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Your neck starts to ache from gazing upwards. You slowly turn where you stand, angling your head every which way. Eyes tracing patterns up and down, back and forth, and round the high up domes that are lit with an ethereal glow from the sunlight streaming through the even more ornate stained glass windows. This is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Touristy? Yes. But so much more than a typical tourist attraction.
What is the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque, or the Sultan Ahmed mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most popular places to visit. But it is also a working mosque with regulars who choose to worship there.
For over 400 years it has stood in what is now the oldest part of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square, facing the even more famous Hagia Sofia. Which means, you can knock two of Istanbul’s hot spots off your list within a couple of hours.
You might even hear the Blue Mosque before you see it. Five times a day the call to prayer emanates from the six lofty minaret towers protruding upwards to the sky.
Spend long enough here and it will become a comforting sound, rather than perhaps the startling early morning wake up call you weren’t expecting on your first day in Istanbul.
How long will you wait to get in?
While the Blue Mosque in Istanbul might be top of your list as a visitor, it’s an important religious building for those of the Islamic faith. Since the Blue Mosque is a functioning mosque, it closes for prayer times. Times are usually posted outside the mosque so you can plan your visit accordingly.
During visiting times, a long, snaking line towards the entrance can be a worrying sight. But fear not, the wait is generally not too long to enter.
I waited just over ten minutes in line even though I thought I’d be there half an hour by the looks of the queue. The wait gave me just enough time to sort out my head scarf. More on that below.
HOW LONG WILL YOU SPEND IN THE BLUE MOSQUE?
You can probably walk through in a few minutes if you really want to. But the splendor of the Blue Mosque is something worth appreciating at a slow pace.
It’s likely you’ll spend at least 20-30 minutes at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Although if, like me, you get lost in the dazzling and phenomenally beautiful tiles and decorative markings inside the mosque, this could easily turn into a lot longer.
Don’t rush your visit, and make sure to stand still for a few minutes, taking in some of the silence. Even if you’re not a religious person, there’s no denying this is a magical place.
How much does the Blue Mosque cost?
I have the best news for you. The Blue Mosque doesn’t cost a penny to get in. That’s right, it’s completely free (unlike the nearby Hagia Sofia). So why does it take so long to get inside?
Well, aside from the bag check, and the appropriate attire check, the staff also like to stagger the visitors entering as others leave through the opposite door.
Donations can be made at the mosque, and of course there are guided tour options for an additional fee. But otherwise your visit won’t cost a thing.
If you really want to understand a lot more about the history of the mosque, I’d recommend booking a guided tour. They do like to tell you that you get in quicker too, but the wait isn’t really too long anyway so don’t let that be a deciding factor.
What should you wear to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?
Covering up is key to visiting the Blue Mosque, or indeed any place of worship. If you’ve ever visited temples in Asia, you’ll be familiar with the covering of shoulders/arms and legs. The same thing goes here. As well, as covering your hair for ladies.
I recommend visiting the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia on the same day. That way, you can save your appropriate clothes for that day. If, of course, shorter/strappy dresses or shorts are your go to.
I’d been travelling around Tanzania on the same trip, so was used to covering up a little more. It was also a way to beat the heat and the sun. On my visit to the Blue Mosque I had on linen pants and a long sleeve shirt over a top.
Full length dresses would also be OK as long as shoulders/arms are covered. However, shorts are a definite no-no. You can get a wrap to cover up more if you don’t meet the requirements but it’s much better to be prepared.
Shoes must also be removed before stepping inside the mosque. There is somewhere to leave them but if, like me, you have a large enough bag, it’s easy to keep hold of them.
HEAD COVERINGS REQUIRED
For ladies, you will need to cover your head with a scarf. This is required as a respect to Islamic traditions.
My friend and I had scarves that doubled for covering shoulders to protect from the sun outside. So I was able to wrap that over my hair for my visit.
You can borrow a scarf at the Blue Mosque, however I’d recommend having your own. They supposedly aren’t rigorous with the cleaning of rental garments if reviews are anything to go by. Plus, there are so many beautiful scarves to buy in Istanbul.
What can you see at the Blue Mosque?
If you think the outside of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is spectacular, you will love the inside of it. Standing in line to get in doesn’t even feel like a chore when the architecture of this building is so fabulous.
Take time to appreciate the courtyard on your way in from Sultanahmet Square. But the real treat is once you step inside.
Unlike visiting cathedrals back in Europe, I was surprised at how bright it was inside the Blue Mosque. The windows let in so much natural light, and the pretty tiles in softer, blueish hues made it seem even more bright.
Instead of a cold, stone floor you’ll find a soft carpet dulling most noise as people make their way around the mosque. Chatter is usually kept to a minimum so it’s a really peaceful experience.
An intricately carved marble mihrab shows worshippers the direction in which to pray (towards Mecca). Make sure you take a look at it while there. Likewise the decorated inscriptions around the mosque, even if you can’t read what they say, are beautiful nonetheless.
Is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul worth visiting?
In a busy city such as Istanbul, there are few places where you might find such peace and quiet. Even while surrounded by lots of people, the respect of visitors for this holy place shines through.
While you can appreciate the Blue Mosque without going in, I recommend taking the extra time to see the inside. Don’t be put off by the inevitable line to get in, the delicate features of the mosque should be seen to be believed.
You don’t need a lot of time to explore the Blue Mosque, so it doesn’t have to take a lot of your day. But it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul on your visit to Türkiye.
This was my first time visiting a mosque, and I was captivated by the attention to detail within. I would definitely visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul again, and maybe even plan more time to take it all in. A wonderful place, in a wonderful city.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul? What did you think of it?
I visited the Blue Mosque many years ago and your post and photos brought back many vivid memories. I remember the atmosphere felt very spiritual. Religious buildings with natural light are always a delight so visitors can appreciate the gorgeous architecture and art. The mosaic work in the Mosque was so intricate that I became quite lost in the design.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
The Blue mosque is a wonderful building, so artistically coloured yet preserves it reverence as a place of worship.
Istanbul in general impressed me greatly and I long to return.
If this was, as you say, the first mosque you have been inside, then you certainly picked one of the best around for your first experience.
One just cannot miss the Blue Mosque when visiting Turkey. It’s one of those magnificent buildings that pulls you and warrants your attention – seeing it from a distance or up close. This post reminded me of that moment when I first came to Istanbul. Then there’s the feeling of exoticism and spirirtuality #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
We haven’t yet visited Istanbul but would very much like to and the Blue Mosque is most definitely one of the top places we’d like to see. It is so beautiful and the interior is so light. The architecture and decoration are simply stunning. Great advice on what to expect when visiting especially with respect to the dress expected. And it’s good to know that the visit can be combined with the Hagia Sofia.
I haven’t been to Istanbul (yet) and the Blue Mosque strikes me as a must-see-place. It’s elegant domes, six minarets, and stunning blue tiles, symbolizing the peak of Ottoman architecture, stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage. It must be overwhelming to see it in person. I appreciate your extensive details on the attire and consider bringing your own coverings and a bigger bag to put away shoes.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
The Blue Mosque is a work of architectural art and a dazzle for the eyes. A place of peace in the most touristy part of Istanbul that no traveler should miss.
The light is wonderful, especially early in the morning, when the light enters through the stained glass windows and gives a mystical air to this wonderful place of prayer.
I loved visiting the Blue Mosque and will return one day!