What to wear in Topkapi Palace?

While there is no strict dress code while visiting Topkapi Palace, shorts, skirts, and sleeveless or strapless clothing are not allowed inside the Sacred Relics room.

Is there a dress code for Topkapi?

Dress Code: There's no strict dress code for Topkapi Palace in general, except for the Holy Relics Chamber. If you plan to visit this section (which houses sacred Islamic relics once collected by the Ottoman sultans), make sure to dress modestly: no shorts, short skirts, or exposed shoulders.

What to wear when visiting a mosque in Turkey?

When visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. This means wearing clothing that covers your arms, legs, and shoulders, such as long pants or skirts, and shirts that cover your chest. Women should also cover their hair with a scarf or hat.

What is the dress code in Istanbul?

Having said that, most people wear international smart-casual clothing. Jeans are very popular combined with a sweater and jacket in the cooler months. Although there are no rules for dress, it's better to dress quite modestly to avoid unwanted attention and beachwear certainly isn't recommended.

What to wear when visiting Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

What Should I Wear To Topkapi Palace? - Resort 2 Travel

Can I wear sandals to Hagia Sophia?

Avoid wearing shorts. Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Wear socks or bring an extra pair to keep your feet covered. Avoid Transparent Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is see-through or overly revealing.

Do I need to wear a headscarf in Istanbul?

Visiting Mosques: Special Considerations

The primary exception to Turkey's relaxed dress norms is when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Women are expected to cover their hair, arms, and legs during their visit. Most mosques provide scarves and slip-on skirts for visitors who are not appropriately dressed.

What are the do's and don'ts in Istanbul?

How to dress when visiting a mosque?

What do I wear to the Mosque? There is no specific dress code, and standard practice varies in mosques. However, the prayer areas are treated as sacred spaces; therefore, we would recommend both men and women dress modestly.

Is it safe to wear jewelry in Istanbul?

If I were going to take my more expensive clothing and jewelry, Istanbul is one of the few places I would feel more comfortable doing this. It is not a dangerous city.

Can I wear sleeveless to the mosque?

Women are required to cover their heads, shoulders, chests, and legs. Toes can show, but avoid sleeveless tops, low necklines, and above-the-knee skirts or dresses.

Can you take a backpack into Hagia Sophia?

Big luggage bags are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

How much time do you need at Topkapi Palace?

How Much Time Should I Plan to Visit Topkapi Palace? When planning your visit, keep in mind that Topkapi Palace is 350 hectares and there is a lot to see here. To explore the area thoroughly and to be able to visit all the sights, you need three hours.

How to dress in Istanbul airport?

In Istanbul layover, travelers typically appear sporting shorts and T-shirts for optimum comfort. Another casual option that visitors opt for is short-sleeved shirts paired up with long skirts. On the other hand, men go for short-sleeved shirts with long trousers/jeans.

How to dress for a mosque in Turkey?

While visiting a mosque in Istanbul, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees .. and oh, toes can show. Chest and legs should be covered. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque.

Do you have to wear long sleeves in Istanbul?

In the City

There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques. As for Turks, most of them will be wearing "smart casual" clothes: sleeved summer dresses or sleeved tops and skirts for women, short-sleeved shirts and long trousers for men. Footwear can be shoes or sandals.

Can you drink alcohol in Istanbul?

Anyone over the age of 18 can buy alcoholic drinks in restaurants, bars etc. The local drinks like beer and wine are very reasonably priced but imported drinks can be a bit more expensive.

Can I wear a cross in Turkey?

While Turkey is a majority Muslim country, religious freedom is protected. Can you wear a cross in Turkey? Yes, you can wear a cross in Turkey.

Can Muslims go to Hagia Sophia for free?

Free prayer area entrance is available to Muslim tourists at Hagia Sophia only during prayer times. The gate faces Sultanahmet Square (old gate).

How much time does it take to visit Blue Mosque?

How much time does it take to visit the Blue Mosque? Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the Blue Mosque's interior and exterior. If you're interested in taking a guided tour, allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Can you enter a mosque with shoes?

Shoes should be removed on arrival or as you enter the prayer hall (the Mosque will advise on this when you are arranging your visit). Removal of shoes is required to ensure cleanliness is maintained as many prayer actions require hand and face being placed on the floor (such as prostration).

Can you walk from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station.

Is there a fee to enter Blue Mosque?

As the Blue Mosque operates as a mosque, there is no admission fee to enter.

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi?

Both Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are highly recommended by professionals. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly higher than Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace comes in at #1 in Istanbul with praise from 9 publications such as Travel + Leisure, Michelin Guide and Time Out.