🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – Istanbul Guide 2025

The Blue Mosque is the most iconic mosque in Istanbul. Completed in the 17th century under Sultan Ahmed I, it was designed to rival Hagia Sophia across the square. Inside, thousands of hand-painted blue tiles, hanging lamps and stained glass windows create a calm and atmospheric prayer hall.

• Architecture: cascading domes and six slender minarets dominate the Sultanahmet skyline.
• Interior: blue Iznik tiles, Arabic calligraphy and patterned carpets.
• Atmosphere: a working mosque with regular prayers and a strong local feel.
• Location: right on Sultanahmet Square, in front of Hagia Sophia.

Most visitors spend around 45–60 minutes inside, plus extra time in the courtyard and gardens for photos.

• Area: Sultanahmet Square, in the historic Old City (European side).
• Located at the far end of the square opposite Hagia Sophia.
• 📍 Google Maps – Blue Mosque

From the mosque you are only a few minutes’ walk from Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, small parks and several cafés with views of both mosques.

The Blue Mosque is first and foremost a place of worship, so sightseeing must fit around the five daily prayers and especially the main Friday prayer.

• Open to visitors every day, usually between the main prayer times.
• Closed to tourists for around 30–45 minutes during each prayer, longer on Fridays at noon.
• Before and during prayers, non-worshippers may be asked to wait outside or in a specific visitor area.

For a smooth visit, try to come outside prayer times – mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday is often best.

• Entrance to the Blue Mosque is free, as it is an active mosque.
• You will pass through security checks and may have to queue at busy times.
• Guided tours and audio guides can be arranged on-site or booked online in advance.

If you prefer structured explanations about the tiles, calligraphy and history, consider a short guided visit or a combined Old City tour including Hagia Sophia.

• Women: hair covered with a headscarf, shoulders and legs covered (no short skirts or shorts).
• Men: avoid sleeveless tops and very short shorts; knees should be covered.
• Shoes off: remove shoes before entering and carry them in the plastic bag provided.
• Quiet atmosphere: keep voices low and avoid walking directly in front of people who are praying.
• Photography: generally allowed, but turn off flash and be respectful during prayers.

If needed, simple scarves and wraps are often available near the entrance, but it’s easier to bring your own.

• Blue Iznik tiles: look at the lower walls and columns to see the floral, geometric patterns that give the mosque its nickname.
• Central dome & chandeliers: stand in the middle of the prayer hall and look up to appreciate the height and symmetry.
• Calligraphy: Quranic verses and names of Allah and the Prophet (ﷺ) around the main arches and dome.
• Courtyard: the open courtyard with fountains and arches is one of the best spots for photos.
• View towards Hagia Sophia: from the outer gardens you can see both mosques facing each other – classic Sultanahmet photo.

Move slowly around the hall and take time to sit quietly on the carpet if you want to feel the peaceful side of the mosque.

• Tram T1 → Sultanahmet: the most convenient option for most visitors. From the Sultanahmet stop, walk a few minutes up into the square and follow signs for the mosque. See our Tram in Istanbul guide for details.
• From Taksim: take the F1 funicular to Kabataş, then change to Tram T1 toward Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet.
• Taxi / apps: licensed yellow taxis using BiTaksi or Uber in Turkey can drop you close to the square; traffic can be slow at peak times.
• Walking tours: many guided walks start at Sultanahmet Tram stop or directly in the square.

If you’re staying in Sultanahmet, you can reach the mosque on foot from most hotels in under 10 minutes.

• ⛪ Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – directly opposite across Sultanahmet Square.
• 🏰 Topkapi Palace – 5–10 minutes’ walk through the gardens.
• 🛍️ Grand Bazaar – traditional shopping streets, carpets, lamps and souvenirs.
• 🌶️ Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – near Eminönü tram stop, perfect after a short T1 ride.
• 🚤 Bosphorus Cruise – combine your mosque visit with a cruise from Eminönü or Kabataş.

A classic day is: Blue Mosque → Hagia Sophia → Topkapi Palace → Grand Bazaar, with tea or lunch breaks in between.

Sultanahmet can feel touristy, but you can still find good places for a quick meal or a view after visiting the Blue Mosque:

• Köfte & Turkish dishes: classic meatballs, soups and simple plates around the tram line – ideal for families after walking between mosques and museums.
• Rooftop cafés: several rooftops near Sultanahmet offer views of both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, perfect for sunset drinks or dessert.
• Quick snacks: simit (Turkish bagel), fresh juice stands and small bakeries around the square – good if you’re continuing on to the Grand Bazaar.
• Tea & dessert: try Turkish tea, Turkish coffee and baklava in one of the shaded courtyards or side streets away from the busiest corners.

Avoid the most aggressive “tourist menu” hosts right on the main square and walk one or two streets back for quieter spots.

• Arrive early: mornings between the first and second prayers are usually calmer.
• Avoid peak times: crowds grow in late morning and early afternoon, especially in high season.
• Check Friday schedule: Friday midday prayer (Jumu’ah) is the busiest; sightseeing is limited around that time.
• Families: explain mosque etiquette to children in advance and keep them close in queues.
• Clothing: plan your outfit for both mosques the same day to avoid having to change or buy extra scarves.

If you want photos with fewer people in the background, early morning or just before sunset on a non-Friday day can be ideal.

• Official info: sultanahmetcamii.org
• Public transport status/map: metro.istanbul – service status
• Visitor reviews & photos: Tripadvisor – Blue Mosque

Combine your Blue Mosque visit with these Tripmoo guides:

• ⛪ Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – hours, dress code and tips.
• 🏰 Topkapi Palace guide – tickets and Harem section.
• 🚊 Tram in Istanbul (T1/T5) – how to use trams to reach Sultanahmet.
• 🛍️ Grand Bazaar – shopping and what to buy.
• 🚤 Bosphorus Cruise guide – day and evening cruise ideas.