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Blue Mosque tickets & tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Itinerary
1
Blue Mosque
60 min
Tickets included
Istanbul’s Blue Mosque stands tall with six elegant minarets and a massive central dome. Inside, over 20,000 blue İznik tiles decorate the walls, creating a mosaic of floral and geometric patterns. Sunlight streams through stained-glass windows, illuminating the intricate calligraphy and chandeliers that once held candles instead of bulbs.
2
Istanbul Old Town
Istanbul’s Old Town buzzes with life—cobblestone streets weave past towering mosques, centuries-old hammams, and sunlit courtyards. Lantern-lit alleys lead to hidden teahouses, while vendors at the Grand Bazaar display glittering ceramics and fragrant spices, and seagulls glide over the Bosphorus.
3
Hagia Sophia
45 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
Step inside Hagia Sophia, and your eyes shoot straight up—its colossal dome floats like magic, light pouring through 40 windows. The walls? A wild mix of glittering Byzantine mosaics and giant Ottoman calligraphy discs. Walk around, and you’ll find everything from hidden tunnels to secret marble doors and Viking graffiti!
4
Basilica Cistern
30 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
The Basilica Cistern is a vast, dimly lit underground chamber with 336 marble columns rising from shallow water. Two Medusa head carvings, one sideways and one upside down, support columns at the far end. Soft lights cast shadows on the vaulted ceiling, while rippling water reflects the ancient stone.
5
Bosphorus Cruise
90 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
Sail through the Bosphorus, passing the medieval Galata Tower, the grand Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces with their ornate facades, and the baroque Ortakoy Mosque by the water’s edge. Cross under the Bosphorus Bridge, see the domed Beylerbeyi Palace, the stone-built Maiden’s Tower, and the sprawling courtyards of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
Get expert insights beyond the blue tiles at the mosque and explore Old Town’s timeless streets.
- Explore the Blue Mosque, the newly renovated landmark with a licensed guide, and uncover its six-minaret controversy and symbolic design.
- Your guide will talk you through handcrafted blue tiles, calligraphy by the Sultan’s master, grand chandeliers adorning the central dome, as you marvel at light filtering through 200+ stained-glass windows.
- Explore stress-free with a guide handling details and enjoy an Old City walking tour past landmarks like the Hippodrome and German Fountain.
- Upgrade your experience! Take a Bosphorus cruise for skyline views, a Hagia Sophia tour to see Viking graffiti, or walk through the eerie columns of Basilica Cistern.
Get expert insights beyond the blue tiles at the mosque and explore Old Town’s timeless streets.
- Explore the Blue Mosque, the newly renovated landmark with a licensed guide, and uncover its six-minaret controversy and symbolic design.
- Your guide will talk you through handcrafted blue tiles, calligraphy by the Sultan’s master, grand chandeliers adorning the central dome, as you marvel at light filtering through 200+ stained-glass windows.
- Explore stress-free with a guide handling details and enjoy an Old City walking tour past landmarks like the Hippodrome and German Fountain.
- Upgrade your experience! Take a Bosphorus cruise for skyline views, a Hagia Sophia tour to see Viking graffiti, or walk through the eerie columns of Basilica Cistern.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking licensed guide
- Walking tour around Old City
- Istanbul Old Town map
- 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise ticket (as per option selected)
- Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic & Chinese (as per option selected). The audio guide is available for you to download. Instructions will be shared with your ticket. Do bring your own headphones.
- Bosphorus cruise map (as per option selected)
- 1.5-hour guided tour of the Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
- Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
- Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
- Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.2
1,847 ratings
991
508
159
69
120
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Italy and over 68 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Brent
Jun 2025Verified booking
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
May 2025Verified booking
Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy
Antoine
May 2025Verified booking
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!
Catarina
May 2025Verified booking
It's worth visiting the Blue Mosque with a guide. We learned a lot. The guide was very friendly, not tiring at all and very knowledgeable.
View original review in Portuguese
Rohaizad
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was well planned. Hussein our guide was great, knowledgeable and friendly. The pace and presentation was very good and clear.
Rodolfo
Apr 2025Verified booking
All beautiful, especially Cistern and St. Sophia Mosque which, however, due to earthquake ilb23 April, we could see today 24 April. Courtesy and professionalism of the Guide. Thank you
View original review in Italian
Irene
Apr 2025Verified booking
We feared bad surprises after reading some negative comments online, but in Istanbul everything went perfectly . Precise and punctual organization, directions are given to the meeting point and via app everything is very convenient and at hand. Pleasant tour, our guide, Ali (I unfortunately do not remember his full name), was a nice guy, knowledgeable and very helpful. We had a great time with him, the explanation given was just the right length, neither too short nor too long, and the time flew by. Very convenient the skip-the-line ticket, considering the crowds of tourists.
View original review in Italian
João
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Portuguese
Matthias
Jun 2025Verified booking
Ali was an awesome tour guide! Great experience 👍👍
Charles
May 2025Verified booking
The guides were well informed, personable and interesting. Very glad I signed up for this service.
