Blue Mosque

Choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and follow the signs at the visitor entrance on head coverings and shoes. Entry is free, and dress rules apply to every visitor, as of Oct 2026. Visitors keep to a marked area at the back of the prayer hall.

It remains an active place of worship, so visits pause around each prayer, and for longer around the Friday midday prayer, as of Oct 2026. Visitors use their own entrance and keep to a marked area, and arriving early in the day usually avoids the longest lines.

In our plans: Day 1, “Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque”. The mosque stands on Sultanahmet Square, facing Hagia Sophia with the old Hippodrome alongside, so it usually sits on a walking day in the old city. Prayer-time pauses mean a flexible slot in the day suits it well.

No ticket is needed, since entry to the Blue Mosque is free for every visitor, as of Oct 2026. There is no booking for the visitor entrance, but visits pause around prayers, so a little flexibility helps. The Book box on this page shows partner tours of the area.