One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, the Blue Mosque is a must-see on any Istanbul itinerary. Built in the early 1600s to rival the grandeur of nearby Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque still draws crowds centuries later.

Visiting The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

I recently had a long layover at Istanbul airport in Turkey on my way back home to Scotland from Hong Kong, so I decided to make the most of it by visiting one of Istanbul’s most famous attractions, the Blue Mosque.

I had 7 and a half hours between my flights, which I thought would give me plenty of time to explore, but in reality I only had time to see one attraction. Turns out the metro from Istanbul airport into the city centre takes forever (over an hour). They did have some very cute staff at the ticket barriers though (see pic below).

I took the metro at 7 in the morning and emerged to a bright December day with sunshine and blue skies. It was pretty chilly (especially after the humidity of South East Asia!) and all the cats – of which there are many in Istanbul! – were all fluffed up with their winter coats.

I’d never thought of visiting Istanbul in December, but it was actually the perfect time to visit! The cold temperatures meant fewer crowds, and there’s something about watching the city wake on a cold winter’s morning that’s truly magical.

I had to hang around a bit to wait for the Blue Mosque to open at 9am. So I just got a hot tea from a nearby vendor and wandered around the park and over to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque to have a look from the outside. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are basically right next to each other. And then back to the Blue Mosque, which even from the outside is absolutely stunning!

History of the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque was built to reassert Ottoman power after a series of military defeats. Its construction began in 1609 and took seven years, overseen by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of the great Sinan.

(This always makes me think of the novel The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak – add it to your reading list if you want to get a feel for historic Istanbul before your visit).

The mosque was funded directly by the state rather than war spoils, which was unusual for the time. So much so that it became very controversial, receiving much criticism.

The mosque’s six minarets were equally bold, matching the number at the Grand Mosque in Mecca until a seventh was added there to maintain its prestige. Today, the Blue Mosque stands as a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture, blending Islamic and Byzantine elements with harmony.

How to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is very easy to visit. It’s right in the heart of Sultanahmet, one of the most popular areas in Istanbul. You can get there by tram (take the T1 line to Sultanahmet station), by taxi, or on foot if you’re staying nearby.

The entrance for visitors is clearly signposted and separate from the one used for prayer. You’ll need to take your shoes off before entering.

What are the opening hours for the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is open daily from 8:30am to 4:45pm in summer, but hours vary throughout the year e.g. it opens at 9am in winter. The Blue Mosque also closes briefly at prayer times.

It’s best to avoid visiting during Friday midday prayers, as this is the busiest time of the week.

Do I need a ticket for the Blue Mosque?

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free and no tickets are needed. Donations are appreciated, but not required.

If you’d like a deeper insight into the Blue Mosque’s history and architecture, you can purchase a guided tour, but this is entirely optional and not required to enter.

Blue Mosque dress code: what should I wear to visit?

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so it’s important to dress modestly. Both men and women need to have their shoulders and legs covered, so no shorts or short skirts.

Women will need to wear a headscarf but you can borrow one free-of-charge when you get to the Blue Mosque. Note that the headscarf is only for the indoors section and you don’t need to wear it outside (in fact if you borrow one they take them back before you exit to the courtyard area anyway).

How much time should I allow for visiting the Blue Mosque?

You can actually get through the Blue Mosque quite quickly. I’d say allow 30 to 60 minutes to visit the Blue Mosque, depending on how busy it is and how much time you want to spend exploring and taking photos.

Can I take a guided tour of the Blue Mosque?

Some city passes (like the Istanbul E‑pass or Go Pass) include free guided tours of the Blue Mosque. These tours typically run at 9am, 11am and 2pm daily. Tours are led in English and often begin across the street. You’ll spot the guide holding a flag.

I can also highly recommend GuruWalk. You can choose from a selection of free city tours where the cost of the tour itself is free-of-charge but then you tip the guide directly for their time and expertise.

Visit the GuruWalk website here to find your free Istanbul city tour.

Plan Your Trip to Istanbul: Useful Travel Resources

Planning your next trip? These are my travel tools I use to book fast, travel safer and stress less.

✈️ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running.

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