Rosa
May 2025Verified booking
The tour is well designed and the guide is fantastic
View original review in Spanish
JAVIER
May 2025Verified booking
Everything, the guide's experience, cordiality, friendliness.
View original review in Spanish
Orgovany
May 2025Verified booking
I really liked my tour guide Ali. He gave me a lot of information and answered all my questions.
Jesper
Apr 2025Verified booking
Hal was an enthusiastic and good-humored guide who gave many good stories
This review is translated. Show original review.
Daniel
Mar 2025Verified booking
Interesting info presented in a clear and entertaining way by tour guide
Theresa
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was well organized and Arthur gave us a great insight into the history and architecture of the buildings. The tour of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia was guided. We were able to visit the basilica on our own. It makes sense to have your knees and shoulders covered and ladies should bring a scarf for their hair. At the Hagia Sophia, nothing was lent out here but you had to buy something to cover yourself and the rest of the group had to wait.
View original review in German
Roberto
Jun 2025Verified booking
Thanks to Ali, very professional and kind. Made us feel comfortable with detailed information of each site. Ancora Imparo...he knows, Michela and Roberto
Janette
Jun 2025Verified booking
The easy of moving between sights and jumping the lines. The headphone commentary was difficult to hear at times and somtimes stopped gor a while. At times it was hard to understand the spoken English through a heavy turkish accent through the headphone.
Reetta
Jun 2025Verified booking
The group was too big. It took too long time to move the group from one place to another. We had to wait for the group at all the places. The tour was in "slow motion"
D
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our guide (Matar?) was super informative. His delivery was relaxed, belying the fact that he has undoubtedly given the same dozens of times prior to our group. He allowed adequate time at each location for us to walk around before moving on to the next site. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone interested in knowing about the history of istanbul.
Anna
Jun 2025Verified booking
My email to Headout was never answered, gave uncertainty. Headout outsourced tour and via app and small print did eventually find everything. Tour itself was very good, good guide very knowledgeable and spoke very clear English.
View original review in Dutch
SAVITHA
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our guide (Heerat?) was very knowedlgable and shared intersting stories about things. He was patient with questions and organizedc the tour well between the three sites. We recommend this tour.
Lee
May 2025Verified booking
The guide Ali, was incredibly knowledgeable - his guiding added real depth to each of the three sights and he was able to take care of us well, preparing us for any practical arrangements e.g. dress codes, queuing, meeting places, toilets etc.. these details are important! The Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia were fascinating and beautiful places to visit and worth doing with a guide lest you miss key details. I'd do the trip all over again if given the opportunity and the wonderful guide.
Marta
May 2025Verified booking
Wonderful places not to be missed! The guide was able to pick us things not described in normal guidebooks!I recommend doing it in the morning to find fewer people!
View original review in Italian
Wencke
May 2025Verified booking
You are told so often to please be on time. The event started 45 minutes late and we were there 30 minutes earlier as recommended. But we enjoyed the tour. I only ticked 2 to be able to send the review.
View original review in German
Guided Tours
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Blue Mosque
Meet your guide in front of the Blue Mosque. As you stand before its grand domes and six elegant minarets, take a moment to admire the blend of Ottoman splendor and Byzantine grace. Step inside soon to discover over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its famous name—each one telling a story of artistry and devotion.
0.4 km
5 minutes
1
Basilica Cistern
60 min
Tickets included
Next, step into the Basilica Cistern and take in the cool, shadowy depths of this hidden world beneath Istanbul, supported by 336 marble columns. At the far end lies its most curious secret—two ancient Medusa heads used as column bases, one turned sideways, the other upside down. Here's an interesting fact: to this day, no one truly knows why they were placed that way!
0.3 km
4 minutes
2
Hagia Sophia
120 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
And finally, enter the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has stood as both church and mosque through centuries. Gaze at the sunlight pouring through its massive dome, look closely at the intricate mosaics, Ottoman calligraphy, and faint Viking runes, and end your trip by stepping out into the bustling heart of Istanbul carrying these unforgettable sights with you.
3
Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.
Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breath-taking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.
Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.
Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breath-taking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.
Inclusions
Basilica Cistern
- 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish
Hagia Sophia
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
- Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish
Blue Mosque
- Entry and 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
- Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with good grip.
- For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
- Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
- Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visit.
- Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
- Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
- Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
- Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
- Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.3
802 ratings
473
200
64
21
44
Guests from United States, Italy, United Kingdom and over 48 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ionasc
May 2025Verified booking
Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy
Antoine
May 2025Verified booking
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!
Rohaizad
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was well planned. Hussein our guide was great, knowledgeable and friendly. The pace and presentation was very good and clear.
Irene
Apr 2025Verified booking
We feared bad surprises after reading some negative comments online, but in Istanbul everything went perfectly . Precise and punctual organization, directions are given to the meeting point and via app everything is very convenient and at hand. Pleasant tour, our guide, Ali (I unfortunately do not remember his full name), was a nice guy, knowledgeable and very helpful. We had a great time with him, the explanation given was just the right length, neither too short nor too long, and the time flew by. Very convenient the skip-the-line ticket, considering the crowds of tourists.
