Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Rüstem Pasha Mosque
The most beautiful tiles in Istanbul
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Built by Sinan around 1561–1563 for the grand vizier Rüstem Pasha, this small mosque sits on a platform above the shops of the market streets west of the Spice Bazaar, reached by a stairway. Inside, walls and columns are covered with İznik tiles of tulips, carnations and geometric patterns, from the finest period of the workshops. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women), take off your shoes, and avoid prayer times.
Why it's on our list
- By Mimar Sinan
- Exceptional İznik tiles
- Hidden above the market
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Rüstem Pasha Mosque before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Rüstem Pasha Mosque are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- EminönüT1T5400 m5 min walk
- HaliçM2600 m7 min walk
- KüçükpazarT5600 m7 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Maliye Caddesi950 m12 min walk
- Taxi rank, Şehzadebaşı Caddesi1.0 km12 min walk
Key sights
- Spice Bazaar250 mWalk 3 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque450 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Galata Bridge450 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Grand Bazaar650 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Galata Tower1.0 kmWalk 12 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Basilica Cistern1.3 kmWalk 16 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Hagia Sophia1.4 kmWalk 17 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Topkapı Palace1.4 kmWalk 18 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Blue Mosque1.5 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- İstiklal Avenue1.9 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 9 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)32 kmCar or taxi 98 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)34 kmCar or taxi 105 min