The Kariye Mosque (Kariye Camii), formerly the Kariye Museum and historically the Byzantine Chora Church, is a jewel of Late Byzantine art, celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled 14th-century mosaics and frescoes. Located in the historic Edirnekapı neighborhood of Fatih, it sits just inside the massive Theodosian Walls.

Because it is situated slightly off the main Sultanahmet tourist track, reaching this magnificent monument requires a little planning. This guide details exactly How to get to Kariye Museum using the most efficient routes and provides the latest visitor information.

Location and Official Name

When planning your journey, remember the site’s official and popular names:

  • Official Turkish Name: Kariye Camii (Kariye Mosque)

  • Historical Name: Kariye Museum or Chora Church

  • Neighborhood: Edirnekapı, Fatih District

  • The Challenge:The site is on one of the city’s seven hills and is not directly served by the main metro/tram lines. Knowing How to get to Kariye Museum means navigating a quick connection.

🚌 Public Transportation

Using the Istanbulkart (the city’s unified travel card) is the most cost-effective and efficient way to complete your journey.

Option 1: The Golden Horn Bus Route (Easiest from Taksim/Eminönü)

This is the most direct and least complicated option, especially if starting from the modern city center (Taksim) or the central ferry/tram hub (Eminönü).

  • From Taksim Square:

    • Take Bus 87 (towards Edirnekapı/Topkapı).

    • The journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic flow.

    • Disembark at the Edirnekapı bus stop, which is a very short walk from the mosque.

  • From Eminönü (Spice Bazaar/Ferry Port):

    • Take Bus 31E, 37E, 38E, or 90 (all heading towards Edirnekapı/Eyüpsultan).

    • This scenic route follows the Golden Horn coast.

    • Disembark at the Edirnekapı stop.

Option 2: Tram (T1) and Bus Combination (Best from Sultanahmet)

If you are starting from the historical peninsula, combining the Tram with a short bus connection is ideal for knowing How to get to Kariye Museum.

  1. Take the T1 Bağcılar-Kabataş Tram: Board the tram heading west (away from Kabataş).

  2. Disembark at Topkapı (not Topkapı Palace): This station is near the historical city walls.

  3. Transfer to a Local Bus: From the Topkapı transport hub, take a short bus ride (e.g., 38B or 41AT) north towards Edirnekapı, or take a brisk 15–20 minute walk directly north along the walls to the Edirnekapı Gate and the mosque.

🚕 Alternative Transportation

For maximum convenience or if traveling in a small group, a taxi or local ride-share is the quickest way to answer the question, How to get to Kariye Museum.

  • From Sultanahmet:

    • Estimated Travel Time: 15–20 minutes (off-peak).

    • Estimated Fare: ₺260 – ₺350 (Approx. €8–€10).

  • From Taksim Square:

    • Estimated Travel Time: 20–30 minutes.

    • Estimated Fare: ₺350 – ₺450 (Approx. €10–€13).

Pro Tip: Always specify the destination as “Kariye Camii, Edirnekapı” for the taxi driver to avoid confusion with the former museum name.

ℹ️ Updated Visitor Information and Protocol

Kariye Mosque

The site’s recent status change means visitors must adhere to mosque protocol, which affects How to get to Kariye Museum and your viewing time.

Key Visitor Logistics

  • Status: The site is a functioning mosque (Kariye Camii).

  • Official Visiting Hours (for Tourists): Generally 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Saturday – Thursday).

  • Weekly Closure: The mosque is officially closed to visitors on Fridays for congregational prayers.

  • Entrance Fee: The fee for foreign visitors is €20 (Euro). Note that the Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid for entry here.

  • Prayer Time Closures: The mosque closes to non-worshiping visitors 15-30 minutes before the Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayer times, and reopens afterwards. Visiting early morning (09:00–11:30 AM) is recommended to avoid these interruptions.

Mandatory Dress Code

Since the site is an active place of worship, modest dress is required for all visitors:

  • Women: Must cover their hair with a scarf (available for loan at the entrance). Shoulders and legs must be covered.

  • Men: Should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. Shorts are generally discouraged unless they cover the knees.

Status of Mosaics and Frescoes

The stunning 14th-century mosaics and frescoes, which make the site so famous, are still the main draw:

  • Visibility: The key mosaics in the Outer and Inner Narthexes (entry halls) and the frescoes in the Parecclesion (side chapel) remain fully visible and are a major reason to plan your visit and learn How to get to Kariye Museum.

  • Nave: Some lower-level art in the main prayer hall (Nave) is respectfully covered or obscured by prayer adaptations, though the upper vaults remain open to view.

Navigating Istanbul‘s vast network of historical sites can sometimes be a challenge, but reaching the Kariye Mosque—the former Kariye Museum—is a rewarding journey well worth the effort. By utilizing the efficient T1 Tram to Topkapı or the direct bus lines from Eminönü or Taksim, you can easily implement the best strategy for How to get to Kariye Museum. This visit will grant you a priceless, intimate view of Byzantium’s most spectacular artistic achievements, far from the central tourist crowds.