View original review in Italian
Rosa
May 2025Verified booking
The tour is well designed and the guide is fantastic
View original review in Spanish
Orgovany
May 2025Verified booking
I really liked my tour guide Ali. He gave me a lot of information and answered all my questions.
Theresa
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was well organized and Arthur gave us a great insight into the history and architecture of the buildings. The tour of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia was guided. We were able to visit the basilica on our own. It makes sense to have your knees and shoulders covered and ladies should bring a scarf for their hair. At the Hagia Sophia, nothing was lent out here but you had to buy something to cover yourself and the rest of the group had to wait.
View original review in German
Janette
Jun 2025Verified booking
The easy of moving between sights and jumping the lines. The headphone commentary was difficult to hear at times and somtimes stopped gor a while. At times it was hard to understand the spoken English through a heavy turkish accent through the headphone.
Reetta
Jun 2025Verified booking
The group was too big. It took too long time to move the group from one place to another. We had to wait for the group at all the places. The tour was in "slow motion"
Anna
Jun 2025Verified booking
My email to Headout was never answered, gave uncertainty. Headout outsourced tour and via app and small print did eventually find everything. Tour itself was very good, good guide very knowledgeable and spoke very clear English.
View original review in Dutch
SAVITHA
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our guide (Heerat?) was very knowedlgable and shared intersting stories about things. He was patient with questions and organizedc the tour well between the three sites. We recommend this tour.
Carl
May 2025Verified booking
Blue mosque - beautiful - The cistern was fantastic - think the visit could have been condensed slightly to 3hours though - a fair bit of waiting around - although this did make it quite relaxing
Andreea
May 2025Verified booking
Very pleased with the experience. Well organized and our guide was amazing. He explained in details the history for all 3 sights, in plain English and he was very helpful.
Lenka
May 2025Verified booking
The whole ticketing process was very smooth, good communication flow and well given instructions. Our guide did excellent job and provided many interesting facts and insights about all three visited sites.
Charlotte
May 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide Buse was excellent - she was knowledgable and gave us insights into the history of the sights that you wouldn't get in a tourbook. The tour was well organised and we were given plenty of time to see the beautiful landmarks of Istanbul.
Deon
May 2025Verified booking
We had an awesome tour guide! He was very informativ, funny, charmingly aggressive. His English was great. He always made sure we had enough space to take a good picture and quickly asked other tourist to move if they were in our space. Pace was good. Amount of information was also good. I think it is a must to see Istanbul with a tour guide. This is a recommended company and tour guide. Thank you
Ross
Apr 2025Verified booking
Hussein was a fantastic guide - informative, relaxed, and hospitable. He took us through the 2 mosques and the cistern with practised ease - making for a comfortable and very enjoyable experience. The audio earpieces worked well and ensured our group could follow easily Hussein's excellent guidance. Hussein was also generous with answering extra questions and allowing group members to spend their own time at the sites and use the facilities. Overall, an excellent tour and well worth it.
Elena
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide , Al, was very knowledgeable and was good at managing a group of about 40 people on a really peak season day.
View original review in Italian
Carmela
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide was really very good. Punctual. Easy to find. I had never tried Headout, didn't know it before and had some anxiety because the reviews were not all positive. Really interesting 4-hour tour!
View original review in Italian
Mr
Mar 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide was very good. He had a very thorough grasp on the history of each site we visited and gave us just the right amount of detail to really understand the history of each place. A really good experience
Christian
Mar 2025Verified booking
We got in quickly Unfortunately in English The guide was quite strict and not relaxed He was more of a boss than a tourist guide There was no audioguite but except in the Hagia Sophia where the preacher was so loud, we understood everything
View original review in German
Anne
Jun 2025Verified booking
Great tour guide and the place was just magical!
Sarah
Jun 2025Verified booking
Great guide, he told us everything we needed to know. One small downside: the group was quite large.
Jacqui
Jun 2025Verified booking
The guide made it worthwhile ms kiss was great and her knowledge outstanding
Mercedes
May 2025Verified booking
The guide was incredible and we enjoy a lot!
Itinerary
1
Blue Mosque
60 min
Tickets included
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul rises with six minarets and a towering central dome. Inside, more than 20,000 İznik tiles in shades of blue form intricate floral and geometric designs. Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows, casting a glow on the detailed calligraphy and chandeliers that once shimmered with candlelight.
2
Hagia Sophia
45 min
Tickets included
Enter Hagia Sophia, and your gaze instantly locks onto its massive dome, seemingly suspended in midair as sunlight streams through 40 windows. The walls blend shimmering Byzantine mosaics with towering Ottoman calligraphy. Wander through, and you’ll uncover hidden tunnels, mysterious marble doors, and even Viking carvings etched into the stone!
