Would you like to visit the Blue Mosque during your stay in Istanbul? Here’s all the information you need to discover this famous Turkish monument and the secrets it holds.
A symbol of grandeur with its thirteen domes and six minarets, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s major monuments. Resplendent and bursting with color, it is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful Ottoman mosques.
The Blue Mosque stands proudly on Sultanahmet Meydani Square, probably the largest and most famous square in Istanbul. And with good reason: it houses not only the Blue Mosque, but also the Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace.
Would you like to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to discover every corner of it. From its history to its opening times and ticket prices, you’ll know everything there is to know about this majestic monument after reading this article!
History of the Blue Mosque
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
Located next to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, the Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed I Mosque. It is Istanbul’s largest mosque, and became the main departure point for the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Sultan Ahmed built this mosque to rival the Basilica of Saint Sophia, demonstrating that Muslim architecture was no less worthy than Christian architecture.
It was built between 1609 and 1616 by the famous architect Sinan. The organization of the construction work was described in great detail in eight volumes, still preserved today in the library of the Topkapi Palace. It caused a scandal, because in theory, no mosque should have as many minarets as Mecca, which had six at the time.
When the Blue Mosque was built, a seventh minaret was erected in Mecca. It is considered the last surviving example of classical Ottoman architecture. The mosque takes its name from the fact that it houses over 20,000 Iznik blue ceramic tiles.
Our tips for visiting the Blue Mosque
Here are a few tips to help you plan your stay in Istanbul, including a visit to the Blue Mosque.
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AlexAnton
The best time to visit the Blue Mosque
Many visitors include a visit to the Blue Mosque on their list of must-sees during their stay in Istanbul. Indeed, it’s one of the Turkish capital’s most famous monuments. The best time to avoid the crowds is when the mosqueopens. You’ll have to get up a little earlier than usual, but it’s well worth it!
Visit duration
We recommend you allow around 30 minutes to visit the mosque and admire all the details of its ceramics. If you opt for a guided tour, you’ll need an average of 45 minutes to an hour. Of course, you’re welcome to stay inside the mosque for as long as you like… until the next prayer!
Miscellaneous clarifications
- The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. This is important to note, as not all mosques are;
- To appreciate its splendor to the full, approach the mosque from the center of the racecourse rather than from the park;
- Photos and videos are permitted inside the mosque. The best way to create a souvenir album;
- Wheelchair users are welcome to visit the Blue Mosque, thanks to a large ramp at the side.
What to do when you visit the Blue Mosque?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yarygin
Admire its architecture
In the Muslim world, a mosque usually has a minaret. The Blue Mosque’s six minarets make it one of a kind. Together with its thirteen domes, they make this mosque a landmark of Ottoman architecture.
Dazzle in a spectacular interior
The interior of the mosque is truly breathtaking. When you step inside, you’re treated to a shower of light filtered through some 200 stained glass windows. Magnificently calligraphed suras and sumptuous woven carpets complete this magical picture that will remain engraved in your memory.
Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed 1st
Opposite Sultanahmet Park, on the north side of the mosque, you’ll find the tomb of Sultan Ahmed 1st. Having acceded to the throne at the age of 13, he died in his twenty-seventh year.
How much does a ticket to the Blue Mosque cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luciano Mortula – LGM
Visits are free all year round. In fact, as with most religious monuments, tickets to the Blue Mosque are free. Proper attire is required, and veils are available for women at the entrance. Shoes must be left at the entrance.
How do I book a ticket for the Blue Mosque online?
As admission is free, it is not possible to book a ticket for the Blue Mosque online. However, you can book a guided tour of this monument or a combined tour of several Stamboulian monuments.
Are there guided tours of the Blue Mosque?
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You can hire a guide to visit the Blue Mosque. He or she will reveal the best-kept secrets of this religious monument.
Are there combined tours with other Istanbul monuments?
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You’ll find plenty of opportunities to visit the Blue Mosque in combination with other Istanbul monuments. These include Topkapi Palace and the Basilica of Saint Sophia.
Full-day excursion to discover Istanbul’s main monuments
This guided tour of Istanbul’s Old Town includes visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Basilica, the Roman Hippodrome and the tombs of the sultans. Time is also set aside for a stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Basilica and Topkapi Palace
On this private tour, discover the wonders of Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Basilica. Finish your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar.
Virtual tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Now that’s an unusual visit! If you’re not in Istanbul, but would like to discover some of its highlights, why not take an online tour of the Blue Mosque? What’s more, you can also explore the Topkapi Palace, another of Istanbul’s great monuments.
Opening hours
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
The Blue Mosque is open every day from 8am to 6pm. The only time you’ll find the doors closed is during the five daily prayers. Make sure you find out about the hours of worship before you go!
How to get to the Blue Mosque
To reach the Blue Mosque and visit it, you’ll need to go to the following address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7. As its name suggests, it’s located in the Sultanahmet district, right in the city center. The mosque is easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the city center.
- By streetcar: the most convenient way to get to the Blue Mosque is undoubtedly by streetcar. Line T1 takes you directly behind the Mosque, to theSultanahmet stop;
- By bus: to reach the Blue Mosque by bus, take the BN1 line. Get off at theAkbıyık stop, just over 10 minutes’ walk from the mosque;
- On foot: if you’re already in downtown Istanbul, make a detour on foot to Sultanahmet Square, home to the Blue Mosque (and why not to other monuments, such as Topkapi Palace)! These wonders are located in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, and are best discovered on foot;
- By train: Marmaray is a railroad linking Istanbul’s Asian and European shores via an immersed tunnel. Get off at theEminönü İskele stop, and you’ll be a 1 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque ;
Where can I park near the Blue Mosque?
A word of advice: don’t waste your time looking for a free space, or you’ll end up wasting fuel and patience! You can park anywhere in the city for a small fee.
There’s no need to look for parking meters in Istanbul: City Hall employees, dressed in uniforms and sometimes in civilian clothes, are there to collect the price to be paid for a parking space in the city center.
As a bonus, they’ll keep an eye on your car while it’s parked. On average, you should expect to pay 4 Turkish Liras (TL) per hour of parking (less than €0.50), but in a tourist area like Sultanahmet, it’s a little more expensive.
Where to stay near the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque is located right in the center of Istanbul. In other words, the easiest way to stay near the mosque is to book a hotel, which you’ll find on this hotel comparator, or an Airbnb in the Sultanahmet district.
The advantage is that you can take advantage of your accommodation’s location to explore the whole district, which is packed with historic monuments and other places of tourist interest.
Now you know all about the best ways to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Tell us about your visit in the comments section!