Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
Option to meet your guide in Galata port if you are on a cruise ship
Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide.
Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque.
Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and they can be closed to visitors for any reason, even without pre-notice (for a high-level state visit, for example)
Nobody can skip the line at either of the mosques although our guides make it easier and more efficient because they do it every day.
Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sultanahmet Square
Check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on this small walking tour. Meet your dedicated guide at a hot spot for traditional Turkish delicacies, where there are restroom facilities and you can purchase water or snacks. Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the most visited monument in Istanbul. Your tour will start in the Sultanahmet neighborhood which takes its name from the mosque. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet the first and the last one built in this grand size. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its complementary buildings with a professional guide. Afterwards, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood.
What‘s Included
2.5 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace
Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
Small group tour for a more interactive experience
Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city
Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
Transport to the meeting spot
Options
English Tour from Sultanahmet
Meeting point is Sultanahmet: Choose this option to meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)
Small group tour
Language of the tour: English
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
English Tour from Galataport
Meeting point is Galataport: If you are on a cruise ship, choose this option to meet your guide at Galataport Clock Tower Square
Small group tour
Language of the tour: English
Starting point:
Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
German Tour from Galataport
Meeting point at Galataport: Choose this option if you are on a cruise ship and will meet your guide at Galataport Clock Tower Square
Small group tour
Language of the tour: German
Starting point:
Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Larger Group up to 24 People
Shared group: Choose this option for an affordable price, offering a larger group capacity of up to 24 people.
Meeting point is Sultanahmet : You will meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)
Language of the tour: English
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
German Tour from Sultanahmet
Meeting point is Sultanahmet: Choose this option to meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)
Small group tour
Language of the tour: German
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Reviews
463 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Istanbul
Carol L,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was amazing very helpful Meat very knowledgeable good luck to your coming wedding. Highly recommend three tours in one
Great Small Group Tour
Jennifer D,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this tour. Our guide was friendly, funny and knowledgeable. The meeting place was easy. The tour is about 3 hours - 90 minutes in each mosque. This one is worth the price of passing through the lines with ease.
Ismail Mert was really...
Fayruz F,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ismail Mert was really amazing. My parents really enjoyed the tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue mosque .
Engaging and Relaxed Tour with Elif
PRAFUL M,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Our guide, Elif, was exceptional—informative, engaging, and able to weave history with a delightful sense of humor that kept the experience lively. • Pace: Even with some walking challenges, we never felt rushed. The tour was thoughtfully paced, allowing us to take in the grandeur of both sites comfortably. • Guide: Elif’s knowledge and storytelling made the monuments come alive, adding depth and personality to the visit. • Experience: A perfect balance of history, culture, and enjoyment. Overall, this tour was a highlight of our time in Istanbul, thanks to Elif’s expertise and warm approach. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore these iconic landmarks at a relaxed pace.
Great tour and a nice introduction to Istanbul
mikedA9365SO,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was very informative and gave us a good overview of the city and history along with both Hagia Sopia and Blue Mosque. She was also great at pointing out good photo opportunities and giving tips for the rest of the trip.
Poor experience. Not recommended.
eleanormW3475EA,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Poor experience. The guide seemed bored. Had to wait 30 minutes so that the guide could take one of the group members to the hagia sophia. I didnt know that was how the tour would work. The final straw was to be taken to a fur and leather shop and have to watch a 'fashion show', as it was described, to encourage us to buy something from there. Waste of my time.
Outstanding guide
Harriet B,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was knowledgeable and went over and beyond to make sure we found our way back to our ship in a city we were unfamiliar with.
Wonderful tour
robertacV7868TJ,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour guide, very knowledgeable. Quickly escorted into both venues and were then immersed in a fantastic cultural field trip.
Great experience!
Diana P,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful experience! Excellent tour with lots of history. The only thing that I would change is the earpiece. We couldn’t understand the guide very well. But I recommend it very well!!
Excellent excursion about Turkey the history & culture of the past as well as current practices influenced by the past
Expedition637954,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was very welcoming and informative of the monuments we visited. The process to purchase the excursion was very user friendly. The instructions as to location and meeting up place was accurate!
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