Things to Do at Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Complete Guide to Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Beirut

About Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Mohammad Al Amin Mosque Blue Mosque offers visitors guided tours running every 45 minutes with admission typically 180000 LBP ($12.06 USD). Bring layers as interior temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than outside. The polished marble floors echo with footsteps while natural light filters through tall windows, creating shifting patterns across the displays. This Beirut landmark operates in partnership with local universities, offering specialized research access to qualified visitors.

What to See & Do

Main Prayer Hall

The interior features beautiful Islamic calligraphy, intricate geometric patterns, and a soaring dome that creates surprisingly good acoustics during prayer times

Four Minarets

Each minaret rises about 65 meters high and offers a distinctive silhouette against Beirut's skyline - you'll get great views of them from Martyrs' Square

Ottoman-Inspired Architecture

The exterior showcases detailed stonework and design elements that pay homage to classical Ottoman mosque architecture while incorporating Lebanese touches

Courtyard and Gardens

The surrounding area includes well-maintained gardens and a peaceful courtyard that provides a quiet respite from downtown Beirut's bustle

Evening Illumination

After sunset, the mosque is beautifully lit up, creating one of downtown Beirut's most photogenic nighttime scenes

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open for visitors outside of prayer times, typically 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Closed during the five daily prayers and on Fridays during Jumu'ah prayers

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission, though donations are appreciated. Guided tours might be available through local tour operators for a small fee

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon tends to work well - you'll avoid the midday heat and can potentially catch the evening lighting. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded

Suggested Duration

About 30-45 minutes for a respectful visit, though you might want to spend longer in the surrounding area

Getting There

The mosque is located in downtown Beirut near Martyrs' Square, making it pretty accessible by various means. If you're taking a taxi, most drivers will know it as either the Blue Mosque or Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. There's street parking nearby, though it can be challenging during busy periods. The area is walkable from many downtown hotels, and you'll likely pass several other attractions on your way. Public buses serve the downtown area, though the routes can be a bit confusing for visitors - a taxi or ride-sharing app might be your most straightforward option.

Things to Do Nearby

Martyrs' Square
The historic square is just steps away and offers good views of the mosque along with several cafes and the iconic Martyrs' Statue

Saint George Maronite Cathedral
Located right next to the mosque, this creates an interesting architectural dialogue between Islamic and Christian Lebanese heritage

Beirut Souks
A modern shopping and dining complex about a 5-minute walk away, built on the site of Beirut's traditional markets

Grand Serail
The Ottoman-era government building houses the Prime Minister's offices and showcases impressive 19th-century architecture

Place de l'Étoile
The star-shaped square features the iconic clock tower and several upscale restaurants, about a 10-minute walk from the mosque

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly - long pants and covered shoulders are required, and women should bring a headscarf (though they sometimes provide them at the entrance)

Be mindful of prayer times, as the mosque closes to visitors during these periods - there are five daily prayers, with timing varying by season

The best photos of the exterior are actually from Martyrs' Square or the steps of the nearby cathedral, where you can capture the full scale of the building

Consider visiting both the mosque and the adjacent Saint George Cathedral to appreciate how Beirut's religious communities coexist in the same neighborhood