3
Istanbul Old Town
Guided tour
4
Basilica Cistern
30 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
The Basilica Cistern is a massive underground chamber with 336 marble columns emerging from still water. At the far end, two Medusa head carvings, one tilted sideways and the other inverted, serve as column bases. Subtle lighting casts shadows across the arched ceiling, while gentle ripples shimmer against the ancient stone.
Discover Istanbul’s treasures like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Old Town in one expert-guided tour.
- Everything you get: Join a 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, followed by a 1-hour visit to Blue Mosque to see Iznik tilework and towering minarets with an expert. Wander the Hippodrome’s ancient chariot-racing grounds and the historic Old Town with a 30-minute walking tour.
- Why choose this: Go beyond the basics—expert stories, skip-the-line entry, and a complete Old Town experience in one seamless adventure.
- Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a 30-minute guided tour of Basilica Cistern, complete with skip-the-line access.
Discover Istanbul’s treasures like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Old Town in one expert-guided tour.
- Everything you get: Join a 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, followed by a 1-hour visit to Blue Mosque to see Iznik tilework and towering minarets with an expert. Wander the Hippodrome’s ancient chariot-racing grounds and the historic Old Town with a 30-minute walking tour.
- Why choose this: Go beyond the basics—expert stories, skip-the-line entry, and a complete Old Town experience in one seamless adventure.
- Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a 30-minute guided tour of Basilica Cistern, complete with skip-the-line access.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
- Expert licensed English-speaking guide
- 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque with entry
- 30-min Hippodrome & Old Town walking tour
- Istanbul Old Town map
- 30-min guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)
- The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
- Strict dress code: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
- While you can breeze through the ticket lines, security screening is standard for all guests. Be prepared for wait times of up to 60 minutes during peak travel periods.
- Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
- Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
- Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.2
1,157 ratings
671
283
89
39
75
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Italy and over 56 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Brent
Jun 2025Verified booking
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
May 2025Verified booking
Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy
Antoine
May 2025Verified booking
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!
Rohaizad
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was well planned. Hussein our guide was great, knowledgeable and friendly. The pace and presentation was very good and clear.
Irene
Apr 2025Verified booking
We feared bad surprises after reading some negative comments online, but in Istanbul everything went perfectly . Precise and punctual organization, directions are given to the meeting point and via app everything is very convenient and at hand. Pleasant tour, our guide, Ali (I unfortunately do not remember his full name), was a nice guy, knowledgeable and very helpful. We had a great time with him, the explanation given was just the right length, neither too short nor too long, and the time flew by. Very convenient the skip-the-line ticket, considering the crowds of tourists.
View original review in Italian
Rosa
May 2025Verified booking
The tour is well designed and the guide is fantastic
View original review in Spanish
Orgovany
May 2025Verified booking
I really liked my tour guide Ali. He gave me a lot of information and answered all my questions.
Theresa
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was well organized and Arthur gave us a great insight into the history and architecture of the buildings. The tour of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia was guided. We were able to visit the basilica on our own. It makes sense to have your knees and shoulders covered and ladies should bring a scarf for their hair. At the Hagia Sophia, nothing was lent out here but you had to buy something to cover yourself and the rest of the group had to wait.
View original review in German
Janette
Jun 2025Verified booking
The easy of moving between sights and jumping the lines. The headphone commentary was difficult to hear at times and somtimes stopped gor a while. At times it was hard to understand the spoken English through a heavy turkish accent through the headphone.
Reetta
Jun 2025Verified booking
The group was too big. It took too long time to move the group from one place to another. We had to wait for the group at all the places. The tour was in "slow motion"
Anna
Jun 2025Verified booking
My email to Headout was never answered, gave uncertainty. Headout outsourced tour and via app and small print did eventually find everything. Tour itself was very good, good guide very knowledgeable and spoke very clear English.
View original review in Dutch
SAVITHA
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our guide (Heerat?) was very knowedlgable and shared intersting stories about things. He was patient with questions and organizedc the tour well between the three sites. We recommend this tour.
Carl
May 2025Verified booking
Blue mosque - beautiful - The cistern was fantastic - think the visit could have been condensed slightly to 3hours though - a fair bit of waiting around - although this did make it quite relaxing
Jill
May 2025Verified booking
Bot venues very crowded and had alot of trouble hearing the guide speak. Our group was rather large and we attempted to circle around him but the ambient noise and fact that some of us were shorter and stuck behind tall people there were big gaps in what I could hear him say. Overall he had good info but seemed unenthusiastic.
Andreea
May 2025Verified booking
Very pleased with the experience. Well organized and our guide was amazing. He explained in details the history for all 3 sights, in plain English and he was very helpful.
Lenka
May 2025Verified booking
The whole ticketing process was very smooth, good communication flow and well given instructions. Our guide did excellent job and provided many interesting facts and insights about all three visited sites.
Charlotte
May 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide Buse was excellent - she was knowledgable and gave us insights into the history of the sights that you wouldn't get in a tourbook. The tour was well organised and we were given plenty of time to see the beautiful landmarks of Istanbul.
