Last time I was in Istanbul, in 2022, the Blue Mosque and Kariye Mosque (Chora Church) were closed for renovation. And I never made it to the Basilica Cistern.
This fall I'm going back for a three-night Turkish Airlines stopover on my way to India.
Any suggestions on visiting these sites? Recommended guided tours? Or just fine to go on my own with a guidebook? Tickets in advance?
In May 2025, my experience was that the Blue Mosque is free, but entry lines are slow. Consider going there either early or late in the day. I just walked up to the Basilica Cistern office mid-day and bought a ticket after about a 10-minute wait. I have heard that if you want to go in the evening, it's best to book an advance ticket. Kariye Mosque is open and there is an entry fee. Most of the artwork is visible. Non-Muslims are not allowed in the central area, which is reserved as an active mosque, but most of the mosaics and frescoes are in accessible areas around the perimeter. My preference was to read up in advance rather than hire a guide, so I can't comment on guides.
I visited the Basilica Cistern at 845pm on a Tuesday this past August. I walked up, no line, to buy my ticket. There were a few dozen people there during my visit.
ETA: I thought I remembered, and I just confirmed on the website:
You should confirm whether that is still the case.
I recommend going to the Blue Mosque near the end of the sunrise prayer (about 60-90 minutes after the prayer start time), unless it's a Friday when the schedule differs. You might have to wait a few minutes for people to leave, but there was basically no line to get in and the crowds were manageable compared to later in the day. The RS guide book covers it well.
The Chora Church has been converted to a mosque, so someone who has been recently can weigh in on whether the RS content is still accurate. There is an update on the guidebook webpage about admission cost, opening hours, etc. https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/turkey/guidebook-updates.
I know you like tile work, so I also recommend going to Rüstem Pasha mosque, near the spice market. Our RS tour guide recommended visiting and I'm glad I took her suggestion. It is relatively uncrowded and has really beautiful tiles, because it is a small venue it's a little easier to take in than the Blue Mosque.
Thanks all for the tips.
I know you like tile work, so I also recommend going to Rüstem Pasha mosque
You are right, CL. I visited it on my last visit to Istanbul and loved it. Maybe I'll go back if time allows.
