Experience the best of Hagia Sophia

Breeze past the ticket lines at Hagia Sophia and explore with an audio guide for a stress-free visit.

• Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and dive straight into Hagia Sophia’s fascinating blend of Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman grandeur, with a downloadable multilingual audio guide.
• Why choose this: Forget the long wait and get expert audio insights as you explore Hagia Sophia’s rich history at your own pace.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with options like a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum or explore the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque with a multilingual audio guide.

Inclusions #

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Multilingual audio guide for Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Entry to Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum (as per option selected)

• Audio guide for Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum (as per option selected)

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

• Multilingual audio guide for Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of the Blue Mosque with entry (as per option selected)

• 3-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)

• 4-course Turkish dinner (menu here) (as per option selected)

• Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, & a DJ (as per option selected)

• Unlimited soft drinks (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Skip the security line

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities/tips

• Souvenir photos

• Additional activities outside the main tour

What to bring

• Don't forget to carry your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.
• Ensure you bring a scarf with you when you visit.

What's not allowed

• The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
• No large bags or suitcases are permitted inside.
• baby strollers are not allowed within the venue.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible via ramps.

Additional information

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• During peak seasons, lines may form at security checkpoints. Your ticket does not grant priority access through the security check lines. In the high season (June to August), it might take up to 30 minutes to get in.
• Modest attire is required. Women should cover shoulders, chest, and hair with a scarf and avoid knee-length skirts or shorts, while men should avoid sleeveless tops and shorts.
• Internet access at the venue is limited, so download the audio guide in advance to ensure smooth access during your visit.
• Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
• This ticket gives you access to the visiting area and upper gallery, not the prayer area downstairs.

Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with a single flexible combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Skip-the-line entry and the chance to explore the calm of the Upper Gallery at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Gain fast-track entry and explore Istanbul’s underground chamber and the mysterious Medusa heads, with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Fast-track entry to the museum's ornate chambers, accompanied by your audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: With just a single ticket, explore three of Istanbul’s top landmarks, with no long waits, all located just minutes apart, while saving money.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Topkapi Palace (Royal Apartments & Imperial Hall)

• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)

• Audio guide downloadable in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

• Bring a scarf to cover your head when entering the mosque.

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

• Do not bring large bags, filming equipment, or tripods inside the Basilica Cistern.

Hagia Sophia

• Do not bring large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks inside.

Topkapi Palace

• Follow photography rules, as some rooms restrict photos. Do not bring food or large bags into certain areas.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

• The Basilica Cistern is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some areas have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways.

Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas have steps without ramps, which can be difficult for people using wheelchairs.

Topkapi Palace

• Topkapi Palace is partially wheelchair accessible. Some rooms have limited access.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

• Walk the full loop to see the Medusa heads at the far end. They are worth examining closely.
• Skip-the-line tickets help, but all visitors must pass standard security screening.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a calmer experience.
• The lighting is low to preserve the atmosphere. Use night mode or steady your camera for better photos.

Hagia Sophia

• Prepare for security checks, which can take time during the summer months.
• Visit the Upper Gallery; the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
• Plan your visit around prayer times to avoid restricted areas.
• The mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.

Topkapi Palace

• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid long security lines.
• Skip-the-line tickets bypass ticket queues but not security checks, which usually take 30 to 40 minutes from June to August.
• View the Spoonmaker’s Diamond using the reflections on the wall, as the room is dimly lit.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single combo ticket and skip the crowds.

• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Get quick entry to the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets and explore at your own pace with insights from an audio guide available in 10+ languages.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Get fast-track entry to Hagia Sophia, access the Upper Gallery and explore key highlights with an included audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with one discounted combo ticket—two iconic sites, one great deal, just 110 meters apart.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish

• Option to explore with a live guide

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish

• Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area

• Option to explore with a live guide

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

• Bring along a scarf to use as a cover before entering the mosque

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.

Hagia Sophia

• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
• Large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

• Basilica Cistern is not entirely wheelchair accessible, as some areas may have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways, despite the main stairs having ramps.

Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is not entirely wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon (post 4pm) or early evening.
• Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
• Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
• The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.
• Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end and are worth viewing from every angle!

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are mandatory even with your skip-the-line tickets, and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
• Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
• Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Please dress modestly—both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and women are required to cover their heads inside. Bring a scarf, or use one provided at the entrance.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with expert commentary.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its mosaics while listening to interesting insights on its history.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads.
• Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket.
• Upgrades: Pick an audio-guided tour to explore at your own pace or choose a guided tour to hear interesting insights from a live guide and make your visit more interactive.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish (as per option selected)

Hagia Sophia

• 2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area & Upper Gallery

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque

• Skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
• Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with a good grip.
• For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
• Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
• Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visitors.
• Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
• Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

• Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
• Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

Join an expert English-speaking guide to skip the lines and explore the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia.

