Hagia Sophia VIP Guided Tour with Audio Guide
- Pick up interesting facts about this revered landmark, as you witness the gigantic dome, mosaics, and the wishing column.
- Built over 1400 years ago, this monument is the epitome of Byzantine architecture.
- Once your guide is done walking you through key areas, you can plug in your complimentary audio guide and continue exploring at your pace. (Please note that audio guides have to be downloaded onto your mobile phone).
- Note: With this ticket, you are paying for a guided tour. Entry into the attraction is free.
- English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour
- Visit the church-turned-mosque-turned museum of Hagia Sophia, a must-visit landmark in Istanbul that literally translates to “Divine Wisdom.”
- This architectural feat is significant to both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and was born out of riots.
- Head into the grand museum for a deep dive into Istanbul’s complex history.
- With an expert English-speaking tour guide to keep you company and spill interesting facts about Hagia Sophia, you’re all set.
- Walk past striking galleries and the Ottoman tombs: you’ll learn much of this monument’s alluring past.
- Note: With this ticket, you are paying for a guided tour. Entry into the attraction is free.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hagia Sophia Tickets: Historian Guided Tour
- Travel back in time and hop on a spiritual experience at Hagia Sophia.
- Stay close to your historian guide, who will weave tales of this respected attraction.
- Learn about the history of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
- Check out the mosaics, the imperial dome, upper galleries, and decorations.
- This tour is available all days of the week, except Mon & Tue at 10am.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy skip-the-line admission to top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and more.
- Uncover hidden gems and get insider knowledge with the help of an English-speaking guide.
- Take the hassle out of travel by simply displaying your pass to the guide, and begin your tour.
- With a 5-day validity, you will have enough time to explore and discover at your own pace.
- Click here to view the list of included guided tours and departure points.
- Note: The Basilica Cistern is currently closed.
- As the Blue Mosque is still a working mosque, it is closed to tourists during prayer time. In general, the opening hours of the Blue Mosque are from 8:30 AM until one hour before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time, and 2 hours during Friday noon prayers.
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line access
- Sights included in this pass: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, and Dolmabahce Palace
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take your time to explore the Turkish metropolis with a 7-day validity from first use.
- Enjoy free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul.
- Float on the magnificent Bosphorous on a cruise and view Istanbul from a different perspective.
- Enjoy English-guided/audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, depending on the option chosen.
- At the time of booking, add the date of arrival along with your accommodation details so that that pass can be delivered to you.
- Simply display your card in order to use it and exercise hassle-free redemption.
- The Museum Pass included with the card is valid for 5 days from first use. Only one-time entry is allowed at each museum.
- Click here for information on the Istanbul Welcome Card.
- Premium Welcome Card
- Public transportation card with 5 credits (can be used for metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, and metrobus)
- Fast-track entry to 12 museums
- Bosphorous Cruise
- English-speaking guide
- Digital guide book and city map
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Visit top attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and more.
- Enjoy perks like skip the line access, guided tours, cruises, and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
- Save up to 75% on attraction ticket prices.
- Get a special discount on one-way private airport transfers.
- Choose between 3, 5, or 7 days and explore over 35 sights and attractions.
- Simply display the pass at the entrance and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
- Your pass will expire in one year's time allowing flexibility in planning.
- Find the list of attractions included in the pass here.
- After booking your pass, please click here and here for more information about the guided tours timetable.
- 3/5/7-Day Tourist Pass
- Skip the line entry and guided tours
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Discounted one-way private airport transfer
- Free pick-up and drop-off from selected areas for the dinner cruise
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cruise & More
- For first-timers in Istanbul on a time crunch, this full-day guided tour is ideal.
- Enjoy fast-track entry into all the old town’s sights, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
- Listen intently to your tour guide who will fill you in on details about the visited attractions
- Take a short lunch break at a lovely local restaurant .
- End your trip on a high note by hopping aboard a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise.
- Channel through the waters and notice the Dolmabahçe palace, the Çamlıca Mosque, and Maiden's Tower pass along the route.
