Can I enter the Blue Mosque whenever I want?

You can enter the Blue Mosque whenever there is no prayer in session. During these times, the mosque is closed to the public for about 90 minutes each closure. Since the prayer times are based on the position of the sun, they change slightly each day throughout the year. It's best to check the local prayer schedule online before you plan your visit to get the most accurate times.

Why is there a charge on my ticket if entry to the mosque is free?

While the mosque is technically free to enter, the charge on your ticket corresponds to an upgrade like a guided tour or a combo ticket to another Istanbul attraction.

Why should I book Blue Mosque tickets online?

Booking Blue Mosque tickets online secures your spot, avoids long security queues, and guarantees access to guided tours or combos during peak tourist seasons.

What are the different types of Blue Mosque tickets available?

You can opt for a <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="VZ3HjVxt" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="685016c6ad1093372369d276" text="Blue Mosque guided tour" uid="www.bluemosquetickets.com.guided-tours" /> or you can purchase combo ticket options that include access to the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace along with the Blue Mosque.

Will I be denied entry if I don't follow the dress code?

If you don't follow the dress code, you will be denied entry. The dress code is strictly enforced as a sign of respect for the religious site. Here's a summary of the dress code: - **For both men and women:** Shoulders and knees must be covered. This means no shorts or sleeveless shirts. - **For women:** You must also cover your head with a scarf.

Do I need to practice Islam in order to enter this place of worship?

No, visitors to the Blue Mosque need not be Muslim. All are welcome, provided they respect prayer times, follow the dress code, and maintain decorum inside.

How long should I spend at the Blue Mosque?

We recommend you spend around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="PMBnF63J" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="685016d3ad1093372369d723" text="Blue Mosque's interiors" uid="www.bluemosquetickets.com.inside-blue-mosque" /> 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.

Blue Mosque Tickets | Guided Access & Old City Walk

From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+

Samantha

United States

Aug 2025

5/5

Organized and highly informative... easy to meet the group and see all three sites. Small group.. remember to bring a scarf for your head (ladies) and cover your knees (both men and women) otherwise you have to buy a scarf or skirt. We had a break in the middle for a quick juice or gelato. Great tour.

Ionasc

May 2025

5/5

Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy

Anca

Romania

Aug 2025

5/5

The mosques are wonderful and the guides where great. Especially Murad was amazing, very profesional and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our tour very much.

Brent

United States

Jun 2025

5/5

Our tour guide Buse was amazing. She was very informative and answered everyone's questions with a detailed answer. She definitely made our experience better than if we would have gone without a guide. I definitely recommend doing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia tour with her.

João

Portugal

Apr 2025

4/5

The guide's maturity and knowledge made the visit even richer. We learned details about the mosque that we wouldn't have been able to explore otherwise.

Borhene

Nov 2021

5/5

Great experience with great guides. I asked the support team for a help with whatsApp and they were so reactive. appreciated

Mark

Canada

Jun 2025

5/5

It was a great ending to our tour in Istanbul. A relaxing and information filled trip up and down the Bosphorus. The crew was great and the guide was entertaining and full of facts. It was easy to book and easy to find at the end of the line in the tram.

Judith

United States

May 2025

5/5

small size of the boat and detail paid to experience including food and music. loved the side adventure to ice cream on the east side.

Things to know before booking your Blue Mosque tickets

Know what you’re paying for

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, but the charge you see on your ticket is for an add-on service, like a guide or a combo tour.

Visitor must-know

Since it’s an active place of worship, mosque access is restricted during prayer times. Visitors must clear a mandatory security check—expect up to 30 minutes in off-peak season and up to an hour during peak months (May–mid-September).

Guided tour vs independent visit

A self-guided visit is cost-free, but a guided tour offers richer context. Expert local guides explain the mosque’s Ottoman history, architectural features, and symbolic details while taking you through its main spaces. Booking online ensures availability and helps you plan around busy hours.

Combos and nearby attractions

The mosque sits in Sultanahmet Square, home to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Combo tickets let you explore multiple landmarks in one go, saving time and effort.

Accessibility

Most areas are wheelchair-accessible, though some may have limited access due to historical design.

Dress code

Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered for all; women must wear a headscarf.

