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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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.
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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 hidden depths with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern’s eerie forest of columns, where carp swim beneath glowing arches.
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Did you know? The Blue Mosque's interior is lit by 260 windows and offers panoramic views.
More details
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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.
-
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 hidden depths with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern’s eerie forest of columns, where carp swim beneath glowing arches.
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Did you know? The Blue Mosque's interior is lit by 260 windows and offers panoramic views.
10% off
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The Istanbul MegaPass, valid for 7 days, lets you visit 2 to 9 top attractions with big savings on Classic, Premium, or Deluxe options!
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Visit 2 iconic spots like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Turkish Hammam, Basilica Cistern, and more with the Classic Pass.
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Did we mention? All passes include a Bosphorus cruise, a Blue Mosque tour, a 5-ride transport card, handy maps, and audio guides for all places you visit.
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No stress—your tickets land right in your email inbox, making your Istanbul adventure super smooth and easy to plan.
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Go bigger with the Premium or Deluxe pass, giving access to 4 or 9 attractions for an unforgettable trip at an amazing value.
More details
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The Istanbul MegaPass, valid for 7 days, lets you visit 2 to 9 top attractions with big savings on Classic, Premium, or Deluxe options!
-
Visit 2 iconic spots like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Turkish Hammam, Basilica Cistern, and more with the Classic Pass.
-
Did we mention? All passes include a Bosphorus cruise, a Blue Mosque tour, a 5-ride transport card, handy maps, and audio guides for all places you visit.
-
No stress—your tickets land right in your email inbox, making your Istanbul adventure super smooth and easy to plan.
-
Go bigger with the Premium or Deluxe pass, giving access to 4 or 9 attractions for an unforgettable trip at an amazing value.
-
Enjoy fast-track entry into Basilica Cistern, one of the largest cisterns located in Istanbul with vaulted ceilings and raised wooden platforms with an expert guide.
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Discover the heritage of a once-great Ottoman Empire and Istanbul’s spiritual side at the amazing Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Experience skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia and listen to how it was once a church and later became a mosque, and finally a museum.
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Learn about the history and architecture of Hagia Sophia from your insightful audio guide.
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Fun Fact: The Blue mosque was located on a square known as the Sultanahmet Square, originally known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople and used to be a huge stadium for chariot races.
More details
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Enjoy fast-track entry into Basilica Cistern, one of the largest cisterns located in Istanbul with vaulted ceilings and raised wooden platforms with an expert guide.
-
Discover the heritage of a once-great Ottoman Empire and Istanbul’s spiritual side at the amazing Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Experience skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia and listen to how it was once a church and later became a mosque, and finally a museum.
-
Learn about the history and architecture of Hagia Sophia from your insightful audio guide.
-
Fun Fact: The Blue mosque was located on a square known as the Sultanahmet Square, originally known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople and used to be a huge stadium for chariot races.
18% off
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Enjoy convenient skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace with a guide, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years.
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Revisit Ottoman history and gaze at the weaponry on display, the palace kitchen, and its collection of over 12,000 porcelain pieces from China and Japan
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Delve into the rich Byzantine heritage with a guided tour of the 17th-century Ottoman masterpiece of the Blue Mosque.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blue Mosque has 20,000 blue handmade tiles adorning its interior, complete with 6 carved minarets.
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Upgrade your ticket to enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern and marvel at its iconic Greek design.
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Fun Fact: One of the remarkable pieces in the palace kitchen's collection is a celadon bowl from China that would change colour if the food within contained poison.
More details
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Enjoy convenient skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace with a guide, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years.
-
Revisit Ottoman history and gaze at the weaponry on display, the palace kitchen, and its collection of over 12,000 porcelain pieces from China and Japan
-
Delve into the rich Byzantine heritage with a guided tour of the 17th-century Ottoman masterpiece of the Blue Mosque.
-
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blue Mosque has 20,000 blue handmade tiles adorning its interior, complete with 6 carved minarets.
-
Upgrade your ticket to enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern and marvel at its iconic Greek design.
-
Fun Fact: One of the remarkable pieces in the palace kitchen's collection is a celadon bowl from China that would change colour if the food within contained poison.
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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.
-
Fun Fact: Kanlica is known as Istanbul's greenest point, adding a touch of nature to this mesmerizing city.
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Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s top attractions – Topkapi Palace and Basicilia Cistern, a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, and guided tours of Hagia Sophia.
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With a validity of 3 days, use this ticket to explore each site at your own pace or do all tours in one day with the same tour guide in 5 hours.
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Listen to the famed history of these famous landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide and an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
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Relax, as you sail away on the Bosphorus waterway on a 90-minute cruise and take in the spectacular beauty of Istanbul.
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Did you know? Istanbul was once the capital city of three empires – Roman, Latin, and Ottoman.
More details
-
Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s top attractions – Topkapi Palace and Basicilia Cistern, a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, and guided tours of Hagia Sophia.
-
With a validity of 3 days, use this ticket to explore each site at your own pace or do all tours in one day with the same tour guide in 5 hours.
-
Listen to the famed history of these famous landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide and an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
-
Relax, as you sail away on the Bosphorus waterway on a 90-minute cruise and take in the spectacular beauty of Istanbul.
-
Did you know? Istanbul was once the capital city of three empires – Roman, Latin, and Ottoman.
17% off
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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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Dive into Istanbul's history led by an expert guide, and savor the local flavor with exotic tea, Turkish delights, and spices at the Hagia Sophia Bazaar.
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Marvel at the Blue Mosque's 6 soaring minarets and discover Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century church built by the East Roman Empire.
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Admire the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir, from outside, and wander through the gardens of Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans.
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Conclude the tour exploring the lively Hagia Sophia Bazaar offering an array of exquisite fabrics, dresses, jewelry, spices, ceramics, and antiques.
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Did you know? The Hagia Sophia Bazaar has over 3,000 shops spread over 61 streets, making it one of the largest covered markets in the world.
More details
-
Dive into Istanbul's history led by an expert guide, and savor the local flavor with exotic tea, Turkish delights, and spices at the Hagia Sophia Bazaar.
-
Marvel at the Blue Mosque's 6 soaring minarets and discover Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century church built by the East Roman Empire.
-
Admire the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir, from outside, and wander through the gardens of Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans.
-
Conclude the tour exploring the lively Hagia Sophia Bazaar offering an array of exquisite fabrics, dresses, jewelry, spices, ceramics, and antiques.
-
Did you know? The Hagia Sophia Bazaar has over 3,000 shops spread over 61 streets, making it one of the largest covered markets in the world.
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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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