Blue Mosque Tickets

Blue Mosque Opening Hours

Blue Mosque Opening Hours: The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, usually welcomes visitors every day, except during the five daily prayer times.

Blue Mosque is open all year round.

Closing Days: Blue Mosque closes to non-worshippers during prayer hours and the Friday noon prayers.

Best Times to Visit Blue Mosque

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Blue Mosque Opening Hours

Blue Mosque Opening Hours: The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, usually welcomes visitors every day, except during the five daily prayer times.

Blue Mosque is open all year round.

Closing Days: Blue Mosque closes to non-worshippers during prayer hours and the Friday noon prayers.

Best Times to Visit Blue Mosque

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Morning Hours: Generally, visiting the Blue Mosque early in the morning, shortly after it opens for the day, can be a good idea to avoid large crowds. This is especially true during the peak tourist season.

Weekdays: Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, tend to have fewer visitors compared to weekends. This can help you enjoy a more peaceful visit without the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds.

Off-Peak Seasons: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, and tourist crowds are not at their peak.

Religious Activities: Keep in mind that the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship for Muslims. Therefore, it's closed to tourists during the five daily prayers and the Friday midday prayer. Plan your visit around these prayer times, and be respectful of the religious activities taking place.

Tourist Seasons: The summer months (July to August) tend to be the busiest tourist season in Istanbul. While this period offers warm weather, it also means larger crowds at popular attractions like the Blue Mosque. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the less crowded times mentioned earlier.

Ramadan: The timing of your visit should also take into account Ramadan, the Islamic holy month that changes each year based on the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, the Blue Mosque remains open for visitors, but you should be aware of potential schedule changes and the increased religious significance of the mosque during this time.

How to Get There

Blue Mosque is situated on the Historical Peninsula within the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Fatih district, ensuring easy accessibility.

By TramThe closest tram stations are Sultanahmet and Gülhane, both within a 5-minute walking distance.

From Taksim: The most convenient route from Taksim Square to Blue Mosque involves taking the F1 funicular to Kabataş. At Kabataş Station, transfer to tram T1 and travel 7 stops to Sultanahmet Station. A short walk from there will lead you to Basilica Cistern.

By Bus:The closest bus stop to the Blue Mosque is located at Sarayburnu Station, which is an 15-minute walk away.

By Metro (from Taksim):Take Metro M2 for 3 stops to Vezneciler Station. Transfer to the T1 tram at Laleli-Üniversite station, and travel 3 more stops to Sultanahmet Station. A 7-minute walk from there will bring you to Blue Mosque.

By Car:Navigate via Adnan Menderes Boulevard, onto Turgut Özal Millet Cd, and continue onto Alemdar Cd to easily reach Blue Mosque.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessibility: Blue Mosque offers access for visitors with limited mobility. To avail wheelchair access, purchase tickets at the west corner of the building, where Sultanahmet square intersect. This entrance features ramps.

What's Inside

Inside the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), you'll find a magnificent display of intricate design, stunning architecture, and religious significance.

Here's what you can expect to see inside the Blue Mosque:

Central Prayer Hall: The central prayer hall is the heart of the Blue Mosque. It features a vast open space under the central dome, flanked by smaller domes and semi-domes. The design is symmetrical, with a spacious and elegant layout that accommodates worshipers during prayers.

Blue Tiles: The interior of the mosque is adorned with an extensive collection of blue Iznik tiles, which lend the mosque its nickname. These beautifully decorated tiles feature floral patterns, intricate calligraphy, and geometric designs, creating a serene and visually captivating atmosphere.

Mihrab and Minbar: The mihrab is a niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca, which Muslims face during prayers. It is elaborately decorated with tiles and intricate designs. Next to the mihrab is the minbar, a pulpit from which the imam delivers sermons during Friday prayers.

Pillars and Columns: The Blue Mosque boasts a total of 260 pillars made from various types of marble. These pillars support the numerous domes and semi-domes that grace the interior space. The intricate design of the columns adds to the mosque's architectural grandeur.

Carpets and Chandeliers: The prayer hall is covered with soft carpets that provide a comfortable space for worshipers. The mosque also features ornate chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, illuminating the interior and adding to the mosque's beauty.

Calligraphy and Inscriptions: The walls of the Blue Mosque are adorned with intricate calligraphy from the Quran, featuring verses and inscriptions in beautiful Arabic script. These inscriptions are often in shades of blue, enhancing the mosque's aesthetic appeal.

Courtyards and Gardens: The Blue Mosque has spacious courtyards on its exterior, featuring fountains and greenery. These courtyards provide a serene area for visitors to relax and admire the mosque's exterior architecture.

Decorative Elements: The interior is replete with decorative elements such as intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, and floral designs. These details highlight the mastery of Ottoman craftsmanship.