Deon
May 2025Verified booking
We had an awesome tour guide! He was very informativ, funny, charmingly aggressive. His English was great. He always made sure we had enough space to take a good picture and quickly asked other tourist to move if they were in our space. Pace was good. Amount of information was also good. I think it is a must to see Istanbul with a tour guide. This is a recommended company and tour guide. Thank you
Ross
Apr 2025Verified booking
Hussein was a fantastic guide - informative, relaxed, and hospitable. He took us through the 2 mosques and the cistern with practised ease - making for a comfortable and very enjoyable experience. The audio earpieces worked well and ensured our group could follow easily Hussein's excellent guidance. Hussein was also generous with answering extra questions and allowing group members to spend their own time at the sites and use the facilities. Overall, an excellent tour and well worth it.
Elena
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide , Al, was very knowledgeable and was good at managing a group of about 40 people on a really peak season day.
View original review in Italian
Carmela
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide was really very good. Punctual. Easy to find. I had never tried Headout, didn't know it before and had some anxiety because the reviews were not all positive. Really interesting 4-hour tour!
View original review in Italian
Mr
Mar 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide was very good. He had a very thorough grasp on the history of each site we visited and gave us just the right amount of detail to really understand the history of each place. A really good experience
Christian
Mar 2025Verified booking
We got in quickly Unfortunately in English The guide was quite strict and not relaxed He was more of a boss than a tourist guide There was no audioguite but except in the Hagia Sophia where the preacher was so loud, we understood everything
View original review in German
Anne
Jun 2025Verified booking
Great tour guide and the place was just magical!
Sarah
Jun 2025Verified booking
Great guide, he told us everything we needed to know. One small downside: the group was quite large.
Combos
Combo (Save 10%): Blue Mosque Guided Tour + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
from €55.49
€49.77
10% off
Love a good deal? Save more while exploring the Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.
- Save 13% with this combo offering a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, then breeze past queues at Basilica Cistern to wander among water-lit columns with an audio guide.
- No unnecessary detours! These landmarks are just a few minutes apart, so you can stroll from one to the other without losing time on travel.
- Spend 3-4 hours on a guided Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then explore the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or a different day, based on your preference.
Love a good deal? Save more while exploring the Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.
- Save 13% with this combo offering a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, then breeze past queues at Basilica Cistern to wander among water-lit columns with an audio guide.
- No unnecessary detours! These landmarks are just a few minutes apart, so you can stroll from one to the other without losing time on travel.
- Spend 3-4 hours on a guided Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then explore the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or a different day, based on your preference.
Inclusions
Blue Mosque
- 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking licensed guide
- Walking tour around Old Town
- Istanbul Old Town map
Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
- Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish
Blue Mosque
- Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
Basilica Cistern
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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What our guests say
Gianni
May 2025Verified booking
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Fareez
May 2025Verified booking
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing experience in 3 main attractions, Hagia Sophia / Topkapi Palace / Basilica Cistern!
Ilda
May 2025Verified booking
It was a very nice experience and the information in the audio guide was great! Tip: download it before you go in as there is no network downstairs and bring your own headphones.
View original review in German
CRISTINA
May 2025Verified booking
The place is breathtaking...you can't imagine what you are about to see and, of course, pictures of the place are not the same as seeing the cistern live and direct. It is an exciting, moving place, so full of history. A not very long visit that allows you to be in the historic district of Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia and Sultanhamet mosques and the Topkapi Palace, as neighbors. In addition, a cool place that helps to coexist with the heat of the city. It has a good back-up auditory.
View original review in Spanish
Donna
Apr 2025Verified booking
Thr queue was way to long so booking online was great. We did have help to do the online booking by one of the ladies working there. The cistern was amazing. The history of Istanbul is one to behold. Loved it
João
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Portuguese
Gérard
May 2025Verified booking
Magnificent site, spellbinding story!
View original review in French
Paul
May 2025Verified booking
The lines were extensive to enter the Basilica Cistern , so having the beat the line pass was essential
Orlando
May 2025Verified booking
It was really easy to get in, no queues and no problems.
View original review in Portuguese
Julie
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very easy to access, beautiful historic building amongst a busy city, highly recommend visiting
Jesper
Apr 2025Verified booking
Hal was an enthusiastic and good-humored guide who gave many good stories
This review is translated. Show original review.
CARLOS
Mar 2025Verified booking
Fast access without queues and possibility of Audioguide in Spanish offline
View original review in Spanish
Daniel
Mar 2025Verified booking
Interesting info presented in a clear and entertaining way by tour guide
Therese
Mar 2025Verified booking
It is really worth seeing, impressive and amazing.
View original review in German
Gregorio
Jun 2025Verified booking
In general I liked the visit to the Basilica Cistern. What I didn't like was that I had to listen to my cell phone (the audible guide). Although the guy was kind enough to set up the app for us, it was uncomfortable since I didn't have headphones.
View original review in Spanish
Elaine
Jun 2025Verified booking
The Basilica Sistern is a fascinating look at an architectural feat/water, filtration system. Advanced ticket purchase and skip line enabled me to walk in when it first opened and there were a few people about so I was really able to take my time and enjoy the sites.
