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Hagia Sophia Tours & Tickets
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Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia
- 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.
- Learn about the Byzantine and Ottoman artwork, and test the fascinating Wishing Column, which is said to possess healing powers.
- Once your guide is done walking you through key areas, you can roam through the magnificent monument on your own.
Inclusions
- 1-hour English guided tour by a historian (optional)
- 1-hour Spanish guided tour by a historian (optional)
- Combo: Entry to Hagia Sophia Museum + Hagia Sophia Mosque guided tour (optional)
- Note: With this ticket, you are paying for a guided tour. Entry into the attraction is free.
- Note: There will be a mandatory security check before entering the attraction and guests should expect a considerable wait time.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Appropriate and respectful clothing is mandatory while visiting the Hagia Sophia.
- Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
- Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour Tickets
- Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
- Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
- See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
- Enter Hagia Sophia, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
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
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking tour guide
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm.
Blue Mosque
- Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran.
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!
- Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
- Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
- Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.
- While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Hagia Sophia History Museum Skip the Line Tickets
- Head straight inside the newly-opened Hagia Sophia Museum with fast access tickets that let you bypass long ticket lines.
- Take a 30-min tour and learn all about the religious and historical significance of the museum’s artifacts through a 3D experience.
- Feast your eyes on the magnificent Byzantine artworks dating back several centuries that make up the museum’s vast collection. Enjoy unlimited stay inside!
- Enjoy entry to the Hagia Sophia Museum and a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia Mosque with an expert English-speaking guide.
Inclusions
-Fast access entry to the Hagia Sophia Museum
- Unlimited stay inside the museum
- Headset
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia Mosque (60 minutes) (optional)
- Expert English-speaking guide (optional)
Exclusions
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia Museum
- Tip: Plan a visit to the museum and Hagia Sophia Mosque in tandem to get the full experience of this iconic Turkish attraction.
- Please note that the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum are two completely separate attractions. While the former is a sacred place of worship for Muslims, the latter is a museum housing valuable artifacts, mosaics, and other items related to the Hagia Sophia's history as a church and mosque.
- The following is allowed on this tour: photography in the museum.
- No children below 8 are allowed in the Museum.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour
- Visit 2 of Istanbul’s top attractions – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – at a discounted price with this combo ticket that includes a local guide.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque, which is now open to the general public after 5 years of extensive renovations.
- Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the largest religious building in Turkey, and view its magnificent dome featuring 40 windows.
- Join a complimentary walking tour of the Old City around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and click amazing pictures of any gems of the Ottoman Empire!
Inclusions
Hagia Sophia
- 1-hr guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- English-speaking guide
Blue Mosque
- 1-hr guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- English-speaking guide
- Old City tour
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- Tip: If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- Photography and outside food and drinks are allowed.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Guided Tours Tickets
- Save time and money with this combo ticket valid for 3 days, and enjoy hassle-free access to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern (Hagia Sophia does not have fast-track entry tickets) and enter all the 3 museums to start your guided tour.
- Get the most important information and orientation tips from an official tour guide and benefit from an audio guide app available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in 9 languages.
- Following this, feel free to explore the museums at your own pace and listen to the interesting commentary on your audio guides.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace & guided tour (optional)
- Skip the line entry to Basilica Cistern & guided tour (optional)
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)
Exclusions
- Harem section in Topkapi Palace
- Headsets
- Hotel transfers
- Meal inclusions
- Entry to Hagia Sophia is free. This experience offers a guided tour of Hagia Sophia.
- Please download the audioguide app in your smartphone prior to your tour.
- The audio guide is available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in the following languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.
- This ticket is valid for 3 days. You may come at the available times, to the meeting points and visit these with your Istanbul Welcome Card guide. You can visit all 3 museums in 1 day or on different days.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Get to experience the best of Istanbul with this combo ticket that offers a partly-guided tour of Hagia Sofia plus a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman art pieces with your expert English-speaking guide.
- After the 1-hour guided tour, feel free to explore the museum on your own and discover the beauty of Byzantine architecture.
- Enjoy sailing on the waters of the Bosphorus strait on a 1.5-hour cruise as a part of this combo ticket.
- Watch some of the famous attractions of Istanbul pass you by such as the domes of Hagia Sophia, the soaring towers of Galata, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Do not forget to capture Instagram-worthy pictures of the beautiful scenery and the memory of feeling culturally closer to Istanbul more than ever.
Inclusions
** Historian Guided Hagia Sophia**
- 1-hour English guided tour by a historian
Bosphorus Cruise
- 1.5-hour cruise
- Audio guide in 9 languages
- Duration: 1.5 hour
- Start Point & End Point: Kabatas Pier
- What will you see: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
- There will be a mandatory security check before entering the attraction and guests should expect a considerable wait time.
- Please carry your own earphones for the best audio experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Istanbul
Why visit Hagia Sophia?
