Istanbul Monuments Tour: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a small-group tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Explore the rich history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with a knowledgeable guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Sultanahmet Square - Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on this intimate walking tour. Meet your dedicated guide at a popular spot for traditional Turkish treats, where you can find restrooms and purchase water or snacks. Enjoy a picturesque walk around Sultanahmet and experience local life with a professional guide.
Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is Istanbul’s most frequented monument. Your tour begins in the Sultanahmet area, named after the mosque itself. Be awed by this grand imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I, the last of its grand scale. Relive its historical grandeur with a detailed guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its surrounding buildings. Afterwards, take in the stunning views of modern Istanbul from the courtyard and enjoy a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
Hagia Sophia Mosque - Explore the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and see the most important site of the Greek Orthodox faith in Istanbul. Learn about its transformation into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Inside the Hagia Sophia, observe the coexistence of mosque and church elements. Marvel at the basilica’s magnificent dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, and marble columns. Discover how the beautiful İznik tiles were added over time, the creation of the Virgin Mary mosaic, and why Ottoman sultans chose to be buried in the courtyard.
Hippodrome - Stroll through the historic hippodrome of Constantinople and learn about the obelisks that decorate the square. Pause between major landmarks for the best views and understand the hippodrome’s significance during Byzantine times.
Arasta Bazaar - Wander through the Arasta Bazaar, located in the shadow of the Blue Mosque, to appreciate 17th-century public architecture. This well-known yet modest open-air market is in the heart of Sultanhamet. Enjoy a final tea break and shop for souvenirs to take home.

What's Included

3 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace
Small group tour for a more interactive experience
Expert guide for insider’s knowledge of the city
Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia

What's Not Included

Transport to the meeting spot

Additional Information

Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia. Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide. Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque. Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to continue exploring Istanbul independently.

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and they can be closed to visitors for any reason, even without pre-notice (for a high-level state visit, for example)
Nobody can skip the line at either of the mosques although our guides make it easier and more efficient because they do it every day.
Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Location

Ersoy Bufe

At Meydanı Caddesi

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.7

(138 Ratings)

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Sam_e

Jul 30, 2024

Fantastic - Hulya our guide was fantastic. She gave us a great understanding of the history of both mosques & was very happy to answer any questions. Small group was perfect. Highly recommend

Review provided by Viator

Catherine_h

Jul 18, 2024

Absolutely incredible! The significance of these places is grand! - The mosaics of Jesus and Mary in the Hagia Sofia were incredible. The size and beauty of the Blue Mosque caught me by surprise! Our guides was great!

Review provided by Viator

510paddler

Jul 17, 2024

First time visit. - Informative and easy walked tour. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Guide was well informed of the area and provided time for questions.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Karla_c

Jul 16, 2024

Istanbul tour - Our guide was very knowledgeable. We were a large group and he took the time to answer all the questions. He was friendly and patient.

Review provided by Viator

Steven_c

Jul 14, 2024

Fun and informative - Our guide Mert was equally funny and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque tour.

Review provided by Viator

Daniel_j

Jul 10, 2024

Great guide. - Great informative guide that gave a great insight into the history of the location . Would highly recommend.

Review provided by Viator

Banu_b

Jul 10, 2024

Walking tour in Istanbul - It was a good expierence, only thing I'd recommend is bringing water or a drink for the heat. The tour guide murat was great and explained everything in detail with his own personal touch which was lovely. He gave us his recommdations which were top notch recommdations on the European side of the city.

Review provided by Viator

Julian_c

Jul 9, 2024

Beware of Meirt! He’s a fantastic guide! - The tour was just at the right length (about 2-3 hours length) depending on the lines at the mosques. Our guide Meirt was fantastic because he was able to cater for people like us who have very little knowledge of Turkish history. He was able to give us a crash course on how the two mosques mattered so much to the Turkish people and not to mention a lot of trivia about Istanbul too! Recommend for those who just want a short excursion and not too much in depth. I would recommend booking in the morning to beat the queues and the afternoon heat.

Review provided by Viator

Kristin_s