Blue Mosque Tickets
Visit Istanbul's Blue Mosque. Join our guided tours to discover its history. Opt for combo deals with other iconic landmarks for a comprehensive experience.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.
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Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.
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Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.
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Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, an expert guided tour, and multilingual audio guides, all in one day.
More details
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Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.
-
Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.
-
Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.
-
Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, an expert guided tour, and multilingual audio guides, all in one day.
13% off
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Walk straight into the Blue Mosque with a licensed guide who reveals why its minarets caused a stir and how its architecture enhances prayers.
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Gaze at the vast marble courtyard, elegant cascading domes, colossal columns nicknamed “elephant feet,” and inscriptions hand-drawn by Ottoman calligraphers.
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A guide leads the way through the mosque and an Old City walking tour past the Hippodrome, ancient Obelisks, and Byzantine relics.
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Enhance your journey with a Bosphorus cruise for unbeatable skyline views, take a Hagia Sophia tour to uncover its hidden frescoes, or explore the Basilica Cistern.
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Fun fact: Various verses from the Quran and the words of the Prophet Muhammad adorn the high walls of the mosque.
More details
-
Walk straight into the Blue Mosque with a licensed guide who reveals why its minarets caused a stir and how its architecture enhances prayers.
-
Gaze at the vast marble courtyard, elegant cascading domes, colossal columns nicknamed “elephant feet,” and inscriptions hand-drawn by Ottoman calligraphers.
-
A guide leads the way through the mosque and an Old City walking tour past the Hippodrome, ancient Obelisks, and Byzantine relics.
-
Enhance your journey with a Bosphorus cruise for unbeatable skyline views, take a Hagia Sophia tour to uncover its hidden frescoes, or explore the Basilica Cistern.
-
Fun fact: Various verses from the Quran and the words of the Prophet Muhammad adorn the high walls of the mosque.
-
Skip the lines and explore the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one ticket and stories from an expert guide.
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Blue Mosque's Iznik tiles, elephant-foot pillars supporting its vast domes, and handwoven carpets covering the vast prayer hall, will leave you in awe.
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Find hidden marble doors at Hagia Sophia, tombs of Ottoman sultans, mosaics once buried under centuries of plaster, and giant oil lamps.
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On a guided walk of Istanbul's Old Town, pass by the Million Stone, once the zero-mile marker of the Byzantine Empire, and the Obelisk of Theodosius from Ancient Egypt.
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Upgrade and descend into Istanbul’s depths with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern’s eerie forest of columns, where carp swim beneath glowing arches.
More details
-
Skip the lines and explore the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one ticket and stories from an expert guide.
-
Blue Mosque's Iznik tiles, elephant-foot pillars supporting its vast domes, and handwoven carpets covering the vast prayer hall, will leave you in awe.
-
Find hidden marble doors at Hagia Sophia, tombs of Ottoman sultans, mosaics once buried under centuries of plaster, and giant oil lamps.
-
On a guided walk of Istanbul's Old Town, pass by the Million Stone, once the zero-mile marker of the Byzantine Empire, and the Obelisk of Theodosius from Ancient Egypt.
-
Upgrade and descend into Istanbul’s depths with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern’s eerie forest of columns, where carp swim beneath glowing arches.
10% off
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Explore Istanbul’s top sights in one day with an expert guide sharing rich history and local insights.
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Visit Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, holding the world’s largest dome for nearly 1,000 years.
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Wander around the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.
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Walk through the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water system with 336 columns. Look out for the mysterious upside-down Medusa heads.
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Tour Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman power for centuries, and home to treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger.
More details
-
Explore Istanbul’s top sights in one day with an expert guide sharing rich history and local insights.
-
Visit Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, holding the world’s largest dome for nearly 1,000 years.
-
Wander around the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.
-
Walk through the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water system with 336 columns. Look out for the mysterious upside-down Medusa heads.
-
Tour Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman power for centuries, and home to treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger.
-
Get 13% off and see Blue Mosque's minarets on a guided tour, then skip the long lines at Basilica Cistern to marvel at its 200+ columns with an audio guide.
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No long detours—just a short walk between these two wonders gives you more time to soak in the beauty of Istanbul.
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Spend 3–4 hours on the Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then visit the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or any other day you prefer.
More details
-
Get 13% off and see Blue Mosque's minarets on a guided tour, then skip the long lines at Basilica Cistern to marvel at its 200+ columns with an audio guide.
-
No long detours—just a short walk between these two wonders gives you more time to soak in the beauty of Istanbul.