Maureen
May 2025Verified booking
Cistern basilica was worth it but the Hagia Sophia Mosque was not. Sloppy. I know it has nothing to do with those selling tickets but I would not recommend this experience. Only the cistern.
View original review in Spanish
Caroline
May 2025Verified booking
The lines at haghia sofia were very long (there was no skipping of lines). Also the audio guides are difficult to navigate and are not in sybch with the panels in the rooms. It would be helpful to have better signage on sites
Elizabeth
May 2025Verified booking
I marked that I had children but because they were under 7, did not receive tickets. The venue then required me to go get the free children tickets before entering.
Rosa
May 2025Verified booking
The speed at the entrance. There are 3 lines, and in ours when we took the ticket online, there was no one. We entered without waiting for anything.
View original review in Spanish
alistair
May 2025Verified booking
really well worth booking a skip the line ticket . We pretty much walked straight instead of joining a rather long queue. Make sure you download every ticket onto your phone so they can scan you in . The local internet is not great .
Jan
May 2025Verified booking
We liked the possibility to skip the queue - especially in Cisterna and Hagia Sophia. In Turkey things look chaotic, but finally everything works. The entrance to Topkapi Palace was complicated to us - the neccessity of hunting the host who would bring us to the second courtayrd was contraintuitive. Fortunately, we found very helpful guy, who managed the entrance, finally.
Mariia
May 2025Verified booking
It's really skip the line tickets. Just show and go. Everything works perfectly. But we didn't find Audio guide in the Basilica. That was sad. And the most sad is that you have an access to the second floor of Haiga Sofia. Not to the first floor as well. To estimate the space of the entire building is only possible with the access to the first floor. But if you're not a Muslim than you have just only second floor. Which is pretty good because of ancient mosaics but doesn't gives you the full picture. If you don't have your own gawn or scarf it will be provided by the property (single used) free.
NADIA
May 2025Verified booking
Skip the line at Agya Sophia is unnecessary because you have to queue for security check anyway and then enter directly. The audio guide is good and easy to follow. I had problems with the audio guide for the Basilica Cisterna but since I realized before the trip that I could not access, the customer service solved the problem in time so everything worked properly.
View original review in Italian
Marianne
May 2025Verified booking
Cisterna was an amazing sight to see. One problem was that we did not know we had to listen to our "paid" audio on our own phone. I did not have earphones with me. Ticket sellers need to explain this better.
Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.
- Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
- Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.
Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.
- Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
- Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.
Inclusions
- Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/9 depending on your pass tier)
- Guided tours: Asian side walking tour & hop-on hop-off bus tour (based on your pass tier)
- Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience & Dervish ceremony (based on your pass tier)
- Blue Mosque guided tour
- Bosphorus dinner cruise
- 5-ride Istanbul transportation card
- Multilingual audio guides for all attractions
- Digital guidebook
- City, tram, and metro map
- Get the list of included attractions here.
- All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
- Your pass is valid for 7 consecutive days starting from the first time you use it.
- You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
- Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
- The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
- The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros—no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
- The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
- Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
- The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
- The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
- Opt for evening Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
- The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.
- Your selected attraction tickets will be sent via email. If you’ve chosen the Deluxe Pass, you’ll receive tickets for all included experiences.
- Show the PDF tickets on your phone, or print a physical copy if you prefer.
- You can edit your chosen list of attractions anytime, and cancel your pass free of charge up to one day before your chosen start date.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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What our guests say
Rui
Apr 2025Verified booking
We enjoyed the 5 visits and the cruise, all works well. The delivery of the Istambul Kart made us lose a lot of time, because in the first day we gone to the Topkapi kiosk exclusively to receive our Istambul Kart as wright in the papers we received. They told us that now the point of delivery changed and we must go to the Dsign Café near Blue Mosque. Since we are going to Grand Bazar on foot it was not convenient to go there. In the afternoon we gone there exclusively to receive the card but no one from Megapasss was there. In next day we visited Topkapi Palace and at the kiosk they told us to go there after the visiting. At last we could have our Istambul Kart. This change was very inconvenient and Megappas should have told us about that alteration when we bought the Megapass.
Letizia
May 2025Verified booking
Useful skip-the-line admissions..nice guided tour of the Blue Mosque even if only in English..
View original review in Italian
Elier
Jun 2025Verified booking
Marco
Jun 2025Verified booking
Emma
Jun 2025Verified booking
LE
Jun 2025Verified booking
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Make the most of Istanbul
Which Blue Mosque tour is best for you?
If you are a budget-conscious traveller
Go for: Guided tour
Duration: 1 hour
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
- Explore the Blue Mosque with an expert English-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with in-depth insights into its history, significance, and cultural context.
- Your guide will take you through the different areas of the mosque, show you its important features, and share stories and anecdotes about the historical landmark.
- Consider upgrading your ticket and exploring either Hagia Sophia or Basilica Cistern along with the Blue Mosque.