- Savor snacks like baklava and fresh seasonal fruits along with soft drinks on the yacht.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hagia Sophia Tickets
Back in the 6th Century, under Roman Emperor Constantine, the Byzantine Empire constructed a cathedral that would serve as the primary place of worship for the eastern Roman Empire -- and the Hagia Sophia was born. It served as a cathedral under the Byzantine Empire and was converted to a mosque -- colloquially changed to Aya Sophia -- under the Ottoman Empire for 500 years. This crucial piece of history marks the Hagia Sophia as what is it today: an iconic landmark soaked in rich history as a melting pot of a myriad of cultures.
Arguably the most popular monument the defines the city of Istanbul, a visit to this magnificent structure is one for the memories. Book Hagia Sophia tickets and explore the soul of Istanbul’s history.
Hagia Sophia Tickets Explained
Priority Access
As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, you can almost always expect to find long lines outside the Hagia Sophia. The best way to bypass these waiting lines is by opting for skip the line Hagia Sophia tickets. With these, you can get priority access to the attraction and save a lot of time.
Guided Tour
The Hagia Sophia’s significance on culture, design and religion is quite prominent. If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to learn about its history and path since its inception, opt for a Hagia Sophia tour. You’ll be accompanied by a professional, multi-lingual tour guide who will enlighten you with interesting trivia through our visit.
Combo Tour
The best way to cover most of the popular attractions in Istanbul is by purchasing a tourist pass. You can choose to book the Istanbul Welcome card, Istanbul Tourist Pass, or Istanbul Guided Museum Tours Pass. With these, get priority access and guided tours to attractions like not just Hagia Sophia, but Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace among many others.
Hagia Sophia discount tickets
Children up to the age of 2 years get free entry into the Hagia Sophia, while those between ages 3-7 enjoy discounted rates on display of valid ID proof.
Hagia Sophia audio guide
Depending on your ticket, you can choose to tour Hagia Sophia with an audio guide. Guests can simply download the Hagia Sophia app and use the free audio guide that is available in several languages like English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic and more.
A Look at the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia has withstood the test of time -- living on after the downfall of powerful civilizations and disasters like fires and earthquakes -- and lives today to narrate many fascinating stories. It started out as the Hagia Sophia Church and was then converted to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Following a stint as a museum, it has now been converted back to a mosque. Here’s a brief look at what defines this famed landmark.
History
Eons back, when Istanbul was known as Constantinople, the Emperior Constantius commissioned the first Hagia Sophia to be built as a place of worship for Christians of the eastern Roman Empire. It was brought down due to political riots and unrest during the reign of Emperior Arkadius’s turbulent reign in 404 AD. The second structure was constructed under Emperor Theodosios II, but unfortunately suffered a fate similar to its predecessor. After living through riots and disasters, Emperior Justinian, unable to undo the structure’s damage, decided to construct a new one instead. The new -- still-standing -- Hagia Sophia was completed n 537 AD. This structure was then completely renovated under the Ottoman Empire, which one can still see today.
Architecture
The Hagia Sophia’s architecture has changed remarkably from the first structure to the one present today, celebrated by culture and religion of its times. Most of the architecture one can see today has been heavily influenced by Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Once the largest church of the Ottomans, its scallop shell-shaped dome stands tall at 50 m above ground and measures about 31.6 m in diameter. The exteriors are dominated by visions of towering minarets, added by the Ottomans; they’ve also been beautifully adorned over the centuries. The interiors are decorated with highly-detailed mosaics and frescoes of Mother Mary and Christ, and now rich, gilded lettering in Arabic.
Plan Your Visit
Here's everything to know before you plan a visit to the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia is open between 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (final admission at 04:00 PM) from 1 October to 15 April and between 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM (final admission at 06:00 PM) from 15 April to 1 October.
Hagia Sophia closed days include Mondays, along with the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan and on Eid-al-Adha festival.
