Istanbul:

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour With Tickets

Discover two splendid monuments: the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Quick Details

  • Duration: 2.5 Hours
  • Tour Type: Guided Tour
  • Schedule: This tour runs every day. On Fridays, tours are available only in the afternoon.
  • Start Time: Summer departures: 9:00 / 13:30 / 15:30 - Winter departures: 09:00 / 13:00 (Fridays only 15:30)
  • Priority admission tickets: Hagia Sophia
  • Languages: We offer our tours in English and German
  • Meeting Point: 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.”

Here is the Google Maps link

Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour With Tickets

Discover the heart of old Istanbul on this expertly guided walking tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the historic Hippodrome. Explore centuries of religious, cultural, and architectural heritage in small groups. Enjoy the expertise of professional guides and benefit from skip-the-line tickets for a seamless experience.

Begin your journey in Sultanahmet Square, once the Hippodrome of Constantinople. This lively square has been the city’s heart for over 1,500 years. Your guide will introduce the historical layers of this district, from Roman chariot races to Ottoman imperial processions.

Step inside the Blue Mosque, renowned for its 21,000 handmade İznik tiles in striking shades of blue. Gaze up at its graceful domes and six minarets, symbols of Ottoman grandeur. Learn about Islamic traditions, the mosque’s construction under Sultan Ahmed I, and its ongoing role as a place of worship.

Continue to the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most celebrated monuments. Once the greatest church in Christendom, it later became an imperial mosque and now stands as a place of prayer once again. Inside, admire the immense dome, golden mosaics, marble columns, and unique blend of Christian and Islamic elements. Hear stories of emperors, sultans, and the events that shaped this masterpiece over 1,500 years.

Walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, and see monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius.

End your Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia tour at the Arasta Bazaar, a peaceful market tucked behind the mosque, perfect for local shopping and a cup of tea. Your guide will provide tips on the best stalls and local specialties before you explore on your own.

With expert commentary and skip-the-line access, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Istanbul’s timeless landmarks.

Itinerary
  • Blue Mosque
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Hippodrome
  • Sultanahmet Square
Highlights
  • Understand the significance of two of Istanbul’s most important highlights from an expert guide.
  • Discover the art of Islam through magnificent calligraphy and tiles.
  • Admire the beautiful Byzantine architecture inside Hagia Sophia.
  • Gaze upon the basilica’s stunning domes and minarets.
Included
  • Expert local guides
  • Pre-reserved tickets for Hagia Sophia
  • 2.5-hour guided tour at a relaxed pace
  • Small-groups for more personal experience
Excluded
  • Transportation to the meeting spot
Restrictions
  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
  • You will have to pass through airport-style security.
  • Sites may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
  • Please note that women are 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.
  • Skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
  • Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Essential Information
  • Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
  • Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
  • 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.
Meeting Point

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.”

Here is the Google Maps link

  • Adult
    (Ages 15 - 99)
    53€
  • Click on a date to see discounted options.

Related Tours

PRIVATE TOURS.

CURATED

MOMENTS.

We create private experiences tailored entirely to you — whether you’re planning a family adventure, a corporate retreat, or marking a special occasion. Each itinerary is shaped around your interests and pace, with exclusive access, personal insight, and seamless delivery at every step.

Book a Private tour