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Istanbul Mosques Walking Tour: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Duration4 hours
- GroupShared · max 18
- TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
- LanguagesGerman, Portuguese, English
- BookingInstant confirmation
About this activity
Discover Istanbul’s art, architecture, history, culture, and faith in some of the city’s most beloved places of worship Visit Hagia Sophia, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks Snap photos of the Blue Mosque and learn how this grand building got its nickname See Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Mimar Sinan Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour Last-minute booking is available for the meeting point option
Hagia Sophia information. To enhance your experience and avoid long queues, we require that all visitors, whether on a group tour or a private tour, purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. For that matter, we will send you a link where you can purchase it after confirming the booking. Queues can delay the tour up to 2 hours.
What to expect
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye
Built in the sixth century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, this famous mosque was originally an Orthodox Christian cathedral in early day Constantinople (now Istanbul). In its nearly 1,500 years, this iconic landmark has been used as a Catholic church, mosque, and museum. To enhance your experience and avoid long queues, we require that all visitors, whether on a group tour or a private tour, purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. For that matter, we will send you a link where you can purchase it after confirming the booking. Queues can delay the tour up to 2 hours.
Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye
The mosque was originally named The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after Sultan Ahmed I who built it. Back in the early 1600s, mosques were built only by sultans who had achieved success in war. Despite having no colorful achievements to his name and against his counselors’ advice, Sultan Ahmed built this grand edifice that would serve as his most lasting legacy. Today, it is nicknamed the Blue Mosque due to the blue hue coming from the blue tiles outlaid in geometric patterns and floral designs in the mosque Note: "Blue Mosque will be closed for renovation from January 1st, 2023. Instead, you can visit another iconic Istanbul Mosque: Yeni Cami (the New Mosque)"
Suleymaniye Mosque
Prof. SIddIk Sami Onar Cd. No:1, Süleymaniye Mah, Istanbul, 34116, Turkiye
Located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, the Suleymaniye was known as the largest mosque in the city for more than 450 years before it was dethroned of its title in 2019. Other than its stunning size, this mosque was also designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, one of the most notable figures in Istanbul’s architectural history.
Pickup & meeting point
There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.
Start
Meeting Point: Sultanahmet area | German Fountain (Address: Binbirdirek, Atmeydanı Cd., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Kindly be at your meeting point at least 10 minutes before the stated meeting time. The tour guides will only wait a maximum of 10 minutes for you before proceeding to the next stop.
End / drop-off
Meeting Point: Sultanahmet area | German Fountain (Address: Binbirdirek, Atmeydanı Cd., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Kindly be at your meeting point at least 10 minutes before the stated meeting time. The tour guides will only wait a maximum of 10 minutes for you before proceeding to the next stop.
Redemption
To enhance your experience and avoid long queues, we require that all visitors, whether on a group tour or a private tour, purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. For that matter, we will send you a link where you can purchase it after confirming the booking. Queues can delay the tour up to 2 hours. Scarf or clothes to cover the shoulders, knees, and head at the mosque Camera Hat/umbrella Sunscreen Sunglasses Comfortable shoes Bug spray Cash (for personal expenses) Please note that during peak seasons, long queues are anticipated at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, potentially leading to extended tour durations. As this tour includes visits to religious temples, the itinerary may be adjusted, extended, or shortened due to changes in prayer times throughout the year.
What's included
Included
- English and Turkish, Spanish, Italian, German-speaking tour guide (please, select the option)
- Local drink at a historical Madrasah (depending on the package selected)
Not included
- Lunch or beverages
- Personal expenses
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Hagia Sophia (unless inclusive option selected)
Good to know
Accessibility & suitability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Traveller requirements
- Minimum 1 traveller per booking
- Maximum 15 travellers per booking
- Age bands: Adult (6–65)
Additional information
- As this tour includes visits to religious temples, the itinerary may be adjusted, extended, or shortened due to changes in prayer times throughout the year.
- Museum cards are not accepted.
- Hagia Sophia upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it's not recommended for tourists with mobility issues.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered. Headscarf is mandatory for women and can be purchased at the entrance.
- It is strongly recommended to purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets (25 EUR) in advance. The activity provider will assist with this process by sending you a purchase link via email if you don't select the inclusive option. Customers without skip-the-line tickets may face a queue of 1-2 hours at the site.
Languages
- Guide
- German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Turkish, Spanish
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 1+ days before100% refund
- 0–1 days before0% refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Important booking information
- Booking cut-off
- Bookings close 1 day before the activity starts.
- Confirmation
- Confirmed immediately after booking.
- Tickets
- One per booking
- Local time zone
- Europe/Istanbul
- Product code
- 92163P177
What you'll be asked when booking
- Age of each traveller
- First name of each traveller
- Last name of each traveller
- Any special requirements
Traveller reviews
5.0/ 526 reviews
Ratings aggregated from Viator (16) and Tripadvisor (10).
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Ready to book Istanbul Mosques Walking Tour: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque?
From USD 29 per person · Free cancellation available
Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.