Blue Mosque Tickets

The Blue Mosque is an incomparable historical gem in Istanbul that represents the opulence and splendor of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. Built between 1609 and 1616 under the orders of Sultan Ahmet I, this marvelous structure showcases the exceptional skills of the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Aga.

The Blue Mosque is among the grand mosques erected after the conquest of Istanbul, serving as a testament to the city's rich heritage. One of the most prominent examples of Ottoman architecture, the mosque has endured through the centuries, undergoing restorations in the 20th century. Join our Blue Mosque tours with an expert guide to experience the unparalleled beauty and flawless grandeur of this architectural masterpiece firsthand.

The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is named after the extensive collection of handcrafted blue tiles that adorn its interior. The intricate design of these blue tiles, coupled with the mosque's overall architectural beauty, has earned it the popular nickname, the "Blue Mosque." 

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s must-visit attraction, not only for its magnificent architectural structure but also as a significant worship center in the Islamic world. The impressive architecture captivates its visitors with its interior adorned in blue tiles and its large courtyard. Additionally, being situated in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, those exploring this site with our Blue Mosque tours also get the chance to explore the city.

Visitors to the Blue Mosque can worship, pray, and soak in the historical atmosphere of the world-famous mosque. The mosque is more than just a place of worship, it offers visitors a rich historical and cultural immersion. Admire the floral-shaped tiles and motifs, pay attention to the intricate details, and admire the dome.

Afterward, you can also buy souvenirs at the various shops around the mosque or visit the surrounding historical places. Walking through the streets around the Blue Mosque is also a great opportunity to explore the mystical ambiance of Istanbul.

Since the Blue Mosque is located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, it is easily accessible from various points of the city. It is very simple to reach the mosque by public transportation.

Here is an overview of the different options:

• On Foot: If you are in Sultanahmet neighborhood, you can leisurely walk to the Blue Mosque. From the Hagia Sophia it will take just 4 minutes, about 8 minutes from Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, and about 15 minutes from the Grand Bazaar.
• By Tram: The most convenient way to reach the Blue Mosque is by tram line T1. Disembark at Sultanahmet station. From there, it's a mere 4-minute walk to the mosque.
• By Metro: From Taksim, take Metro M2 towards Yenikapi, travel three stops to Vezneciler station, then walk five minutes to Laleli-Üniversite tram stop. Board T1 tram towards Kabatas for three stations, reaching Sultanahmet stop. A 4-minute walk from there brings you to the mosque. The total journey time without transition times is about 26 minutes.
• By Train: For visitors arriving from the Asian side, arriving by train is recommended. The nearest train station to Blue Mosque is Sirkeci Station. Take the train B1 train line towards Halkalı until Sirkeci Station. From there, it is a 17-minute minute walk.
• By Bus: Numerous bus lines have stops in close proximity to the Blue Mosque, such as BN1 and EM1 bus.

You can visit the Blue Mosque 24/7 on every day of the week. Although it is always open, it is closed to visitors during the 5 times of worship, especially Friday prayers at noon.

You can check the prayer times here. 

If you want to visit the Blue Mosque, it is essential to organize your daily plans accordingly. The mosque is particularly busy at noon and on weekends. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the visiting hours carefully. It is also necessary to take care to wear appropriate clothing before visiting the mosque, as specified below.

Since the Blue Mosque is a place of worship, there is a dress code in place for visitors. It is essential to dress modestly, covering shoulders, avoiding shorts or skirts above the knee, and, for women, covering the head with a scarf. Additionally, both men and women are required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. 

With our Blue Mosque tours, visitors have the opportunity to discover the captivating surroundings of the Blue Mosque, as well as visit other historical and multicultural sites in the area. 

You can immerse yourself in Istanbul’s colorful past by visiting important historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, all conveniently located near the Blue Mosque. You can also indulge in the famous Turkish cuisine at nearby restaurants or engage in some shopping at the various shops in the vicinity.

To give an estimated time to visit the Blue Mosque, it is worth allocating at least 2 or 3 hours to explore the mosque itself and the surrounding historical sites. 

Approximately one hour should is sufficient for visiting the mosque,  engaging in prayer, and experiencing its unique atmosphere. However, you may want to allow extra time for exploring other historical sites and relax. 

In general, planning to spend at least half a day in and around the Blue Mosque will provide visitors with a more comprehensive and enriching experience.