Blue Mosque Tour 2023 – Small-Group Tour

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome on a private tour or a shared, guided walking tour in Istanbul. Take in the city’s historic architecture and unique views and discover these must-see attractions from an insider’s perspective.

Meet up with your tour guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an accessible spot and check out Istanbul’s most significant monuments on a walking tour. Please start with the Blue Mosque. This most visited Istanbul monument is famous for its stunning blue tiles. Marvel at this Ottoman Empire Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. See the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy an insightful guided tour of the Blue Mosque.

After visiting the Blue Mosque, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and walk around the neighborhood. Stroll through the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the political and social center of the city. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and witness the most important site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how and when the church was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

Explore the stunning attraction with elements of the orthodox church and mosque standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.

In addition to learning how the astounding mosaic of the Virgin Mary was made and why the Ottomans decided to bury their sultans in the courtyard of the Blue Mosque, you will discover how the impressive Iznik tiles were added over time.

Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a modest but well-known open-air market in the heart of Sultanahmet. Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home.

End your guided tour in Sultan Ahmet Square with some helpful tips and insights from your local tour guide that will help you further explore Istanbul.