Istanbul: Tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque By Night

Experience Istanbul with a magical nighttime tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Enjoy illuminated views, captivating stories, and a unique perspective of these iconic landmarks.

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Overview

Experience Istanbul like never before with a magical nighttime tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Discover the beauty of these architectural marvels illuminated under the night sky, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Perfect for history enthusiasts and photography lovers, this guided experience promises unforgettable views, captivating stories, and a unique perspective of Istanbul's timeless landmarks.

The journey begins with an awe-inspiring visit to Hagia Sophia. Under the serene glow of the night, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals a different charm. Originally built as a Byzantine church, then converted into a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia’s majestic dome and intricate mosaics are beautifully accentuated at night. As your guide shares stories of its transformation through centuries, you'll feel transported back in time, connecting with Istanbul’s layered history.Next, step into the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that dazzles under moonlight. Famous for its six minarets and over 20,000 blue tiles, the mosque takes on a new elegance after dark. Inside, the soft lighting enhances the intricate Iznik tilework, creating a tranquil ambiance. Learn about the mosque’s spiritual and cultural significance as you stroll through its grand courtyards and serene interiors.The tour also takes you through Sultanahmet Square, the heart of Istanbul’s old city. Once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the square is surrounded by iconic landmarks that come alive under the city lights. Marvel at the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column while your guide paints a vivid picture of the area’s historical significance.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable evening, this tour offers ample opportunities to capture Istanbul’s most stunning sights. The illuminated domes, shimmering minarets, and tranquil courtyards provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.Throughout the tour, your professional guide will provide engaging commentary, blending historical facts with intriguing stories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s past, culture, and the architectural wonders that make it a city like no other.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Istanbul
Start Activities

Meeting Point and Hagia Sophia Museum
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour,
Duration: 1 hour , Extra Fee

Start at the iconic Hagia Sophia Museum, meeting your guide at the entrance. Admire its majestic glow under the night sky while exploring its rich history through captivating stories.


Blue Mosque Visit
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour,
Duration: 1 hour

Visit the Blue Mosque, glowing under moonlight, then stroll through Sultanahmet Square, once the Hippodrome, illuminated by vibrant city lights as your guide shares its history.


Arrive back at Hagia Sophia

We return to the starting point, where we conclude our tour.


Istanbul
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Skip the line and visit the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
  • Enjoy an atmospheric visit at night away from tourist crowds
  • Discover Istanbul's history with your professional, certified guide
  • Stroll through Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks.
  • Enjoy a serene and less crowded exploration of Istanbul’s treasures.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Licensed tour guide

Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Smoking indoors

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes

Information Before Booking

  • The tour requires moderate walking and is best suited for individuals who are comfortable with walking for approximately two hours.
  • The tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid delays.

Know Before You Go

  • The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are unable to be visited during prayer times and special events
  • Ensure you are appropriately dressed for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
  • This is a nighttime walking tour; transportation back to your hotel is not included.

4.7/5

22
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 3  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English, Turkish

Pickup Optional

The meeting point for this tour is Hagia Sophia Museum. The tour concludes at the Hagia Sophia Museum, which serves as the drop-off point for participants.

Location

Istanbul Türkiye

Book Today

From

€150

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Maximilian Fischer - Germany
15 July 2024

The tour was excellent! The manager was always available by phone and promptly answered all my questions, which was especially helpful since it was for a large group. They even arranged a hotel pick-up as requested, making the experience seamless and stress-free. Highly recommended!

Sarah - Australia
20 June 2024

An amazing tour! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the city!

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Based on 22 Reviews

Guide

4.7/5

Transportation

4.7/5

Value for Money

4.7/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
M
Maximilian Fischer - Germany
15 July 2024

The tour was excellent! The manager was always available by phone and promptly answered all my questions, which was especially helpful since it was for a large group. They even arranged a hotel pick-up as requested, making the experience seamless and stress-free. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sarah - Australia
20 June 2024

An amazing tour! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the city!

Helpful? Yes

A
Alessandra - Italy
06 September 2024

The guide's quality and the professionalism of the operator significantly contribute to the overall experience of a tour. A knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful guide can enhance the journey, providing valuable insights and creating a friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, a professional operator ensures smooth organization, safety, and a well-planned itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy their trip without any concerns.

Helpful? Yes

D
David - France
28 December 2023

UFKU, our guide, spoke flawless French and provided us with excellent information about the various monuments and their history. Approachable and friendly, we highly recommend him!

Helpful? Yes

L
Laura - Mexico
02 February 2024

The night tour of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque offers a unique and tranquil experience, allowing visitors to admire these iconic sites away from the usual crowds. The guide is praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging delivery, helping tourists gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul's rich history. Visitors appreciate the convenience of skipping long lines, making the visit even more enjoyable. The combination of breathtaking architecture and insightful commentary provides a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Istanbul's historical wonders at a slower, more atmospheric pace.

Helpful? Yes

C
Claire - France
01 November 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Ukfu, our guide. He did an excellent job of introducing us to these two monuments while also providing context about their history and culture. Our children, aged 12 and 15, also had a great time and appreciated the tour.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jessica - United States of America
01 October 2023

Ali was outstanding—kind, patient, knowledgeable, humorous, and generous. His efforts made the experience truly enjoyable and memorable.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lena - Germany
16 September 2023

I had an amazing experience on the Istanbul: Tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque by night! Our guide, Ukfu, was exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. He provided fascinating insights into the history and culture of these iconic monuments, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Visiting the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque at night allowed us to admire their beauty in a peaceful, less crowded setting. The whole tour was well-organized, and I appreciated the extra attention to detail. My children, aged 12 and 15, also loved the experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sophie - France
17 April 2023

The Istanbul night tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque was absolutely fantastic! Our guide, Ukfu, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with fascinating insights into the history and cultural significance of both monuments. The night setting added a special charm, allowing us to enjoy these iconic landmarks without the usual crowds. Ukfu's enthusiasm and engaging storytelling kept us interested throughout the tour. It was truly a memorable experience for our family, including our 12 and 15-year-old children, who also thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Istanbul!

