Blue Mosque Tours & Tickets
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Guided Tour of Blue Mosque
- 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.
- Take pictures outside in the mosque’s majestic courtyard, with its hexagonal fountain, before exploring on your own.
Inclusions
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Local English-speaking guide
- Entry to the Blue Mosque
- Walking tour of the Old City around the mosque
- Combo: Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia guided tour (optional)
- 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.
- 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€).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Blue Mosque + Topkapi Palace Guided Tours
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Upgrade your ticket and enter Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir of Constantinople.
Inclusions
Blue Mosque
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
- 1-hr guided tour of the Topkapi Palace
- English-speaking guide
- Free audio guide app
Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cist Tour Tickets (optional)
Exclusions
Topkapi Palace
- Harem section
Blue Mosque
- Tip: Check out the multiple chandeliers with ostrich eggs, ingeniously used to repel spiders and prevent cobwebs inside the mosque.
- 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.
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.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Blue Mosque + Basilica Cistern Guided Tours
- With this money-saving combo, get 3 days to tour the Blue Mosque with a guide and skip the lines to access Basilica Cistern for a guided tour.
- Uncover Islamic symbolism imbibed within the hand-painted tiles, the blue-stained windows, and the domes of the Blue Mosque with a guide.
- Learn about this 17th-century Mosque's Ottoman architecture and admire the intricate carvings on the 6 minarets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bypass the queue and descend the 52 stone steps to enter Basilica Cistern, a shooting spot for the James Bond movie "From Russia with Love."
- Hear from your guide about the Medusa heads resting under the pillars, and behold the artwork of Hen's Eye column at this underground reservoir.
Inclusions
Blue Mosque
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
- English-speaking guide
- Free audio guide app
Blue Mosque
- Tip: The high walls of the mosque are adorned with verses from the Quran and the words of the Prophet Muhammad. You can ask your guide about the meanings of these lines.
- There could be a waiting line during peak seasons at Blue Mosque which may take up to 60 mins.
- Strict Dress Code: To enter the Blue Mosque, women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest, and partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men must cover their knees and shoulders.
- Scarves and body covers can be purchased at the entrance for 1€ and 3€ respectively.
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: Discover the historical significance of the reservoir from your guide that provided water to the Great Palace when the city of Constantinople was built.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Welcome Card with Access to Top Attractions
- Explore the Turkish metropolis with an Istanbul Welcome Card valid for 7 days. Save time with skip-the-line entry to key attractions and free hotel delivery of your cards.
- Get up to 10 free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul including metro, tram, ferry, funicular, bus, and Metrobus.
- Set sail on the Bosphorus strait on a 90 min cruise. Get a 20% discount on Turkish baths, luxury yacht tours, the Whirling Dervish show, and more!
- Enjoy English-guided/audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Experience the lively local culture of Istanbul with 2 guided walking tours and to explore the renowned Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line access and entry tickets to attractions
- 10 rides with public transportation
- 60 min Blue Mosque tour with an English-speaking guide
- 30 min Hagia Sophia highlights tour
- 30 min Topkapi Palace highlights tour
- 30 min Basilica Cistern highlights tour
- Unlimited stay inside each museum
- 90 min Bosphorus Cruise
- 2 Istanbul walking tours
- Audio guide app in 9 languages
- Digital guide book & map
Exclusions
- Skip-the-line service for Hagia Sophia
- Entrance into Harem of Topkapi
- Tip: Research and plan out your itinerary beforehand so that you can make the best use of your Istanbul Welcome Card!
- Your card will be valid for 7 days (in hours) after first use.
- The Museum Pass included with the card is valid for 5 days from first use. Only one-time entry is allowed at each museum.
- Audio Guide App is available in the following 9 Languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. The app can be downloaded on your smartphone prior to the visit.
- Skip-the-line line tickets let you skip ticket lines, not the security line.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Spend your next Turkish holiday with the convenience of having high-quality internet access all over the country with this eSIM card.
- Share your treasured memories with your loved ones and stay connected with them throughout your trip.
- Easily install the prepaid card by scanning the QR code and you are good to go!
