Istanbul Photography Guide: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Galata
Istanbul is one of the most photogenic cities I’ve visited, with Ottoman mosques, rooftop viewpoints, the Bosphorus and historic neighborhoods packed into a surprisingly walkable area. On my second day in Istanbul, I photographed Galata Tower at sunrise, explored the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and finished along the Bosphorus at sunset.
Galata Tower at Sunrise
My first morning (start of second day) in Istanbul began with sunrise at Gelata Tower in the Beyoğlu district. The tower wasn’t open (at that time) but I did get some amazing shots of the tower with purple light in the background.
Original painting and fine art prints available
Blue Mosque: Arrive Before the Crowds
Photo tip: “Purple” light occurs about 45 minutes before sunrise. This involves getting up really, really early since my destination was a 10 minute walk from my hotel. Purple light lasts for only 10 minutes- I really try to scout my locations out beforehand so I can maximize my shooting time
I continued my way past the Gelata Bridge into the Sultanahmet area of town while the sun rose (after purple light you have 30 minutes or so until the sun actually peaks over the horizon- it’s a great time to hit another location before being rewarded with golden light).
(interior of the Blue Mosque- watch out (the pushy carpet salesman that accost you at the front entrance will be found waiting for you here))
I have to admit. This is embarrassing. I meant to stand in line for the Hagia Sofia Mosque (formerly a church). I was a little jet-lagged and it was my first time in Istanbul. I ended up in the line for the Blue Mosque. In my defense, the two moques are close to each other! I was just mixed up.
(Mihrab (center) of the mosque)
The Blue Mosque is an Ottoman-empire imperial mosque. Entrance is free (shoes and hats have to be removed before entering). The interior of the mosque with it’s intricate was amazing. Unfortunately, you can no longer walk into the center (unless for prayer). Needless to say, I still shot some amazing photographs with my digital camera and iphone.
(Domes, semi-domes, and intricate paintings in the mihrab (center))
I was glad I arrived early (8 or so) because the entrance line was really long when I left. Even in mid October Istanbul’s tourist attractions were really crowded.
Hagia Sophia & the Best Rooftop View in Istanbul
After visiting the Blue Mosque it was finally time to eat and get some caffeine in my system. I treated myself to the most expensive cup of coffee known to man at the Seven Hills Restaurant and Hotel (link below). Hey, I knew this place was going to be expensive- you are paying for the view! (It’s a tax write-off and I’m working so I don’t care)
And what a view it was! The rooftop patio features an amazing view of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia. I lucked out and was treated to a rainbow between the two mosques. I might have shot several hundred photographs. Now I am trying to figure out how to paint a rainbow (you can not have hard edges and colors have to be distinct- this might be difficult).
(My first Hagia Sofia watercolor painting is now available. 11×15″ original painting and fine art prints available)
(Beyazit Square near the Grand Bazaar)
Original painting and fine art prints available
Original painting and fine art prints available
Exploring Sultanahmet & the Grand Bazaar Area
I finished the afternoon by wandering the Sultanahmet Neighborhood west of the Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of petting a random cat who promptly kneaded my lap then fell into a deep sleep. I sat there for 20 minutes with Şişhane (named for metro stop near my hotel) before deciding to part ways. You will not be forgotten Şişhane!
Original painting (displayed in the 2025 National Watercolor Society International Juried Show) and prints available.
Watch me paint (a portion) of this on my YouTube Channel:
Photographing the Istanbul Skyline
(Yeni Cami Mosque and flags off of Eminonu Square near the Gelata Bridge)
I returned to my hotel afterwards (it had been a LONG morning) for a brief siesta. I was out again by 3pm figuring out where I would go for sunset.
Photo Tip: When I research trips I spend a lot of time looking at online photographs. There are only so many unique vantage points (unless you are in a place where you could fly a drone). While researching trips I bookmark sites and panoramic areas on Google maps. You can download Google maps to your phone and do not have to have internet coverage- it works with GPS. I can explore the city while knowing where the best photography spots are (while discovering a few more too).
Original painting and fine art prints available
Purchase this original painting or prints
Bosphorus at Sunset
I finished the evening walking the Bosphorus River- shooting photographs of the many mosques that line the hills. Yes, I know the nightime mosque scene is out of focus. It doesn’t bother me- I can still make a great painting from the image. It is MUCH easier being a painter than a professional photographer. I do not have to carry a tripod with me and I can invent pretty light later. However, it never hurts having a great reference photograph to start with!
Plan Your Istanbul Trip
Metro/Ferries/Trams
Istanbul is a big city with lots of transportation options. I made my way through the city using (mostly) the Istanbulkart. This reloadable card can be used for the metro, ferries, and trams within the city. The metro reaches both airports (though it is more difficult to reach the city center from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport).
https://istanbulepass.com/how-to-get-istanbul-kart.html
You can purchase/top-off the card at various kioska available at (almost) all transportation stops:
Flights:
I booked my flight on Expedia with British Airways. I was not super happy with their service (they charge for water on the London-Istanbul leg). I think that is ridiculous. Just my two cents.
Hotels:
For a city of 13 million, it is safe to assume there are a LOT of hotels. I found mine on Expedia:
For the first part of the trip I stayed in the Taksim/ Galata Tower area. I do not spend much on hotels- all I need is a clean and quiet room. Urban Quarters 42 met the requirements. A short walk to the Metro and Galata Tower, this was a nice area to stay in. It was not very busy. There is no one on staff (entry is with code at door) so make sure you have your code before arriving.
If I had the money, I would have stayed at the Seven Hills Restaurant and Hotel. What a freaking view (I went to the restaurant twice for photographs): https://expedia.com/affiliates/istanbul-hotels-seven-hills-hotel-special-class.NzQf0cs
Tours:
There is so much to see in the city. Luckily, there are tons of tour options:
Guidebooks:
Lonely Planet Istanbul– Even with the internet’s unlimited resources, I love to research trips with a real guidebook. I usually use the Lonely Planet guides (they have nice photographs). I like having a bedside book to look through at night. Yes, I am that old.
Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World– great read on the history of Istanbul. Paperback or kindle
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Ryan Fox AWS, NWS, TWSA
Ryan Fox Painting
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