BLUE MOSQUE Opening Hours (Updated → 2025)

In the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula stands a structure so graceful, it seems to float above the city’s skyline. The Blue Mosque — known locally as Sultanahmet Camii — is not only a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture but also a living monument of faith and serenity. With its six slender minarets, cascading domes, and intricate Iznik tiles that give it its famous hue, the mosque has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 400 years.

Designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a student of the legendary Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century. It was conceived not just as a house of worship but as an imperial statement — a symbol of spiritual devotion and imperial grandeur rising from the very soil of Constantinople.

As a licensed tour guide with over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of accompanying thousands of travelers through the marble courtyards and echoing interiors of this sacred site. Each visit brings with it a fresh sense of awe — the play of sunlight on stone, the rhythm of the call to prayer, and the quiet reverence that settles in the hearts of those who enter.

In this article, I’ll help you navigate everything you need to know before visiting: opening hours, prayer time closures, dress code, and the best way to explore the Blue Mosque — whether on your own or as part of a guided group tour.

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Blue Mosque Visitors Guide (2025)

Here’s a quick summary of the essential information for visiting the Blue Mosque in 2025, including opening hours, dress code, and guided tour options.

• Entrance Fee: Free for all visitors
• Visiting Hours: 08:30 – 18:45 (Closed during prayer times)
• Closed twice daily for prayers: Exact opening times are listed in the middle of this article.
• Best time to visit: 08:30 – 12:15 in the morning hours
• Dress Code: Men should wear shorts that cover the knees; women should bring a headscarf.
• Guided Tours: Recommended Book your guided tour here
• Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
• Last Updated: August 2025

History of the Blue Mosque

The history of the Blue Mosque dates back to the early 1600s. The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I in the Sultanahmet area, the core of Old Istanbul. Contrary to popular belief, the mosque is not the largest mosque in Istanbul.

During the rise of the Ottoman Empire, the sultans built a mosque on each hill of the city. During the 15th and 16th centuries, a mosque was built on each of the 7 hills on which Old Istanbul is located.

However, since Hagia Sophia was located on the first hill that formed the core of the city, no sultan had thought of building a mosque there until the 17th century. One of the main reasons for this was that there were too many buildings in the Sultanahmet area, which constitutes the city’s historical heart.

Ahmed I, who ascended the throne in the 1600s, wanted to build an iconic mosque bearing his name. But all the hills of the city had mosques of his predecessors. So he decided to build a mosque across from Hagia Sophia.

Expropriation procedures have started in the area next to the Hippodrome. Many houses and shops were bought by the state and destroyed. Thus, the necessary space was opened for the construction of the Blue Mosque.

In the place where the mosque rises, there was the “Great Palace”, where the emperors lived in the Roman and Byzantine periods. This palace, which had huge courtyards, extended to the sea shore.

This palace, which was on the verge of extinction in the later Byzantine period, was abandoned by the last Byzantine emperors. The last Byzantine rulers had lived in the Palace of Blachernae on the shores of the Golden Horn.

When the Ottomans built the Topkapi Palace for themselves, this area was filled with other structures over time. Ahmed I, on the other hand, destroyed most of these structures and started the construction of the Blue Mosque in 1609.

The mosque, built by the architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, was completed in 7 years. The sultan, who died at an early age, was able to enjoy his mosque for only one year. However, the mosque he left behind is one of the most visited historical buildings in Istanbul today.

Want to explore the Blue Mosque with deeper insight?

Join a guided tour to learn the fascinating history behind this 17th-century architectural marvel and understand its cultural importance in the heart of Istanbul.

Book your Blue Mosque guided tour here

Architecture of the Blue Mosque

The architecture of the Blue Mosque resembles the style of the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. The plan of the mosque was inspired by the Sehzade Mosque, which was built in the heart of the Historical Peninsula in the 1540s by Mimar Sinan.

The most distinctive feature of the mosque is that the number of minarets, which was 4 in other royal mosques, was increased to 6. In addition, the lower half-domes surrounding the central dome offer an aesthetic appearance.

Right next to the mosque, there is a courtyard whose dimensions are the same as the interior of the mosque. Thus, the capacity of the mosque doubles in the summer months.

