Hagia Sophia Tours & Tickets

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Hagia Sophia | Cathedral-turned-mosque

Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the heart of Istanbul. It was first built in the 6th century as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral but later turned into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation in Turkey. Today, Hagia Sophia is an iconic melting pot of a myriad of cultures. Read on to learn more about the Hagia Sophia, how to book Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets, and other details to plan your visit.

Things to know before you book Hagia Sophia tickets

  • Choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines and access the second level of the mosque. Visit the newly-launched Experience Museum for a deeper insight into the history of the church-turned-mosque.
  • Opt for a guided tour to fully understand the long and complex history of Hagia Sophia, which is nearly 1,500 years old.
  • There is a mandatory security check before entering Hagia Sophia, so expect a considerable wait time – about 30 minutes on average and up to 60 minutes in the high season.
  • Since Hagia Sophia is a place of worship, visitors must follow a dress code. Both men and women are required to wear appropriate and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees. Women also need to cover their hair with a scarf.
  • Since Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, it is closed for non-worshippers during player times. Ensure you check these timings and plan your visit accordingly.
  • While most of Hagia Sophia is wheelchair-friendly, certain areas may not be easy to navigate by wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to steps and cobblestone pathways.

Why visit Hagia Sophia?

Why Visit the Hagia Sophia

Compare your ticket options for Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Istanbul Mosques: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque with Entry Tickets
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Istanbul Mosques: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque with Entry Tickets
€33.50
€99
€89
€56
€53
Duration

Flexible

Duration

4 hr.

Duration

4 hr.

Inclusions
  • Skip the ticket line to Hagia Sophia

  • Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area

  • Audio guide for both attractions (optional)

  • 10% discount at Dsign Cafe

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

  • 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern

  • Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern

  • Expert English-speaking guide

Blue Mosque

  • 60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque

  • Entry to the Blue Mosque

  • English-speaking guide

Hagia Sophia

  • 60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia

  • English-speaking tour guide

  • Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia

Inclusions

Hagia Sophia

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque entrance tickets to the visiting area

  • 1-hr guided tour of Hagia Sophia

  • English-speaking guide

Blue Mosque

  • Entry to the Blue Mosque

  • 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque

  • English-speaking guide

  • Old City tour

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Prices starting
€33.50
Prices starting
€99
€89
Prices starting
€56
€53

Which Hagia Sophia ticket is best for you?

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

If you are short on time:

Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • If you do not have much time, choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines on the day of your visit. These tickets also allow you to enter the second level of the mosque. 
  • With Headout Saver and combo tickets, you can visit attractions in and around Sultanahmet Square in a day, like the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more. 

Recommended tours:

  • Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • Headout Saver: 3-day skip-the-line tickets to top Istanbul attractions
  • Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Hagia Sophia Guided Tours

If you love history:

Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide:  Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • You can choose between a self-paced audio-guided tour or an in-person guided tour to understand more about the history and cultural relevance of the mosque. 
  • Visit the newly-opened Hagia Sophia Experience Museum to learn about the mosque’s artifacts from a unique 3-D perspective.

Recommended tours:

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque historian-guided tour with skip-the-line entry
  • Hagia Sophia history & Experience Museum tickets
  • Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque guided tour
Hagia Sophia Combo Tickets

If you are on a budget:

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide:  Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • If you are on a budget but want an in-depth tour of the Hagia Sophia, choose combo tickets. With a one-time purchase, you can tour the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more. 
  • The Headout Saver combo also includes skip-the-line access. You can bypass long lines at the venues and save time. 

Recommended tours:

  • Headout Saver: 3-day skip-the-line tickets to top Istanbul attractions
  • Combo: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets
  • Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
  • Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque guided tour

Plan your visit to Hagia Sophia

Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours

Facilities Available at the Hagia Sophia
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Hagia Sophia is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. For wheelchair access, you have to buy tickets at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani. They have a couple of ramps at this entrance. The upper floor requires one to use a staircase, which is not as accessible as the ground floors. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures inside the mosque. But, you must never click pictures of people when they are praying. Tripods and commercial photography equipment are not allowed inside the mosque.
  • Guided tours: Always book Hagia Sophia guided tours. A tour guide will accompany you and share anecdotes and stories about the history of the church-turned-mosque. You will also get to see underrated nooks and hidden gems inside the mosque. 
Tips to Note When Visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • Cover your heads: Head scarves are available for free at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia. Make sure to cover your head before entering the attraction. Avoid wearing sleeveless clothing at the mosque. 
  • Remove your shoes: Please remove your shoes before entering the Hagia Sophia. It is a sacred site, actively used as a mosque in the present day. 
  • Book Guided tours: It is best to book Hagia Sophia guided tours to get a deeper insight into the history and cultural significance of the mosque. 
  • Avoid visiting on Fridays: The Hagia Sophia remains closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours and noon on Fridays. Please avoid visiting the attraction during these hours. 
  • Plan a day trip: Sultanahmet Square has several attractions close to one another. You can plan a day trip and visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Museum, and Blue Mosque. 
Where to eat near Hagia Sophia?
  • Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine (0.3 km away): Expect a diverse array of flavorful meat, vegetable, and rice-based dishes, often featuring aromatic spices and herbs in this authentic Turkish restaurant. 
  • Sultanahmet Fish House (0.4 km away): This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy a variety of grilled, fried, and marinated fish and seafood options, along with traditional Turkish mezes and salads.
  • Fuego Restaurant (0.3 km away): This restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines with a contemporary twist. Indulge in dishes like grilled meats, fresh salads, and flavorful mezes, all served in a stylish and modern setting.
  • Beyzade Restaurant (0.5 km away): This restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on grilled meats and kebabs. Sample a variety of succulent meat dishes, accompanied by freshly baked bread, salads, and savory sauces.
  • Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant (0.3 km away): This eatery specializes in recreating authentic Ottoman recipes using traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Here, you can enjoy classic Ottoman dishes such as lamb stew, stuffed vegetables, and decadent desserts.
Where to stay near Hagia Sophia?
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