Helpful? Yes

M
Matteo - Italy
21 March 2023

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit the Blue Mosque due to renovations, but our guide, Ozcan, was excellent. He shared many fascinating details about the history, and since we had already visited the Hagia Sophia, he went above and beyond by making phone calls. Despite the late hour, he managed to get us into another museum where we had the opportunity to admire a model of the Hippodrome, learn about its history in depth, and truly understand its significance. We also attended an incredible exhibition of beautifully crafted carpets. It was a fantastic experience, thanks to Ozcan!

Helpful? Yes

A
Anthony Ian - Australia
10 January 2023

The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, and the tour was perfectly organized. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Helpful? Yes

O
Olivia - United States of America
06 September 2022

The Istanbul night tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque was an unforgettable experience! Despite the Blue Mosque being under renovation, our guide, Ukfu, made the tour absolutely worth it. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating details about the history and culture of both landmarks. Since we had already visited the Hagia Sophia, Ukfu went the extra mile by organizing an impromptu visit to another museum where we saw a model of the Hippodrome and got to admire an exhibition of exquisite carpets. His passion for the history of Istanbul really made the experience special. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Istanbul!

Helpful? Yes

I
Isabella - Canada
20 August 2022

We booked the night tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and Ozmet promptly contacted us to arrange the time and meeting point. Our guide, Barish, was punctual, presentable, fluent in English, and extremely knowledgeable. He gave us a deeper understanding of not only the history and significance of these two iconic buildings but also of Turkey's rich culture and heritage. Unfortunately, the Blue Mosque is undergoing extensive restoration, so we couldn’t fully appreciate its beauty, and we spent less time there. However, Barish made up for it by taking us to the nearby Hippodrome. We feel that we should have been informed about the restoration in advance and offered alternative options. So, when visiting Istanbul, it’s worth checking the status of the attractions you're planning to see. Despite this, we truly appreciated Barish’s efforts as our guide, and we highly recommend him!

Helpful? Yes

P
Pieter - Netherlands
14 August 2022

The guide, Ali, was incredibly enthusiastic and cheerful! He shared a lot of interesting information, which made the tour even better. I’ve often booked with GetYourGuide and have never been disappointed.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anna - France
21 July 2022

Our guide, Gokhan TASCIOGLU, was excellent—professional, friendly, and spoke very good French. The agency communicated well with us, ensuring we were never lost or unsure about anything. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

E
Elena - Germany
16 June 2022

What a fantastic tour! Despite arriving late due to traffic, our guide was very understanding and had been patiently waiting for us. In addition to covering the main historical and cultural highlights, our guide shared many interesting and unique details. The tour lasted two hours, and time flew by without us even noticing. We asked a few extra questions and got answers to all of them. We left with so many great impressions and emotions, which we couldn’t stop discussing for the rest of the evening. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sophie - Netherlands
12 May 2022

The Istanbul: Tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque by night was an unforgettable experience! Our guide was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and fluent in English. Despite the Blue Mosque being under renovation, the tour was still incredible. We were taken to the Hagia Sophia, where our guide shared fascinating insights into its history and architecture. We also appreciated the calm and magical atmosphere of exploring these landmarks at night. The tour was well-organized, and our guide made sure we had a memorable time. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul!

Helpful? Yes

C
Charlotte - France
20 April 2022

Amazing experience with Gokhan, our tour guide! He was truly passionate about his culture and shared it with us in a way that made the tour unforgettable. 100% recommended—it’s definitely worth it!

Helpful? Yes

M
Mike - United States of America
04 July 2021

Very nice guide, extremely knowledgeable! :) :) Would highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

D
Daan - Denmark
21 August 2022

The Istanbul night tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque was a great experience! Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, providing interesting insights into the history and significance of these landmarks. Although the Blue Mosque was under renovation and we couldn't fully explore it, we appreciated the alternative options our guide offered. The Hagia Sophia was absolutely stunning at night, and the quieter atmosphere made it even more magical. The tour was well-organized, and we learned a lot about the history and culture of Istanbul. A very enjoyable tour overall—highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lukas - Germany
04 November 2022

The tour started off well, as the guide gave us several meeting times to choose from, and the meetup went smoothly. Our first stop was Hagia Sophia, where we received insightful historical explanations. The mosque itself is absolutely worth seeing! However, the visit to the Blue Mosque was canceled because it was already closed, as it typically is at that time. As a result, the tour ended halfway through. We would have appreciated it if the local guides had planned the tour according to the opening hours and made that information available to guests in advance.

Helpful? Yes

P
Pierre - France
21 June 2022

The Istanbul night tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque had its highlights, but there were some disappointments. The guide was knowledgeable and provided interesting historical insights, particularly about the Hagia Sophia, which was stunning to visit at night. However, the Blue Mosque was closed at the time, and we couldn’t visit it as planned. It would have been helpful to have been informed about this in advance, as the tour ended earlier than expected. While we still enjoyed the experience, better planning and communication would have made it a more complete experience.

Helpful? Yes

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Adult

12y+

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2 - 12 years

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Infant

Below 2 years

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