Meet a local expert to learn about all the insider tips about Ancient Istanbul while covering all must-see sights around! 

Get informed about Blue Mosque and ancient Roman Hippodrome from a licensed guiding tour!

This is a very optimized program to start your journey in Istanbul at the heart of everything. Istanbul is one of the most historical cities in the world and this tour will make it quite clearer to see and make plans on it. This tour, while focusing on the famous Bluse Mosque, will cover the masterpieces of Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman architecture. Meanwhile, it will pass by the emblematic wonders like the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace from outside.

Mostly around the Sultanahmet area, this tour will reveal the background of ancient downtown of Istanbul, from its foundations. An officially licensed guide will take you through a wide variety of historical marks, monumental buildings and historical stories.

The stories will help you to understand this unique corner of our world and moreover, you will get answers from a local expert along the way. When to tour is ending, you can get all insider tips from your guide as well to get the best out of your experience in Istanbul.

About this Tour at Sultanahmet Area:

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Duration: 3 hours

Live tour guide in English

Highlights of the Tour:

• Ideal for the first time Istanbul visitor for an orientation walk
• Enjoy the the Mosques (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia) & Palaces (Topkapi and Ibrahim Pasha) with an certified guide
• Learn about the Byzantine & Ottoman heritage
• See the iconic UNESCO Monuments
• Take amazing pictures

What to see at this Walking Tour?

The name "Blue Mosque" comes from its famous tiles resisting time for centuries. They simply stunned all of its visitors coming here since the early 1600s. The floral pen works and calligraphy panels will take the variety of decorative elements to a further level. 

But, this is not only about a mosque! The Sultanahmet Square is also presenting you quite multi-layered history of Istanbul from ancient times. As your guide will take you through monumental buildings at the heart of old town Istanbul, the explanations and stories will reveal series of interesting and impressive details. So, you will be getting more familiar with not only Blue Mosque but its entire surroundings that highlights milleniums of this city. 

Visiting Info for the Blue Mosque Tours

As of June 2023, Gate A and Gate C are fully open exccept 30 minutes before and after prayers.

2018 - 2023 Restorations at the Blue Mosqque

Is the Blue Mosque open no for visits?

Folllowing the May 2023 re-opening, there is only one last corner under restoration at the exterior garden of the Blue Mosque with the ablution fountains. All the covers on the domes and around the towers are taken out and there is no limitation for the view inside as it had been the case with scaffolds during the restorations. 

How it works when we come to see the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?

Once you book here, our official staff will be waiting for you at the chosen day and 15 minutes before the starting time here https://goo.gl/maps/VaEZR2nz2YPMRfAX8 that just neighboring all the historical wonders of Istanbul in the middle of the old town. 

What else is there around Blue Mosque?

As your guide will lead you through the Sultanahmet Square, the famous hippodrome from the Roman centuries of Istanbul, or Constantinopolis, will reveal some hidden but very impressive layers of this unique city to you. The German Fountain, Hurrem Sultan Bathhouse (Hammam), Arasta Bazaar are also some other interesting corners and structures not-to-miss while exploring this old town of Istanbul. This program will provide you a detailed orientation through deep historical heritage of Istanbul.

What is Blue Msoque?

Blue Mosque, or as the locals call it "Sultan Ahmet Mosque", is one of the royal mosques of Istanbul. The starting year of its construction dates back to 1609. It was inaugurated by Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616. Its unique central location among the ancient marvels of Istanbul have kept it in the priority destinations of travelers coming to Istanbul since its opening. The timeless tiles on its interior walls has been made renowned as the "Blue Mosque" all around the world. Its architectural legacy represents also a continuity from the neighboring Hagia Sophia.