Where to stay near Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

The Sultanahmet neighbourhood embodies old Istanbul, with traces of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman-influenced architecture. A shining example of the two latter styles is Sultanahmet Mosque, known locally as the Blue Mosque.

To put you within easy reach of its pastel-hued domes and minarets, we’ve picked out five of the best apartments found near the Blue Mosque.

Bright Apart

The colourful tones of Bright Apart echo those of the Blue Mosque, which is ten minutes’ walk away. The apartments welcome you with personalised touches like towel origami, along with modern facilities that include a fully-equipped kitchen and private bathroom. There’s also a terrace where you can sip Turkish tea and get your bearings before exploring the historic ruins on Sultanahmet Square, just 500 metres away.

Blue Mosq- Luxury & Cozy Homes

Judging by guests’ rave reviews, Blue Mosq- Luxury & Cozy Homes delivers on its name. These roomy apartments have everything you’d hope for – slick kitchen appliances, modern bathrooms with great shower pressure, bright hang-out areas – plus the added bonus of welcoming owners. They’ve got a family restaurant nearby that specialises in succulent skillet dishes and can deliver direct to your door. All this barely six minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.

Blue Mosque Suites

Blue Mosque Suites is just 600 metres from the ancient Hippodrome ruins on Sultanahmet Square and under ten minutes’ stroll from the Blue Mosque itself. Inside the suites, framed folk dresses and colourful textiles adorn the walls, while Ottoman-style beds, sofas and decorative rugs fill out the living spaces. You can steam in a traditional marble hammam, and snack on complimentary Turkish delight, fruit and biscuits. Each suite has its own spacious terrace, letting you start and end the day with dreamy views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Istanbul Irini Seaview House

Only a six-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, the three-floor Istanbul Irini Seaview House hosts an ample roof garden that faces the shimmering Sea of Marmara. Inside, the 1950s-era building is unmistakably 21st century: think bold design, rainfall showers and a high-tech kitchen complete with an on-call maid. In contrast, the neighbourhood promises old bathhouses, bazaars and monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius.

Blue Sultan Apart

Just three minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Blue Sultan Apart features airy interiors, guest-approved beds and kitchenettes with complimentary fruit. Even better, you can enjoy a halal breakfast with piping hot coffee on a terrace that overlooks a maze of minarets. The helpful owner will happily arrange taxis and anything else you need. A pizza restaurant and supermarket are found downstairs, while historic Hagia Sophia and the Column of Constantine are only 500 metres away.