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Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.
Approach from the direction of the Hippodrome to best appreciate the grandeur of the architecture. There are six minarets and a number of soaring domes, making for a enormously striking spectacle.
Go through the encircling wall into the courtyard – this area is very busy after sunset during the fast of Ramadan. The madrasa Islamic school and the hospice can be found here, as can the tomb of the man for whom the mosque is named, Sultan Ahmed I, who died just one year after its completion in 1617.
The main claim to fame of the Blue Mosque is to be found in the 20,000 blue ceramic tiles adorning the interior with over 50 distinct tulip images. The upper part of the building is also painted blue, and the kaleidoscope of light provided by the stained glass windows above is a sight to behold.
Entry to the mosque is free, but donations for its upkeep are welcomed. As it is continuously in use as a religious site of worship, there are a number of practices visitors are asked to respect. Silent and discreet behaviour should be observed, with no flash photography permitted. You should remove your shoes before entering and place them in one of the plastic bags which are available. Women are asked to cover their hair with a scarf.
The mosque is served by the nearby Sultanahmet light rail and metro station in the Old City. The Blue Mosque is closed five times a day for prayer. In summer there are evening history classes on the site, and also breathtaking light shows – check the website before your visit.
Popular Activities at Blue Mosque
You won't believe how many things there are to do at Blue Mosque. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Istanbul Classics & Highlights Full-Day Tour
- Small Group 4-Day Istanbul Tour
- Shore Excursion: Small-Group Mosaics of Istanbul Full-Day Tour with Lunch
- Ottoman Splendours Small-Group Tour
- Istanbul Classics Tour
- Istanbul in One Day Small-Group Tour
Peruse our Istanbul things to do page to find many more activities while you're here.
Guide to Exploring Blue Mosque
Top Hotel Deals
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of German Fountain, Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia. Hippodrome of Constantinople and Basilica Cistern are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 5 minutes.
The Ambassador Hotel
Ticarethane Cikmazi No 19, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Sultanahmet Square. Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are also within 10 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Gulhane Station is 7 minutes.
Sura Design Hotel and Suites - Boutique Class
Alemdar Mh., Ticarethane Sk. No:13, Fatih, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Sultanahmet Square and Grand Bazaar are also within 10 minutes. Sultanahmet Station and Gulhane Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Mustafa, Pasa Sokak No: 79 Sultahnamet, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Little Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square, and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is 10 minutes by foot and Sultanahmet Station is 11 minutes.
Lalinn Hotel
Oyuncu Cikmazi Oyuncu Sok. No 4, Ahirkapi Sultanahmet, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Little Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is 5 minutes by foot and Sultanahmet Station is 12 minutes.
Tashkonak Hotel
Kucukayasofya Cd. Tomurcuk Sk. No:5, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Little Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is 7 minutes by foot and Sultanahmet Station is 10 minutes.
Hotel Fehmi Bey - Special Class
Binbirdirek Mah. Ucler Sok. No.15, Sultanahmet, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away. Sultanahmet Station is 6 minutes by foot and Cemberlitas Station is 6 minutes.
Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class
Caferiye Sok. No. 6/1, Sultanhmet, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located in the historical district, just steps away from Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
