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.

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.

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

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👍

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!