- Historical Significance: The Hagia Sophia is almost 1500 years old and has stood the test of time, living on after the downfall of powerful civilizations and disasters like fires and earthquakes. It started as the Hagia Sophia Church and was then converted to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. After serving as a museum for a few months, it has now been converted back into a mosque.
- Cultural Significance: As a former Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, the present-day Hagia Sophia mosque serves as an essential symbol of the co-existence of various religions. Worshippers flock to the mosque every day to show their gratitude and marvel at its wondrous architecture.
- Stunning Architecture: The Hagia Sophia Mosque has a Grand Central dome, spanning over 100 feet, and is surrounded by towering columns. The inside is filled with artwork dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Visitors can catch spectacular views of the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus Strait from the top minarets of this mosque.
Which Hagia Sophia Tour is Best for You?
If you want to save time
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Guide: Audio headset
Duration: 30 mins
- These skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass long lines at the Hagia Sophia museum entrance.
- These tickets also allow you to stay as long as you want inside the museum.
Recommended Tours:
If you want to explore in depth
Go for: Guided tours
Guide: English or Spanish-speaking historian guide
Duration: 1 hour
- Immerse yourself in the history of Hagia Sophia with a comprehensive historian-guided tour in English or Spanish.
- Guided tours with a knowledgeable historian allow you to learn all about the monument's Byzantine architecture, mosaic and marble decoration, and Ottoman artwork.
Recommended Tours:
If you’re on a budget
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: Professional tour guide or audio guide depending on the specific tour
- With these combo tickets, you can visit some of Istanbul's top attractions along with Hagia Sophia, such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Most of these combo tickets include a multilingual audio guide as well as professional English-speaking tour guides to make your visit more informative.
Recommended Tours:
If you’re a culture & history enthusiast
Go for: Guided Tours
Guide: Professional tour guide
Duration: 1 hour
Languages: English or Spanish
- Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman culture and history and explore hidden gems inside Hagia Sophia with guided tours.
- Depending on the ticket type chosen, you can also take a Bosphorus cruise and see Istanbul's most famous landmarks.
Recommended Tours:
Flexible Cancellation Policy:
Most Hagia Sophia tours can be canceled up to 24 to 48 hours before the experience begins. You can get a full refund on your purchase. Please check your ticket for more details at the time of booking.
What's Inside Hagia Sophia?
See all photos
Plan Your Visit to Hagia Sophia
Timings
Getting There
Facilities
Nearby
Visitor Tips
Open: Daily
Closed: Prayer hours and during noon prayers on Fridays
Duration of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Hagia Sophia are early mornings and late afternoons when there are fewer people inside the mosque and the golden sun, bathes the central dome in a beautiful light.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih İstanbul, Turkey
- By Bus: 28, 32, BN1, or EMI
Nearest Stop: Sultanahmet Square - By Train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
Nearest Stop: Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square - By Metro: M2 line
Nearest Stop: Sultanahmet Square - By Tram: T1 line
Nearest Stop: Sultanahmet Square - By Car: The distance from the Istanbul airport to the Hagia Sophia is 46.2 km.
Nearest Parking: Naz Otopark and Dalbasti Park in Zeynep Sultam Cami Sk.
- 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.
- Topkapi Palace: The Topkapi Palace is a large complex of courtyards and buildings, and a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. The Palace also contains an impressive collection of manuscripts, old weapons, and jewels.
- Basilica Cistern: Built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is an underground water storage system. The structure is supported by 336 columns and is a perfect example of how the water system worked during the Byzantine reign.
- Bosphorus Cruises: You can cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, straddling Europe and Asia, and enjoy Istanbul’s famous landmarks. You can also opt for Bosphorus dinner cruises to enjoy a delicious meal on your sightseeing cruise.
- Dolmabahce Palace: The Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The palace features stunning interiors, crystal chandeliers, and gold embossed artworks, and is designed in a blend of Baroque, Ottoman, and Rococo architectural styles.
- 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 praying 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.
Explore beyond Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is a large complex of courtyards and buildings, and a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. The Palace also contains an impressive collection of manuscripts, old weapons, and jewels.
Explore Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is an underground water storage system. The structure is supported by 336 columns and is a perfect example of how the water system worked during the Byzantine reign.
Explore Basilica Cistern
Bosphorus Cruises
You can cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, straddling Europe and Asia, and enjoy Istanbul’s famous landmarks from the water. You can also opt for Bosphorus dinner cruises to enjoy a delicious meal on your sightseeing cruise.
Explore Bosphorus Cruises
Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The palace features stunning interiors, crystal chandeliers, and gold embossed artworks, and is designed in a blend of Baroque, Ottoman, and Rococo architectural styles.
Explore Dolmabahce PalaceFrequently Asked Questions About Hagia Sophia
Where can I buy Hagia Sophia tours?