Prayer Time of Blue Mosque

Prayer times at Blue Mosque are determined by the daily Islamic prayer schedule, which can vary. It's recommended to check the specific prayer times for the day of your visit, as they may coincide with the periods when the site is closed to non-worshippers.

Ticket & Tour Options

You can purchase your Blue Mosque tour tickets online by visiting this link.

Facilities

Audio Guide App: All tickets & tours booked with Istanbul Welcome Card comes with a free Audio Guide App from YourMobileGuide, just download at your smartphone and keep on exploring Blue Mosque at your own pace.

Food

Certainly, here are some dining recommendations around Blue Mosque, near Sultanahmet Square:

Local Cuisine: Explore the Sultanahmet district for authentic Turkish restaurants serving dishes like kebabs, mezze, and pide.

Rooftop Dining: Indulge in stunning views of Blue Mosque while savoring a mix of Turkish and international flavors at rooftop restaurants.

Street Food Delights: Try quick and flavorful street foods such as simit (sesame-coated bread), roasted chestnuts, and fresh fruits from local vendors.

Historic View Restaurants: Restaurants offering not only delicious cuisine but also views of Blue Mosque and the historic surroundings.

Turkish Sweets: Satisfy your sweet cravings by visiting Turkish delight shops to enjoy and buy this beloved treat.

Bazaars' Flavors: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, where you can sample local delicacies amidst the shopping experience.Before dining, it's wise to read reviews, consider your dietary preferences, and confirm opening hours to ensure a delightful culinary experience around Blue Mosque.

Nearby Attractions

Topkapi Palace: A sprawling complex of courtyards and structures, Topkapi Palace stands as a magnificent showcase of Islamic art and architecture. Within its walls, you'll encounter a remarkable assortment of manuscripts, ancient weaponry, and exquisite jewels. You can book your Topkapi Palace tour ticket from this link.

Basilica Cistern: Crafted in the 6th century, this subterranean cistern is a captivating site. Just a brief stroll from Topkapi Palace, it offers an intriguing glimpse into the past. You can book your Basilica Cistern ticket from this link.

Hagia Sophia: Essential for any Istanbul traveler, the Grand Bazaar stands as one of the globe's largest and oldest covered markets. A treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts awaits within its bustling confines.

Bosphorus Cruise: Embarking on a Bosphorus cruise unveils Istanbul from a novel vantage point. As you sail along this renowned waterway, the city's silhouette, adorned by its iconic bridges, unfolds before you. You can book your Bosphorus Cruise ticket from this link.

Blue Mosque FAQs

What is the official name of the Blue Mosque?

The official name of the Blue Mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named in honor of Sultan Ahmed I, who commissioned its construction in the early 17th century.

How did the Blue Mosque get its nickname?

The Blue Mosque acquired its nickname due to the intricate blue tiles that embellish its interior walls, lending a unique and captivating visual charm to the mosque's design.

Where is the Blue Mosque located?

The Blue Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey, specifically within the historical area of Sultanahmet. Its proximity to prominent landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace makes it a central part of Istanbul's cultural and architectural heritage.

Are non-Muslim visitors allowed to explore the Blue Mosque?

Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome to explore the Blue Mosque. To ensure a respectful experience, visitors are asked to observe a dress code that covers shoulders and knees, and to remove their shoes before entering. The mosque is temporarily closed during the five daily prayer times.

Can I Buy Blue Mosque Tour Tickets Online?

Yes, you can book your Blue Mosque tickets online by visiting this link.

What are the operating hours of the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque opens its doors to visitors outside the prayer times. These hours are influenced by the Islamic lunar calendar and seasonal variations. To plan your visit, it's advisable to check the specific opening hours for the day you intend to go.

How long did the construction of the Blue Mosque take?

The construction of the Blue Mosque commenced in 1609 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I and concluded in 1616. The entire construction process spanned approximately seven years.

Is there a dress code for visitors for Blue Mosque?

Yes, please choose attire that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. Complimentary headscarves are provided at the entrance, and it's necessary to wrap them around your head before entering the revered monument.

Need to Know/Tips for Blue Mosque

Guided/Audio Tours: Exploring Blue Mosque is enhanced with a guide who can provide insightful context. For independent exploration, consider a self-guided audio tour. Yet, for a richer experience, opt for a historian-led guided tour. You can book your Blue Mosque tour by visiting this link.

Guided/Audio Tours: Exploring Blue Mosque is enhanced with a guide who can provide insightful context. For independent exploration, consider a self-guided audio tour. Yet, for a richer experience, opt for a historian-led guided tour. You can book your Blue Mosque tour by visiting this link.

Photography: Feel free to take photographs inside Blue Mosque. Just remember not to photograph people who are praying. Also, please refrain from using flash photography while on the premises.

Dress Code: Please choose attire that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. Complimentary headscarves are provided at the entrance, and it's necessary to wrap them around your head before entering the revered monument.