If you only have time for one, choose the Blue Mosque for a free visit and the Hagia Sophia for the older, bigger interior. Foreign visitors pay €25 for the Hagia Sophia gallery route, while the Blue Mosque is free but closes around prayers. This guide compares the two so you can choose the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, or plan both in one morning.
Last checked: 30 October 2026. Hagia Sophia details come from our ticket guide and Blue Mosque details come from the mosque’s official visitor guide (Turkish). Both buildings are working mosques, so access can change.
Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia at a glance
| Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) | Hagia Sophia | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | Early 17th century, Ottoman | Sixth century, Byzantine; later a mosque |
| Entry for foreign visitors | Free | €25 for the upper-gallery visiting route (since 15 January 2024) |
| What you see | The prayer hall, courtyard and İznik-style tilework | The upper gallery, the main space from above and Byzantine mosaics |
| Pauses | Visitor access pauses around prayers; Fridays start at 14:30 | We could not verify current hours or Friday breaks, so ask on the day |
The Blue Mosque’s official guide lists winter hours of 08:30–17:00 (1 October–31 March) and says last admission is 30 minutes before closing. See our Blue Mosque visiting guide for the full rules.
Which should you visit first?
- Short on money or time: Blue Mosque. It is free, and the visit is usually shorter.
- Want the interior and the mosaics: Hagia Sophia. You walk through the gallery with the QR audio information.
- Visiting on a Friday: Plan the Blue Mosque after 14:30, and check Hagia Sophia on the day.
- With children: The Blue Mosque does not allow strollers inside, according to its official rules.
Doing both in one day
The two buildings face each other across the square, so you can walk between them in a few minutes. Go to the Blue Mosque first if you arrive early, because visitor access pauses around the midday prayer. Then take the Hagia Sophia route. Add the Basilica Cistern or the museum pass guide to your plan if you want more stops.
What to wear and bring
- Cover your shoulders and knees. Bring a scarf if you want to cover your hair.
- Wear shoes that are easy to take off at the Blue Mosque entrance.
- Check the prayer times on the Diyanet Istanbul timetable before you leave.
- Buy Hagia Sophia tickets only at the official booth.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue Mosque free?
Yes. The Blue Mosque is a working mosque and visitors do not pay to enter.
Is Hagia Sophia free for foreigners?
The reports we found describe a €25 ticket for the gallery route, and no free option for foreign visitors.