- Choose from 3-GB, 5-GB, and 8-GB high-speed data options and get exploring.
Inclusions
- 4G data-only eSIM Card
Exclusions
- SMS and phone calls
- Tip: Since English is not very widely spoken in Turkey, learning a few Turkish phrases to help you travel around and communicate with the locals can prove to be quite useful.
- An internet connection is required to install the eSIM.
- The QR code is valid for one-time use and for one device only.
- Data plan validity starts immediately when eSIM is installed.
- Calls and texts are not available with this eSIM.
- An eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked device is required for the installation.
- Please don’t delete your eSIM after successful installation.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built in the early 17th century. This monument derived its name from the blue Iznik tiles adorning its exteriors. These tiles feature intricate patterns and calligraphy, creating a visual spectacle on the outside. It is one of the only mosques in Istanbul with six minarets. The inside of the Blue Mosque is equally impressive, with stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and a giant central dome.
The architectural design combines Ottoman and Byzantine styles, showcasing the transcultural influences and the cultural richness of Istanbul. Beyond its architectural splendor, the Blue Mosque is also open to the public and serves as an active mosque, accommodating thousands of visitors every day.
Why You Should Book Blue Mosque Tours Online?
The Blue Mosque is an architectural masterpiece, famous for its blue-tiled interior and impressive minarets. We recommend you book Blue Mosque tours to delve deeper into the rich cultural history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blue Mosque also serves as an active mosque and draws in thousands of visitors every year. Make sure to book Blue Mosque tours online in advance to avoid long wait times.
- Secure Booking: Online tour bookings ensure that you do not miss your attraction and your spot is reserved upon payment confirmation.
- Convenience: One of the best perks of booking guided tours is that you can avoid standing in long lines. You can book tours with the click of a button with ease.
- Great Deals: When you book tours online, you can chance upon combo offers. For example, if you book Blue Mosque combo tours online, you get an English-speaking tour guide and a walk through the Old City.
All Your Blue Mosque Tour Options
Guided Tour Tickets
- Ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, non-native speakers, and those with limited time.
- It includes entry to the Blue Mosque, a 2-hour guided tour with an expert tour guide, and a walking tour of the Old City around the monument.
- Make sure to check out the ‘Paradise Garden’ mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, his wife, and his 3 sons in the courtyard.
Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Recommended Tours
Combo Tickets
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and visitors with limited time.
- Book Blue Mosque combo tickets to visit this monument along with the Topkapi Palace or the Hagia Sophia.
- These tickets include an English-speaking tour guide, a free audio guide app, and a walk through the Old City surrounding the Blue Mosque, depending on the combo option you choose.
Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Recommended Tours
Blue Mosque Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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 Blue Mosque
Daily: 9 AM to 5 PM
Closed: During prayer hours
Best Time to Visit: Around 9:30 AM to 11 AM
Best Month to Visit: November to March
Note: The Blue Mosque is open throughout the day. If you want, you can also plan a visit to the mosque at night, however, we recommend you visit during the day to enjoy guided tours and look at the sunlight bathing the minarets.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Mosque
We recommend you book Blue Mosque tours online because the mosque remains open to worshippers throughout the year. To avoid standing in long lines, it is best to purchase tours in advance.
Depending on the type of tour you choose, Blue Mosque tours range from €17 to €36.
You can choose between Blue Mosque guided tours for around €17 and a 2-hour guided tour with an expert English-speaking tour guide. You can also purchase combo tour options that include access to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace.
Depending on the type of tour you choose, booking Blue Mosque guided tours will allow you to skip ahead of long lines. Guided tours also allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the prime examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. 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.
When visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, look out for its six minarets and gorgeous cascading grey 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.
The Blue Mosque is situated on Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Blue Mosque is open to worshippers and the public from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year, except during prayer hours and noon prayers on Fridays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, we recommend you buy Blue Mosque tour tickets in advance for it is a popular attraction right at the heart of Sultanahmet Square and receives lots of visitors throughout the year.
We recommend you spend around 1 to 2 hours at the Blue Mosque to explore its interiors fully. 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.
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.