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Blue Mosque tickets & tours
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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
- 90-min 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)
- Bosphorus cruise map (as per option selected)
- 45-min guided tour of the Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Entry to Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
- 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.
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 the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one discounted ticket and a guide.
- With entry to 2 mosques at a discounted price and a guide, understand how the Blue Mosque’s domes balance perfectly and how the Hagia Sophia was once a church.
- The Blue Mosque’s vast prayer hall glows under stained-glass light, the interiors clad with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and the Quranic calligraphy.
- At Hagia Sophia, Turkey's largest religious building, spot gold mosaics, an ancient omphalion, once a coronation site, and an ancient wishing column touched for luck.
- Walk through Istanbul’s Old Town with your guide, passing the Hippodrome’s chariot-racing arena, and the German Fountain’s dazzling dome.
- Upgrade for a guided walk through the Basilica Cistern’s endless columns where Medusa heads lie oddly positioned, adding mystery to this underground relic.
Discover the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one discounted ticket and a guide.
- With entry to 2 mosques at a discounted price and a guide, understand how the Blue Mosque’s domes balance perfectly and how the Hagia Sophia was once a church.
- The Blue Mosque’s vast prayer hall glows under stained-glass light, the interiors clad with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and the Quranic calligraphy.
- At Hagia Sophia, Turkey's largest religious building, spot gold mosaics, an ancient omphalion, once a coronation site, and an ancient wishing column touched for luck.
- Walk through Istanbul’s Old Town with your guide, passing the Hippodrome’s chariot-racing arena, and the German Fountain’s dazzling dome.
- Upgrade for a guided walk through the Basilica Cistern’s endless columns where Medusa heads lie oddly positioned, adding mystery to this underground relic.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- 45-min guided tour of the Hagia Sophia
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
- Expert English-speaking licensed guide for all venues
- Walking tour around Old Town
- Istanbul Old Town map
- 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
- 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.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Guided Tours
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Want the full Istanbul experience with big savings? This guided combo lets you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all in one seamless tour.
- Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Look up at golden mosaics and take in sweeping views from the Upper Gallery where emperors once stood.
- Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Step into a vast prayer hall glowing with stained glass and 20,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles.
- Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: And below the city, explore the 6th-century cistern, where shadowy columns and Medusa heads wait in flickering silence.
- Why choose this: With the landmarks just minutes apart, you can walk from one sight to the next; no transfers, no logistics, no hassle. Explore each site with a passionate, English-speaking guide who brings centuries of history to life through stories you won’t find on the signs.
Want the full Istanbul experience with big savings? This guided combo lets you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all in one seamless tour.
- Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Look up at golden mosaics and take in sweeping views from the Upper Gallery where emperors once stood.
- Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Step into a vast prayer hall glowing with stained glass and 20,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles.
- Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: And below the city, explore the 6th-century cistern, where shadowy columns and Medusa heads wait in flickering silence.
- Why choose this: With the landmarks just minutes apart, you can walk from one sight to the next; no transfers, no logistics, no hassle. Explore each site with a passionate, English-speaking guide who brings centuries of history to life through stories you won’t find on the signs.
Inclusions
Basilica Cistern
- 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish
Hagia Sophia
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
- Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish
Blue Mosque
- 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking guide
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: Don’t exit too quickly. Walk to the far end of the cistern to catch the Medusa heads, which many people overlook.
- Skip-the-line tickets help you avoid long queues, but security screening is still mandatory for all visitors.
- For fewer crowds and a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the evening.
- The lighting inside is low for ambience; switch on night mode or steady your phone for clearer shots.
- Some parts of the floor are slick. Sturdy footwear with grip will help you walk safely.
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Allow extra time for entry. Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June to August).
- The main prayer hall is restricted to tourists. Visitors are welcome to explore the upper floor visiting area instead.
- 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.
- Modest dress is required. Everyone should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
- Women must keep their heads covered. Scarves are available at the entrance if you forget to carry your own.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: The mosque closes to non-worshippers during each of the five daily prayers, so check timings before your visit.
- Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- You’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. Carry a small bag to keep them with you.
- 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.
Combos
Combo (Save 10%): Blue Mosque Guided Tour + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
from €54
€48.35
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.
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 2/4/0 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.
Top things to do in 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.
