How to Visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul: What to See, Dress Code & Best Times to Go
Last Updated on 31st July 2025 by Sophie Nadeau
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The Blue Mosque (or as it’s officially known, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and significant landmarks. A stunning blend of Ottoman architecture, Islamic artistry and spiritual tranquillity, it’s a true masterpiece that holds centuries of history, and should be at the top of your itinerary to visit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Mosque, including how to dress, what to expect, best visiting hours, and top tips on how to visit!
Contents
A brief history of the Blue Mosque
Built on the site of a former Byzantine palace, near the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque blends Byzantine Christian elements from Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture. Its official name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii) and it take its name after Sultan Ahmed I, who commissioned the mosque.
The mosque was constructed sometime between 1609 and 1616, during the height of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. It was designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa as a statement of imperial piety and to reassert Ottoman dominance, following a recent string of military losses. It was also built to rival in grandeur its neighbouring mosque, though intricate in design, the Hagia Sophia still remains the larger of the two.
One of the most unique and famous features of the Blue Mosque is its six minarets (most mosques in Istanbul generally have four or fewer). These six slender towers that stretch into the skyline symbolise Ottoman splendour at its finest. Another important feature to note is the 20,000, turquoise-coloured, handmade Iznik tiles along with the blue-painted upper levels that create the mosque’s mesmerising interior, and give it its name the Blue Mosque.
Today, the Blue Mosque remains active as a place of worship and is one of Turkey’s most visited historic sites, boasting an estimated 4.5 million visitors annually.
Is the Blue Mosque free to enter?
Yes! The Blue Mosque is completely free to enter, no matter what religion you practice. However, you should be aware of call to prayer times and the dress code before visiting. You’ll also need to pass through a mandatory security check, and, depending on what time of the year you visit, there might be a slight queue, especially during peak seasons. While entry is free, donations are welcome.
Best Times to Visit the Blue Mosque
Generally speaking, the Blue Mosque is open between the hours of 9 AM to 6 PM, though this can vary depending on the season. The mosque is open every day, but is closed on Friday mornings for the congregational prayer Jumu’ah until 2:30 PM.
The Blue Mosque closes to non-worshippers during prayer times, which occur five times a day. It typically closes 45 minutes before the call to prayer, and 15 minutes afterwards, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
According to the rules of Islam, the time of prayer is calculated by the movements of the Sun, so it changes all year round. Therefore, be sure to check the prayer times ahead of your visit. You can see an approximation of when they will be via the official website here.
What is the dress code for the Blue Mosque?
On the official website, they state “follow a modest dress code” – but it should be noted that there are specific codes for men and women. Both men and women are required to wear clothing that covers their shoulder and knees, and you are expected to take your shoes off at the entrance of the mosque. There is a shelf to leave your shoes, or you can carry them in hand.
Women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf. When we visited the Blue Mosque, they said I was fine to go in wearing my hood, just as long as my head was covered.
As with most of the mosques open to the public, there are wraps and scarves provided at the entrance. The dress code is enforced; it is not optional, so be sure to respect the mosque’s sanctity and Islamic traditions.
How to visit the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque entrances
The Blue Mosque features three entry points: the main entrance to the north, which faces the Hippodrome; a southern entrance on the right side; and a western entrance located directly across from Hagia Sophia.
The North Entrance (Main Entrance) is primarily used by worshippers, so avoid this unless you are going for prayer. While the other two entrances are used by tourists, visitors, and worshippers alike. The entrance facing the Hagia Sophia is the most accessible and recognisable entry point for tourists.
What to expect inside the Blue Mosque
One word, breathtaking. It has to be said that no photograph or description can truly capture what it’s like to stand beneath the Blue Mosque’s stunning domes. It’s certainly one of those places that has to be seen in person.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted with high ceilings completely covered in colourful, intricate decorations and over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles (made in the 15th – 17th centuries, the Turkish stylisation is a reflection of Chinese porcelain). Most of these Iznik tiles are blue, hence the nickname for the mosque.
You could literally spend hours taking in all of the designs that cover the mosque from floor to ceiling. You’ll see Arabic calligraphy, stained glass windows, chandeliers, ornate floral designs, geometric patterns, and the only thing I could think to describe it is that it’s like stepping inside a kaleidoscope made of stone and light.
Tips for visiting the Blue Mosque
Can you take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Blue Mosque, but with some restrictions to bear in mind. Visitors can take pictures in the courtyard and outer halls, and inside the mosque itself, but flash photography is prohibited, and you cannot bring in equipment like tripods. It’s also strongly discouraged to take photographs of people in the prayer area.
Be mindful & respectful
This covers all areas, including the way you dress, taking photographs, noise volumes, etc. It goes without saying, when it comes to visiting any religious space, you always need to be mindful and respectful of where you are and how you act in your surroundings. After all, the mosque is a sacred place of worship and is of great spiritual significance for practising Muslims.
The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so it’s highly likely that when you visit, people will be in the prayer area. Avoid this area, and as mentioned, do not take photographs of people praying. It is a private moment, and should be respected.
Wear socks
While this isn’t a rule per se, I recommend wearing socks when visiting the Blue Mosque. You are required to take off your shoes before entering the inside of the mosque, so you might find it more comfortable to have socks on while visiting. If wearing sandals, consider bringing a spare pair of socks along in your bag!
Turn your mobile on flight mode
Again, this isn’t a strict rule, but you are required to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour inside the mosque. So, to avoid making extra noises or receiving a phone call at this time, I recommend turning your phone on flight mode so that you can still use it for photographs, but you avoid any unwanted disruptions.
How to Get to the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is situated in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which is home to several other significant historical and cultural landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and more.
If you aren’t staying in this area, not to worry, as there are plenty of means of transportation to reach the mosque. I will list below the official guidance given for reaching the Blue Mosque:
- Tram: Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet or Cemberlitas tram stations. The Blue Mosque is a 4-minute walk away.
- Bus: Take bus number 38B, BN1, or 77A and alight at Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet bus stop.
- Train: Take the B1 train to Sirkeci train station. The Blue Mosque is a 12-minute walk away.
- Metro: Take an M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci station. The Blue Mosque is a 12-minute walk away.
If you’re visiting Istanbul soon, be sure to check out our other guides on how to spend 3 days in Istanbul and how to spend the perfect Sunday in Istanbul.
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