Things to do in Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul located next to the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Although it still remains a functioning mosque, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and attracts a large number of visitors each year.
The mosque has a cascade of domes, six minarets and the design combines both Ottoman and Byzantine elements. The mosque also includes the tomb of its founder (Ahmed I), a madrasa and a hospice.
The Blue Mosque is open seven days a week, however, it is worth noting that visitors may not enter the mosque during prayer sessions which take place multiple times per day. On Fridays, they also close the mosque to tourists for two hours from noon to accommodate the weekly prayer. You must take your shoes off upon entering the mosque and women must cover their hair with a scarf, offered at entrance.
Our recommendations in Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square tour
Book this tour now to visit the UNESCO heritage Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square Tour in Istanbul. Enjoy fantastic Byzantine history and culture.
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Istanbul silver combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace
Book now to enjoy the heart of Istanbul's Old City and see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill.
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Istanbul mosaics and Blue Mosque 1-day small group tour
Visit the most important sites in Istanbul. Book your tour online and discover the marvelous Hagia Sophia, the impressive Blue Mosque and much more!
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Istanbul gold combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and private boat cruise
Experience the heart of the Old City visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Covered Bazaar with a private boat tour on the Bosphorus.
en, es, de
Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square tour
Book this tour now to visit the UNESCO heritage Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square Tour in Istanbul. Enjoy fantastic Byzantine history and culture.
en
Istanbul silver combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace
Book now to enjoy the heart of Istanbul's Old City and see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill.
en, fr, es, de
Istanbul mosaics and Blue Mosque 1-day small group tour
Visit the most important sites in Istanbul. Book your tour online and discover the marvelous Hagia Sophia, the impressive Blue Mosque and much more!
en
Istanbul gold combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and private boat cruise
Experience the heart of the Old City visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Covered Bazaar with a private boat tour on the Bosphorus.
en, es, de
Istanbul half-day top sites morning tour
See with your own eyes the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Book your morning tour online and explore the city with a guide.
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Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Cruise, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Cable Car
Admire Istanbul's skyline during a Bosphorus cruise. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Grand Covered Bazaar, and take in the view from Pierre Loti Hill.
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All-in-one Istanbul tour with sunset yacht cruise
Make the most of your limited time in Istanbul with this all-in-one Istanbul tour featuring a sunset cruise on a yacht.
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Book this day tour in Istanbul to discover the wonders of the city, including the iconic Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
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Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Guided Tour
Discover Istanbul's old city in this 4-hour guided tour, discover Byzantine and Ottoman relics, learn about Hagia Sofia Mosque, and visit the Grand Covered Bazaar.
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How to get there
Blue Mosque
Istanbul
Turkey
Reviews Blue Mosque
“Die Tour war ok-ABER wir haben eine Tour auf DEUTSCH gebucht.Zwei Tage zu vor erfuhren wir per Whatsapp das es keinen deutschen Reiseführer gibt.Nach Whatsappkontakt meinerseits mit dem örtlichen Veranstalter-mein Mann spricht GAR KEIN Englisch und ich nur sehr sehr wenig :-(-hieß es dann wir versuchen das Beste.Am Vormittag hatten wir dann Glück und es gab einen deutschen Reiseführer! Nach dem Mittagessen und zur Bootstour sah es anders aus. Alles nur englisch - also NULL Informationen für uns”
“Bel tour. Poteva essere eccellente con una guida più empatica e coinvolgente.”
“Our guide was funny and knowledgeable. Even took time at the end to see us safely on the metro back to our hotel. The lunch was mediocre but the rest of the experience was superb”
“From the moment we were collected by car from our hotel to the end of the day was a truly great experience. Our guide was so knowledgeable and kept us all interested throughout the day. We got to see some of the major sites in Istanbul from both land and sea with the boat trip included.”