-
Spend 3–4 hours on the Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then visit the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or any other day you prefer.
10% off
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Choose 2 to 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
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Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.
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Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
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Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
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Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.
More details
-
Choose 2 to 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
-
Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.
-
Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
-
Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
-
Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.
-
Get lost in the blue Iznik tiles, the towering minarets, and the grand dome on this 1-hour tour of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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With an expert guide at the helm, learn about the Quranic verses in the Great Tablets and interesting bits about the royal kiosk in the Blue Mosque.
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Come aboard the Bosphorus Cruise to catch a glimpse of the conical roof of the Galata Tower and the gray towers of Dolmabahce Palace.
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With an audio guide in your preferred language, understand details about each landmark like why gray marble was used to create Çırağan Palace, on the 90-minute cruise.
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Fun fact: Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have visited the Blue Mosque over the years.
More details
-
Get lost in the blue Iznik tiles, the towering minarets, and the grand dome on this 1-hour tour of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
With an expert guide at the helm, learn about the Quranic verses in the Great Tablets and interesting bits about the royal kiosk in the Blue Mosque.
-
Come aboard the Bosphorus Cruise to catch a glimpse of the conical roof of the Galata Tower and the gray towers of Dolmabahce Palace.
-
With an audio guide in your preferred language, understand details about each landmark like why gray marble was used to create Çırağan Palace, on the 90-minute cruise.
-
Fun fact: Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have visited the Blue Mosque over the years.
14% off
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Save 10% on this must-see combo! Explore Blue Mosque with a guide, then cruise the Bosphorus with an audio guide, passing by the Bosphorus Bridge & Ortakoy Mosque.
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Say goodbye to long commutes. With just 20 minutes between the Blue Mosque and the cruise pier, you’ll save time and money while seeing the best of Istanbul.
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The Blue Mosque and Old Town tour needs 3-4 hours, while the Bosphorus cruise lasts 90 minutes. Enjoy both on the same day or split them across two.
More details
-
Save 10% on this must-see combo! Explore Blue Mosque with a guide, then cruise the Bosphorus with an audio guide, passing by the Bosphorus Bridge & Ortakoy Mosque.
-
Say goodbye to long commutes. With just 20 minutes between the Blue Mosque and the cruise pier, you’ll save time and money while seeing the best of Istanbul.
-
The Blue Mosque and Old Town tour needs 3-4 hours, while the Bosphorus cruise lasts 90 minutes. Enjoy both on the same day or split them across two.
10% off
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Experience Istanbul's beauty aboard a luxury yacht, sailing the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia.
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Explore Kanlica on the Asian side and savor the famous local "Kanlica Yogurt" during your stopover.
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Enjoy inclusions like snacks, savory pastries, fruits, Turkish coffee, and tea, all while cruising in style.
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Capture stunning views of Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Leander Tower, among other iconic sights.
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Fun Fact: Kanlica is known as Istanbul's greenest point, adding a touch of nature to this mesmerizing city.
More details
-
Experience Istanbul's beauty aboard a luxury yacht, sailing the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia.
-
Explore Kanlica on the Asian side and savor the famous local "Kanlica Yogurt" during your stopover.
-
Enjoy inclusions like snacks, savory pastries, fruits, Turkish coffee, and tea, all while cruising in style.
-
Capture stunning views of Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Leander Tower, among other iconic sights.
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Fun Fact: Kanlica is known as Istanbul's greenest point, adding a touch of nature to this mesmerizing city.
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About Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly called the Blue Mosque, after the 20,000 bluish Iznik tiles that adorn its interiors, has been drawing the faithful since the 17th century. Visit the mosque to experience its spiritual atmosphere and witness the incredible craftsmanship of the Ottomans.
An interesting legend surrounds the unusual six minarets of the Mosque. Sultan Ahmed wanted them in gold, but the architect misheard it as six, given the words in Turkish for both sound similar. Since only the Prophet’s Mosque in Mecca had six minarets, it is believed that the Sultan avoided controversy by commissioning a 7th minaret in the Mecca Mosque, to maintain its supremacy.
The Blue Mosque gets its popular name from the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that adorn its ceiling. The tiles come from Iznik in Turkey famous for its pottery. Handpainted with floral motifs and incredible calligraphy, these 20,000 blue tiles make the interiors an absolutely stunning sight.
A teenage sultan, Ahmed, wanted his legacy to shine in the Ottoman narrative; the chances of which were slim given his numerous military defeats. The Blue Mosque was his trump card and he was resolved to finish it despite a declining social situation and much opposition. He even took part in the construction of the Mosque on the first day.
