Sultanahmet Blue Mosque: Our Tips & Guided Tours for Your Visit

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, elegant domes, and towering minarets. Built in the early 17th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, it remains an active place of worship and a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring the historic Sultanahmet district.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, including entry requirements, best times to go, guided tour options, and practical tips to make the most of your experience at the Blue Mosque!

Blue Mosque: 10 Fascinating Facts

Before we get into Blue Mosque visiting tips and guided tours, here are some amazing facts about this architectural masterpiece!

✔ Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I.
✔ Designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a student of the legendary Mimar Sinan.
✔ Named after its stunning blue İznik tiles, which decorate the interior walls.
✔ Features a 43-meter-high dome and six minarets, which was controversial at the time.
✔ One of Istanbul’s largest mosques, accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers.
✔ Still an active mosque, closed to tourists during prayer times.
✔ Sultan Ahmed I personally worked on the construction, even carrying soil himself.
✔ The pickaxe used by the Sultan is now displayed in Topkapı Palace.
✔ Visitors must remove their shoes and dress modestly—women should cover their heads.
✔ Entry is free, making it one of the most accessible must-visit landmarks in Istanbul.

Now, let’s explore how to visit the Blue Mosque, best times to go, guided tours and what to expect inside!

Our Recommendation: We Booked These Guided Tours for the Blue Mosque

Since it is a functioning mosque, visiting can be tricky due to prayer schedules and large crowds.

To make the most of our visit, we booked a guided tour in advance, and we highly recommend doing the same! We chose the Blue Mosque Guided Tour, which provided fast access and expert insights into the mosque’s rich history and design.

If you want to explore both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour is a great option, as it includes entry to Hagia Sophia and a professional guide.

Guided Tours and Prices for the Blue Mosque

How much do Blue Mosque guided tours cost?

Which Guided Tour Should You Choose?

Each option offers a unique experience. Here’s what you get with each one:

1. Blue Mosque Guided Tour (€15) – Our Pick!

✔ A 30-45 minute expert-guided tour inside the Blue Mosque
✔ Learn about its history, architecture, and cultural significance
✔ No entrance fee required (Blue Mosque is free to enter)
✔ Best for those who want a short but informative experience

💡 Best for: Travelers who only want to visit the Blue Mosque with a guide.

2. Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour (€49)

✔ Includes entry to Hagia Sophia (normally €25)
✔ Guided tour of both landmarks, covering their Byzantine and Ottoman history
✔ Saves time by combining two top sites into one experience
✔ Best for history lovers and first-time visitors to Istanbul

💡 Best for: Those who want a comprehensive guided experience covering both major landmarks.

Is a Blue Mosque Guided Tour Worth It?

Yes! While entry to the Blue Mosque is free, a guided tour enhances the experience, helping you understand the mosque’s history, design, and cultural importance.

✔ If you’re on a short trip, a guide helps you make the most of your time.
✔ If you’re visiting during peak hours, a guide can help navigate crowds efficiently.

💡 Our Tip: If you’re also planning to visit Hagia Sophia, book a combo tour to save time and money.

Our Blue Mosque Experience

At first glance, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) takes your breath away. Its majestic domes, towering minarets, and intricate details command attention, and as you step inside, the feeling is indescribable.

Every visitor experiences something unique—whether it’s a sense of peace, awe, or admiration for its architectural beauty.

Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, next to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a living masterpiece of Ottoman design. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and continues to be one of the most visited mosques in the world.

What to Expect Inside the Blue Mosque

A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture

✔ The five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes create a striking silhouette against Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ The hand-painted blue Iznik tiles decorating the walls give the mosque its famous name.
✔ At night, the mosque is illuminated by soft blue lights, making it even more breathtaking.

💡 Tip: The best views of the mosque’s exterior are from Sultanahmet Square or the gardens between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

The Stunning Interior: A Play of Light and Color

Inside, the Blue Mosque’s interior is just as mesmerizing as its grand exterior.

✔ Over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles, each featuring delicate tulip, flower, and cypress motifs.
✔ More than 200 intricately designed stained glass windows allow natural light to filter in.
✔ The high domes and semi-domes create an overwhelming sense of openness and grandeur.
✔ Chandeliers decorated with ostrich eggs were historically believed to prevent cobwebs and spiders.
✔ The walls are adorned with Quranic verses, created by Seyyid Kasim Gubari, one of the greatest calligraphers of his time.

