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Blue Mosque tickets & tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- 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.
- Choose an add-on tour to delve into the wonders of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or Basilica Cistern, or embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise.
- 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.
- Choose an add-on tour to delve into the wonders of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or Basilica Cistern, or embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- Walking tour of the Old City around Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Entry to Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- 20-minute Basilica Cistern guided tour (as per option selected)
- Entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
- 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise (as per option selected)
- Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese (as per option selected)
- 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.
- 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 recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
- Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern are wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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What our guests say
Shirley
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide was amazing, spoke English and explained many things . I wish I had his name to praise him to you as he was the best tour guide taking us through the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, and Hagia Sofia.
Shane
Oct 2024Verified booking
We purchased tickets in Australia before we headed to Istanbul, Turkey for the Blue Mosque Guided tour. Everything was in the app and we found our guide on the day as per the instructions we were given. Our guide gave us a good insight into the Blue Mosque and also the surrounding historic area. He offered to take photos for us and was friendly, and full of historic information. Will use Headout again - thanks
Monique
Oct 2024Verified booking
Guide was easy to find and delivered what was advertised - an informative tour of both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia. Got to go inside and learn a little of the history and culture of the mosques. Guide was a little hard to hear at times and wait time at Hagia Sofia security line was long and hot. But still a very worthwhile tour!
Marie
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guide was pleasant. His storytelling made our wait in line at the entrance much more enjoyable. We learned a lot of interesting information. Everything went as expected.
Hannee
Oct 2024Verified booking
Liked learning more about the history of Istanbul and the blue mosque. However because we were with quite a large groud sometimes you could't understand what the guide was saying (when he was facing the other way).
Cisana
Oct 2024Verified booking
Unfortunately at the time of meeting with the guide I could not locate her , but then we arranged for the next day they were very kind.
View original review in Italian
SHANTHA
Oct 2024Verified booking
It was good tour. Guide was a very good man. Don't remember his name. He was thin, short, had moustache. He had a little dark skin and short hair.
Elizabeth
Oct 2024Verified booking
Blue mosque was good but I had a combo ticket bought. The guide did not have the tickets for the cruise and I had difficulty getting them. Then cruise was bedlam. Could not hear the English guide as to what we were looking at. Total waste of time and money. Would definitely not recommend combo tour.
Lauren
Oct 2024Verified booking
I booked a tour for both the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia, but was only given a guided tour for the blue mosque. Because of the confusion I was able to eventually get tickets into the Hagia Sophia, but was not given a guided tour, which was a disappointment.
Vigdis
Oct 2024Verified booking
Dependable, easy to find tickets and use them. Also got refund for Galata Tower ticket that was not used because the date we went was free. Thank you. Only thing I was dissapointed about was that the ticket for Agia Sofya only lasted for the museum, and I did not know that, so I wasted one hour in line outside the mosque to be told I had to buy new tickets.
Michael
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guide, Arda Kurus, was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and presented the facts most entertainingly. We learnt more than we had hoped for.
Masyitah
Sep 2024Verified booking
The description of the meeting point is accurate and easy to find. The tour guide waited for us as described in Headout ticket info (he was holding a special flag with Headout logo on it). The tour itself is very informative and the tour guide definitely knowledgable in the subject matter.
Scott
Sep 2024Verified booking
The mosque was amazing and our guide did unbelievably in trying, crowded and stifling conditions. The booking process was great.
Renato
Sep 2024Verified booking
Can't really hear the guide. It is too noisy and there is one guide for 20 people. The guide spent 30 minutes outside of the mosque. The entrance is actually free. Paying 15 euros for a guide that you can barely hear is not worth it. The mosque is nice, but very crowded and smelly because everyone needs to remove their shoes. Not what I expected at all.
Elisa
Sep 2024Verified booking
Magnificent mosque. The guide good and nice, the only note was that he spoke a little too fast (not everyone speaks English fluently), so some things I couldn't understand
View original review in Italian
Susan
Aug 2024Verified booking
The guide was excellent and explained things well. She didn't rush through and was happy to answer questions. Loads of knowledge.
