The quick answer
- Hagia Sophia: the historic monument, the one to see first if you only see one. Paid entry for foreigners.
- Blue Mosque: free, opposite Hagia Sophia, very busy; for its blue tiles and courtyard.
- Süleymaniye: free and quieter; for Sinan's architecture and the view over the Golden Horn.
- Short on time: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque the same morning; the Süleymaniye at the end of the day.
At a glance
| Hagia Sophia | Blue Mosque | Süleymaniye | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | 6th century (Byzantine) | Early 17th century | 1550-1557, by Sinan |
| Entry | €25 for foreigners (upper gallery) | Free | Free |
| Hours (October 2026) | 09:00-19:30, last ticket 19:00 | 08:30-17:00 October to March | About 09:00-18:00, indicative |
| Friday | Visits suspended 12:00-14:00 | Visits from 14:30 | After midday prayer, about 14:30 |
| Crowds | Very heavy | Heavy | Light to moderate |
| Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours | 30 to 45 min | 45 min to 1 hour, plus the terrace |
Hours and prices taken from the pages for Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye; mosques close to visitors for about half an hour around each of the five daily prayers, so check the day's times.
Hagia Sophia: who is it for?
For those who want the city's most history-laden monument, built in the Byzantine era, turned into a mosque, then a museum, then a mosque again in 2020. The ground floor is reserved for worshippers; foreign visitors follow a paid route in the upper gallery, from where you see the great dome and some of the mosaics. The Museum Pass is not valid. Book an early-morning slot to avoid the queue.
Blue Mosque: who is it for?
For the simplest and free discovery: a monumental courtyard, six minarets and an interior covered in Iznik tiles. The visit is short, as part of the hall is reserved for prayer. It is ideal just before or after Hagia Sophia, but it closes earlier in winter (17:00).
Süleymaniye: who is it for?
For those who prefer calm and architecture. Sinan made it his great imperial work, and the north terrace is one of the finest free viewpoints over the Golden Horn. Fewer groups than in Sultanahmet: it is the mosque to keep for late afternoon. See also the works of Sinan.
In what order, and what to wear
- Morning: Hagia Sophia at opening time, then the Blue Mosque (avoid Friday midday).
- Afternoon: the Süleymaniye, ten minutes' walk from the Grand Bazaar (metro M2 Vezneciler).
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, hair covered for women; scarves are lent. Details in dress code in mosques.
For other places of worship to compare, see the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul.
Hours and prices as seen in October 2026; to be confirmed before your visit.
