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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
There are loads of ways to enjoy this place. Here's a list of things you can do at Blue Mosque:
- 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
For more activities, take a look at our Istanbul things to do page.
Guide to Exploring Blue Mosque
Top Blue Mosque Hotel Deals
Per night/room
18 Aug-19 Aug
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
Ordu Caddesi Dibekli Cami Sokak No: 13, Beyazit, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Istanbul City Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Cemberlitas Bath, Hippodrome of Constantinople and Suleymaniye Mosque. Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar are also within 1 mi (2 km). Beyazit Station is only a 3-minute walk and Laleli-University Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
22 Aug-23 Aug
Atlantis Royal Hotel
Binbirdirek Mah. Dizdariye Cesmesi Sok., No 53 Sultanahmet Fatih , IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Cemberlitas Bath and Sultanahmet Square are also within 10 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is 7 minutes by foot and Cemberlitas Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
25 Aug-26 Aug
The Marmara Pera
Mesrutiyet Cad. Tepebasi, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located on the boardwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Galata Tower and Mixer. Taksim Square and Suleymaniye Mosque are also within 2 mi (3 km). Tunel Square Station is 6 minutes by foot and Tophane Station is 10 minutes.
Per night/room
29 Aug-30 Aug
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is steps away from Cemberlitas Bath and Column of Constantine. Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia are also within 10 minutes. Cemberlitas Station and Sultanahmet Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
18 Aug-19 Aug
The Ambassador Hotel
Ticarethane Cikmazi No 19, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Hagia Sophia and Cagaloglu Hamami are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
1 Sep-2 Sep
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, Basilica Cistern and Cemberlitas Bath. Sultanahmet Square and Hippodrome of Constantinople are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 4 minutes.
Per night/room
31 Aug-1 Sep
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 Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Topkapi Palace is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away. Cemberlitas Station is only a 5-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 5 minutes.
Per night/room
9 Sep-10 Sep
Best Western Plus The President Hotel
Tiyatro Caddesi, No. 25, Beyazit, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located on the Strip, within a 15-minute walk of Hippodrome of Constantinople, Suleymaniye Mosque and Basilica Cistern. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are also within 1 mi (2 km). Beyazit Station is only a 4-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 7 minutes.