The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is during the morning hours after 09:00 AM to experience smaller crowds; avoid weekends and Friday afternoons due to prayers. The best time of year to visit Hagia Sophia is during the winter months so as to experience pleasant weather and avoid the summer’s large tourist crowds.
Hagia Sophia is located at Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
Google Map directions.
Istanbul is well-connected as a city. You can drive down or take a taxi to Hagia Sophia, or simply use the metro.
If you plan to use public transport, alight at Sultanahmet, the primary Hagia Sophia metro stop and simply walk for 3-4 minutes to get to your destination.
The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible. However, the upper floor is not due to all the steps and cobblestone pathway.
Yes, photography is permitted. However, tripods are not permitted inside.
Yes, since it is a place of worship, all guests are expected to dress modestly. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Women must wear a headscarf to enter; you can find one free-of-charge near the entrance. You must also leave your shoes outside before entering.
Beyond Hagia Sophia
While the Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular and culturally significant landmarks in Istanbul, there are several other experiences that shouldn’t be missed while in the city. Here are some essential ones.
Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque, was built with the intention to outrival the Hagia Sophia. It is located right opposite the Hagia Sophia and is famously known for its bright blue tiles that can be easily identified from a distance. Influenced heavily by traditional Islamic architecture, its multiple domes and six minarets standout in the city. Within the interiors, keep an eye out for the spectacular handmade ceramic tiles.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace once served as administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire. In the 1920s it was converted into a museum that houses various prestigious collections of the former empire. The highlight of visiting the Topkapi Palace is without a doubt its library; a rare treasure, it is home to several hundred years worth of manuscripts and books that remembers the entirety of the Ottoman Empire.
Bosphorus Cruise
Unique in every way, the Bosphorus river, flowing right through northwestern Turkey, connects the boundary between Europe and Asia. A cruise on the Bosphorus, bridging the divide between old and new, offers arguably one of the best views of Istanbul. You can book hop-on hop-off or private cruises and soak in the spectacular view of colorful homes, majestic palaces and structures and a glimpse into the find blend that is European-Asian culture.
Grand Bazaar
Considered to be one of the oldest, largest markets in the world, Istanbul’s Grand Bazar is home to over 4000 shops and stalls, covering a space of more than 60 streets. One can enter through any 22-odd entrances and get lost in a maze of wholesale spices, traditional jewelry, vintage antiques, carpets and textiles, and of course, classic Turkish tea. Take your time to chat with the locals about their experiences -- and don’t forget to bargain!
Hagia Sophia Tickets FAQs
Yes. The Hagia Sophia is now open to visitors.
Yes. You can pre-book your Hagia Sophia tickets online as they now accept online reservations.
Your Hagia Sophia tickets will include skip the line access and guided tours by multi-lingual local guides.
Yes. Your Hagia Sophia tickets include skip the line access. This allows you to bypass the long waiting lines and get priority entry into the landmark.
No. Your tickets specifically offer access only to the Hagia Sophia. To visit Blue Mosque, you would have purchase separate tickets, or opt for a museum pass that allows access to multiple cultural landmarks in the city.
Yes. Children up to the age of 2 get free entry, while those between ages 3-7 enjoy discount rates.
Yes, most Hagia Sophia tickets include guided tours with an expert local guide.
The Istanbul Welcome Card is a pass that provides its users with priority access to popular landmarks in the city, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, along with public transport passes and the chance to go for a Bosphorus cruise. Depending on your pass variant, pass holders will also have access to the services of a professional tour guide.
You can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The Istanbul Museum Tours pass provides fast-track entry and a guided tour of attractions like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum over a 5-day validity.
The Istanbul Welcome Card offers fast-track entry into 12 popular attractions in the city, with access to public transport and a Bosphorus Cruise, and allows users to choose between a Deluxe and Premium Pass.
The Istanbul Tourist Pass allows you to choose between a 3, 5, or 7-day pass and get fast-track access and guided tours to over 35 attractions like the Hagia Sophia. It also includes cruises, Hop-on Hop-off tours and more.