Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Istanbul, Turkey
About
An active Ottoman-era mosque famed for its six minarets and the blue Iznik tiles lining its interior, sitting directly across from the Hagia Sophia.
Best Time to Visit
April – May or September – October, for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Opening Hours
Open to visitors daily outside of the five daily prayer times.
Estimated Visit Duration
45 minutes – 1 hour
Entry Information
Free to enter; modest dress is required and headscarves are provided for women at the entrance.
Things to Do
- View the tiled interior and central dome
- Photograph the mosque from Sultanahmet Square
- Visit the neighbouring Hagia Sophia
Travel Tips
- Visit is paused during each of the five daily prayers
- Remove shoes before entering and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
Weather & Season
Mild springs and autumns; hot, dry summers and cool, occasionally snowy winters.
Muslim Traveller Information
A fully functioning mosque — prayer areas are available, and visiting hours work around the five daily prayers.
