Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks: the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Each showcases distinct architectural styles that reflect the city's layered history. Admire how the blend of Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Islamic heritage themes come to life through intricate designs, mosaic work, stained glass, and beyond.

Combine your visit to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

The best part about visiting Istanbul is that its two iconic monuments are located near each other. With a little planning, you can combine your visit to both places and here’s why you should.

Proximity

Located just 3-5 minutes apart in Sultanahmet Square, these landmarks are easy to visit together, saving time and effort. Clear signboards make navigation simple.

Contrast architectural themes

Hagia Sophia represents the Christian Byzantine Empire, while the Blue Mosque embodies the Islamic Ottoman era. Visiting both offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s diverse religious and architectural heritage.

Experience culture

Both sites remain active, giving you insight into Istanbul’s living cultural and religious practices, alongside its rich history.

Capture memories

With minarets, mosaics, calligraphy, and natural play of light, both landmarks offer incredible opportunities to capture the essence of Istanbul, both past and present. Great for you, and great for your Instagram.

Highlights of Blue Mosque

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Minarets

The Blue Mosque has six minarets, which sets it apart from Istanbul's mosques. Four minarets surround the mosque and the courtyard while the other two flank the prayer hall.

Calligraphic tablets

You will find verses of the Quran etched by the renowned Diyarbakir calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari onto the mosque's exteriors.

Courtyards

The forecourt features, columns and turrets in the corner domes while the main courtyard (in front of the prayer hall) known as ‘Avlu’ has a beautiful fountain where worshippers perform rituals before their prayers.

Ceiling

One of the key highlights of the Blue Mosque is its ceiling. It features over 20,000 exquisite blue Iznik tiles designed to perfection.

Stained glass windows

Gifted by the Signoria of Venice, the mosque’s upper-level stained glass windows reflect stunning colors throughout the day.

The Mihrab and the Minbar

The Mihrab is a decorative niche in a mosque that marks the direction of Mecca for prayer. The Minbar is a raised platform or pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver sermons.

Plan your visit to Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia

Walking time: It's just a 2-minute walk—exit Hagia Sophia, cross Sultanahmet Square, and you'll spot the Blue Mosque’s iconic domes and minarets straight ahead.
Entry rules: Entry is free, but it’s a working mosque—dress modestly and check prayer times to avoid visiting during services. Women must cover their hair (scarves are available at the entrance).
Timing tip: Early mornings (except Friday) or late afternoons are best for fewer crowds. The mosque is closed to tourists for about 90 minutes during each prayer session. You can visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque keeping in mind the prayer schedules to make the most of your visit.

Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Each site takes about 30-45 minutes to explore; guided tours last about an hour with additional time for self-exploration.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breathtaking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area & Upper Gallery
Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
Skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with a good grip.
For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visitors.
Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, in one convenient combo instead of two tickets.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour to explore the landmark at your own pace.
Everything you get at the Blue Mosque: Get fast-track entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour for insights into the mosque’s traditions and heritage.
Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and enjoy expert storytelling and priority access to two landmarks in one booking.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern or the Topkapi palace complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions #

Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Expert licensed English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- German small group guided tour (as per option selected)
- Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)
Blue Mosque
- Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque
- 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- Expert licensed English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- German small group guided tour (as per option selected)
- Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)
Entry to Basilica Cistern and Topkapi palace (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities/tips
Souvenir photos
Tour guide (for the audio guided tour)

What to bring Hagia Sophia

Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.

Blue Mosque

Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.

What is not allowed Hagia Sophia

Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.

Blue Mosque

Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Accessibility Hagia Sophia

Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

Additional information Hagia Sophia

Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
Expect a mandatory security check. Lines can be long, especially midday, so later hours after 4 pm are often smoother.
If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.
The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
Opening hours are 9 am to 7:30 pm. On Fridays it closes temporarily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Blue Mosque

Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements. If you forget a scarf or cover-up, you can purchase one at the entrance.
Visiting times are available until 11 am and then again after 2 pm. On Fridays, entry is only permitted after 2 pm.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breathtaking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area & Upper Gallery
Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
Skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with a good grip.
For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visitors.
Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, in one convenient combo instead of two tickets.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour to explore the landmark at your own pace.
Everything you get at the Blue Mosque: Get fast-track entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour for insights into the mosque’s traditions and heritage.
Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and enjoy expert storytelling and priority access to two landmarks in one booking.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern or the Topkapi palace complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions #

Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Expert licensed English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- German small group guided tour (as per option selected)
- Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)
Blue Mosque
- Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque
- 1-1.5-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
- Expert licensed English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- German small group guided tour (as per option selected)
- Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)
Entry to Basilica Cistern and Topkapi palace (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities/tips
Souvenir photos
Tour guide (for the audio guided tour)

What to bring Hagia Sophia

Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.

Blue Mosque

Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.

What is not allowed Hagia Sophia

Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.

Blue Mosque

Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Accessibility Hagia Sophia

Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

Additional information Hagia Sophia

Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
Expect a mandatory security check. Lines can be long, especially midday, so later hours after 4 pm are often smoother.
If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.
The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
Opening hours are 9 am to 7:30 pm. On Fridays it closes temporarily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Blue Mosque

Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements. If you forget a scarf or cover-up, you can purchase one at the entrance.
Visiting times are available until 11 am and then again after 2 pm. On Fridays, entry is only permitted after 2 pm.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Combos

Combo Guided Tour: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breathtaking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Guided tour

Combos

Combo: Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Discover Istanbul’s treasures, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, in one convenient combo instead of two tickets.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour to explore the landmark at your own pace.
Everything you get at the Blue Mosque: Get fast-track entry and choose between a 1-1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide, a small group German guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour for insights into the mosque’s traditions and heritage.
Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and enjoy expert storytelling and priority access to two landmarks in one booking.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern or the Topkapi palace complete with skip-the-line access.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque | Plan the perfect day in Istanbul

Combine your visit to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Proximity

Contrast architectural themes

Experience culture

Capture memories

Highlights of Blue Mosque

Minarets

Calligraphic tablets

Courtyards

Ceiling

Stained glass windows

The Mihrab and the Minbar

Plan your visit to Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia

Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

How much time do I need to visit both Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque?

What are the best hours to visit both attractions?

Are both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque wheelchair accessible?

Is photography permitted inside Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque?

Is there a dress code that we follow when visiting the two attractions?

Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia

Blue Mosque

Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia

Blue Mosque

Combo Guided Tour: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Combo: Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Entry Tickets