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.

Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

How much time do I need to visit both 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.

What are the best hours to visit both attractions?

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque is early morning (around 9 am) as soon as they open and when the areas are less crowded.

Are both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque wheelchair accessible?

Both landmarks are accessible in some areas but owing to the Ottoman architectural design, some areas might seem difficult to navigate.

Is photography permitted inside Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque?

Yes, both the attractions allow you to take pictures of the architecture and surrounding areas but please be respectful during prayer times to avoid disturbing worshippers.

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

Since both the attractions serve as places of worship, don’t wear sleeveless tops or shorts. Make sure you cover your and your shoulders. Women must wear scarves on the premises. You can find them at the entrance or nearby shops.

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 breath-taking 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 Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

Entry and 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry

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 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

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 visit.
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.
These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Old Town in one expert-guided tour.

Everything you get: Join a 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, followed by a 1-hour visit to Blue Mosque to see Iznik tilework and towering minarets with an expert. Wander the Hippodrome’s ancient chariot-racing grounds and the historic Old Town with a 30-minute walking tour.
Why choose this: Go beyond the basics—expert stories, skip-the-line entry, and a complete Old Town experience in one seamless adventure.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a 30-minute guided tour of Basilica Cistern, complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions

1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
Expert licensed English-speaking guide
1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque with entry
30-min Hippodrome & Old Town walking tour
Istanbul Old Town map
30-min guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)

The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
Strict dress code: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
While you can breeze through the ticket lines, security screening is standard for all guests. Be prepared for wait times of up to 60 minutes during peak travel periods.
Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.

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

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 Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

Entry and 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry

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 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

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 visit.
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.
These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Old Town in one expert-guided tour.

Everything you get: Join a 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, followed by a 1-hour visit to Blue Mosque to see Iznik tilework and towering minarets with an expert. Wander the Hippodrome’s ancient chariot-racing grounds and the historic Old Town with a 30-minute walking tour.
Why choose this: Go beyond the basics—expert stories, skip-the-line entry, and a complete Old Town experience in one seamless adventure.
Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a 30-minute guided tour of Basilica Cistern, complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions

1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
Expert licensed English-speaking guide
1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque with entry
30-min Hippodrome & Old Town walking tour
Istanbul Old Town map
30-min guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)

The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
Strict dress code: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
While you can breeze through the ticket lines, security screening is standard for all guests. Be prepared for wait times of up to 60 minutes during peak travel periods.
Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.