Recommended ticket:
If you are a history enthusiast
Go for: Combo tours
Duration: 3 hours, 4 hours
Guide: English-speaking guide
- Delve into Istanbul's vibrant past and its Ottoman and Byzantine heritage by visiting its most important historical sites — such as the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace — along with the Blue Mosque in a single ticket.
- You can take guided tours of each of these sites, where an expert English-speaking guide will accompany you and share fascinating insights into the historical significance of each attraction.
Recommended ticket:
If you are looking to explore beyond the Blue Mosque
Go for: City tour
Duration: Multiple days
Guide: English-speaking guide, audio guides
- Visit all the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, with guided tours in a single ticket.
- This ticket is valid for 3 days, allowing you to explore the sites at your own pace.
- A Bosphorus cruise is also included in this ticket, allowing you to experience the beauty of Istanbul from the water.
Recommended ticket:
Blue Mosque Istanbul photos
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Highlights of your Sultanahmet Mosque tour
The Ceiling
The Blue Mosque ceiling has an incredible fanbase thanks to its blue Iznik tiles and exquisite design. There are over 20,000 tiles adorning the mosque’s top levels and ceiling.
More about Blue Mosque's architecture
The Royal Kiosk
Situated at the southeast corner of the mosque, consists of a platform, a loggia, and two retreat rooms. It has its mihrab, which once included a jade rose and gilt decorations.
Inside the Blue Mosque
Stained glass windows
The upper levels are lined with stained glass windows, believed to have been gifted by the Signoria of Venice. You can also see ostrich eggs on the chandeliers, intended to ward off spiders.
Blue Mosque facts
The Great Tablets
The mosque’s enormous tablets have Quranic verses and the names of the Caliphs etched on them. They were created by the renowned Diyarbakir calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari in the 17th century.
The Forecourt
The forecourt of the Blue Mosque is surrounded by a continuous vaulted arcade and has turrets on its corner domes. The rest of the facade is the same as that of the Suleymaniye Mosque.
The Minarets
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has six minarets, four of which are visible from the corners. These fluted, pencil-shaped minarets each have three stalactite corbels, known as ‘Erefe’.
The Courtyard
The spacious courtyard of the mosque before the main prayer area is known as ‘Avlu’. It also has a beautiful fountain where worshippers perform ritual washing before prayers.
The Sahn
The mosque’s courtyard leads up to the ‘Sahn’, an open area surrounded by covered arcades. Make sure to admire the intricate tilework and decorative elements on the exterior walls.
The Mihrab and the Minbar
Positioned on the qibla wall and covered in intricate decorations, the Mihrab is a niche indicating the direction of Mecca while the Minrab is a pulpit from where the main Imam delivers sermons.
Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque
Timings
Getting there
Entrance
Accessibility
Facilities
Rules
Eat
Stay
Tips
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
Blue Mosque prayer timings
The Blue Mosque is closed during prayer hours to non-worshippers and visitors. Make sure to check Blue Mosque's prayer hours for a hassle-free touring experience.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Find on Maps
- 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
The Blue Mosque has 3 entrances- the main entrance in the north facing the Hippodrome, another on the western side facing the Hagia Sophia, and another on the southern side of the mosque.
- 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.
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul ensures that all their visitors in wheelchairs can comfortably access all parts of the mosque.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance: The Blue Mosque offers a separate entrance for wheelchair users. If you stand outside the main gate, directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, the wheelchair entrance will fall on your right side. Look for information signs as the wheelchair entrance may not be readily visible.
- Ramps and elevators: You can glide your wheelchair on a ramp from the entrance gate and navigate around the inner courtyard. The courtyard offers a glimpse of its massive dome and minarets. Ramps and elevators on the northwest side toward the Hippodrome and Obelisks help you navigate inside Blue Mosque.
- Wheelchairs available: There are volunteers within the Blue Mosque, wearing official badges. You need to approach them and they will arrange for you to use the mosque’s wheelchairs. All visitors with limited mobility can maneuver the mosque premises with ease.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serbethane: Make sure to try the baklava, Turkish pizza, and apple tea. It also offers vegan and gluten-free options. (1.7 km)
- Arasta Cafe and Restaurant: They are famous for their Turkish food and warm customer service. This restaurant also offers halal, vegetarian, and vegan options. (1.9 km)
- The Ottomans Kitchen Cafe and Restaurant: From seafood, Mediterranean, and Turkish to steak barbecues, this restaurant offers it all. You can also find a good variety of baklava and vegetarian options. (1.7 km)
- As You See Seafood and Kebab: As their name suggests, this eatery is famous for its fresh seafood. They also offer complimentary tea and treats. (1.7 km)
- Tamara Restaurant: Make sure to try the sucuclu pide, beyti, and coban kovurma. Their lentil curry soup is also famous among visitors. (130.0 m)
- En La Luna Terrace: This is a rooftop dining restaurant that serves delicious seafood and kebabs along with fantastic views of the city skyline. (2.0 km)
- Budget stays:
Hotel Sultanhouse (450 m away)
Hotel Peninsula (1.7 km away)
Dersaadet Hotel (200 m away) - Mid-range hotels:
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel (1.7 km away)
Sirkeci Mansion (4.7 km away)
Hotel Amira Istanbul (350 m away) - Luxury stays:
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul (1.7 km away)
Ajwa Hotel Istanbul (900 m away)
Vault Karakoy House Hotel (1.0 km away)
- 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.
