The Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmet Camii, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is famous for its six minarets and cascading domes. Its interior is adorned with over 20,000 handmade İznik tiles, which give the mosque its distinctive blue hue. Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, the mosque is an active place of worship and a must-see for anyone exploring the city’s rich history and culture.
Istanbul - Türkiye
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Istanbul - Türkiye
Guided Tours
Walking Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
City Cards
Day Trips
Istanbul - Türkiye
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Istanbul - Türkiye
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Istanbul - Türkiye
Day Trips
Guided Tours
The Blue Mosque is free to visit, but donations are appreciated to support its upkeep. As an active mosque, it is closed to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times, which occur five times daily. These times vary depending on the season, so checking ahead is recommended. Modest clothing is required, and women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Free scarves and wraps are often available at the entrance. The mosque recently underwent extensive renovations, but most areas are now accessible, offering a more comfortable experience for visitors.
Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Plastic bags are provided to carry your shoes during your visit. Photography is allowed but should be respectful—avoid flash and do not disturb worshippers. The surrounding courtyard and gardens provide stunning views and photo opportunities. For a deeper understanding of its history, consider joining a guided tour or using an audio guide.
The Blue Mosque is easily accessible from anywhere in Istanbul. It is located in Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet station for the quickest access. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the mosque. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available, but public transport is often the easiest and most reliable option due to traffic in the old city.
To avoid crowds, visit the mosque early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside of prayer times. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. During Ramadan and Islamic holidays, the mosque sees an increase in visitors, so plan accordingly. Sunset is a magical time to visit, as the mosque’s domes and minarets are beautifully illuminated.