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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Blue Mosque Summary
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| Public website: | www.kulturportali.gov.tr |
Turkey – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Turkish Lira (TRY) £1 ≈ TRY 66.29 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payment is common in urban areas, but smaller vendors in rural regions may only accept cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Turkey. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% is typical. Tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and guides are also appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted, though it is allowed in some urban areas and tourist zones. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public areas and transport, with designated outdoor smoking zones available. |
| Republic Day (October) |
Expect parades and national celebrations. |
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| Eid al-Fitr (Varies) |
Closures and family gatherings are common. |
| Eid al-Adha (Varies) |
Similar closures and festive activities across the country. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | BiTaksi, Uber |
| Other: | Turkey offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Bargaining is common in markets, and modest dress is appreciated in religious sites. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
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The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
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Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Blue Mosque, Turkey
Closed to visitors during the five daily prayers, about 30 to 90 minutes each; Friday midday prayer closes it longest
Covered shoulders and knees required, women need a headscarf; free entry
Ramadan: mosque stays open outside prayer times, evenings busy with locals around Sultanahmet Square
Don't miss
- 🎨 Admire the stunning interior filled with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles
- 🕌 Stand beneath the towering six minarets and marvel at the skyline
- 🌸 Enter the serene courtyard with its intricate fountains and Ottoman architecture
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I, designed to rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. This iconic mosque features a large central dome surrounded by four semi-domes and six slender minarets which were unusual at the time.
The mosque is named for the over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior walls, depicting intricate floral and geometric patterns. Light filters through about 260 stained-glass windows, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The mosque also includes Sultan Ahmed’s tomb and a beautiful courtyard that enhances its grandeur.
Visitors should be aware that the mosque is an active place of worship, so visiting hours are limited especially during prayer times and Fridays. Modest dress is required, including covered shoulders, knees and head coverings for women. Shoes must be removed before entering.
The mosque underwent extensive restoration over recent years, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Despite its popularity, peaceful moments can still be found inside, especially during less busy times of the day.
Explore Blue Mosque in 3D
🏯Places worth seeing
🎈Events
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Ramadan Celebrations
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Friday Prayers
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Religious Festivals
Knowledge before you go
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders, knees; headscarves provided free.
- Visit at opening 8:30 AM to avoid crowds; closed during five daily prayers.
- Free entry for tourists, but Friday access starts after 2:30 PM sermon.
- Admire 20,000 Iznik tiles and six minarets, rivaling Mecca's mosque in 1616.
How to travel to Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic district. It is easily accessed by the Istanbul Tram (T1 line) at Sultanahmet station. International travelers usually arrive via Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, then take a taxi, bus or metro to the city center. The mosque is a short walk from other major attractions like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Access summary
- From Istanbul Airport (IST): Metro or shuttle plus tram to Sultanahmet, 60–80 minutes.
- From central Istanbul/Taksim: Funicular or metro then tram to Sultanahmet, 20–35 minutes.
- From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Shuttle or bus plus metro/tram, roughly 70–100 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Blue Mosque
Istanbul offers a range of hotels near the Blue Mosque, from luxury properties with Bosphorus views to budget guesthouses in Sultanahmet. Staying nearby offers easy access to this and other key historic sites.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Blue Mosque
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
for women
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
🩴
Slip-on shoes
🧦
Warm socks
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 42% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to TRY) is 62% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is generally safe for visitors, with well‑staffed security and clear signage. Tourists should stay vigilant against pickpockets in crowded areas, avoid isolated streets after dark and respect local customs to ensure a smooth, secure visit.
Accessibility
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul offers limited accessibility: a few elevators and ramps serve main entrances, but narrow stairways and uneven steps hinder wheelchair users. Signage is mostly Turkish; English guides help. Visitors should plan ahead for mobility assistance and request staff support.
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