Blue Mosque Tours

Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious elements
Blue Mosque showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a mosque
Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, heritage architecture and a pond
Blue Mosque showing interior views, art and religious aspects
Blue Mosque which includes a mosque and heritage architecture


The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

As one of the most striking features of the Istanbul skyline, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is awe-inspiring in size and scope. More often called the Blue Mosque, it was built under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire and completed in 1616. The original architect’s vision was to build a great religious site with prominent Islamic features. Walk from the Hippodrome to get a captivating view of the Blue Mosque. Gaze up at the six tall minarets and the terraced domes that rise up to the building’s center and you will see that the designer succeeded splendidly in his efforts to impress.Pass through the stone wall that surrounds the mosque into the courtyard. During the fasting month of Ramadan this courtyard is buzzing after sunset. Inside, the mosque houses the tomb of its founder, who died just a year after his masterpiece was completed. Inspect the madrasa, used as theological school, and the hospice. The most striking feature, however, is the tiled interior: More than 20,000 blue ceramic tiles with over 50 different tulip designs gave this mosque its nickname. The upper reaches of the building are painted blue and the sunlight is shattered by hundreds of stained-glass windows, a mesmerizing sight.The Blue Mosque is only a short walk from the Sultanahmet light rail and metro station in the Old City. Entry is free, but as in any religious building, respect and discretion are expected from all visitors. Be quiet, and remove your shoes and put them in the plastic bag provided at the entrance. Females are asked to cover their heads and scarfs are available at the entrance. Flash photography is prohibited. If you wish, you can make a donation to help pay for the maintenance of the Blue Mosque as you leave.The Blue Mosque still functions as a place of worship, so its doors are closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayer times. On summer nights you can listen to a historical presentation and watch a spectacular light show. Check the official website for the best time to visit.

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Hotel The Pera Hill
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Richmond Istanbul

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Best Lodging Options Near Blue Mosque

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class

Sultanahmet mah. Torun Sokak, No:19, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Sea Mansion Suites & Spa - Special Class

GLK PREMIER Sea Mansion Suites & Spa - Special Class

Kucukayasofya Mh Mustafapasa Sk No 9, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Sea Mansion Suites & Spa - Special Class
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
AJWA Sultanahmet

AJWA Sultanahmet

5 out of 5
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blue Mosque

Discover a vibrant blend of culture and history at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Türkiye. Explore nearby shops offering unique souvenirs and traditional crafts, perfect for bringing a piece of your journey home. Don't miss the chance to sample local delicacies at surrounding eateries, making your visit an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich heritage of this stunning area.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near the Blue Mosque includes the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant market just 0.6 miles away, and the Egyptian Bazaar, 0.8 miles away, both offering unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, located 4 miles away for family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of Vodafone Park, a sports stadium just 3 miles from the Blue Mosque. For relaxation, visit Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, located 1 mile away, to indulge in soothing body treatments. Finally, enjoy the captivating Whirling Dervishes performance, only 0.2 mile from the mosque.

Adventure

The GMAX Reverse Bungy, located 5 miles from the Blue Mosque, offers an exhilarating ride that catapults you skyward. For a scenic hike, the Sultans Trail, just 0.3 miles away, provides breathtaking views. Experience adrenaline rushes at Istanbul Jumping, a thrilling bungee jump 2 miles from the mosque.

Nightlife

In the vicinity of the Blue Mosque, the nightlife buzzes with vibrant theaters. Dance of Colours, just 0.4 miles away, enchants with cultural performances. Tiyatro-Z, 1 mile away, and Tiyatro Kara Kutu, 2 miles away, both offer captivating shows, perfect for family and romantic outings under the Istanbul night sky.

Find the best attractions near Blue Mosque

When visiting the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby attractions like historic buildings and art museums. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the stunning architecture of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. This area offers a vibrant outdoor experience, making it perfect for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and scenic beauty in the heart of Istanbul.

  • Hagia Sophia: A stunning architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia has served as both a cathedral and a mosque, showcasing its rich history. Located 0.3 miles from the Blue Mosque, visitors can admire intricate mosaics and grand domes that reflect the cultural fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
  • Galata Tower: Standing tall 1 mile away, Galata Tower offers panoramic views of Istanbul. This historic landmark, with its medieval charm, invites you to explore its winding stairs and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city’s skyline and Bosphorus.
  • Topkapi Palace: Just 0.5 miles from the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace was the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore its lavish courtyards and exquisite collections, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and stunning views of the Golden Horn.

Best time to go to Blue Mosque

Visitor numbers around Blue Mosque is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Blue Mosque can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blue Mosque falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Blue Mosque falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blue Mosque

Visiting the Blue Mosque can be budget-friendly with free entry and smart planning. For the best savings, consider traveling from January to March when accommodation prices drop. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-friendly options. You can save even more by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. Don’t forget to join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash-back opportunities on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blue Mosque are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blue Mosque is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Blue Mosque is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to the highest price, so you can find the best deals right away. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Blue Mosque with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.