Walking track · Istanbul
Constantinople to Istanbul on Foot
Walk Istanbul’s old centre from Topkapi Palace’s Imperial Gate to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then continue to hilltop Süleymaniye and across Galata Bridge to Galata Tower. This Experience focuses on exterior arrival points: monumental entrances, domes, minarets and the tower’s conical roof. Use each Landmark map to confirm your arrival nearby, with palace collections, mosque interiors and the tower’s observation level planned separately.
- 5 stops
- 3.6 km
- about 3 h 20 min
- on foot
The itinerary
Stop by stop.
Plan around worship and local visitor access controls. Check separate visitor arrangements if you want to include interiors.
- 01
Start here
Topkapi Palace
Begin at the Imperial Gate approach, the arrival point for this Landmark. Frame the broad stone arch from the visitor approach while keeping the passage clear. Palace courtyards, collections and the Harem have separate access arrangements; confirm your Unlock nearby rather than from a distant view.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Topkapi Palace guide
- 02
+ 150 m from the previous stop
Hagia Sophia
Use the open space beside Sultanahmet Square to separate Hagia Sophia’s central dome and minarets in your frame. These directions stay outside the active mosque and do not include admission. Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock while nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Hagia Sophia guide
- 03
+ 450 m from the previous stop
Blue Mosque
From the public square, frame the cascading gray domes together, keeping a minaret from lining up directly behind your head. Respect worship, dress guidance and access controls. Interior and courtyard access are separate from this exterior stop; confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Blue Mosque guide
- 04
+ 1.6 km from the previous stop
Suleymaniye Mosque
Use permitted exterior visitor areas to capture Süleymaniye’s broad dome profile against the hilltop sky. Respect worship and visitor boundaries rather than assuming access to courtyards or terraces. Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock nearby; interior access follows local controls.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque guide
- 05
+ 1.4 km from the previous stop
Galata Tower
Finish in the street-level pedestrian space around Galata Tower. Find room for your portrait with the conical roof clearly visible, remembering that the surrounding streets are shared with residents. The museum and observation level are separate; use the Landmark map to confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Galata Tower guide
Place-earned, not photo-matched
Collect every badge on this track.
Unlocked verifies that you are really at each Landmark. Choose Unlock while you are there, and the badge is yours — the photo Memory can wait until you are home.
- 01
Go to the Landmark.
Follow the track above; every stop is a supported place in Istanbul.
- 02
Choose Unlock.
A current location sample verifies you are inside the Landmark's supported area.
- 03
Finish the track.
Each verified visit earns the Landmark's badge permanently in your Passport.
Before you go
Track questions.
Does this track include admission to the buildings?
The track uses exterior arrival points and visitor spaces, not included admission. Palace courtyards, collections and the Harem have separate access arrangements, as do mosque visitor areas and Galata Tower’s museum and observation level.
Can I Unlock a Landmark from a distant viewpoint?
A distant view does not establish arrival at these stops. Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock while nearby. At Topkapi Palace, the arrival point is specifically the Imperial Gate approach.
What should I keep in mind at the mosques?
Respect worship, dress guidance and visitor boundaries. Hagia Sophia has separate visitor arrangements, while Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye access is subject to local controls. Follow the exterior approach without assuming courtyards, terraces or interiors are accessible.