Blue Mosque

Battling the chilly winds and rain, we queued up about 15min to visit this mosque. The exterior compound was heavy with scaffoldings as a major reno is going on. Likewise inside the mosque, reno works are also underway with major coverings over the ceilings and walls of the interior. You can still see some portions of the blue tileworks and it remains a functioning mosque for muslim worshippers. We can’t wait to come again after all major reno works are done.

Went on Friday morning but closed in mornings and had to go back at 2.30pm when open to public. Queued for 25mins as long line and mosque closes again at 3.30pm for prayers so we were pushed and rushed through the line and everyone was in a hurry and pressure to take off shoes , grab a plastic bag and go into the mosque. Unfortunately so much of it is under restoration the entire experience inside is disappointing and as non Muslims we only were able to explore a limited area. Altogether was less than 15mins inside. We found suleimaniye mosque to be far better and lovelier experience. Go there instead.

Under construction and difficult to see much of the famous mosque. I had paid for a private tour for 4 which was pricy and included the Hagia Sophia, and had to pay any entrance fees etc. which was unexpected. The Hagia Sophia was worthwhile as the guide's expertise in the history was astounding, but the mosque has most the dome covered. It isn't blue inside as it shows in the photos, perhaps the lighting is no longer used. There is some blue in the mosaic overhead and the walls and carpet (blue flowers are considered flowers of heaven) but most of it was lackluster. Construction may continue for a long period according to our guide as funds are diverted to build new mosques by the current government.

The Blue Mosque is a must visit if you are in Istanbul, the architecture and colours in the interior are beautiful. However, what made the experience not as enjoyable is the crowds of people trying to get in. People were actually pushing each other to enter the mosque which I thought was very disrespectful, considering it is a place of worship. It would work better if the mosque limited the amount of people queuing per day or did a ticket system to those who are visiting as a tourist.

The whole area transmits a blue mood, in a good way. Naked trees, black birds in the gardens area, minarets circling the mosque, and an architecture design that gives the mosque an artistic dark vibe.

We arrived on the morning of a cloudy day and were impressed by the size and royalty of the building.

Tips: There are hundreds of benches on the outside area of the Mosque where you can stand and take amazing selfies.

If you happen to be there on prayer time, you should expect the doors to be closed. Better ask for those times prior getting there so that you will be able to go on the inside of the mosque as well.

I was expecting a complete blue mosque and was kind of sad when I realized it isn´t and that the pictures I´ve seen before where totally edited.
Of course the architecture is amazing, but many parts are in restoration. Also it is so crowded inside that is kind of difficult to spend time and watch freely. I think some measures taken would add in terms of security. If something happens, the door to go out is pretty small. People in general are very disrespectufl of a religious place and speak aloud.
Honestly: great architecture; not so great ambiance.
Take into account that it is mandatory to take off your shoes (a disposable bag will be provided for your stuff) and that you must have your shoulders and legs properly covered.

We told our girls how beautiful this mosque was, having visited 20 years ago. But as of January 2020, the renovations cover much of the interior and the central area. It really was not worth standing in line for. Later, we visited Suleymaniye Mosque and this was much better at this time for seeing the tiles and the dome. Go early in the morning when it opens at 8:30 if you want to avoid waiting in line and crowds.

Very Excited when arrived at Istanbul. Looking forward for a nice picture at Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia but it is under renovation. Part of exterior and half of interior are blocked with high scaffolding and pvc sheet. The Structural and Architectural are amazing. The craftsmanship of the detailing is really unique. Luckily we have our local tour guide (Erdem Eryilmaz) to explain and unfold to us the historical details and how the interior was constructed. Will definitely stopover at Istanbul in my next Europe trip.

We had heard that it wasn't worth visiting the Blue Mosque as it is under restoration. This is absolutely not the case. Yes, large parts are under renovation yet they are doing a marvellous job of maintaining the beauty and the feel of the mosque while this extensive work is underway. The mosque is absolutely spectacular and even with the renovation you get a good feel for it's magnificence.

Not only do you get to see a wonder of art and construction but you are also invited in to a holy place of a world religion. I am grateful to the congregation of the Blue Mosque for providing the opportunity to visit their place of worship. There is no entry fee but you can make a donation on the way out the door.

This beautiful building is right next to Aya Sofya. If you are on a conducted tour, you will probably see these two, one after another, as the buildings are so near each other. Talking of conducted tours, I would strongly advise you to take one, a guide can explain things and answer questions. Our local agent, Efendi Travels, organised a guide for us. You really need someone to enlighten you, on the spot! This building is a photo buff's delight, it is so beautiful. Both inside and outside. The blue tiles covering almost all the surfaces inside give the mosque its name. There are six minarets surrounding the mosque, these are photo gems in their own right. This mosque was built over a thousand years after Aya Sofya, hence it is not as historically important as the former. But, nevertheless, it is such a beautiful building, it would be a shame to miss it. A word of warning: this is a functioning mosque, unlike Aya Sofya. Hence, it is closed for prayers, several times a day, to tourists. All the more reason to have a guide to see this place. The guide would know when to go, and what to see.