Blue Mosque
Price guide: Free
Sultanahmet Meydanı, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
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#17 of 20
expert-rated things to do in Istanbul- Recommended for:
- Culture vultures, Design and architecture, History
Expert review of Blue Mosque
One of the finest, and most famous, mosques in the world.
Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, after the Ottoman ruler who had it built in the early 1600s to compete with Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque gets its more common name from the thousands of blue tiles in its main halls. Outside, the six minarets make the building distinctive – and initially controversial, as they rivalled the number at the main mosque in Mecca.
Expert tips:
This is still a holy place of worship, so be respectful in your dress and behaviour, and avoid visiting during prayer times, especially the one on Fridays at midday.
Take some time after your visit to enjoy people-watching in the busy, but peaceful gardens out front.
More information on Blue Mosque:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Architectural site, Religious site
- Address:
- Sultanahmet Meydanı, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
- Telephone:
- 0212 518 13 19
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Daily sunrise to sunset.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Indoor
