Can you enter the Blue Mosque for free?

The Blue Mosque offers free entry to all visitors. If you're a worshipper, you can use the main entrance on the north side facing the Hippodrome. If you're a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

Is Blue Mosque free to enter?

Is the Blue Mosque free to enter? Yes, entry is free as it remains an active place of worship. However, visitors must pass a mandatory security check, which can take up to 30 minutes in low season and up to 1 hour during peak season. Donations are welcome.

How much does it cost to go to the Blue Mosque?

Yes, entry to the Blue Mosque is free as it remains an active place of worship. However, all visitors must pass through a mandatory security check, which can take up to 30 minutes in the off-peak season and up to 1 hour during peak season. Donations are welcome.

How to go to Hagia Sophia for free?

Free prayer area entrance is available to Muslim tourists at Hagia Sophia only during prayer times. The gate faces Sultanahmet Square (old gate).

Is the Hagia Sophia no longer free?

Is entry to Hagia Sophia free? Entry to Hagia Sophia is no longer free.

Hagia Sophia Guide | Ticket Prices, Opening time, Dress code and more! What to see inside the Mosque

What to see in Istanbul for free?

How much does entrance to Hagia Sophia cost?

What are the current ticket prices for Hagia Sophia? As of 2024, tickets for foreign tourists to visit Hagia Sophia cost approximately €25. Entry is free for Muslim visitors who wish to pray​.

Are Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia the same?

Hagia Sophia represents the Christian Byzantine Empire, while the Blue Mosque embodies the Islamic Ottoman era. Visiting both offers a deep dive into Istanbul's diverse religious and architectural heritage.

Can you pray at the Blue Mosque?

Yes, you can pray at the Blue Mosque during the listed prayer times, which are different each day because of the changing position of the sun. For non-Muslim tourists, it's important to take note of these prayer times, as tourists are not allowed into the building during prayer time if they do not intend to pray.

Is it halal to pray in Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan returned that area to being a mosque again, instead of a museum. Anyone who is a Muslim can pray in that area.

Is Topkapi Palace free?

The entrance fee of Topkapi Palace Museum is 2000 TL (Turkish Lira) per person including the Harem visit.

What time should I go to the Blue Mosque?

What are the Blue Mosque's opening hours? The mosque is open to visitors throughout the day. We recommend visiting between 9 am to 6 pm, except during Blue Mosque prayer times, when the mosque is closed to non-worshippers.

What to wear to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

How much is a ticket to the Blue Mosque?

Important information. The Blue Mosque has no admission charge and no ticket lines, however there is a security check line, which can take up to 45 minutes.

Why is Blue Mosque closed?

Yes, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is open to worshippers and visitors throughout the year. When is Blue Mosque closed? The Blue Mosque is closed only during prayer times and for around 2 hours during Friday noon prayers. You cannot enter the monument during these hours, as it is an active place of worship.

Is Hagia Sophia free for Muslims?

Hagia Sophia's FIRST FLOOR is FREE only for muslim visitors and Turkish citizens. Non-muslim visitors CANNOT access the first floor at all. The SECOND FLOOR costs 25€ FOR EVERYONE (TR citizens, muslims and non-muslims), here we can see the Byzantine mosaics.

Can you just walk into the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque offers free entry to all visitors. If you're a worshipper, you can use the main entrance on the north side facing the Hippodrome. If you're a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

Do you have to wear a hijab in a Blue Mosque?

- It is mandatory for visitors to cover their heads when they step inside the mosque. Visitors are provided with head scarfs at the entrance which they can use to cover their heads.

Who is buried in the Blue Mosque?

The türbe (tomb) of Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque's great patron, is on the north side of the mosque facing Sultanahmet Park. Ahmet, who had ascended to the imperial throne aged 13, died in 1617 aged only 27; his türbe was constructed between 1617 and 1619 and like the mosque, features fine İznik tiles.

Did Muslims build the Hagia Sophia?

Originally built as a Christian Orthodox church and serving that purpose for centuries, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans upon their conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Do you need tickets for Hagia Sophia?

Yes, tickets are required to visit Hagia Sophia. Visitors need to purchase tickets at the entrance or online in advance.

Is Istanbul E Pass worth it?

If you're the type of traveler that wants to cover as much of Istanbul's attractions as possible during your stay, who doesn't want to waste time in ticket sales lines, loves to have a guide explaining the ins and outs of some of the Istanbul's top attractions, than you should buy the Istanbul E-pass.

Is Dolmabahce Palace free?

🎫 Dolmabahçe Palace Entrance Fee (Updated 2025)

Foreign Visitors: 1,500 TL. Turkish Citizens: 200 TL. Foreign Students (with ISIC card): 150 TL.

Can I enter Hagia Sophia during prayer time?

Hagia Sophia is open every day throughout the year. It is partially closed during prayer hours.