h 29 min

## What is free and what is not

Mosques and bazaars are free to enter, as are the parks and squares. [Hagia Sophia](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/hagia-sophia) charges foreign visitors, so it is not in this route; you can still see it from the outside — it faces the Blue Mosque across the square.

On this route the only spending is the tram, lunch and whatever you buy at the bazaars.

## Tips

- Mosques close to visitors for prayers; the Friday midday prayer is the longest.
- Dress for mosques: shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women; shoes come off at the door.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- The view of the Golden Horn from the terrace of Süleymaniye is free too.

## Questions

### Is the Blue Mosque free?

Yes, entry is free. It closes to visitors during prayers.

### Is Hagia Sophia free?

Not for foreign visitors: there is a ticket. That is why it is not in this route.

### Are the bazaars free to visit?

Yes, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are free to enter; the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

### Is the Süleymaniye Mosque free?

Yes, there is no ticket; visitors go in between the five daily prayers.

### Is Gülhane Park free?

Yes, it is free and open daily from about 6–7 am to 22:30; in April it is full of tulips.

### Is the Spice Bazaar open on Sundays?

Yes, it opens every day, roughly 8:00 to 19:30, though it may close on the first days of religious holidays.

### Can I see the Hippodrome for free?

Yes: it is an open square with the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column, between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

### What else can I do in Istanbul for free?

Walk across the Galata Bridge, watch the Bosphorus from Ortaköy, and see the Golden Horn from the Süleymaniye terrace.

### What is the dress code for mosques?

Shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women; shoes come off at the door. Scarves are often lent at the entrance.

### What will this day cost?

Only the tram, lunch and anything you buy at the bazaars — none of the places on the route charge for entry.

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