Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

The basics

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet 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 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) tours combine the mosque with a broader exploration of the Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi), Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi).

Things to know before you go

• 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.

• You don’t need to buy Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) tickets, it’s free to enter.

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

What to wear to a mosque in Istanbul

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.

Ways to explore

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s top attractions, so it’s a staple of sightseeing tours. Most small-group and private Blue Mosque tours combine the mosque with a broader exploration of the Sultanahmet neighborhood, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagia Sophia, the atmospheric underground Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), and the bustling Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), filled with colorful stalls selling spices. You can also admire the Blue Mosque away from the crowds during a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, which separates the Asian and European sides of the transcontinental city.

Accessibility

A spacious interior and ramps leading to the entrance ensure the Blue Mosque is barrier-free.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Women should bring a scarf to cover their head; if you forget, you can borrow one at the entrance in a lovely shade of blue.

What to wear

Dress modestly to visit this sacred religious site, ensuring your shoulders and knees are well covered. You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering, too.

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, drones, photographing worshippers

Amenities

Restrooms, shoe storage, souvenir stalls

Address 

While you can drive to the Blue Mosque, it’s generally not recommended, as parking in the area is limited. Instead, take public transit or book a guided tour that includes hotel pickup.

Driving

From Istanbul Airport (IST), follow signs to the Istanbul city center. Take the Otoyol 7/Otoyol 1 highways toward Fatih/Sultanahmet. Signs will point you in the direction of Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı), where the Blue Mosque is located.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach the mosque on public transportation is to take tram line T1, which stops at Sultanahmet; from there, it’s an approximately 5-minute walk to the attraction.

Best times to visit

The Blue Mosque closes to non-worshippers for prayer five times a day from dawn until dark; check the website for specific timings, as these change according to the month.

Best days to visit

For a less crowded experience of the mosque, avoid Fridays, which are a significant day in the Muslim calendar for congregational worship.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit the mosque, as you’ll encounter fewer crowds and temperatures more comfortable for sightseeing.

Special events

During the Islamic festival of Ramadan (for which dates depend on lunar cycles), the square in front of the mosque fills with worshippers after sundown.