Blue Mosque audio guide

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 expert commentary.
• 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 mosaics while listening to interesting insights on its history.
• 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.
• Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket.
• Upgrades: Pick an audio-guided tour to explore at your own pace or choose a guided tour to hear interesting insights from a live guide and make your visit more interactive.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish (as per option selected)

Hagia Sophia

• 2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area & Upper Gallery

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque

• Skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

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 a 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

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• 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 visitors.
• 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.

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions here.
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• 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; there is 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 Whirling Dervish shows for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and get introduced to the Sufi legacy of Istanbul.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Inclusions #

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

Visit two key Istanbul landmarks with one booking, with options for guided or audio-guided tour.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy entry to Hagia Sophia and explore the interior, from the main hall to the side areas. Take time to look up, notice details around you, and pause for a moment of reflection before you step back into the city streets outside once more.
• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Get entry to the Blue Mosque and step inside the main prayer space to absorb the calm atmosphere. Take your time to walk the interior, look up at the patterns and light, pause to reflect, and then head back out to continue exploring the city around you.
• Why choose this: One booking covers both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque — Istanbul's two most visited landmarks, steps apart from each other.
• Options: Join an English-language tour with a licensed guide, or explore independently with an audio guide — available for both sites.

Inclusions #

• Entry to Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Blue Mosque

• English guided tours of both landmarks (as per option selected)

• Audio guides in 10 languages (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

• Souvenir photos

What to bring

• Hagia Sophia covering: Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.
• Blue Mosque covering: Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.
• Audio guide use: If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia access: Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.
• Blue Mosque access: The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

What’s not allowed

• Hagia Sophia bags: Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.
• Blue Mosque bags: Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Additional information

• Hagia Sophia renovations: Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Hagia Sophia dress code: Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
• Hagia Sophia coverings: Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
• Hagia Sophia security: Expect a mandatory security check and be prepared for lines, especially around midday.
• Hagia Sophia prayer hall: The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
• Hagia Sophia hours: Opening hours are 9am to 7:30pm, and on Fridays, it closes from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
• Blue Mosque dress code: Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements, and if needed, you can purchase a scarf or cover-up at the entrance.
• Blue Mosque visiting times: Visiting times are available until 11am and then again after 2pm, and on Fridays entry is only permitted after 2pm.

See Old City icons on foot, then unwind on a 2-hour Bosphorus boat, planned for you in one go.

• Everything you get: Join a 3-hour guided walk for the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia, with free mosque entry and pre-reserved skip-the-line access to the cistern. Then relax on a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise with a licensed English-speaking guide.
• Why choose this: Visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket, and then relax on a 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides. Skip the research and hassle of buying separate tickets.

Inclusions #

• Entry to the Blue Mosque

• Guided tour with a professional licensed English-speaking guide

• Historical and architectural insights throughout the tour

• Assistance with dress code, scarves available to borrow

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Small group experience for better interaction

Exclusions #

• Food and Drinks

• Tips and gratuities

• Access to non-public areas of the mosque

What to bring

• Dress modestly: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, as this is an active place of worship.
• Women’s attire: Women must cover their heads, shoulders, and knees inside the mosque.
• Headscarf: Bring a headscarf and a long-sleeved shirt if you prefer to use your own.
• Shoes: Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering; a plastic bag will be provided to carry them.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access: This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven ground around the mosque.
• Wheelchair alternative: Visitors may transfer to a mosque-provided wheelchair with staff assistance at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

• Inappropriate clothing: Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside the mosque.
• Personal wheelchairs in prayer hall: Personal wheelchairs are not allowed in the prayer hall to protect the carpets.

Additional information

• Place of worship: The Blue Mosque is an active mosque, so respectful behavior is required at all times.
• Prayer times: The mosque may close to visitors during prayer times or special religious events.
• Security checks: Security screening is mandatory for all visitors, so allow extra time before your tour.
• Meeting point: Meet next to the tall white information pillar outside the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet Square.
• Guide identification: Look for the guide holding a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass and istanbul.com logos.
• Arrival time: Arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.

Explore the Blue Mosque with a licensed guide, and upgrade to also explore the rest of Sultanahmet Square.

• Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Blue Mosque with a licensed English-speaking guide for a quick group tour, listening to historical and architectural insights. Get help with the dress code, including scarves available to borrow.
• Why choose this: Choose this if you want a short and focused Blue Mosque visit that fits into a tight schedule.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to add a guided walk through the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople, and the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, with multilingual audio guides available.

Inclusions #

• Entry to the Blue Mosque

• Guided tour with licensed English-speaking guide

• Historical and architectural insights throughout

• Dress code assistance, scarves to borrow

• Small group experience for better interaction

• Full guided tour (based on option selected)

• Standard rate (based on option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

• Tips and gratuities

• Access to non-public areas of the mosque

What to bring

• Dress code items: Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.
• Headscarf for women: Bring a headscarf, as women must cover their heads inside the mosque.
• Long sleeves: Wear a long-sleeved shirt to comply with the mosque's modesty requirements.

Accessibility

• Uneven surfaces: The tour route includes uneven ground around the mosque exterior.
• Prayer hall access: Personal wheelchairs are not allowed in the prayer hall; staff can provide a mosque wheelchair at the entrance.
• Wheelchair use note: The Blue Mosque is described as wheelchair accessible, but this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What’s not allowed

• Inappropriate clothing: Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside the mosque.
• Shoes inside: You must remove your shoes before entering the mosque interior.
• Loud behavior: Loud talking is not permitted inside the mosque prayer areas.
• Flash photography: Flash photography is not allowed inside the mosque.
• Non-public areas: Access to non-public areas of the mosque is not permitted.

Additional information

• Active worship site: The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so respectful behavior is required at all times.
• Prayer time closures: The mosque may close to visitors during prayer times or special religious events.
• Dress code support: If you do not have a headscarf, you can borrow one at the mosque with the team's assistance.
• Shoe handling: A plastic bag will be provided for you to carry your shoes during the visit.
• Security checks: Security screening is mandatory for all visitors, so arrive early to allow extra time.
• Child supervision: Children are welcome on the tour but must stay with an accompanying adult at all times.