MARIA
Aug 2024Verified booking
The guide was very informative and willing to answer every question we had. The meeting point was also very easy to locate. Overall a great experience.
Mieke
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic! He was so knowledgeable and explained the history, culture and religion. Great repor with adults and kids (we were a group of 10, ages 12 to 57. 100% worth it!! Only downside, my credit card was compromised after buying the tickets online.
Mya
Aug 2024Verified booking
The guide was so friendly, and really informative of the Mosque's features. Definitely a worthwhile visit whilst in Istanbul. Absolutely stunning!
Sheila
Jul 2024Verified booking
The guide was knowledgeable but the group was large and itcwas difficult to hear him. A lot of time was spent in the Hippodrome area and little inside the mosque.
Helen
Jul 2024Verified booking
Our guide explained everything really well and was very engaging. However, we couldn't find him in the courtyard after the first part of the tour so we left without finishing. Perhaps you should get your guides some bigger flags or flags in a colour that stands out more, as we felt bad but we really couldn't find him. On another note, the company was very helpful and had no problem rearranging the tour for two people in my party who were unable to attend the original time due to food poisoning.
Rodolfo
Jul 2024Verified booking
The Blue Mosque is crowded all the time and we were a group of ~30 people, which, combined with a lack of passion from our guide made it impossible for us to hear and understand the context of the tour. We did the Hagia Sofia following the Blue Mosque, and it was very nice. Guides/groups can go into Hagia Sofia talking, so all the overview and history was taught before we entered the Hagia Sofia, and then we used the audio guides. 10x better. I would advise you not to hire a guide for the Blue Mosque (use the audio guide instead)
Varun
Jul 2024Verified booking
Hakan was simply amazing giving us an over view of Historic Turkey at the Hagia Sofia along with some very interesting info about Istanbul. This part was definitely worth it, although you'll never get to visit the lower floor of the Hagia Sofia. But the guide for the Blue Mosque tour was alright, but got too much into the details of Islam as a religion. I would have hoped to learn more about the architect of the blue mosque or the materials of construction or some other interesting aspects. The Blue Mosque provided headscarves/ robes for tourists in skirts/ shorts, quite a novel gesture from the Mosque!
Lance
Jul 2024Verified booking
The mosques were cool. The best part was our guide, Hal. Very knowledgeable and personable. It's always fun to talk classic rock while touring historical sites.
TAGHRID
Jul 2024Verified booking
The most i like the good explication of our guide,good English and he explains to us everything and he answered our questions, He is very professional i think his name was semit or semih
Guided Tours
Istanbul Mosques: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque with Entry Tickets
- Visit 2 of Istanbul’s top attractions – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – at a discounted price with this combo ticket that includes a local guide.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque, which is now open to the general public after 5 years of extensive renovations.
- Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the largest religious building in Turkey, and view its magnificent dome featuring 40 windows.
- Join a complimentary walking tour of the Old City around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and click amazing pictures of any gems of the Ottoman Empire!
- Visit 2 of Istanbul’s top attractions – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – at a discounted price with this combo ticket that includes a local guide.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque, which is now open to the general public after 5 years of extensive renovations.
- Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the largest religious building in Turkey, and view its magnificent dome featuring 40 windows.
- Join a complimentary walking tour of the Old City around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and click amazing pictures of any gems of the Ottoman Empire!
Inclusions
Hagia Sophia
- Hagia Sophia Mosque entrance tickets to the visiting area
- 1-hr guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking guide
Blue Mosque
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
- Old City tour
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- Tip: 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€).
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- Photography and outside food and drinks are allowed.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.0
506 ratings
268
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What our guests say
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!
DANIELA
Nov 2024Verified booking
Everything was wonderful the views the history of the places, and the guide which he was speaking really good english .
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city
View original review in Italian
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.
Shirley
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide was amazing, spoke English and explained many things . I wish I had his name to praise him to you as he was the best tour guide taking us through the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, and Hagia Sofia.