💡 Tip: Look up! The domes and semi-domes are decorated with stunning blue and gold patterns, making them a true work of art.

Prayer Hall & Worship Area

✔ The central prayer hall is covered in soft carpets, regularly donated by worshippers.
✔ The mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) are made of white marble, beautifully carved with Islamic motifs.
✔ Visitors are welcome, but must respect prayer times—non-Muslim visitors are not allowed inside during prayers.

💡 Tip: The best time to visit is outside prayer hours, as the mosque remains an active place of worship.

A Peaceful & Spiritual Atmosphere

✔ The soft lighting, spacious halls, and high ceilings create a serene and spiritual ambiance.
✔ The quietness of the mosque invites visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate its sacred beauty.
✔ Despite its popularity among tourists, the mosque retains its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Dress modestly when visiting—women should cover their heads, and shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Is the Blue Mosque Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! The Blue Mosque is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant landmarks in Istanbul. Its grandeur, spiritual presence, and artistic beauty make it a must-see.

However, if you’re visiting on a tight schedule, it’s best to plan your visit around prayer times to ensure you can fully explore the interior.

💡 Best Case? See both! Combine your visit with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern—all within walking distance in Sultanahmet Square!

Visiting Tips for the Blue Mosque

📍 Location

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is located in the historic Sultanahmet Square, right next to Hagia Sophia, making it easily accessible from anywhere in Istanbul. 📍 View on Google Maps

⏰ Opening Hours

The Blue Mosque is open daily, but as it is an active place of worship, it closes to tourists during prayer times (five times a day).

💡 Tip: The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, outside prayer hours, to avoid long waits.

🎟️ Entry Fee

✔ Entrance is free, as it is an active mosque.
✔ However, guided tours (€15-€49) are available for those who want a deeper historical insight.

We’ve covered all ticket and guided tour options earlier in this article—scroll up for details!

💡 Visiting Tips

✔ Dress modestly – Women must cover their hair, and everyone should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
✔ Bring a scarf – Scarves are available at the entrance, but bringing your own is more convenient.
✔ Shoes must be removed – Bags are provided to carry your shoes inside the mosque.
✔ Photography is allowed, but be respectful—avoid taking photos during prayers.
✔ Avoid Fridays during noon prayer, as it is the busiest time for worshippers.

♿ Accessibility

✔ The mosque is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and spacious interiors.
✔ Shoes must be removed, but wheelchair users can keep them on if using protective covers.

💡 Tip: Visit outside peak hours for a more peaceful and comfortable experience.

🏛️ Nearby Attractions

The Blue Mosque is in the heart of Sultanahmet, surrounded by other must-visit landmarks:

✔ Hagia Sophia – One of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, located right across from the mosque.
✔ Basilica Cistern – A mystical underground water reservoir, just a short walk away.
✔ Topkapi Palace – The grand residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and history.
✔ Hippodrome of Constantinople – An ancient chariot-racing arena, featuring the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column.
✔ Arasta Bazaar – A quieter alternative to the Grand Bazaar, offering handmade Turkish textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.

💡 Tip: Plan your visit to explore multiple nearby attractions in one trip, as they are all within walking distance! 🚶‍♂️🚀

How to Get to the Blue Mosque – Travel Tips

Here’s how to reach it from different areas of the city:

🚋 From Taksim or Galata

✔ Take the F1 Funicular from Taksim Square to Kabataş.
✔ Transfer to the T1 Tram at Kabataş and ride it toward Bağcılar.
✔ Get off at Sultanahmet station—the Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk away.

🚋 From Sultanahmet or Eminönü

✔ Take the T1 Tram from Eminönü or anywhere along the tram line and get off at Sultanahmet station.
✔ The mosque is located right in Sultanahmet Square, just a short walk from the tram stop.

⛴️ From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar)

✔ Take a ferry to Eminönü from Kadıköy or Üsküdar.
✔ From Eminönü, transfer to the T1 Tram toward Bağcılar.
✔ Get off at Sultanahmet station and walk to the mosque entrance.

💡 Tip: The T1 Tram is the easiest and most direct way to reach the Blue Mosque from most tourist areas. 🚆

Have You Visited the Blue Mosque?

These were our best tips and insights for visiting the Blue Mosque.

Do you have questions about prayer times, guided tours, or the best time to visit? Or have you already visited and want to share your experience?

📩 Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! 🚀