Süleymaniye Terrace

The Süleymaniye Terrace (the public terrace on the south side of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex) is one of the best free viewpoints in Istanbul — and one of the least crowded. From here you look out over the Süleymaniye's southern garden, down across the Golden Horn to the Eyüp hills, with the Rüstem Pasha and Şehzade mosques below and the dome of Hagia Sophia visible in the distance.

The terrace is technically a city-plaza extension of the mosque's southern külliye — accessible from the street that runs along the south side of the mosque complex. There's no formal "viewpoint" — just stone-paved terraces, a fountain, and a few cafés on the perimeter. Sit on the low wall, drink a tea brought from a nearby vendor, and watch the boats in the Golden Horn below.

Most tourists climb the ramped gardens of the Süleymaniye and stop in the courtyard; few walk around to the back terrace. It's the kind of place you can have to yourself at sunset. Combine with a tour of the Süleymaniye interior, and a walk downhill to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque (with its extraordinary İznik tiles).

Free, 24/7. The cafés and tea vendors have varying opening hours.