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get
Ines
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our first guide, Arda, who took us around the first two sites was fantastic. Really knowledgeable and went at the right pace. However, our second guide, Martin rushed through explanations at the entrance to Topkapi palace, then used his QRs to scan us into the Harem and left. We hadn't actually been into any of the rooms or sites with him. He also pressured every one in the group to give him a tip before he left.
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.
Neil
Oct 2024Verified booking
Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.
Ilaria
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very well organised. Good that we managed to see 3 of the most important places in Istanbul with the same guide and within 3/4 hours.
Rainer
Oct 2024Verified booking
A great and interesting tour which provides you with a fascinating look inside a beautiful, iconic mosque. The tour guide provides lots of background information which makes the tour even more interesting. Highly recommended!
Michał
Oct 2024Verified booking
Besides visiting incredible places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, a real highlight was our guide, Arda. His knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor were outstanding. I highly recommend both Headout and Arda, an excellent combination!
Akanksha
Oct 2024Verified booking
Arda was absolutely fantastic! He not only explained everything in great detail but also made sure the entire group felt well taken care of throughout the tour. His knowledge of each place we visited was impressive, and he effortlessly combined that with a delightful sense of humor that kept us all entertained. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and informative journey of Istanbul!
Jenni
Oct 2024Verified booking
guide was dynmanic, tour interesting & covering all 3 in 4 hours was very time effeicent with a short stay. We travelled with 4 children- one 14 yrs and this held his interest salso which is not easy
Melissa
Sep 2024Verified booking
Arda was an amazing tour guide! Very patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish I had a list of all the books he mentioned. I would recommend this tour to anyone. It's very worth it to skip lines and get more historical context out of your trip.
Ross
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Arda was awesome, knowledgeable, organised, and funny. Skip the queue aspect made the tour even more pleasurable.
Franz
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything was very punctual. The skip lines worked wonderfully and were also very necessary due to the large crowds of tourists. Guide very competent and experienced
View original review in German
Godfrey
Sep 2024Verified booking
guide was very polite, competent, good spoken english. mexican members of the group only spoke spanish therefore everthing had to be translated
MIRIAM
Aug 2024Verified booking
2 of the guides were excellent. The third one, that took us to Santa Sofia at 11:30 was very, very rude to one of the families on the group, the lady was almost in tears. I felt very uncomfortable and it spoilt the tour for me.
Meganrose
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.
Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour
Elisa
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda did a great job! It always was interessting to listen to him. Topkapi palace was stunning and we liked this place a lot. The schedule was clever as we started at the palace and had time for lunch afterwards.
Guided Tours
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line 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 with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
- 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 with skip-the-line access, 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
- Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking tour guide
- Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia
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.
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- 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!
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- 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.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.1
298 ratings
161
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What our guests say
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!
DANIELA
Nov 2024Verified booking
Everything was wonderful the views the history of the places, and the guide which he was speaking really good english .
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city
View original review in Italian
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.
Neil
Oct 2024Verified booking
Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.
Ilaria
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very well organised. Good that we managed to see 3 of the most important places in Istanbul with the same guide and within 3/4 hours.
Rainer
Oct 2024Verified booking
A great and interesting tour which provides you with a fascinating look inside a beautiful, iconic mosque. The tour guide provides lots of background information which makes the tour even more interesting. Highly recommended!
Michał
Oct 2024Verified booking
Besides visiting incredible places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, a real highlight was our guide, Arda. His knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor were outstanding. I highly recommend both Headout and Arda, an excellent combination!
Akanksha
Oct 2024Verified booking
Arda was absolutely fantastic! He not only explained everything in great detail but also made sure the entire group felt well taken care of throughout the tour. His knowledge of each place we visited was impressive, and he effortlessly combined that with a delightful sense of humor that kept us all entertained. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and informative journey of Istanbul!
