A living mosque of light and rhythm
The Blue Mosque invites unhurried wandering: let your eyes sweep across semi‑domes, read the dance of daylight on İznik tiles, and pause where devotion settles into silence.
Dress modestly, move gently, and arrive outside congregational prayers to share the space with respect..
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) Visiting timetable
Open daily with visitor access shaped by prayer times. Non‑worshippers should avoid entry during congregational prayers, especially at midday on Fridays. Portions may close temporarily for restoration or religious use.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) Closing Days
Year‑round access with intervals adjusted for major Islamic holidays, Friday prayers, special ceremonies, and conservation works. Check official advisories for daily notes.
Where is Located
Sultanahmet Mahallesi, Atmeydanı Cd., Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Türkiye
How to get there
In the historic heart of Sultanahmet—steps from Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome—easy by tram, a pleasant stroll through gardens and fountains.
By Train
From Sirkeci or Marmaray lines: walk or take tram T1 to Sultanahmet, then drift toward the square—six minarets and cascading domes will guide you.
By Car
Traffic is tight and parking scarce in the old quarter. Prefer tram, taxi, or park at a public garage farther out, then enjoy the last stretch on foot.
By Bus
City buses and the T1 tram weave across Sultanahmet. Alight at Sultanahmet; aim for the Hippodrome and follow signage toward the mosque’s courtyards.
On Foot
Most visitors arrive on foot—tie your visit with Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and a gentle loop through the square’s gardens and benches.
Why step into the Blue Mosque
Ottoman masterpiece alive with prayer—cascading domes, six minarets, opaline İznik tiles, flowing calligraphy, marble pavements, and the soft hush of a sacred interior.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Cascading Domes
A serene choreography of semi‑domes gathering into the great canopy—watch light stream through clerestories and settle on tiles like quiet water.
Six Minarets
Six elegant minarets draw the eye upward—an audacious skyline signature that sparked stories across the empire and still calls the faithful today.
İznik Tiles & Calligraphy
Opaline blues, floral motifs, and flowing script—tiles shimmer like a calm sea while calligraphy gives architecture a voice that breathes devotion.
Blue Mosque basics at a glance
Simple, respectful planning for a calm visit.
Plan your respectful visit
Arrive early for softer light and gentler crowds.
Pair the Blue Mosque with Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and a stroll through Gülhane Park for a full historic day.