Skip-the-Line Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern Tour

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famously known as the “Blue Mosque” due to the more than 20,000 blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior.

With its six minarets, spacious courtyard, and magnificent domes, the mosque impresses visitors both architecturally and spiritually. Natural light pours in through more than 260 windows, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere inside.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was once the social and political heart of the Byzantine Empire. Built in the 3rd century by Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Constantine the Great, it served as a venue for chariot races, public ceremonies, and major imperial events.

Today, the Hippodrome lives on as Sultanahmet Square, where several remarkable monuments still stand, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk. These ancient structures offer a fascinating glimpse into Istanbul’s layered past, from Roman and Byzantine times to the Ottoman era.

The Basilica Cistern is a historic underground water reservoir located near Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The cistern is supported by 336 marble columns and was used to store and supply water to the city. One of its most famous features is the Medusa head column bases. Today, it is open to visitors as a museum.

Hagia Sophia is a historic landmark in Istanbul, originally built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries. Famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics, Hagia Sophia is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world.