You can purchase Hagia Sophia tours online. It is best to book tickets in advance to reserve your spot so that you do not miss your attraction.
Can I buy Hagia Sophia tours online?
Yes, you can purchase Hagia Sophia tours online. We recommend you book Hagia Sophia guided tours online because online ticket bookings ensure that your spot is reserved in advance. You may also chance upon great deals and combo offers when booking tours online.
What is the cancellation policy on my Hagia Sophia tours?
If you book Hagia Sophia tours online, you can cancel them up to 24 to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Are there any discounts on Hagia Sophia tours?
Hagia Sophia tours offer several combo ticket options. You can visit the Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Hagia Sophia and enjoy multi-lingual audio guides in these monuments at €33. You can also visit the Hagia Sophia and go for a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise at €18.
Does Hagia Sophia offer an audio guide?
Yes, an English-speaking tour guide will accompany you on your Hagia Sophia guided tour to share interesting stories about how the past Orthodox church came to be a mosque.
Which Hagia Sophia tour should I buy?
If you are short on time, book the historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia. If you have a little more time, you can choose the combo Hagia Sophia guided tours that offer access to important monuments like Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern, and also include a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise depending on your ticket options. If you want to explore Istanbul to the fullest, buy the Istanbul Welcome Card. Enjoy free public transportation and explore most of the famous monuments with this card.
What is included in my Hagia Sophia tours?
Book Hagia Sophia guided tours to enjoy touring the impressive mosque with an English-speaking tour guide. You can also cancel these tickets if you have a change of plans and you will receive a full refund on your purchase.
Do you need a tour guide for Hagia Sophia?
It is better to book Hagia Sophia guided tours because a tour guide can offer you insights and interesting stories about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the monument. The guide can also ensure that you follow the rules and regulations while visiting the mosque. You can also explore the lesser-known hidden corners and secret gems inside the Hagia Sophia with a tour guide.
How much does it cost to visit Hagia Sophia?
Depending on whether you are purchasing historian-guided Hagia Sophia tours or combo Hagia Sophia tickets, they can range between €15 to €18 to €33.
How long is the Hagia Sophia guided tour?
The Hagia Sophia guided tour lasts for almost an hour. You can roam the monument for as long as you wish even after your historian-guided tour ends.
What is included in the Istanbul Welcome Card?
The Istanbul Welcome Card includes a Museum Pass that guarantees entry to almost all the important museums and monuments in Istanbul. You can also enjoy multi-lingual audio-guided tours to Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia. The card is valid for 7 days from the time of purchase. You can also enjoy free public transportation in Istanbul throughout the validity period.
When does the Hagia Sophia open?
The Hagia Sophia remains open to the public daily throughout the year. It is only closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours on Fridays.
How to reach the Hagia Sophia?
The best way to reach the Hagia Sophia is to catch the 28, 32, BN1, or EMI to reach Sultanahmet Square. You can also catch either the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train to reach Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square. The M2 metro and the T1 tram also reach Sultanahmet Square. The Hagia Sophia is a short walk from the Square.
When is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia is open daily. You can visit it any time of the year, however, please avoid visiting it during prayer calls and noon prayers on Fridays. June to August is the busiest time of the year, attracting tourists from all over the world. Arrive early in the morning to soak in the relatively quiet atmosphere at Hagia Sophia.
What should I wear to the Hagia Sophia?
Once known as the Hagia Sophia Museum, the present-day Hagia Sophia is a mosque, so please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Do not wear shorts or strappy tops. Headscarves are available at the entrance for free, and you must wrap them around your head before entering the sacred monument.
Is Hagia Sophia wheelchair accessible?
Yes, visitors with limited mobility can enter the Hagia Sophia. There are ramps at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani.
Is there a locker room at the Hagia Sophia?
A. While there are no locker rooms inside the Hagia Sophia, you can use the one at Sirkeci train station, 2 tram stops from Sultanahmet to store your belongings.
Can I enter Hagia Sophia with shoes on?
No, you must remove your shoes before entering the Hagia Sophia.
Can I carry food inside the Hagia Sophia?
We advise you not to carry food inside the Hagia Sophia since it is a sacred prayer site. It would be disrespectful to drop crumbs or litter the inside.
Can I click pictures at Hagia Sophia?
Photography is allowed inside the Hagia Sophia, however, please refrain from clicking pictures of people who are praying. Flash photography is not allowed on the premises.
Are there any attractions near Hagia Sophia?
You can plan a day trip to Sultanahmet and visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Galata Tower. They are quite near each other.
Is it worth visiting Hagia Sophia?
Once a church and now a mosque, Hagia Sophia has witnessed numerous eras and dynasties. As a former church, the present-day mosque is an essential symbol of the coexistence of several religions. The Byzantine and Ottoman artworks and mosaics inside its walls are remnants of its glorious days. The building’s design is breathtaking with a massive central dome surrounded by towering ornate columns.