Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque in Istanbul — FAQ

Is Hagia Sophia free to visit?
Hagia Sophia is an active mosque; the main floor is free to enter outside prayer times, while a ticketed gallery/upper-level experience operates for tourists — a guided tour explains the history and access.
What is the Blue Mosque famous for?
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is famous for its six minarets, cascading domes and the thousands of blue İznik tiles lining its vast interior; it’s free to enter outside prayer times.
Do you need to dress modestly for the mosques?
Yes — to enter Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair, shoes are removed, and visits pause during the five daily prayer times.