Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s top attractions and offers the opportunity to visit an active place of worship in the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood. Stroll through the airy courtyard and pause to soak up the atmosphere inside the mosque’s vast and curvaceous interior under cascading domes.

Most small-group and private tours combine a visit to the Blue Mosque with a broader exploration of the Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.

• The Blue Mosque is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will remove them when you enter the mosque.

• Headscarves for women are provided at the entrance to the mosque.

• Make sure to cover your knees and shoulders before entering.

• The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times.

• In an effort to keep the carpet clean, wheelchair users must use one of the wheelchairs provided by the mosque.

The Blue Mosque is located in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, across from the Hagia Sophia Museum. It’s a short walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop and a slightly longer walk from the Eminonu ferry terminal. Taxis are another option; there is limited parking in Sultanahmet so it is not recommended to drive.

Get to the Blue Mosque early, before the crowds arrive. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are listed in front of the mosque and also online. Prayer times are longer on Fridays. Muslim and Turkish holidays can also affect opening hours, so check before visiting.

Though scarves and cover-ups are provided, it helps to dress appropriately when you visit a mosque in Istanbul. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, while men should wear long pants instead of shorts. Bring a spare scarf and wear a short-sleeve shirt with a long skirt or pants for maximum convenience and comfort. And be prepared to remove your shoes.

Inside the Blue Mosque, you’ll see over 20,000 tiles with 50 different tulip patterns, each an exquisite shade of blue. There are also 12 types of marble, spectacular columns, arches, domes, 200 stained glass windows, chandeliers, and verses from the Qur'an inscribed in the walls, most everything dating back to the 1600s.

Your interest in history, religion, and architecture will determine how long you’ll want to spend inside the Blue Mosque, but most visitors typically spend 1–2 hours. And with admission being free, even if you don’t have that much time, it’s worth it to stop by and see this incomparable Turkish landmark.

Many tourists visit the Blue Mosque because it’s simply spectacular to look at—20,000 handmade tiles, all shades of blue, in one architectural masterpiece. Others visit because of its importance to Istanbul and the former Ottoman Empire. And yet others utilize it as an active prayer place; prayer services are still held here daily.

Yes, admission into Istanbul’s Blue Mosque is free, though donations are welcome. It’s typically open every day of the week, though it’s closed to non-worshippers before and after the daily call to prayer, plus every Friday until 2:30pm. With the Istanbul E-pass, guided tours are free as well.

Yes, non-Muslims can visit the Blue Mosque, though only at select times. The structure is closed to non-worshippers 45 minutes before and 15 minutes after the daily call to prayer and on Fridays until 2:30pm. If you visit, know there’s also a dress code—make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, regardless of gender.

Yes, you can technically wear leggings to and inside a mosque, like Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, but you’ll still be asked to wear a wrap around your legs for modesty. At most mosques, that wrap will be provided for free. Which is to say, it may be easier to wear something else.