Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Built between 1609-1616, this impressive mosque has six minarets. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in Blue İznik tiles. The second is: many years ago, ancient sailors who sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea saw the blue colors of the sea reflected in the mosque.
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere stroll of each other – and all set around the site of an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to retain an air of peace and calm. It offers visitors a significantly less celebrated but nonetheless pleasant network of quaint lanes and side streets, majestic panoramas of the Bosphorus, and an impressive assortment of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
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See what travelers are saying

  • TrueIndian
    216 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must See Sight
    Also called Sultan Ahmad Mosque. Has a big dome and six minarets. Free Entry. Visitors queue from the entry gate. However, I saw a lot of visitors entering from the exit gate as there was no queue. No one was preventing entry from the exit gate. Free toilets available Entry is stopped during the service as this is a functioning mosque. Check the service timings before going. One of the three services in the day is at 1.15 PM and is for one hour Garment regulation applies and women have to wear scarf and cover the legs and arms. Scarf and dress supplied on site with out any charge. Shoes have to be removed before entry. Shoes have to be carried with you to be kept on the shoe stands inside. If you are worried about shoe theft, carry an empty bag with you to carry the shoes. There are 10 steep steps on entry. No wheel chair was available. The visitors remain on the ground floor and not allowed to go to higher floors. First floor has blue tiles which give this mosque the name of Blue mosque. Also a big area on ground flooor is cordoned off. There is no seating inside. People sit on the carpet on the floor and some sit on the wooden shoe stands. After spending some time inside visitors come out in the courtyard where there are good picture opportunity. Pictures and videos are allowed. Since every visitor to Istanbul will visit this mosque, expect long queues and crowd inside so it is better to go early. Time required approximately 30 minutes excluding the time spent in the queue.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 17, 2023
  • Bill S
    Grand Rapids, Minnesota246 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible, and a little sad
    How can a person not be overwhelming impressed with this magnificent structure? It’s beyond words to try to explain it. One of the most impressive structures I have ever been in, right up there with the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Abbey, and Machu Picchu. But I watched a man, a visitor, videoing himself while praying. Hmmm… what is more impressive? The one I’m praying to or the building I’m doing it in? That event caused me to lose my respect for an edifice built with man’s hands.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 26, 2023
  • PHILIP D
    London, United Kingdom109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Choose your timing
    Originally went early in the morning (about 09:00) and found the queue unbelievably long with an hour + wait and I suspect very busy inside.so we went away and came back again just before 22:00 that evening - not even a queue just walked straight in. Once inside it’s an amazing building with a very “special atmosphere”. Definitely worth a visit
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 26, 2023
  • SteveB
    Paignton, United Kingdom1,199 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see mosque
    This was absolutely stunning and worth the trip to Instanbul in itself. The tiles and architecture are masterpieces and you can not help but to be in awe of its beauty and the devotion and skill of those that built and adorned it. The queues can get quite long here as well to get to the tourist entrance but I assure you it is worth the wait! Top tips: Ladies take a head covering/scarf or you can borrow them from the mosque and if you take a bag it's easier to put your shoes in and keep them with you rather then return to collect them. As expected the cafes in the main near the mosques do not serve alcohol but do very nice lemonades, fresh juices and of course Turkish teas and coffee. A must visit indeed👍
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 28, 2023
  • Divya7
    Chennai (Madras), India248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Enter just before the evening prayers to avoid a line. The place is stunning with stained glass windows, chandeliers and blue tiles. It might take multiple visits to see the tile work fully. Women are not allowed beyond a particular point so visit the Sultan Ahmet Tomb to see the details of the tile work. While looking at the minarets of the mosque I got a feeling that it could have inspired those in the Aladdin movie and in several Disney buildings.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 1, 2023
  • babykong
    London, United Kingdom1,248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic Istanbul.
    If you’re going to visit just one tourist attraction in Istanbul I would make it The Blue Mosque - it is without a doubt an iconic emblem of Istanbul, and one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. There was a huge queue when I got there which snaked around outside the complex, but it moved pretty quickly and I was inside under twenty minutes. If you’re not dressed appropriately they provide you with a covering, as well as scarves for women to cover their hair. A must see in Istanbul.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 10, 2023
  • tinkle_24
    Northampton, United Kingdom1,781 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning and stupendous!
    What a beautiful mosque. The pastel coloured domes were a delight to behold, but not forgetting the blue Iznit tiles and stained glass windows. It was extremely busy and we had to queue for about 20 mins but the long queue moved on very rapidly. Gorgeous inside. Outside were six slim minarets and made the mosque a great beauty to behold.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 14, 2023
  • Niyra K
    Coventry, United Kingdom165 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Blue Mosque
    Stunning place loved it all. The mosque has so much history and character. We really enjoyed our visit . It's also very busy, so try and go later in the evening when also it looks beautiful with the lights.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 14, 2023
  • ScotAlberta
    Sherwood Park, Canada688 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and Iconic Mosque in Istanbul
    Beautiful and packed - closes for prayer regularly. Had to return on a second day as it was closed for prayer and the line up to get in after prayer was too long. The mosque itself is beautiful - unfortunately cables for chandeliers hanging everywhere inside make good pictures difficult. The outside is spectacular. Definitely a must see in Istanbul.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 16, 2023
  • Stocks to Watch
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning!
    The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is a jaw-dropping masterpiece that truly lives up to the hype! Stepping inside, I was instantly mesmerized by the stunning blue tiles that give it its name. The intricate design and the sheer grandeur of the architecture are breathtaking. It's not just a historical site; it's a place of profound serenity and spirituality. The courtyard is a tranquil spot to soak in the atmosphere, and the views of the mosque against the backdrop of the city are postcard-perfect. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the Blue Mosque is a must-visit that will leave you in awe. It's an iconic symbol of Istanbul, and I couldn't recommend it more!
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

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itravel71
Singapore, Singapore242 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Battling the chilly winds and rain, we queued up about 15min to visit this mosque. The exterior compound was heavy with scaffoldings as a major reno is going on. Likewise inside the mosque, reno works are also underway with major coverings over the ceilings and walls of the interior. You can still see some portions of the blue tileworks and it remains a functioning mosque for muslim worshippers. We can’t wait to come again after all major reno works are done.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wennie W
Singapore, Singapore859 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Went on Friday morning but closed in mornings and had to go back at 2.30pm when open to public. Queued for 25mins as long line and mosque closes again at 3.30pm for prayers so we were pushed and rushed through the line and everyone was in a hurry and pressure to take off shoes , grab a plastic bag and go into the mosque. Unfortunately so much of it is under restoration the entire experience inside is disappointing and as non Muslims we only were able to explore a limited area. Altogether was less than 15mins inside. We found suleimaniye mosque to be far better and lovelier experience. Go there instead.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

satorigal
Marion, NC298 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Under construction and difficult to see much of the famous mosque. I had paid for a private tour for 4 which was pricy and included the Hagia Sophia, and had to pay any entrance fees etc. which was unexpected. The Hagia Sophia was worthwhile as the guide's expertise in the history was astounding, but the mosque has most the dome covered. It isn't blue inside as it shows in the photos, perhaps the lighting is no longer used. There is some blue in the mosaic overhead and the walls and carpet (blue flowers are considered flowers of heaven) but most of it was lackluster. Construction may continue for a long period according to our guide as funds are diverted to build new mosques by the current government.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

eljp
London, UK36 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
The Blue Mosque is a must visit if you are in Istanbul, the architecture and colours in the interior are beautiful. However, what made the experience not as enjoyable is the crowds of people trying to get in. People were actually pushing each other to enter the mosque which I thought was very disrespectful, considering it is a place of worship. It would work better if the mosque limited the amount of people queuing per day or did a ticket system to those who are visiting as a tourist.
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicolas C
Limassol City, Cyprus921 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
The whole area transmits a blue mood, in a good way. Naked trees, black birds in the gardens area, minarets circling the mosque, and an architecture design that gives the mosque an artistic dark vibe.

We arrived on the morning of a cloudy day and were impressed by the size and royalty of the building.

Tips: There are hundreds of benches on the outside area of the Mosque where you can stand and take amazing selfies.

If you happen to be there on prayer time, you should expect the doors to be closed. Better ask for those times prior getting there so that you will be able to go on the inside of the mosque as well.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

flywithlola
Central Argentina, Argentina1,066 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
I was expecting a complete blue mosque and was kind of sad when I realized it isn´t and that the pictures I´ve seen before where totally edited.
Of course the architecture is amazing, but many parts are in restoration. Also it is so crowded inside that is kind of difficult to spend time and watch freely. I think some measures taken would add in terms of security. If something happens, the door to go out is pretty small. People in general are very disrespectufl of a religious place and speak aloud.
Honestly: great architecture; not so great ambiance.
Take into account that it is mandatory to take off your shoes (a disposable bag will be provided for your stuff) and that you must have your shoulders and legs properly covered.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ketchuprequired
Calgary, Canada336 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We told our girls how beautiful this mosque was, having visited 20 years ago. But as of January 2020, the renovations cover much of the interior and the central area. It really was not worth standing in line for. Later, we visited Suleymaniye Mosque and this was much better at this time for seeing the tiles and the dome. Go early in the morning when it opens at 8:30 if you want to avoid waiting in line and crowds.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard Foo
10 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Very Excited when arrived at Istanbul. Looking forward for a nice picture at Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia but it is under renovation. Part of exterior and half of interior are blocked with high scaffolding and pvc sheet. The Structural and Architectural are amazing. The craftsmanship of the detailing is really unique. Luckily we have our local tour guide (Erdem Eryilmaz) to explain and unfold to us the historical details and how the interior was constructed. Will definitely stopover at Istanbul in my next Europe trip.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TessmacTraveller
Fernie, Canada236 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We had heard that it wasn't worth visiting the Blue Mosque as it is under restoration. This is absolutely not the case. Yes, large parts are under renovation yet they are doing a marvellous job of maintaining the beauty and the feel of the mosque while this extensive work is underway. The mosque is absolutely spectacular and even with the renovation you get a good feel for it's magnificence.

Not only do you get to see a wonder of art and construction but you are also invited in to a holy place of a world religion. I am grateful to the congregation of the Blue Mosque for providing the opportunity to visit their place of worship. There is no entry fee but you can make a donation on the way out the door.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex J
Melbourne, Australia2,206 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
This beautiful building is right next to Aya Sofya. If you are on a conducted tour, you will probably see these two, one after another, as the buildings are so near each other. Talking of conducted tours, I would strongly advise you to take one, a guide can explain things and answer questions. Our local agent, Efendi Travels, organised a guide for us. You really need someone to enlighten you, on the spot! This building is a photo buff's delight, it is so beautiful. Both inside and outside. The blue tiles covering almost all the surfaces inside give the mosque its name. There are six minarets surrounding the mosque, these are photo gems in their own right. This mosque was built over a thousand years after Aya Sofya, hence it is not as historically important as the former. But, nevertheless, it is such a beautiful building, it would be a shame to miss it. A word of warning: this is a functioning mosque, unlike Aya Sofya. Hence, it is closed for prayers, several times a day, to tourists. All the more reason to have a guide to see this place. The guide would know when to go, and what to see.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Blue Mosque, Istanbul

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