Blue Mosque Visitor Information: Opening Hours, Best Time to Visit & Tips
Quick Visitor Information at a Glance
Blue Mosque Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
General Opening Hours of the Blue Mosque Istanbul
Summer Season (April 1 – September 30): Open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Winter Season (October 1 – March 31): Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing time
Closed: Five times a day for prayers (~90 minutes per prayer)
Closed: Every Friday morning until 2:30 PM for Jumu’ah prayer
Best Time to Visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Weekday Mornings & Late Afternoons: The best times to visit are 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM or late afternoons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, when crowds are typically smaller.
Avoid Fridays & Weekends: Fridays (closed until 2:30 PM) and weekends are the busiest due to both tourists and worshipers.
Seasonal Considerations: The peak tourist season (June – August) has larger crowds and longer wait times. November – March is the low season for a quieter visit.
Security Check: Expect up to 30-minute waits in low season and up to 60 minutes in high season—arrive early to minimize delays.
See the exact daily prayer schedule on our page: Blue Mosque Prayer Times page.
Blue Mosque Istanbul: Tickets & Tours
Bestselling Single Guided Tour
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mosque with an official expert guide. Immerse yourself in a captivating 60-minute journey through this architectural masterpiece.
Includes
- 60-min. Blue Mosque tour
- English-speaking tour guide
- Unlimited stay inside afterward
Bestselling Combo with Hagia Sophia Ticket
Experience Istanbul’s two most iconic mosques! Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of the breathtaking Blue Mosque, then skip the lines and explore the majestic Hagia Sophia at your own pace.
Includes
- Hagia Sophia entrance tickets
- 1-hr tour of Hagia Sophia w/ English-speaking guide
- 1-hr tour of Blue Mosque w/ English-speaking guide
- Old City tour
Most Selling Istanbul Combo (including Blue Mosque Tour)
Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, & Hagia Sophia—with an English-speaking expert guide.
Includes
- Basilica Cistern: 30-min guided tour + skip-the-line ticket
- Blue Mosque: 1-hr guided tour
- Hagia Sophia: Skip-the-line ticket + 1-hr guided tour + audio guide
Bestselling Combo with Basilica Cistern
Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Blue Mosque, then skip the lines and explore the mystical Basilica Cistern with an audio guide.
Includes
- Basilica Cistern: Skip-the-line ticket + digital audio guide
- Blue Mosque: 1-hr guided tour w/ English-speaking guide
Top-Value City Pass (including Blue Mosque Tour)
With this pass, visit 2 major attractions, enjoy the Blue Mosque, cruise the Bosphorus and access public transport for hassle-free sightseeing in Istanbul.
Includes
- Blue Mosque tour
- 1 Bosphorus Cruise
- 5-ride public transport card
- 2 additional attractions of your choice
- Audio guide
THings to Know
Before Visiting the Blue Mosque
Before planning your visit to the Blue Mosque, here are some essential things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
FAQs – Blue Mosque Opening Hours & Visitor Information
What are the Blue Mosque opening hours?
The Blue Mosque is open daily, but it closes five times a day for prayers and on Friday mornings until 2:30 PM.
Summer (April – September): 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter (October – March): 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Read more: See exact prayer times here.
How long does a visit to the Blue Mosque take?
Most visits to the Blue Mosque last 30–45 minutes, though security queues may add 30–60 minutes during peak hours. Guided tours provide deeper insights and help optimize your visit. → Explore guided tour options here.
Can I enter during prayer times?
No, the Blue Mosque is not open to visitors during prayer times. Please refer to our page with the Prayer Times for exact timings.
Is the Blue Mosque open on Sunday?
Yes, the Blue Mosque is open every day of the week, including Sundays. However, since it remains an active place of worship, visitors cannot enter during prayer times. It is recommended to check daily prayer schedules in advance for the best visiting hours.
Why is it called the Blue Mosque?
The mosque's interior is decorated with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, giving it a distinctive blue glow.
More information: Inside the Blue Mosque
How to visit the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque is open daily, except during prayer times, when entry is restricted. Visitors should dress modestly, pass through security screening, and follow mosque etiquette. Booking a guided tour can enhance your experience by providing historical insights and ensuring you visit at the best times. → See the Visitor Information page with the working hours, prayer times and more tips for more details.
What to wear to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?
Visitors must follow a modest dress code:
Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees.
Women must wear a headscarf, available for purchase at the entrance.
Shoes must be removed before entering.
→ For more details, visit our page explaining the Dress Code and other important rules.
This website is not the official venue's website. This website is giving you only an overview of the available tours.
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