Blue Mosque Tickets & Tours
The Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most admired landmarks, is famed for its six minarets and blue-tiled interior. Inside, soaring domes and colorful stained glass create a remarkable setting for visitors from around the world.
Blue Mosque Guided Tour
From €10.00
€7.00 per person
Top Pick
Blue Mosque Audio Guide
€10.00 per person
Istanbul Tourist Pass: Skip-the-Line Entry to 120+Activities
€99.00 per person
Top Pick
Topkapi Palace Guided Tour with Harem Section
From €70.00
€66.00 per person
Top Pick
Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry
From €52.00
€44.50 per person
Likely to Sell out
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry
From €34.00
€30.00 per person
Top Pick
Topkapi Palace Hosted Fast-Track Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
From €60.00
€56.00 per person
Top Pick
Galata Tower Hosted Entry with Audio Guide
From €35.00
€32.50 per person
From happy customers
Stunning place. The architecture is just amazing.
A stunning example of Ottoman architecture and spiritual beauty.The Blue Mosque is breathtaking both inside and out
If you are in Istanbul this is a must see
A truly wonderful building. It is in such great condition it looks like it could have been built in the last 4 years... but it was built over 400 years ago!
Insider tips for Istanbul
Local experts guide you through their top picks for an unforgettable visit.
Find your perfect tour
Guided tours
Guide:Live expert English-speaking guide; some tours offer additional languages.
- Learn the history, architecture, and traditions of the Blue Mosque with a guided tour. Lasting about 1 hour, it includes stories about its six minarets, interior design, prayer rituals, and recent renovations, starting from the courtyard and moving inside.
Recommended tours:
Digital sightseeing pass with 100+ attractions
Guide: Multilingual digital guidebook and live guided tours at scheduled times for major sites.
- Access over 100 attractions, tours, and cultural experiences across Istanbul with one pass. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower, plus cruises, shows, and guided tours. Available for 1–10 days, fully digital, and includes planning assistance via WhatsApp, airport transfer discounts, and a free one-way shuttle for select passes.
Recommended tours:
Inside the beauty of the Ottoman elegance
The Blue Mosque, an enduring symbol of Istanbul, offers visitors a close look at the city’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Completed in the early 17th century, it blends graceful domes, six slender minarets, and thousands of blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its name. Inside, soft light filters through stained glass, illuminating intricate calligraphy and spacious prayer halls. With various tour options, including guided walks and audio tours, you can explore at a pace that matches your interests.
Quick Information
Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque
- Daily: 8:30am to 6:30pm
- Last admission: Before 6:00pm, earlier before prayer times
- Closed: During all daily prayers; until 2:30pm on Fridays for congregational prayer
- Note: Times may vary with prayer schedule, check before visiting
Duration of visit: 1–2 hours
Best time to visit: Best time to visit: April–June or September–early November; early mornings for fewer crowds and best photos
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is in the Sultanahmet district, directly across from Hagia Sophia in the heart of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula. It is famed for its blue Iznik tiles, six minarets, and UNESCO World Heritage status.
How to Get There:
- By Tram: Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet station; the mosque is a short walk away. The tram runs frequently from Kabataş, Eminönü, and Bağcılar.
- On Metro: Take the M2 metro to Vezneciler, transfer to the T1 tram at Laleli or Aksaray, and get off at Sultanahmet.
- From the Airport: From Istanbul Airport, take the Havaist bus to Sultanahmet or use metro/tram connections; a taxi takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Main Entrances:
- South Side Entrance: Primary entrance for tourists, located on the south side facing Sultanahmet Square.
- Other Entrances: Three total entrances (north, south, east), but tourists must use the south entrance; the north is mainly for worshippers.
Skip-the-line entry is available with guided tours for ticketed attractions, but all visitors must pass through security.
Visitor Amenities:
- Audio Guides & Tours: No on-site audio guides, but guided tours and self-guided audio tours via booking platforms and visitor apps are available, offering historical and architectural insights.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are located in the outer courtyard area; some are accessible with staff assistance.
- Shoe Storage: Shoes must be removed before entering; racks are provided at the entrance.
- Gift Shops: Courtyard kiosks sell souvenirs such as Islamic art, scarves, and postcards.
- Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible with a ramped entrance; loaner wheelchairs available.
- Gardens & Green Spaces: Located in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by gardens, fountains, and benches with views of Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome.
Make the Most of Your Visit:
- Buy Tickets Online (Optional): Entry is free, but guided tours (€27–€30) offer skip-the-line access and expert commentary. Booking ahead is advised in peak season.
- Arrive Early: Visit 08:30–12:00 on weekdays for fewer crowds; Fridays open to tourists after 14:30.
- Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees covered; women cover hair. Scarves are available at the entrance.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk through large courtyards and interiors; shoes are removed before entry.
- Don't Miss: Blue İznik tiles, central dome, calligraphy, Sultan Ahmed I’s mausoleum, and the six minarets
Dining Options:
- Sultanahmet Köftecisi: Famous since 1920 for authentic Turkish meatballs, served with pilaf, salad, and ayran in a quick, traditional setting.
- Other Nearby Choices: Terrace Restaurant, Seven Hills Restaurant, and various cafés and eateries in Sultanahmet offer Turkish and international dishes, many with vegetarian and halal options.
Where to Stay:
Staying near the palace gives you easy access to all the historical sites. The best areas are:
- Sultanahmet: Heart of historic Istanbul, with hotels for all budgets and walking distance to major landmarks.
- Cankurtaran: Quieter area south of Sultanahmet Square with boutique hotels and city views.
- Eminönü / Sirkeci: Mid-range and budget hotels, great local food, and quick tram access to Sultanahmet.
Things to know before visiting the Blue Mosque
- Entry is free for all visitors, with optional paid guided tours and audio guides available for deeper insights. Combo tickets can include nearby attractions such as Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
- All visitors must pass a security check at the entrance, with waits up to 30 minutes off-peak and up to an hour in peak season (May–mid-September).
- Most areas are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and manual wheelchairs provided; minimal assistance may be needed at certain thresholds.
- Audio guides and guided tours are offered in multiple languages and should be booked online in advance, especially during high season.
- Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees covered for all, and women must wear a headscarf. Scarves and robes are available at the entrance.
- Opening hours are 08:30–18:30, with closures during prayer times; visitor slots are typically 08:30–12:00, 13:45–16:30, and 17:30–18:30.
- The mosque is family-friendly, with no ticket requirements for children.
- Plan for 1–2 hours to fully explore and appreciate the mosque’s history and architecture.
- Photography is permitted in the courtyard and select interior areas, but not during prayer or in restricted spaces.
- Visitors must maintain respect and silence as it is an active place of worship.
- Located in Sultanahmet Square, the mosque is steps away from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern for convenient multi-site visits.