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Tours/Istanbul/Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

4.9(10)Istanbul3–4 hours
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR4.9(8)
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
+12 photos
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

At a glance

Duration
3–4 hours
Price from
$47 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 10 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 30
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
Guests staying outside the areas we have determined must come to the meeting point. We contact the guests 1 day before the tour starts and provide the details.
Confirmation
Instant

Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul

Description

See the best of Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old City) in half a day. This is a walking tour with a live English guide. We visit inside Hagia Sophia and inside the Blue Mosque. Hagia Sophia entrance ticket is not included (you pay on the day). The tour is clear and easy. It is great for first‑time visitors. End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy a demonstration of traditional Turkish handicrafts and browse the stalls for souvenirs.

Tour Options

Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

60 min

We will start tour from Hippodrome. Hippodrome Square, the sporting and social center of old Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire such as the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpent Column.

Admission included60 min

Our next visit will be The Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the world famous exquisite blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. Also it is the only imperial mosque in the world that was originally built with six minarets.

Admission not included60 min

Hagia Sophia Mosque, which is considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World, occupies a unique place in the history of architectures one of the rare works of this size and age that still survives. After tour we will drop you off your hotel back.

Highlights

Guide: In-person: English
Entry/Admission - Blue Mosque
Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
Entry/Admission - Hippodrome
Professional Licensed Tour Guide

What's included

Included
Guide: In-person: English
Entry/Admission - Blue Mosque
Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
Entry/Admission - Hippodrome
Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket

Pickup Locations & Times

We have a free hotel pick-up service for guests staying in Fatih, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Beyoğlu, Taksim and Karaköy districts. We pick up guests from their hotels between 07:30 and 08:15, depending on the distance of the hotel location. We give the pick-up time 1 day in advance, depending on the guest's hotel.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
10 reviews
5
9
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $47 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. We have a free hotel pick-up service for guests staying in Fatih, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Beyoğlu, Taksim and Karaköy districts. We pick up guests from their hotels between 07:30 and 08:15, depending on the distance of the hotel location. We give the pick-up time 1 day in advance, depending on the guest's hotel. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyFumi+9arnlDHac1ZDI6cR0=.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Reviews(10)

E
etheltaylor
June 15, 2026
cultural richness

The visit was not limited to touring the building. It also included information about culture, traditions, and lifestyle, which I greatly appreciated.

Operator response

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted that you had a wonderful time with us!

L
lenaklug
June 11, 2026
A wonderful day full of historical information

The explanations were very informative, especially the historical anecdotes from the tour guide, which impressed us greatly. Since the group was small, we could explore everything at a leisurely pace. The walking distances were well coordinated, allowing us to see everything without getting tired.

Operator response

Thank you for the 5-star review! It was an absolute pleasure hosting you.

D
davettrepanier
July 5, 2025
satisfactory experience

It was very satisfying for the price. The anecdotes and small stories told by the guide made the tour much more enjoyable.

4
451taijal
June 19, 2025
We had a nice start to our Istanbul trip

This half day tour was the ideal way to explore Istanbuls. blue mosque, hagia sophia and hippodrome were all breathtaking, and our guide brought the history to life with engaging stories. The pace was just right, allowing enough time to appreciate each site without feeling rushed.

1 people found this helpful
M
mikalundqvis11
June 18, 2025
Discover the Spirit of Istanbul

It is a great opportunity to understand the soul of Istanbul. Sultanahmet's historical texture and venues were fascinating. Our guide was very friendly and explained everything in detail. We enjoyed it very much.

1 people found this helpful
C
Carlos_U
May 29, 2025
Learning about the...

Learning about the history and culture was interesting. Tour guide was knowledgeable. The fashion show was new for us during a tour. The Grand Bazaar was an experience.

J
jamieeL1263BU
August 12, 2024
Impressive and informative tour

Thanks to this tour, we had the chance to see the most iconic places of Istanbul in a short time. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were fascinating. Our guide's knowledge and explanation added added value to the tour.

1 people found this helpful
R
Rhian_M
August 8, 2024
Excellent schedule

The Blue Mosque, very informative. The bazaar when going with the guide was far more relaxed and we were able to sample tea and Turkish delight. We then bought some :)

A
amaliajonsson
July 13, 2024
Historical beauties of Istanbul in a short time

This half-day tour is a great opportunity to explore the historical sites of Istanbul quickly and effectively. Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia were fascinating. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.

O
olhahlavickova
July 10, 2024
Half day in the heart of Sultanahmet

Ideal to see the most important places of the Sultanahmet region. It was very enjoyable to visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Our guide was great and explained us all the details. We were very pleased.

$47/ person
4.9(10)
Duration3–4 hours
LanguagesEN
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
Travellers1–30 pax
ConfirmationInstant
OperatorTurkey Tourism Center
Book on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
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