Rumeli FortressvsSuleymaniye Mosque
Both are recommended by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Suleymaniye Mosque is preferred by most professionals compared to Rumeli Fortress. Suleymaniye Mosque is ranked #4 in Istanbul with positive reviews from 7 reviews like Fodor's, Michelin Guide and Let's Go.
Rumeli Fortress
Fodor's
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Time Out
Afar Magazine
Afar Magazine
Frommer's
Tarabya Yenikoy Cad., Istanbul, Turkey
From $0/night
"Built on a hill overlooking the water, Rumeli Hisarı is the best preserved of all the fortresses on the Bosphorus and well worth a visit." Full review
Top Choice
"Just before the Fatih Bridge are the majestic structures of Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı (Fortress of Anatolia)." Full review
"In the stranglehold that eventually throttled Constantinople in 1453, the Rumeli Hisar (castle) served as the lynch pin." Full review
1 Star
"The towers and crenellated walls of the imposing ramparts of the Rumeli Hisari (1452) can be seen on the European shore of the Bosphorus, resembling a long stone snake." Full review
"Visitors can explore the many towers of the fortress and enjoy a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge." Full review
"These days, the fort is a museum and a nice place for a stroll to catch magnificent views of the Bosphorus from the European side. There is a small entry free. The fort is closed on Wednesdays." Full review
i
In my opinion, the best time to go is Saturday morning because there is a town, within easy walking distance, that holds its weekly market then.
"Construction may have taken four months, but the fortress’s impact on Istanbul’s history has been eternal. " Full review
"This citadel was built by Mehmet the Conqueror across from the Anatolia Fortress... in preparation for what was to be the seventh and final Ottoman siege of the fortified Byzantine city." Full review
Suleymaniye Mosque
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Let's Go
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Mimar Sinan Cd, Suleymaniye Mh, Istanbul, Turkey
From $0/night
"Perched on a hilltop opposite Istanbul University, Süleymaniye Camii is perhaps the most magnificent mosque in Istanbul and is considered one of the architect Sinan's masterpieces." Full review
"Escape the Sultanahmet crowds and head for this impressive and undervisited complex, just a short walk past the University from the back of the Grand Bazaar."
Top choice
"The Süleymaniye crowns one of the seven hills dominating the Golden Horn and provides a magnificent landmark for the entire city." Full review
"This stunning 16th-century mosque complex encompasses a hospital, primary school, caravansary, four Koran schools, a medical college, a public kitchen, and the mausoleum." Full review
3 Stars
"The elegant silhouette of Suleyman's mosque rises gracefully towards the sky." Full review
i
From the terraced gardens, the view extends as far as the Golden Horn.
"With the highest dome in the city, this mosque represents Ottoman architecture at its innovative best." Full review
"Perched on a hilltop opposite Istanbul University, Süleymaniye Camii is perhaps the most magnificent mosque in Istanbul and is considered one of the architect Sinan's masterpieces." Full review
"Suleymaniye Mosque is considered Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan's most splendid Istanbul mosque, and the architect himself is buried in a tomb on the site"
Istanbul Travel Guide
August 16, 2021
"Perched on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and dominating the skyline, this complex is considered to be Sinan's masterpiece as much as the grand monument to Süleyman's reign" Full review
"Built in the 16th century to honor Sultan Süleyman...the central dome stands at a staggering 154 feet tall and the interior is beautifully decorated with colors of gold, green, red, and blue."
25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
September 28, 2023