Blue Mosque
An architectural marvel adorned with thousands of blue tiles, this imperial mosque is a symbol of Istanbul's rich history and Islamic heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Blue Mosque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architectural marvel adorned with thousands of blue tiles, this imperial mosque is a symbol of Istanbul's rich history and Islamic heritage.
"The interior is absolutely breathtaking, a sea of blue tiles that will leave you speechless."
🎯 Cover Up Respectfully
Women, bring a scarf to cover your hair. Everyone, wear long pants/skirts. Free scarves available, but bring your own!
👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry
You'll need to take off your shoes. A bag to carry them in is handy. Socks are optional but recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Blue Interior
Main prayer hall
Marvel at thousands of hand-painted blue Iznik tiles adorning the walls, creating a breathtaking, ethereal atmosphere.
Six Minarets
Exterior
Admire the mosque's distinctive silhouette, one of the few in the world with six minarets, a testament to its grandeur.
Sultan Ahmed's Tomb
Courtyard
Pay respects at the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, the visionary behind this magnificent architectural masterpiece.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Etiquette
Friday Prayer Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cover Up Respectfully
Women, bring a scarf to cover your hair. Everyone, wear long pants/skirts. Free scarves available, but bring your own!
👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry
You'll need to take off your shoes. A bag to carry them in is handy. Socks are optional but recommended.
🗓️ Avoid Friday Prayer
The mosque is closed to tourists from 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Fridays for prayer.
📸 Capture the Blue Hour
Visit during 'blue hour' for stunning, atmospheric photos of the mosque.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cover Up Respectfully
Women, bring a scarf to cover your hair. Everyone, wear long pants/skirts. Free scarves available, but bring your own!
👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry
You'll need to take off your shoes. A bag to carry them in is handy. Socks are optional but recommended.
🗓️ Avoid Friday Prayer
The mosque is closed to tourists from 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Fridays for prayer.
📸 Capture the Blue Hour
Visit during 'blue hour' for stunning, atmospheric photos of the mosque.
💰 Free Entry, Optional Tours
Entry is free! Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into its history and architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mosque's interior, particularly its intricate blue tilework. The grandeur of its architecture and its historical significance are also major highlights. Some find the crowds can be overwhelming, and adherence to the dress code is strictly enforced.
"The Blue Mosque is a beautiful and historic place of worship, and given that it’s free to enter, it’s certainly worth stopping by if you have the time. The architecture and the iconic blue tiles that give the mosque its name are lovely to see, and for practicing Muslims, the chance to pray here is an opportunity not to be missed. That said, for general tourists the experience is more limited — access is restricted to certain areas, and there isn’t a great deal of information provided to help you understand the significance of what you’re seeing. If your schedule is packed and you need to prioritise, this is something you could skip without feeling you’ve missed a major part of Istanbul, but if you do have the time, it’s a peaceful and worthwhile visit."
Jake Curtis-Smith
"Visiting the Blue Mosque…stirs a mix of awe, serenity, and reverence. As you step inside, the vastness of the domed ceiling and the sea of intricate blue Iznik tiles create a sense of wonder—almost as if you’ve walked into a painting. The soft light filtering through stained-glass windows casts a gentle glow, adding to the atmosphere of calm.
The sound of quiet footsteps on the carpet, the occasional murmur of prayer, and the open, airy space bring a deep feeling of stillness. It feels so peaceful, in a way you can find nowhere else. Many describe a sense of humility when standing beneath the soaring domes, as if the scale of the architecture makes human worries feel small. At the same time, there’s a warmth in the details—the repeating floral motifs, the harmony of design—that leaves you with a lasting sense of tranquility and admiration."
Asiya 121
"Returning to the Blue Mosque after 18 years felt like stepping back into a timeless masterpiece.
Despite the many changes since my last visit – including more restrictions on where and when visitors can enter – the mosque has lost none of its magic. Its majestic domes, elegant minarets, and intricate interiors remain a breathtaking testament to Ottoman architecture. Standing within its walls, one cannot help but feel the weight of history and the serenity of a place that has inspired awe for centuries."
Ján Majer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is centrally located in the Sultanahmet district. You can easily reach it by tram (T1 line to Sultanahmet station) or by bus. Many hotels are within walking distance.
Yes, the Blue Mosque is a prominent landmark in Istanbul's historic center and is very easy to find. Its six minarets make it visible from many points in the Sultanahmet area.
