Blue Mosque Guided Tours | Explore Istanbul with Ticket Options

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)

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 breathtaking 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 visiting area & Upper Gallery

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

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque

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

• Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

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

Basilica Cistern

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

Hagia Sophia

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

Blue Mosque

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

Discover Istanbul’s treasures, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, in one convenient combo instead of two tickets.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour to explore the landmark at your own pace.
• Everything you get at the Blue Mosque: Get fast-track entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour for insights into the mosque’s traditions and heritage.
• Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and enjoy expert storytelling and priority access to two landmarks in one booking.
• Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern or the Topkapi palace complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions #

• Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

  • 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)

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

  • German small group guided tour (as per option selected)

  • Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)

• Blue Mosque

  • Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque

  • 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

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

  • German small group guided tour (as per option selected)

  • Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)

• Entry to Basilica Cistern and Topkapi palace (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities/tips

• Souvenir photos

• Tour guide (for the audio guided tour)

What to bring Hagia Sophia

• Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.

Blue Mosque

• Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.

What is not allowed Hagia Sophia

• Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.

Blue Mosque

• Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Accessibility Hagia Sophia

• Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.

Blue Mosque

• The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

Additional information Hagia Sophia

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
• Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
• Expect a mandatory security check. Lines can be long, especially midday, so later hours after 4 pm are often smoother.
• If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.
• The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
• Opening hours are 9 am to 7:30 pm. On Fridays it closes temporarily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Blue Mosque

• Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements. If you forget a scarf or cover-up, you can purchase one at the entrance.
• Visiting times are available until 11 am and then again after 2 pm. On Fridays, entry is only permitted after 2 pm.

Love a good deal? Save more while exploring the Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.

• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Tour the Blue Mosque with a licensed guide, find the sultan’s private prayer spot, and admire rare İznik tiles up close. Later, walk through the Old City past the Mosaic Museum, ancient cisterns, and the Hippodrome.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Skip the line at the Basilica Cistern and explore at your pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover hidden Medusa heads, echoing chambers, and eerie legends.
• Why choose this combo: No unnecessary detours! These landmarks are just a few minutes apart, so you can stroll from one to the other without losing time on travel and saving more money. Book both tours for the same day or go on different days, based on your preference.

Inclusions #

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque

• Entry to Blue Mosque

• Expert English-speaking licensed guide

• Walking tour around Old Town

• Istanbul Old Town map

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

Blue Mosque

• 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.

Basilica Cistern

• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, in 1 day with an expert guide.

• Everything You Get: A 7-hour guided walking tour in English, and visit to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace with ample time to explore each site.
• Why Choose This:. Thoughtfully curated to make the most of your time, this expert-guided tour lets you dive deep into Istanbul’s rich history, legends, and architectural wonders. Cover more in a day than most do in three!

Inclusions #

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Visit to Hagia Sophia (entry fee not included)

• Visit to Basilica Cistern (entry fee not included)

• Visit to Topkapi Palace (entry fee not included)

• Entry to Blue Mosque

• Breaks for coffee and relaxation

Exclusions #

• Food or drinks

• Admission fee inside Hagia Sophia

• Admission fee inside Basilica Cistern

• Admission fee inside Topkapi Palace & Harem

Additional information

• Due to ongoing renovations at Hagia Sophia, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Dress modestly for mosque visits; hair and body covers are available at the entrance if needed for a small fee.
• Expect security checks at each site, especially during high season. Plan your visits keeping the waiting time in mind.