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Daily Tours

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour with ticket

4.8(501)IstanbulFree cancellation

About this activity

This tour is designed as a complete introduction to Istanbul, combining the city’s most important monuments with clear historical context. Starting in Sultanahmet Square, your guide connects Byzantine and Ottoman history, helping you understand how Istanbul evolved from Constantinople into the city you see today. With skip-the-line access and guided visits to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you’ll explore both Christian and Islamic landmarks in one seamless experience. The walk through the Hippodrome adds depth, revealing how public life once unfolded in the Byzantine capital. With a small group and expert guide, the focus is on understanding, not rushing—so each site feels meaningful rather than overwhelming.

Highlights

    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

    Not included

    • Transport to the meeting spot

    Itinerary

    1. Sultanahmet Square

      Check out Istanbul’s greatest monuments on this small-group walking tour. Meet your expert guide in Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of the Old Town, where the tour begins with an introduction to the city’s layered history. The experience includes skip-the-line tickets and expert guides, making it an ideal way to explore Istanbul’s most important sites.

      15 minutesAdmission includedSee on map

    2. Blue Mosque

      The Blue Mosque is the most visited monument in Istanbul, and the Sultanahmet neighborhood is named after this iconic structure. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and the last mosque built on such a grand scale. Enjoy a comprehensive guided visit as your guide explains its architecture, symbolism, and role as an active place of worship. Afterwards, take time to enjoy the spacious courtyard, offering beautiful views of daily life in modern Istanbul, and enjoy a gentle stroll through the surrounding neighborhood.

      1 hourAdmission includedSee on map

    3. Hagia Sophia

      Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox tradition in Istanbul. Learn how it was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Inside, see elements of a church and a mosque standing side by side, from the vast basilica dome and towering minarets to mosaics, paintings, and marble columns. Discover how İznik tiles were added over time, how the remarkable Virgin Mary mosaic was created, and why Ottoman sultans were buried in the courtyard.

      1 hourAdmission includedSee on map

    4. Hippodrome

      Walk the famous hippodrome of Constantinople. Learn about the obelisks that adorn the square. Take a break between two major monuments for the best views and learn about the significance of the hippodrome during the Byzantine times of the city.

      15 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    Meeting point

    CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."

    The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Everyone meets at the start point

    Know before you go

    • 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)
    • 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.
    • I is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
    • Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
    • 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.
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking
    • Please meet your guide and join the tour. Your voucher is not an admission ticket.

    Cancellation and refunds

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

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    Supplied by
    Walks In Europe
    Product code
    51192P70

    Customer reviews

    4.8 · 501 reviews
    4.8
    501 reviews
    • 5 ★453
    • 4 ★22
    • 3 ★6
    • 2 ★8
    • 1 ★12

    Ratings from Viator 4.8 (357) · Tripadvisor 4.8 (144)

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    $45$41per person