Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) Opening Hours

Day of the Week Opening Hours Last Admission
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
17:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 18:00
17:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 18:00
17:00
Thursday
9:00 - 18:00
17:00
Friday
9:00 - 18:00
17:00
Saturday
9:00 - 18:00
17:00
Sunday
9:00 -18:00
17:00
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Additional Information

The Blue Mosque is open all day for prayers, serving as both an important historical site and a working mosque known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Closing Days: The Blue Mosque is open every day of the year, so visitors and worshippers can always come in.

Best Time to Visit Blue Mosque

Weekday vs. Weekend

Weekdays: If you visit the Blue Mosque on a weekday, you’ll usually find fewer people. This makes it quieter and gives you more space to look around and enjoy the beautiful designs without a lot of noise.

Weekends: On weekends, the Blue Mosque is busier. However, the area around Sultanahmet Square, where the mosque is located, is more lively and full of energy. If you like being around more activity and don’t mind the crowds, visiting on a weekend could be fun.

Peak Season vs. Low Season

Best Months: The best times to visit the Blue Mosque are in the spring and autumn, especially in April, May, September, and October. The weather in Istanbul is nice during these months, which makes it great for walking around and seeing the sights.

Crowds: These months are also not as crowded as the summer. You can enjoy the mosque more peacefully, which lets you really appreciate its beauty without too many people around.

What is the recommended duration for a tour of the Blue Mosque?

Quick Tour

A quick tour of the Blue Mosque usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This is enough time to see the main parts of this beautiful mosque, like the large dome and the blue tiles that it’s famous for.

Guided Tour

If you go on a guided tour, it might take about an hour. A guide can tell you more about the mosque’s history, architecture, and decorations, helping you understand and enjoy the place more.

Exploring on Your Own

If you want to explore the mosque by yourself, you can take your time to look closely at the stunning designs and details. Try to visit when it’s not prayer time because the mosque is still used for prayers, and some areas might be closed to visitors during those times.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Opening Hours of Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is open all year but closes to tourists during prayer times. It serves both as a place of worship and a popular attraction.

Yes, it’s open daily throughout the year.

It’s only closed during prayer times and for about two hours on Friday for noon prayers.

A quick visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to learn more about its history and design, a guided tour of about an hour is better.

The best time to visit is in the winter when it’s cooler. Mornings are usually quieter. Try to avoid visiting on Fridays around noon due to the busy prayer time.

You should get a guided tour that can give you more information and make your visit more interesting.

Yes, it’s open on public holidays, but remember, it closes for prayer times.

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, so no tickets are needed. If you want a guided tour, it might be a good idea to book that in advance.

Yes, large groups can visit the Blue Mosque. It’s a common place for group tours.

Yes, you can usually cancel a tour. Check the cancellation policy when you book to see any fees or rules.

It’s best not to bring big bags or luggage to the Blue Mosque because there’s no place to store them, and they might be a security concern.

Yes, you can enter the Blue Mosque for free, but a guided tour provides the best part of the Blue Mosque.

The Blue Mosque is open from 8:00 to 18:00 for visitors. It closes during the times Muslims pray.

Definitely. The Blue Mosque is a key historical site in Istanbul with stunning architecture. It’s been a place for Christian and Muslim worship over the years and is free to enter.

Yes, the Blue Mosque is open every day, including Sundays. It closes briefly before and after each prayer time and on Friday mornings until 14:30 for special prayers.

Yes, but it’s closed to visitors on Friday mornings until 14:30 for prayers.

Wear shoes that are easy to take off because you’ll need to remove them inside. Women can get headscarves at the entrance. Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Remember, it’s closed during prayer times.