Explore the mosque with an expert guide who shares stories, history, and hidden details often missed on self-guided visits.

Priority entry and a curated 1-hour tour
Rich context on Ottoman architecture and symbolism

Recommended ticket:

Guided Tour of Blue Mosque

Visit Istanbul’s top landmarks in one seamless guided itinerary, saving time and money.

Skip-the-line access where applicable
In-depth storytelling across multiple UNESCO sites

Recommended tickets:

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

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Find on Maps

Getting there

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:

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: If you stand outside the main gate, directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, the wheelchair entrance will fall on your right side.
Ramps and elevators: You can glide your wheelchair on a ramp from the entrance gate and navigate around the inner courtyard. Ramps and elevators on the northwest side toward the Hippodrome and Obelisks help you navigate inside Blue Mosque.
Wheelchairs available: Upon request, you can avail the mosque's on-site wheelchairs.

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.

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.

If you don't follow the dress code, you will be denied entry. The dress code is strictly enforced as a sign of respect for the religious site.

Here's a summary of the dress code:

For both men and women: Shoulders and knees must be covered. This means no shorts or sleeveless shirts.
For women: You must also cover your head with a scarf.

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.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites. Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide. Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breath-taking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide. Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide. Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

Entry and 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with good grip.
For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visit.
Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

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.

Get expert insights beyond the blue tiles at the mosque and explore Old Town’s timeless streets.

Everything you get: Explore the Blue Mosque, the newly renovated landmark with a licensed guide, and uncover its six-minaret controversy, symbolic design, and 200+ stained-glass windows. Enjoy an Old City walking tour past landmarks like the Hippodrome and German Fountain.
Why choose this: See more in less time with a licensed guide—skip guesswork, learn key stories, and explore Istanbul’s Old City with ease and context.
Upgrades: Add to your experience! Take a Bosphorus cruise for skyline views, a Hagia Sophia tour to see Viking graffiti, or walk through the eerie columns of Basilica Cistern.

Inclusions

1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
Entry to Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking licensed guide
Walking tour around Old City
Istanbul Old Town map
1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise ticket (as per option selected)
Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic & Chinese (as per option selected). The audio guide is available for you to download. Instructions will be shared with your ticket. Do bring your own headphones.
Bosphorus cruise map (as per option selected)
1.5-hour guided tour of the Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)

Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Old Town in one expert-guided tour.

Everything you get: Join a 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, followed by a 1-hour visit to Blue Mosque to see Iznik tilework and towering minarets with an expert. Wander the Hippodrome’s ancient chariot-racing grounds and the historic Old Town with a 30-minute walking tour.
Why choose this: Go beyond the basics—expert stories, skip-the-line entry, and a complete Old Town experience in one seamless adventure.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a 30-minute guided tour of Basilica Cistern, complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions

1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
Expert licensed English-speaking guide
1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque with entry
30-min Hippodrome & Old Town walking tour
Istanbul Old Town map
30-min guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)

The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
Strict dress code: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
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€).
While you can breeze through the ticket lines, security screening is standard for all guests. Be prepared for wait times of up to 60 minutes during peak travel periods.
Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip the logistics and save money with one ticket to two of Istanbul’s top mosques, including immersive audio guides and flexible start times.

Everything you get: Free admission to the Blue Mosque and skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia, including access to the Upper Gallery, plus multilingual audio guides for both sites.
Why choose this: Perfect for first-time visitors and culture enthusiasts—explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques in one go, skipping the hassle of separate bookings, with detailed audio guides offering expert insights into the rich history and architecture of these masterpieces.

Inclusions Hagia Sophia

Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
Access Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area
Multilingual audio guide

Blue Mosque

Free admission
Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions

Transfers

Tour guide
Headphones
Food and drinks
Personal expenses

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

Wear supportive shoes and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
Bring some cash for nearby cafés, souvenirs, or small purchases.
Carry minimal personal items, as large bags, sharp objects, and bulky items may delay entry due to security checks.

Blue Mosque

Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Bring a headscarf if you're a woman, as it is required for entry. Scarves are available for purchase or can be borrowed at the entrance.
Wear socks, as you must remove your shoes before entering.