Jenni
Oct 2024Verified booking
guide was dynmanic, tour interesting & covering all 3 in 4 hours was very time effeicent with a short stay. We travelled with 4 children- one 14 yrs and this held his interest salso which is not easy
Melissa
Sep 2024Verified booking
Arda was an amazing tour guide! Very patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish I had a list of all the books he mentioned. I would recommend this tour to anyone. It's very worth it to skip lines and get more historical context out of your trip.
Ross
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Arda was awesome, knowledgeable, organised, and funny. Skip the queue aspect made the tour even more pleasurable.
Franz
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything was very punctual. The skip lines worked wonderfully and were also very necessary due to the large crowds of tourists. Guide very competent and experienced
View original review in German
Godfrey
Sep 2024Verified booking
guide was very polite, competent, good spoken english. mexican members of the group only spoke spanish therefore everthing had to be translated
Meganrose
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.
Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour
Elaguppillai
Aug 2024Verified booking
The information passed on by the tour guide can be found on Google. We were expecting something more. Time spent at Basilica Cistern was not enough and didn't have time to take pictures. There was an accident and our group member helped the lady. The guide didn't wait for the doctor to join us nor didn't help him on informing the people concerned at Blue Mosque. There was another lady missing after the Basilica Costern. He didn't do due diligence. I think we spent more time on the first one, second one just hurried through it and last one was an introduction only.
Maria-Jeanette
Aug 2024Verified booking
The tour are flexible in that you can join when you want at different times. We did the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia on one day and the Basilica Cistern the next day. Made it less rushed. Guide was very knowledgeble.
Justin
Aug 2024Verified booking
Not specific issues with the audio guide but The headsets where not functioning properly. Unless you where within 10 feet of our guide they where scratching and malfunctioning.
Jose
Jul 2024Verified booking
We loved it! The tour guide did an excellent job explaining everything, he was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will continue to used them on my next excursions.
- With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
- Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
- What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
- Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
- Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!
- With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
- Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
- What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
- Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
- Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!
Inclusions
- Choice of 2/4/9 of Istanbul's top attractions
- Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace
- Cruises: Bosphorus cruise, Dinner cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish drinks and food
- Tours: Asian side walking tour, Blue Mosque tour,
- Access to hop on hop off bus tour
- Activities: Dervish Ceremony, Turkish bath & Hamam
- 5-ride transportation card
- Digital guide book
- City, tram & metro map
- Get the list of included attractions here.
- No reservation is needed for any activity except the Bosphorus Dinner cruise.
- Each pass is valid for 7 consecutive days including the first day of use.
- You can visit multiple attractions in a day but you can only visit each attraction once with this pass.
- You do have skip-the-line access but you will still need to go through security.
- You'll receive tickets for all attractions you have selected in an email, and you'll receive tickets for all attractions if you've chosen the Deluxe pass.
- You can show the PDF digitally on your phone, or get a physical pass printed if you like.
- You can change the chosen attractions as many times as you want, or you can cancel the pass free of charge up to 1 day before the service date.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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What our guests say
KARMANN
Nov 2024Verified booking
The fike-cutters are very practical for St Sophia and the Cistern Basilica, but not very efficient for Topkapi. The cruise is very pleasant and the sightseeing buses always interesting for a first visit to the city.
View original review in French
Clemencia
Nov 2024Verified booking
Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Very convenient. The customer service is superb and very helpful!
Ashley
Oct 2024Verified booking
Loved how you could choose which attractions to visit and loved how you could visit on your own schedule!!
Kőrösi
Oct 2024Verified booking
Skip the line really did work! Great!
Pierre
Oct 2024Verified booking
Buying the megacard was a god proposition
View original review in Dutch
SHAMIDAH
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very convenient, well organised and a lot of time saved by booking events online
Edis
Oct 2024Verified booking
Everything is fine, you just have to make sure that you read your emails! It took us a while to find the checkpoint!
View original review in German
Deep
Oct 2024Verified booking
Value and customer service was great!
TANJIL
Oct 2024Verified booking
Well organized, everything went Very smooth. Highly recommend. Customer service(whats app) is excellent.
Oana
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Guided Tours
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.
Reviews
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4.5
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Viktor
Jun 2024Verified booking
Kürzlich haben wir eine Tour zu einigen der berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten Istanbuls unternommen, darunter die Hagia Sophia, die Blaue Moschee und die Cisterna Basilica. Leider war das Erlebnis insgesamt sehr enttäuschend, da weder Audioguides noch Kopfhörer zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Wir waren eine große Gruppe und es war fast unmöglich, den Führer zu hören oder die Erklärungen zu verstehen. Die geschichtlichen und kulturellen Hintergründe, die diese Orte so faszinierend machen, gingen uns so völlig verloren. Ohne Audioguide oder Kopfhörer waren wir gezwungen, uns durch die Menge zu drängen und die Informationen selbst zu suchen, was den Besuch sehr stressig und unbefriedigend machte. Für ein so wichtiges touristisches Ziel hätten wir einen viel besseren Service erwartet. Insgesamt war die Tour absolut schlecht organisiert und wir würden sie unter den gegebenen Umständen nicht weiterempfehlen. Eine Investition in Audioguides und Kopfhörer wäre dringend erforderlich, um den Besuchern ein zufriedenstellendes und informatives Erlebnis zu bieten.
Oliver
Jun 2024Verified booking
The 3 guides for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque, Sunken Palace were excellent: there was helpful information and comments that are not in the guidebook and they were very helpful!
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Margarita
Jan 2024Verified booking
The app to make reservations is excellent. There is always the concern if it is real and not a fraud. I can attest that it is real, it is not a fraud. They are very punctual according to the times indicated for each tour. There has never been any inconvenience. Two things need to be improved: They walk too fast forgetting that in the group there are older people who walk slower. And when they offer the tour, they explain almost nothing because they are in a hurry to leave. My tour at the Blue Mosque was about 30 minutes when it was supposed to be 90 minutes. The Hagia Sophia tour took about 15 minutes.
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Ignacio
Dec 2023Verified booking
Everything was great, very well organized, the guides were fantastic... only one drawback, it's a pity that there are no guides who speak Spanish. 100% recommendable
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Andrej
Apr 2024Verified booking
Very good guide, easy to find and with many fun facts to make it even more interesting.
Miroslava
Mar 2024Verified booking
Perfect organization, thank you! Your guides are so nice and ready to help👍
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- 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.
Reviews
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Christine
Jul 2024Verified booking
Our guide was very nice but without a headphones/audio help we couldn't hear half of what he said in the Mosque. Our group was large and only those of us that were able to stand very close could hear him. Headphones would make this a better tour.
Amber
May 2024Verified booking
Unfortunately at the meeting point we were out in the blue mosque first line instead of the Palace line. When the mistake was realized we had missed the time for entry into the palace. Due to our schedule we therefore did not have time to do it at the end. The guides need to pay more attention when assigning people to groups.
Adrian
May 2024Verified booking
Pentru prima vizita, programati-va minim 3-4 ore, rabdare multa si bucurati-va de o experienta deosebita, ce nu trebuie ratata. Ideal sa aveti ghid...povestile si detaliile fiecarui, fac diferenta.
Kestutis
Apr 2024Verified booking
Not enought time between locations! Should improve this - running 5 minutes (or even less) between Harem to Blue Mosque is not a good experience, however, waiting 1 hour after Basilica Cisterna to enter Topkapi.. You should improve scheduling
Fedor
Jan 2024Verified booking
The guides were easy to find and they gave me the basic information about everything. For most buildings, it was not especially in-depth, but I suppose there is only so much you can say about a Cistern or a Mosque. I would suggest adding the Harem Tour to the Topkapi Palace, though. I had to pay separately for it, but it was worth it.
GIOVANNI
Dec 2023Verified booking
Our guide was a very good girl named Buse, spoke very good English and was very knowledgeable. We appreciated the fact that we could spread the visits over two days, as well as being accompanied by the same guide to all the locations where we were staying.
View original review in Italian
Margherita
Jan 2024Verified booking
Excellent organization, the guide very helpful and kind
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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.
