- Explore the iconic Blue Mosque with a personal audio guide and no group pressure
- Appreciate the dazzling Iznik tilework, majestic domes, and six minarets
- Learn the history from Sultan Ahmed I to the design by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha
- Absorb the peaceful atmosphere while walking through the courtyard and prayer hall
Blue Mosque Audio Guide
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Blue Mosque Audio Guide
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Overview
Discover the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) at your own pace with a specially crafted English audio guide on your phone. As you walk through its grand courtyard and peaceful prayer hall, take in the beauty of the blue Iznik tiles, the elegance of its six minarets, and the harmony of its domes. The audio guide shares stories about the design of the Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, the vision of Sultan Ahmed I, and the mosque’s place in the spiritual and cultural life of Istanbul.About This Activity
Audio guide included
Listen to a curated audio guide in English.
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Flexible cancellation
Plans can change, no problem. Learn about the refund policy.
Duration
1 Hour
Audio Guide
Professional Audio Guide in English
Guided Tour
Explore at your own pace
Visit at your own pace
There’s no fixed start time or guided group. Simply begin the experience using your phone and headphones when you arrive.
Architecture and heritage come alive
Discover how the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha. The guide reveals its status as a cultural icon and spiritual sanctuary
About the location
Located in the historic Sultanahmet district, it faces Hagia Sophia across the Hippodrome. The mosque blends Byzantine influence and Ottoman aesthetics in a UNESCO World Heritage Site setting
Points to notice
Look for the graceful courtyard, elaborate tile decoration, and soft light through 260+ windows. The audio guide also highlights symbolic details and hidden stories that enrich your visit
Meeting point
Blue Mosque
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The mosque is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except during prayer times.
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Try to visit before noon to avoid prayer times and large crowds.
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Please note that the audio guide is shorter than 1 hour. The 1-hour duration refers to the average time visitors spend at the Blue Mosque.
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Avoid visiting on Friday afternoons, as the mosque is very crowded due to weekly prayers.
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Everyone must remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
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Women are expected to cover their heads; free scarves are available at the entrance.
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Stay quiet inside and avoid using flash while taking photos to respect those who are praying.
Cancellation Policy
Questions?
Visit the istanbul.com Help Centre for any further questions.
Product code: 460360P305
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are not the same place. However, the Blue Mosque was built as a copy of the Hagia Sophia.
The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque is a part of Turkish history. The reason why it is known as the Blue Mosque is that it is surrounded by blue tiles inside.
The Blue Mosque is open every day for everybody who will respect the cultural rules of entering, such as being quiet during prayers or taking your shoes off before entering. However, since the Blue Mosque is also an active mosque, you should be careful about the prayer times for your own sake. If you try to visit the Blue Mosque during the prayers, you might have to wait more than an hour for the mosque to open again.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Blue Mosque. Everybody, regardless of age, gender, or religion, could visit the Blue Mosque for free. Since it is a sacred place, it is not suitable in Islam to cost an entrance fee for a mosque. However, you could donate to the community if you want to!
Aside from being a mosque, the Blue Mosque is also a famous and busy touristic location, so it is allowed to take pictures inside the Blue Mosque. However, you are not allowed to take pictures of people as they are praying.