Of course, the main reason why the name of the “Sultan Ahmed Mosque” is called the Blue Mosque is the interior decoration of the building. The elements that adorn the 45-meter-high dome and the 4 giant columns (elephant feet) that carry it make the mosque unique.

Interior of the Blue Mosque

The interior of the Blue Mosque is covered with Iznik tiles, the pinnacle of Ottoman pottery. These tiles with blue, turquoise and pale red colors became famous in the 16th century. While the whole city was equipped with palaces, mosques and tombs, tile workshops pushed their limits.

While the walls are covered with tiles, the ceilings are decorated with handmade pencil works. These paintings starts from the top of the columns and extends to the dome. The main purpose of these eye-catching works of art is to remove the cumbersomeness created by the giant columns.

As can be seen from the photos of the Blue Mosque, the most distinctive colors in the pencil work are blue, green, red and yellow. However, since the most dominant color among them is blue, it creates a unity with the blue tiles on the wall.

In addition to the pencil works and tiles, the calligraphy adorning the walls is also noteworthy. These works, which were made by the most skilled calligraphers of the period, mostly contain passages from the holy book, the Qur’an.

Blue Mosque Opening Hours (2025)

The Blue Mosque is open to visitors daily from 08:30 AM to 18:45 PM as of August 2025. However, keep in mind that these hours refer to the general timeframe for tourist visits. The mosque closes twice a day — for midday and afternoon prayers — and the exact visiting times, reflecting these closures, are listed on the board below.

Planning your visit to the Blue Mosque?

As of August 4, 2025, tourists are welcome during the following time windows:

08:30 – 12:15   |   14:00 – 16:45   |   17:45 – 18:45

Outside of these hours, the mosque is closed for prayer and not accessible to tourists.

Please be mindful of these times to make the most of your visit.

The best time to visit the mosque is between 08:30 and 12:15 in the morning. If you go to the mosque during these hours, you are guaranteed to visit the mosque before it coincides with any prayer time.

I don’t think it will be a problem for you if the mosque is temporarily closed because there are many things to do in Sultanahmet. You can spend your time shopping at Arasta Bazaar or photographing the columns in the Hippodrome.

However, you can find out exactly what hours it may be closed from the prayer times on the official page of religious affairs. When looking at the prayer time schedule, keep in mind that the mosque will be closed before the adhan (call to prayer) is called.

Big mosques such as the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque are closed one hour before the prayer and are prepared for those who will come to worship. For example, if the noon prayer (Dhuhr) is displayed as 13:00, the mosque may be closed between 12:00 and 13:30.

Blue Mosque Entrance Fee & Dress Code (2025)

There is no entrance fee to visit the Blue Mosque. As with all mosques in Istanbul, entry is free of charge for both worshippers and tourists. You are welcome to explore the mosque without purchasing a ticket.

However, visitors are expected to follow a modest dress code. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. If you don’t have one, scarves and covering gowns are provided free of charge at the entrance.

Female visitors wearing short skirts or sleeveless tops will be asked to cover up with a gown. Men wearing shorts that do not cover the knees may also be asked to use a wraparound cloth.

Would you like to explore more cultural sites in Istanbul?

Istanbul is home to nearly 40 impressive museums, ranging from ancient history to modern art. Each one offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich heritage.

Browse the Istanbul Museums category

Here you will find many fascinating places that you probably did not even know existed!

Current Restoration Status of the Mosque 2025

There was an ongoing restoration in the Blue Mosque between 2015 and 2023. However, most of the restoration was completed by 2025. Although there are still partial renovations at the moment, there is no situation that will affect the touristic visit.

During the restoration, the giant dome inside the building and the blue tiles on the walls were covered with plaster for many years. All are visible now. In addition, the outer courtyard, which could not be visited for a long time, was opened to visitors.

Conclusion

The Blue Mosque stands as the crown jewel of Istanbul’s skyline, attracting nearly 3 million visitors each year. Whether you’re drawn by its majestic architecture, intricate tilework, or its spiritual ambiance, visiting with a knowledgeable guide can greatly enrich your experience.

Of course, this iconic structure is just one chapter in the city’s long and storied architectural narrative. Istanbul is home to many other stunning mosques that reflect the evolution of Ottoman design—from classical masterpieces to more modern interpretations.

If you’d like to discover more of these architectural gems, you can explore my detailed post on the Best Mosques in Istanbul article here.

Written by Serhat Engul