Which is better, Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

Can you walk from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station.

Is Hagia Sophia worth seeing?

Today, surrounded by its four minarets, Hagia Sophia's blue dome has become an icon of Istanbul. Apart from being a historical and culturally significant monument, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.

Is the Blue Mosque worth it?

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Built in the early 17^th century, this mindblowing structure is one of the most majestic Ottoman-era mosques anywhere in the country. A visitor can't help but be awed by its six stunning minarets, one of only six mosques anywhere in Turkey having this many.

Was the Blue Mosque inspired by Hagia Sophia?

Both inspired by the Hagia Sophia and incorporating the designs of the Ottoman Empire's classical period, the Blue Mosque is an impressive feat of majesty. It contains over 20,000 hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring floral designs, along with some 200 stained glass windows.

Istanbul Worth Visiting in 2025? Turkey Has Changed…

Which is better to visit, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

Why is the Blue Mosque so special?

It is notable for the fact that it has six minarets (tall, thin towers from which muezzins call Muslims to prayer), as most mosques have five, and for its blue interior, tiled with Iznik ceramic tiles made of ceramic from Turkey's Anatolia region.

Which mosque is worth visiting in Istanbul?

Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque | Istanbul's Iconic Landmarks.

Can you skip the line at Hagia Sophia?

Admission tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth and online (Skip-the-Line) through official seller DEM MUSEUMS with below link. There are no Museum Passes available for visiting the Hagia Sophia.

How much time do you need at Blue Mosque?

We recommend you spend around 2 hours at the Blue Mosque to roam around its interiors, enjoy the ambiance, and understand its historicity properly.

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi?

Both Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are highly recommended by professionals. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly higher than Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace comes in at #1 in Istanbul with praise from 9 publications such as Travel + Leisure, Michelin Guide and Time Out.

Is it free to enter Blue Mosque?

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.

What to see in Istanbul for free?

Are Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque next to each other?

The mosque's külliye (religious complex) includes Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and several other buildings in various states of preservation. The mosque was built next to the former Hippodrome and stands across from the Hagia Sophia, another popular tourist site.

Is Topkapi Palace free?

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

Can you enter Hagia Sofia for free?

Current Visitor Information as of January 15, 2024

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists.

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.

What is the best time of day to visit the Hagia Sophia?

It's a good idea to visit the Hagia Sophia early in the morning when it's less crowded, particularly between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays before most guided tours start. Avoid Friday afternoons when the mosque is closed for tourists and only open for prayer.

Should I visit Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia Museum is much older than Blue Mosque, HS was built in 537, BM was built in 1616. So seeing an older building sounds more charming to me. Hagia Sophia was used as church, then mosque and now a museum. So you can see historical artifacts from both Eastern Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire.

What is the most beautiful part of Istanbul?

What is the world's number one mosque?

Masjid al-Haram (Arabic: ٱَلْمَسْجِدُ ٱلْحَرَام‎, romanized: al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, lit. 'The Sacred Mosque'), also known as the Sacred Mosque or the Great Mosque of Mecca, is considered to be the most significant mosque in Islam. It encloses the vicinity of the Kaaba in Mecca, in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

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.

Are Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet the same?

The Sultanahmet Mosque is called the Blue Mosque due to the iconic, 20,000 handmade blue tiles adorning its interior. The upper levels are also painted blue to complement the tile decor.

How much time is needed for a Blue Mosque?

A functioning mosque, its six towers and mesmerizing architecture has made it an extremely popular among tourists visiting Istanbul. 1-2 Hours.