The Mosque's construction was controversial, as it stands on what used to be the Byzantine Hippodrome and entailed the demolition of Ottoman ministers' palaces. It was also funded by the treasury unlike the usual war spoils and this irked many, especially as famines were demoralizing the state. Placing the Mosque opposite the Hagia Sophia and outshining it, was also read as a power move.
The Blue Mosque was painstakingly constructed in 7 years under the vision of architect Mehmed Aga. The mosque has one central dome and eight half domes that cascade from it, offering a unique exterior. The construction of the central dome is a testament to the engineering genius of the Ottomans. The mosque consists of a prayer hall and a courtyard of equal proportions.
Why visit Blue Mosque?
Architectural grandeur
The Blue Mosque is a sight for sore eyes. The interiors impress with the bluish hue of the 20,000 Iznik tiles, and splendidly crafted stained glass windows. The cascading domes and six minarets pierce the Istanbul skyline and stand as a testament to the incredible engineering feats and artistic vision of the Ottomans.
Spiritual atmosphere
A functional mosque where thousands gather to seek solace, the Blue Mosque maintains a serene atmosphere that invites people for moments of quiet contemplation. This spiritual aura is hard to miss the moment you step in.
Historical significance
The Blue Mosque has stood tall for more than 400 years and tells the tale of the incredible vision, Islamic artistry, and wealth of the Ottomans. Seek the Blue Mosque for a great history lesson on the cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.
Highlights
The Ceiling
Blue Mosque gets its name from the handsome blue Iznik tiles that adorn the ceiling and walls. Zoom in on these 20,000 handmade tiles with floral designs that came from the town of Iznik, famed for its pottery. The blue paint on the upper levels complements the tiles and produces a beautiful tapestry of blues, turquoise, and greens.
Minarets
The Blue Mosque boasts six minarets, a unique feature shared only with the mosque in Mecca at the time. Four of these graceful columns adorn the prayer hall corners, while two flank the courtyard's edges. Each minaret, decorated with balconies, contributes to the mosque's striking silhouette against the Turkish skyline, complementing its cascading domes.
Courtyard & the Prayer Hall
Appreciate the Blue Mosque’s proportions as the prayer hall has an equally sized courtyard called Avlu in front. The Mosque’s impressive facade must be witnessed from the courtyard flanked by arcades. It also has a beautiful fountain for ritual washing. Walking into the prayer hall is like walking into grandeur, where light, space, and design highlight Ottoman skill while inspiring a sense of calm.
Stained glass windows
Every design element of the mosque is accentuated by the 260 windows that pierce the domes and the walls. These windows have intricate stained glass work on them and filter soft light into the mosque. It is believed that these were originally a gift from the Signoria of Venice.
The Mihrab & the Minbar
The qibla wall with its mihrab and minbar is one of the most beautiful parts of the prayer hall. The mihrab is a marble niche on this wall with finely detailed tilework, calligraphy, and designs, guiding worshippers in the direction of Mecca. On its side is the tall and thin marble minbar, a pulpit for the Imam’s sermons. These two together signify the mosque’s religious purposes.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
Facing the Hippodrome, the main entrance is situated on the northwestern part of the Blue Mosque and is reserved for worshippers. Staff may make exceptions for those with reduced mobility to use this entrance. It is wheelchair accessible.
Southern entrance
This entrance is one of the two entrances open to visitors and non-worshippers. It remains closed during the prayer hours. Walk towards the right of the main entrance to head to this south door. It is wheelchair accessible.
Western entrance
Another entrance accessible to visitors, this door is on the eastern side of the mosque. If you are coming after exploring the Hagia Sophia, this is the closest entrance. It is also closed during the prayer hours and is wheelchair accessible.
- Daily: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Closed: During the 5 prayer hours in the day, the mosque is closed for about 90 minutes to non-worshippers and visitors; it is also closed till noon on Friday (which is a sacred day for Muslims) for visitors. Check the prayer times online before you visit.
There are toilets available on the Mosque premises.
There is an information desk where people can obtain maps, pamphlets detailing the history of the Mosque and make other inquiries.
Wheelchairs are available to rent free of cost at all entrances.
Most of the Mosque is accessible via wheelchair. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Even though the main entrance is reserved for worshippers, staff might make exemptions for tourists in wheelchairs. There might be some limitations to movement given the historical architecture of the Mosque.
Ramps and elevators to help visitors with limited mobility can be found on the northwest side near the Hippodrome and Obelisks.
Strollers are allowed in the Mosque. Make sure that they are not blocking the way for anyone else.
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