Taxis are readily available in Istanbul. Simply tell your driver 'Sultanahmet Camii' or 'Blue Mosque'. Be aware of potential traffic, especially during peak hours.
From Taksim Square, take the F1 funicular to Kabataş, then transfer to the T1 tram line towards Bağcılar and alight at the Sultanahmet stop.
Parking in the Sultanahmet area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the Blue Mosque.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Blue Mosque is free for all visitors. Donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
The Blue Mosque is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but it closes to visitors during prayer times. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, but it is closed to tourists for about 1.5 hours during midday prayer times on Fridays (typically 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM). Plan your visit around these times.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Blue Mosque. It is a functioning mosque and entry is free for all.
While the exterior is beautifully lit at night, the interior is only accessible during daylight hours and prayer times.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Visitors must dress modestly. Women need to cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear long pants. Free headscarves and coverings are often available at the entrance.
Yes, all visitors must remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall. It's advisable to wear socks or be prepared to walk barefoot on the carpets.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Blue Mosque, but it's important to be respectful and avoid taking pictures during prayer times or of people praying.
A typical visit to the Blue Mosque can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on crowds and how much time you spend admiring the interior.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to understand the history and intricate details of the mosque. You can book tours through various providers or sometimes find local guides.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Sultanahmet area surrounding the Blue Mosque offers numerous restaurants and cafes, from traditional Turkish cuisine to international options.
Absolutely! Look for smaller, local eateries or 'lokantas' in the side streets around Sultanahmet for delicious and affordable meals. Some offer great views too.
You'll find classic Turkish dishes like kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), mezes (appetizers), and traditional sweets like baklava. Don't miss trying Turkish tea or coffee.
Yes, several restaurants and cafes in the Sultanahmet area boast rooftop terraces with stunning views of the Blue Mosque, especially beautiful at sunset.
No, eating is not permitted inside the Blue Mosque as it is a place of worship. There are plenty of dining options just outside the mosque complex.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers beautiful lighting. 'Blue hour' just after sunset provides a magical, atmospheric glow.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful and respectful. Avoid flash photography and do not photograph people praying.
From the courtyard, the exterior with its minarets, and the interior showcasing the blue tiles are all iconic. Consider viewpoints from nearby rooftops for panoramic shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like historical sites and religious buildings in Istanbul. Check local regulations before attempting.
The area between the two mosques offers excellent vantage points for capturing both iconic structures together. Rooftop cafes also provide great perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit relatively short to maintain children's attention. Focus on the visual aspects like the blue tiles and the grand dome. The courtyard offers space for them to move around a bit more freely. Consider bringing snacks and drinks for before or after your visit, as food is not allowed inside.
🕌 Religious Visitors
During Friday prayers, the mosque is closed to tourists from approximately 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Worshippers can enter before or after these times. The serene atmosphere and magnificent architecture provide a deeply spiritual environment for prayer and reflection.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1Inside, the intricate blue Iznik tiles are a photographer's dream. Be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid flash. Consider capturing the scale of the dome and the calligraphy. For unique perspectives, explore nearby rooftop cafes that offer panoramic views of the mosque and the surrounding Istanbul skyline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of the Blue Mosque
The most striking feature of the Blue Mosque is its interior, which is adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted ceramic tiles from Iznik, predominantly in shades of blue. These tiles depict various floral and geometric patterns, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The mosque also boasts a magnificent central dome and several semi-domes, supported by massive pillars. The calligraphy adorning the walls and the stained-glass windows further enhance its artistic and spiritual ambiance.
Unlike the Hagia Sophia, which has been converted between mosque and museum status, the Blue Mosque has always functioned as an active place of worship. This means visitors must adhere to strict dress codes and be mindful of prayer times. The mosque's courtyard offers a serene space for reflection and provides excellent views of the exterior architecture.
Visiting Etiquette and Practicalities
Before entering the prayer hall, all visitors must remove their shoes. It's a good idea to wear socks, as the carpets can be cool. You can carry your shoes in a bag or leave them in designated areas. The mosque is an active place of worship, so silence and respectful behavior are expected at all times. Avoid loud conversations and be mindful of those who are praying.
Photography is permitted, but it's crucial to be discreet and avoid disrupting worshippers. Refrain from using flash photography, especially during prayer times. The best times for photography are often during the quieter hours of the day or during the 'blue hour' when the exterior is beautifully illuminated.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit