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Blue Mosque Guided Tours | Explore Istanbul with Ticket Options
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.
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.
Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise
- Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia from your guide before you enter.
- Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern 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.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia from your guide before you enter.
- Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern 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 tour with entry
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise ticket
- English-speaking guide for all attractions
- Audio app in 10 languages
Day 1
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
Day 2
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- 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.
- Your guide will show you the way to each attraction, then you can set your own pace for exploring.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.
- Book this combo package for a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and skip-the-line access to Topkapi Palace and witness both sites within a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines to visit the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans, and discover ancient jewels, weaponry, and Chinese porcelain.
- Explore the Holy Relics chamber, which houses precious items of historical figures like Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
- Take a stroll along the courtyard of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the white calligraphy of Quranic verses on the domes.
- Learn from your guide about the 20,000 handmade Iznik blue tiles covering the mosque walls, and find out more about the 6 intricately engraved minarets.
- Upgrade your ticket and enter Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir of Constantinople.
- Book this combo package for a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and skip-the-line access to Topkapi Palace and witness both sites within a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines to visit the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans, and discover ancient jewels, weaponry, and Chinese porcelain.
- Explore the Holy Relics chamber, which houses precious items of historical figures like Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
- Take a stroll along the courtyard of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the white calligraphy of Quranic verses on the domes.
- Learn from your guide about the 20,000 handmade Iznik blue tiles covering the mosque walls, and find out more about the 6 intricately engraved minarets.
- Upgrade your ticket and enter Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir of Constantinople.
Inclusions
Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
- 1-hr guided tour of the Topkapi Palace
- Access to Topkapi Palace's Harem section
- English-speaking guide
- Audio guide app in 10 languages
Blue Mosque
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
- Audio guide app in 10 languages
Guided tour of Basilica Cistern (optional)
Topkapi Palace
- Tip: Don't miss the intricate miniatures portraying religious texts, court scenes of Sultans, and the very first map of the world made in 1513.
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: Check out the multiple chandeliers with ostrich eggs, ingeniously used to repel spiders and prevent cobwebs inside the mosque.
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- There could be a waiting line during peak seasons at Blue Mosque which may take up to 60 mins.
- Scarves and body covers can be purchased at the entrance for 1€ and 3€ respectively.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Blue Mosque TicketsGuided Tours
Top things to do in Istanbul
Which Blue Mosque guided tour is best for you?
Expert-guided tours
Duration: 1 hour
Suited for: Visitors short on time, families, groups, and solo-travelers
Ticket price: starts from €14.92
Why go for it?
- This guided tour is best for visitors looking for a short and detailed walkthrough of the Blue Mosque. An English-speaking tour guide will help you understand the historic significance of the mosque in-depth.
- This tour also includes a walk around the Old City of the surrounding neighborhood.
Recommended tours:
Skip-the-line tours
Duration: Flexible
Suited for: History lovers, visitors with a couple of hours on hand, group travelers
Ticket price: starting from €95
Why go for it?
- With these tickets, you can enjoy priority access to 4 major attractions in Sultanahmet, namely the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Note that since Blue Mosque does not require entry tickets, you can save time on wait lines and security checks.
- You can also enjoy a 90-minute Boshprorus Cruise with these tours, depending on the ticket you choose.
Recommended tours:
Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Suited for: Budget-friendly travelers
Ticket price: ranges around €46 to €55
Why go for it?
- On a one-time purchase, you can access most of the historical landmarks in Sultanahmet Square, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and more.
- With these tickets, you can not only get entry access but also enjoy English-guided tours of these landmarks.
Recommended tours:
Why book a Blue Mosque guided tour?
- Get skip-the-line access: With saver combos, you can enjoy priority access to the Blue Mosque. You can spend more time exploring the architecture and interiors.
- Avoid crowds: Booking Blue Mosque guided tours allows you to bypass long lines and enter the attraction. You can also navigate through cultural and language barriers and pick up a headscarf at the entrance more easily with your tour guide.
- Understand the historicity: Guided tours of the Blue Mosque offer valuable historical insights, with knowledgeable guides providing in-depth information about the mosque's rich history, architectural significance, and cultural context.
- Soak in local stories and anecdotes: Guides share local stories and anecdotes related to the Blue Mosque, providing a more personalized and immersive experience that goes beyond basic historical facts.
- Explore surrounding areas: With Blue Mosque guided tours, you can walk around the Old City surrounding the mosque. If you purchase combo tours, you can also enter the neighboring Sultanahmet attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more.
Highlights of Blue Mosque’s guided tour
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Frequently asked questions about Blue Mosque’s guided tours
How much does a Blue Mosque guided tour cost?
Save almost 29% as compared to original ticket prices by booking Blue Mosque guided tours online. These tours start from €14.92 and include an English-speaking tour guide.
Which is the best Blue Mosque guided tour?
The best Blue Mosque guided tour starts from €14.92 and includes entry access to the mosque, a detailed 1-hour tour with an expert, English-speaking tour guide, and a walking tour of the Old City surrounding the mosque.
Why should I opt for a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and what does it include?
If you are on a budget, you must choose the 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque which starts from €14.92. You can save almost 29% as compared to the original tour prices. If you want an in-depth tour of the Sultanahmet Square and its surrounding attractions, consider booking Blue Mosque combo tours, which include access to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and more.
How long does a Blue Mosque guided tour last?
Blue Mosque guided tours, including an expert tour guide continue for around 1 hour. They also include a walking tour of the Old City surrounding the mosque.
What languages are Blue Mosque guided tours available in?
The Blue Mosque guided tours are available in English with an expert tour guide taking you around the mosque and its surrounding areas.
Which parts of the Blue Mosque can I access with a guided tour?
The 1-hour Blue Mosque guided tour is extremely thorough and detailed. An expert, tour guide takes you through most of the mosque’s intricate pathways and courtyards, which are accessible to the public.
What is the cancellation policy for Blue Mosque guided tours?
We recommend you book Blue Mosque guided tours online for their flexible cancellation policy. If you cannot make it to the mosque on the day of your visit, you can cancel your experience up to 24 hours before the experience begins to get a full refund on your purchase.
Are Blue Mosque guided tours suitable for children?
Yes, an expert tour guide will accompany you throughout your Blue Mosque guided tour. It is ideal for families with toddlers, solo travelers, and travel groups because it makes it easier to navigate and get past language barriers. These guided tours also include a detailed walk-through of the mosque and its surroundings.