Beyond Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Built as a church, the Hagia Sophia has served as a mosque, then a museum, and is now once again a mosque. Its fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture reflects the transcultural influences and rich cultural heritage of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace is known for showcasing Ottoman opulence and grandeur. The palace boasts a fusion of European and Ottoman influences, with enormous chandeliers, well-maintained gardens, and lavish interiors.
Dolmabahce Palace
Topkapi Palace
Once the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans, this grand palace offers deeper insights into the lives of the Sultans, their wives, children, and concubines. It has several treasures, relics, and manuscripts inside its walls.
Topkapi Palace
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is famous for offering panoramic views of the city. Dating back to the medieval era, this historic tower has served various purposes throughout history, including as a watchtower and a prison.
Galata TowerFrequently asked questions about Blue Mosque tickets
What is the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the prime examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Constructed in the 17th century, it is the only mosque in Istanbul that has six minarets. The upper levels and ceilings are lined with more than 20,000 Iznek tiles, which truly reflect the splendor of the Ottoman reign.
How can I visit the Blue Mosque?
Booking Blue Mosque tours are the ideal way to explore this important historical site in Istanbul and learn all about its rich past. Make sure to book Blue Mosque tickets online to avail yourself of discounted deals on guided tours and combo offers.
Where can I buy Blue Mosque tickets?
We recommend that you purchase your tickets for Blue Mosque tours online. Guided tours are the ideal way to explore the site since they do not clash with the prayer times at the mosque, when the site is closed to visitors.
How much do Blue Mosque tickets cost?
The Blue Mosque tickets and guided tours start from . While you do not need to pay any entry fees to enter the mosque, we recommend choosing guided tours with an expert tour guide to ensure a hassle-free tour. A professional guide also familiarizes you with the rich history of the mosque.
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.
What are some of the highlights of the Blue Mosque?
When visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, look out for its six minarets and gorgeous cascading domes. The upper levels are adorned with thousands of blue Iznek tiles. It also has a spacious courtyard. The grand prayer hall features a stunning arrangement of pillars and arches, while the mihrab (prayer niche) is embellished with finely detailed tile work.
What are Blue Mosque's clothing rules?
We recommend you wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque. Women must wear scarves inside the mosque premises. You can find scarves at the Blue Mosque's entrance.
Where is Blue Mosque located?
The Sultanahmet mosque is situated right next to the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque's address is Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih in Istanbul, Turkey.
What are the Blue Mosque's opening hours?
The Sultanahmet Mosque is open to worshippers and the public every day from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year. However, visitors cannot enter the premises during Blue Mosque prayer times.
How can I reach the Blue Mosque?
You can get on any bus between 38B, 77A, or BN1 and reach Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu, a short walk from the Blue Mosque. You can also get on the Atakoy to Pendik or the Halkali to Gebze train or the M2 metro and get down at the Sirkeci station. It is a short while away from the Blue Mosque.
What facilities are available at the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque is equipped with ramps and elevators to help tourists on wheelchairs or strollers to navigate the space. While most of the area is easily accessible, there are some limitations due to its Ottoman architectural design.
Is the Blue Mosque wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Blue Mosque has ramps and elevators to help visitors on wheelchairs navigate the space. These ramps are on the northwest side of the building near the Hippodrome and the Obelisks.
Is photography allowed at the Blue Mosque?
Yes, you can click pictures of the interiors and architectural designs of the Blue Mosque, however, you must be respectful at all times. Please refrain from using commercial equipment like tripods or flash photography as they may disturb other worshippers.
Should I buy Blue Mosque tickets in advance?
Yes, we recommend you buy tickets for Blue Mosque tours in advance since it is a popular attraction right at the heart of Sultanahmet Square and receives thousands of visitors throughout the year.
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.
From happy customers
Brent
United StatesJun, 2025
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.
Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Tickets
Wendy
United StatesJan, 2025
+ 2 more
I really appreciated the friendliness and warm welcoming the guides gave me. I felt safe and they really knew how to keep you captivated with all their hostorical content. This was my first time having guided tour and it did not disappoint.
Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Tickets
Ionasc
May, 2025
Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Antoine
May, 2025
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!
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
João
PortugalApr, 2025
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.
View original review in Portuguese
Istanbul: Blue Mosque Guided Tour
Borhene
Nov, 2021
Great experience with great guides. I asked the support team for a help with whatsApp and they were so reactive. appreciated
Istanbul Museum Pass: Guided Tour + Skip the Line
Mark
CanadaJun, 2025
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.
Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee
Judith
United StatesMay, 2025
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.
Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee