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Blue Mosque tickets & tours
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- 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.
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.
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.
Combos
Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque Guided Tours with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Save big on your Istanbul trip with a combo to plan your visit across 3 days to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque.
- You have the flexibility to plan your visit across 3 days. Decide the best time to go that suits your vacation schedule.
- Lavish interiors and tales from Ottoman rule await at Topkapi Palace, along with captivating views of the Bosphorus river from the gardens.
- A cathedral, a mosque, and a museum - your guide will introduce you to the many facets of the architectural feat that is Hagia Sophia.
- With cascading domes, embellished high ceilings, and handcrafted blue ceramic tiles, Blue Mosque is a sight you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
- Save big on your Istanbul trip with a combo to plan your visit across 3 days to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque.
- You have the flexibility to plan your visit across 3 days. Decide the best time to go that suits your vacation schedule.
- Lavish interiors and tales from Ottoman rule await at Topkapi Palace, along with captivating views of the Bosphorus river from the gardens.
- A cathedral, a mosque, and a museum - your guide will introduce you to the many facets of the architectural feat that is Hagia Sophia.
- With cascading domes, embellished high ceilings, and handcrafted blue ceramic tiles, Blue Mosque is a sight you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
Inclusions
Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
- 1-hr English-guided tour
Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- 1-hr English-guided tour
- Audio guide in 23 languages
Blue Mosque
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- 1-hr English-guided tour
Exclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
- Tip: Try to plan your visit early morning on weekdays for lesser crowds and quieter explorations.
- The attraction is wheelchair accessible. However, access to some areas may be challenging due to uneven surfaces or steps.
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: The ground floor offers the best photo opportunities with its exquisite interiors and ceiling.
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- Please note that during the high season, the waiting time for security checks is around 60 minutes.
- To enter the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. They must also partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men must cover their knees and shoulders. 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).
- The attraction is wheelchair accessible. However, access to some areas may be challenging due to uneven surfaces or steps.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times for 90 minutes. It is advised to check the prayer schedule before planning your visit.
- This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
- Please note that during the high season, the waiting time for security checks is around 45 minutes.
- To enter the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. They must also partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men must cover their knees and shoulders. 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).
- The attraction is wheelchair accessible. However, access to some areas may be challenging due to uneven surfaces or steps.
- 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.
- Want to save time and enjoy much flexibility? The Istanbul MegaPass is the one for you! Access multiple attractions with classic, premium, or deluxe passes, valid for 7 days!
- With your pass, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions—saving up to 37%!
- A Classic MegaPass allows you to choose 2 top attractions–Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, and activities like Turkish Hamam. Find the full list here
- For a more elevated experience choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to explore more attractions and more flexibility at a great deal!
- Want to save time and enjoy much flexibility? The Istanbul MegaPass is the one for you! Access multiple attractions with classic, premium, or deluxe passes, valid for 7 days!
- With your pass, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions—saving up to 37%!
- A Classic MegaPass allows you to choose 2 top attractions–Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, and activities like Turkish Hamam. Find the full list here
- For a more elevated experience choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to explore more attractions and more flexibility 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
- There is no reservation 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 an email shortly afterward with your tickets after you've picked a pass of your choice.
- If you're someone who likes a physical pass, you can print the PDF or show the PDF at the attraction so they scan your QR ticket.
- For the all-inclusive pass, you will also receive all your tickets.
- 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.
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 and the Blue Mosque 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 and the Blue Mosque 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 Blue Mosque tour with entry
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise ticket
- English-speaking guide for all attractions
- Audio app in 10 languages
Day 1
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Blue 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.
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.
