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)
+12 photos
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.
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
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9
4
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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.
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Best of Sultanahmet Half‑Day Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque