Blue Mosque (Istanbul) Tour

Morning: 8:30 AM – Start your day early at Sultanahmet Square, when crowds are smaller. Have a traditional Turkish breakfast at one of the nearby cafes, with simit, menemen, and Turkish tea.

9:30 AM – Visit the Blue Mosque:

• Note that the mosque closes for about 30 minutes during each of the five daily prayer times
• Remove shoes before entering (plastic bags are provided to carry them)
• Women should bring a head covering (scarves are available to borrow)
• Take time to admire the 20,000+ hand-painted blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its nickname
• Look up at the central dome and six minarets
• Observe the intricate Arabic calligraphy

11:00 AM – Explore the Hippodrome: Walk through the ancient Roman circus right outside the mosque. See the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.

12:30 PM – Lunch: Try local cuisine at one of the restaurants near Sultanahmet Square. Consider Sultanahmet Köftecisi for their famous meatballs or Divella Bistro Restaurant for traditional Turkish dishes.

Afternoon: 2:00 PM – Visit Hagia Sophia: Since it’s right across from the Blue Mosque, it makes perfect sense to visit this architectural marvel next.

4:00 PM – Explore the surrounding area:

• Walk through Arasta Bazaar for shopping
• Visit the Great Palace Mosaic Museum
• Stop at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

6:00 PM – Evening activities:

• Watch the sunset from a rooftop restaurant with views of both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Consider taking evening photos of the illuminated mosque
• End your day with Turkish coffee and baklava at a local cafe