Blue Mosque Tours & Tickets
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Guided Tour of Blue Mosque
- Enjoy a tour of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed Blue Mosque with an enthusiastic local guide – recently open after 5 years of extensive renovation!
- Take a complimentary walking tour of the Old City as many of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman-built gems, including the mosque, are found here.
- Admire the interior of the mosque with carved tiles and painted glass windows. Other decorative elements include geometric bands and organic medallions.
- Take pictures outside in the mosque’s majestic courtyard, with its hexagonal fountain, before exploring on your own.
Inclusions
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Local English-speaking guide
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- Walking tour of the Old City around the mosque
- Combo: Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia guided tour (optional)
- Combo: Blue Mosque + Basilica Cistern guided tour (optional)
- Tip: Don't forget to check out the 'paradise garden' mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, his wife, and his 3 sons outside in the courtyard.
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- 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€).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour Tickets
- Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
- See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
- Enter Hagia Sophia, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
Inclusions
Basilica Cistern
- 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern
- Expert English-speaking guide
Blue Mosque
- 60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
Hagia Sophia
- 60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking tour guide
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran.
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- 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€).
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!
- Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
- Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
- Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.
- While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
- 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.
Combo: Blue Mosque + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Guided Tour
- Save big with this combo to Istanbul’s finest sites – the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern – with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Visit the newly-renovated Blue Mosque, admire the blue Iznik tiles of the interior and its exterior domes, and tour the surrounding Old City.
- With skip-the-line tickets, avoid the long queues as you make your way into the Basilica Cistern. Admire the structure and the head of Medusa that lies within.
- Jump right to the start of the ticket line at the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and get deeper insights into the Ottoman Empire.
- With a flexible itinerary, you can stay back to explore each attraction over 1, 2, or 3 days, and even explore the site on your own after your tour.
Inclusions
Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Exclusions
- Admission to Harem section of Topkapi Palace
- Tip: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring and autumn months, i.e., Dec to Mar and Sep to Dec since the weather then is ideal and tourists are fewer.
Blue Mosque
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- 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€).
- Photography and outside food and drinks are allowed.
- Strict Dress Code: Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Headout Saver: 3-Day Skip-the-Line Tickets to Top Istanbul Attractions
- Avail 3-day, hassle-free access with this super saver tickets to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Explore each historical site with a highlight tour while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
- Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
Inclusions
- 60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
- 30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
- 60-min Hagia Sophia guided tour
- English-speaking guide
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise
- Audio app in 8 languages
Exclusions
- Harem section Topkapi Palace access
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Topkapi Palace's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. You get to photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceilings.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- For Hagia Sophia, Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Their hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don't have a scarf or covering, it can be purchased at the entrance, at your own expense.
- With this admission ticket (except for Hagia Sophia), you will skip the ticket line, but not the security line. During high season, the security check could take up to 30 minutes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
All Your Blue Mosque Ticket Options
Guided Tour Tickets
- Ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, non-native speakers, and those with limited time.
- It includes entry to the Blue Mosque, a 2-hour guided tour with an expert tour guide, and a walking tour of the Old City around the monument.
- Make sure to check out the ‘Paradise Garden’ mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, his wife, and his 3 sons in the courtyard.
Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Recommended Tours
Combo Tickets
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and visitors with limited time.
- Book Blue Mosque combo tickets to visit this monument along with the Topkapi Palace or the Hagia Sophia.
- These tickets include an English-speaking tour guide, a free audio guide app, and a walk through the Old City surrounding the Blue Mosque, depending on the combo option you choose.
Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Recommended Tours
Blue Mosque Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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 Blue Mosque
Daily: 9 AM to 5 PM
Closed: During prayer hours
Best Time to Visit: Around 9:30 AM to 11 AM
Best Month to Visit: November to March
Note: The Blue Mosque is open throughout the day. If you want, you can also plan a visit to the mosque at night, however, we recommend you visit during the day to enjoy guided tours and look at the sunlight bathing the minarets.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Mosque
We recommend you book Blue Mosque tickets online because the mosque remains open to worshippers throughout the year. To avoid standing in long lines, it is best to purchase tickets in advance.
Depending on the type of ticket you choose, Blue Mosque tickets range from €17 to €36.
You can choose between Blue Mosque guided tours for around €17 and a 2-hour guided tour with an expert English-speaking tour guide. You can also purchase combo ticket options that include access to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace.
Depending on the type of ticket you choose, booking Blue Mosque guided tours will allow you to skip ahead of long lines. Guided tours also allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the prime examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. 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.
When visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, look out for its six minarets and gorgeous cascading grey 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.
The Blue Mosque is situated on Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Blue Mosque is open to worshippers and the public from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year, except during prayer hours and noon prayers on Fridays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, we recommend you buy Blue Mosque tickets in advance for it is a popular attraction right at the heart of Sultanahmet Square and receives lots of visitors throughout the year.
We recommend you spend around 1 to 2 hours at the Blue Mosque to explore its interiors fully. 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.
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.