Blue Mosque Tickets & Tours

4.3(8.4K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Blue Mosque Istanbu
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Brent Matthew Moyer
US

Brent

United States
Jun 2025
5/5
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Our tour guide Buse was amazing. She was very informative and answered everyone's questions with a detailed answer. She definitely made our experience better than if we would have gone without a guide. I definitely recommend doing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia tour with her.
Ionasc Doru Alexandru

Ionasc

May 2025
5/5
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Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy
Antoine Cordier

Antoine

May 2025
5/5
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Our guide Öpücük was very good. We were impressed how smoothly she managed to navigate us in such busy places. We never felt rushed or anything. Just very informed about the places we visited. She always found the best stop and she had lots of time for extra questions. Great job!
João Miguel de Oliveira Vieira
PT

João

Portugal
Apr 2025
4/5
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The guide's maturity and knowledge made the visit even richer. We learned details about the mosque that we wouldn't have been able to explore otherwise.
Borhene Boulabiar

Borhene

Nov 2021
5/5
Great experience with great guides. I asked the support team for a help with whatsApp and they were so reactive. appreciated
Mark Fernhout
CA

Mark

Canada
Jun 2025
5/5
It was a great ending to our tour in Istanbul. A relaxing and information filled trip up and down the Bosphorus. The crew was great and the guide was entertaining and full of facts. It was easy to book and easy to find at the end of the line in the tram.
Judith Zerbe
US

Judith

United States
May 2025
5/5
small size of the boat and detail paid to experience including food and music. loved the side adventure to ice cream on the east side.
Tsvetelina Dobreva

Tsvetelina

Jul 2022
5/5
Our tour guide Hakan was awesome! The service was great, the balance of guided tours excellent for the price we paid. The best information packet and cards were delivered on time and gave ample instructions on redemption. Smooth, simple and god value! Will highly recommend to friends

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What to expect at the Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque exterior with domes and minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Courtyard of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul with arches and central fountain.
Blue Mosque mihrab with intricate tilework and Arabic calligraphy in Istanbul, Turkey.
Travelers near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, one pointing towards the landmark.
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Where call to prayer meets centuries of legacy

The Blue Mosque welcomes you not with fanfare, but with quiet awe. You’re standing inside a masterpiece built to touch the divine.

Stepping into sacred serenity

Your visit begins in the serene outer courtyard, before you step barefoot onto centuries-old carpets inside the prayer hall. The space unfolds in symmetry and light, with lofty domes, stained-glass windows, and the whisper of prayer adding to the atmosphere. A visit typically lasts 30–45 minutes.

Standout sights

Don’t miss the lofty central dome with its calligraphic inscriptions, the marble mihrab that points to Mecca, and the quiet reverence of ongoing worship. Yes, it’s still an active mosque.

Upgrades that transform your visit

It’s free to enter, but a guided tour gives you deeper insight into what most miss: from the mosque’s rivalry with Hagia Sophia to the tale behind its controversial six minarets. Expect queues, especially at peak times, so skip-the-line or early access options can be worth the upgrade.

Things to know before booking your Blue Mosque tickets

Know what you’re paying for

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, but the charge you see on your ticket is for an add-on service, like a guide or a combo tour.

Visitor must-know

Since it’s an active place of worship, mosque access is restricted during prayer times. Visitors must clear a mandatory security check—expect up to 30 minutes in off-peak season and up to an hour during peak months (May–mid-September).

Guided tour vs independent visit

A self-guided visit is cost-free, but a guided tour offers richer context. Expert local guides explain the mosque’s Ottoman history, architectural features, and symbolic details while taking you through its main spaces. Booking online ensures availability and helps you plan around busy hours.

Combos and nearby attractions

The mosque sits in Sultanahmet Square, home to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Combo tickets let you explore multiple landmarks in one go, saving time and effort.

Accessibility

Most areas are wheelchair-accessible, though some may have limited access due to historical design.

Dress code

Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered for all; women must wear a headscarf.

Which Blue Mosque tour is best for you?

Calligraphy inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey, showcasing intricate Islamic art.

Guided tour

Explore the mosque with an expert guide who shares stories, history, and hidden details often missed on self-guided visits.

  • Priority entry and a curated 1-hour tour
  • Rich context on Ottoman architecture and symbolism

Recommended ticket:

Interior view of Blue Mosque in Istanbul with intricate tilework and ornate chandeliers.

Combo tours

Visit Istanbul’s top landmarks in one seamless guided itinerary, saving time and money.

  • Skip-the-line access where applicable
  • In-depth storytelling across multiple UNESCO sites

Recommended tickets:

Blue Mosque highlights

Grand Dome

Grand Dome

The Blue Mosque’s dome is exquisite for its perfect Ottoman proportions, cascading semi-domes, and luminous interior accentuated by over 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles.

Minbar
Blue Mosque minarets in Istanbul, Turkey, showcasing intricate Ottoman architecture.
Interior view of The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate tilework and grand arches.
Blue Mosque stained glass windows in Istanbul showcasing intricate geometric patterns.

Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque opening hours
Blue Mosque opening hours
  • Daily: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Closed: During prayer hours

Best time to visit: Around 9:30 am to 11 am

Best month to visit: November to March

Tourists disembarking from a bus

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Find on Maps

Getting there

  • Bus: 38B, 77A, BN1
    Nearest Stop: Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu
  • Train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) and Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
    Nearest Station: Sirkeci
  • Metro: M2
    Nearest Station: Sirkeci
  • Tram: T1
    Nearest Station: Cemberlitas
  • By Car: Istanbul Airport to Blue Mosque is 51.3 km. It takes around 47 mins.
    Nearest Parking: Sultanahmet Selim Parking Property, Ispark, Square Parking
Getting to the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque entrances

The Blue Mosque has 3 entrances:

  • Main entrance: This entrance is reserved only for worshippers. The authorities may make exceptions for visitors with limited mobility and allow them to enter through this gate. 
  • Hagia Sophia entrance: This gate is one of the most accessible and recognizable entrances to the mosque, situated opposite the Hagia Sophia, and only a 2-minute walk from Sultanahmet. 
  • Southern entrance: This is another entrance that non-worshippers and visitors can use. Please note that this entrance remains closed during prayer hours. 
Wheelchair accessibility

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul ensures that all their visitors in wheelchairs can comfortably access all parts of the mosque.

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: If you stand outside the main gate, directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, the wheelchair entrance will fall on your right side.
  • Ramps and elevators: You can glide your wheelchair on a ramp from the entrance gate and navigate around the inner courtyard. Ramps and elevators on the northwest side toward the Hippodrome and Obelisks help you navigate inside Blue Mosque
  • Wheelchairs available: Upon request, you can avail the mosque's on-site wheelchairs.
Blue Mosque rules and regulations
Facilities Available at the Blue Mosque
  • Accessibility: The Blue Mosque has ramps and elevators on the northwest side near the Hippodrome and Obelisks to help visitors with limited mobility navigate the space. While most of the interiors can be explored on wheelchairs, there may be some limitations due to the mosque’s architectural design. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures of its stunning interiors and beautiful ornamentations but make sure to turn off your flash. Do not use commercial equipment like tripods when taking photos because they may disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the mosque. 
  • Lockers: The Blue Mosque does not have any cloakrooms, however, you can drop off your belongings at the station locker in the Sirkeci station, a 2-minute walk from the mosque. 
Blue Mosque entrances
Rules - Blue Mosque
  • Dress modestly: The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, hence it is best not to wear shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless shirts. Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
  • Wear a scarf: Women need to wear a scarf when entering the Sultanahmet mosque. You can get scarves from the mosque entrance. 
  • Respect photography policies: While you can bring your camera or mobile phone inside the Blue Mosque, make sure not to use flash or click pictures of worshippers. Do not linger around in one spot for too long or disrupt other viewers. 
  • Check prayer timings: The mosque remains closed to tourists and non-worshippers during prayer hours. Look out for Blue Mosque’s prayer times before reaching the mosque gate. These prayers last for around 90 minutes, so in case you find the gate closed, you can drop by Hagia Sophia, situated right next to the Sultanahmet mosque. 
Interesting facts about the Blue Mosque
Tips to Note When Visiting the Blue Mosque
  • Keep to the dress code: As the Blue Mosque is a place of worship, it is important to dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their shoulders, and avoid revealing clothing, and women should cover their heads with a scarf.
  • Remove your shoes: You must remove your shoes before entering the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. There are designated areas for storing your footwear. They also provide plastic bags for you to carry your shoes. 
  • Maintain silence: Since Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, please be respectful and refrain from making loud noises, using mobile phones, or running around. 
  • Do not use flash: Although you can click pictures on your mobile phones and cameras, please do not use flash or commercial equipment like tripods. Also, do not click pictures of worshippers praying inside the mosque. 
  • Avoid touching the artifacts: Make sure to respect the sacred space and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking inside the mosque. Also, avoid touching or leaning on the walls, columns, or artifacts.
Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque

Frequently asked questions about Blue Mosque tickets

Can I enter the Blue Mosque whenever I want?

You can enter the Blue Mosque whenever there is no prayer in session. During these times, the mosque is closed to the public for about 90 minutes each closure. Since the prayer times are based on the position of the sun, they change slightly each day throughout the year. It's best to check the local prayer schedule online before you plan your visit to get the most accurate times.

Why is there a charge on my ticket if entry to the mosque is free?

While the mosque is technically free to enter, the charge on your ticket corresponds to an upgrade like a guided tour or a combo ticket to another Istanbul attraction.

Why should I book Blue Mosque tickets online?

Booking Blue Mosque tickets online secures your spot, avoids long security queues, and guarantees access to guided tours or combos during peak tourist seasons.

What are the different types of Blue Mosque tickets available?

You can opt for a Blue Mosque guided tour or you can purchase combo ticket options that include access to the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace along with the Blue Mosque.

Will I be denied entry if I don't follow the dress code?

If you don't follow the dress code, you will be denied entry. The dress code is strictly enforced as a sign of respect for the religious site.

Here's a summary of the dress code:

  • For both men and women: Shoulders and knees must be covered. This means no shorts or sleeveless shirts.
  • For women: You must also cover your head with a scarf.
Do I need to practice Islam in order to enter this place of worship?

No, visitors to the Blue Mosque need not be Muslim. All are welcome, provided they respect prayer times, follow the dress code, and maintain decorum inside.

How long should I spend at the Blue Mosque?

We recommend you spend around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Blue Mosque's interiors and understand its historical significance. If you book Blue Mosque guided tours, an expert tour guide will accompany you for a 2-hour tour through the mosque’s prayer halls and interiors.

Is the Blue Mosque worth visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, the Blue Mosque is one of the must-visit attractions in Istanbul. It is the only mosque in Istanbul with 6 minarets and around 20,000 blue Iznik tiles adorning its upper levels. The interplay of light through its grand prayer halls and the stained glass windows make it a remarkable sight to behold.

More reads

About Blue Mosque

About Blue Mosque

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Blue Mosque Timings

Blue Mosque Timings

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Plan Your Visit to Blue Mosque

Plan Your Visit to Blue Mosque

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.