• Everything you get: Skip the long ticket lines and enjoy a one-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where your licensed English-speaking guide reveals the secrets of its mosaics, dome, and centuries of imperial history.
• Why choose this: Make the most of your visit, skip the lines, and uncover the layers of history with insights only an expert can provide.
• Upgrades: Add a guided Blue Mosque tour or explore Hagia Sophia with a Spanish-speaking guide.

Inclusions #

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Expert licensed English/Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities/tips

• Souvenir photos

What to bring

• Dress modestly and bring scarves or cover-ups to use before entering the mosque.

What's not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside.
• Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible with ramps and special access to the ground floor only. The upper floor is not accessible.

Additional information

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Women must cover their hair, shoulders, and knees, while men must cover their shoulders and knees. Scarves and cover-ups are available at the entrance.
• You can bypass the ticket lines, but security checks are mandatory. Security lines may take up to 30 minutes and up to 60 minutes during peak season (June to August).
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30 pm for the Friday prayer.

Inclusions #

• Skip the line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace (including Harem section) & 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 #

• Headsets

• Hotel transfers

• Meal inclusions

Cover Istanbul’s three historic sites, a Bosphorus cruise & stay connected with Turkish mobile data in one booking!

• Top sights covered: Enter Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, then see Istanbul from the water on a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise.
• Pass type: This is a sightseeing combo pass with entry to three landmarks, a cruise, and multilingual audio guides.
• Everything you get: Get QR-code entry to Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, host-assisted fast-track entry to Topkapi, a cruise across two continents, audio guides, and a 3GB eSIM.
• Why choose this: Pair entry to Istanbul’s essential sights with mobile data, so you can navigate, use digital tickets, and stay connected as you explore.

Inclusions #

• Validity: Pass valid for 3 days

Access to:

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern

• Hosted entry to Topkapi Palace with an English-speaking host

• 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise

• 3GB eSIM with Turkish 4G coverage

• Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace: Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, Polish, and Arabic

• Basilica Cistern & Bosphorus Cruise: Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish

Accessibility

• Stroller access: The facilities are accessible for guests using prams and strollers.

What’s not allowed

• Wheelchair access: This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.

Additional information

• Hagia Sophia dress code: Women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest and partially cover their hair with a scarf.
• Hagia Sophia attire for men: Men must cover their knees and shoulders while visiting Hagia Sophia.
• Dress code items: If you do not have a scarf or covering, you can purchase suitable items at the Hagia Sophia entrance.
• Security checks: With this admission ticket, you will skip the ticket line, but you must still pass through security checks.
• Peak season security: During the high season, security checks can take up to 30 minutes.
• Audio guide preparation: It is recommended to carry your own headphones and a fully charged smartphone for the audio guide. The app requires Android 10 or later, or a current iOS version.
• Pace of visit: Your host will show you the way to each attraction, and you can then explore at your own pace.

Explore two of Istanbul’s highlights with one combo — skip the lines at the Theodosius Cistern and visit Hagia Sophia, both with included audio guides.

• Everything you get at the Theodosius Cistern: Skip-the-line entry to the Cistern of Theodosius, hourly light and video mapping shows, and an audio guide app.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Entry to Hagia Sophia and an audio guide app.
• Why choose this combo: Book a combo ticket to explore two of Istanbul’s must-see landmarks, located just a 10-minute walk apart. Save time with skip-the-line access, get in-depth insights, and experience grandeur above ground and the mystery beneath it.

Inclusions #

Cistern of Theodosius

• Skip-the-line entrance ticket to Theodosius Cistern

• Audio guide app

• Hourly light and video-mapping show

Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Hagia Sophia

• Audio guide app

Exclusions #

Cistern of Theodosius

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Guided tour

• Food and drinks

Hagia Sophia

• Skip the line entry

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Guided tour

• Food and drinks

Cistern of Theodosius:

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cistern is underground and may be cooler than the outdoor temperature.

What’s not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted inside the cistern.

Accessibility

• The experience may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users due to slippery surfaces and required walking.

Additional information

• Photography is allowed, but please refrain from using flash.
• Opening hours are daily from 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 6pm.
• Skip-the-line entry does not exempt you from routine security checks, which still apply at the entrance.

Hagia Sophia:

What to bring

• Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• Women are required to cover their heads inside, so bring along a scarf.

What's not allowed

• Large bags, luggage, tripods, and flash photography are not allowed

Accessibility

• The site is not wheelchair accessible as you may have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

Additional information

• Some areas may be closed due to ongoing renovations.
• Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after prayer hours.

Visit two key Istanbul landmarks with one booking, with options for guided or audio-guided tour.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy entry to Hagia Sophia and explore the interior, from the main hall to the side areas. Take time to look up, notice details around you, and pause for a moment of reflection before you step back into the city streets outside once more.
• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Get entry to the Blue Mosque and step inside the main prayer space to absorb the calm atmosphere. Take your time to walk the interior, look up at the patterns and light, pause to reflect, and then head back out to continue exploring the city around you.
• Why choose this: One booking covers both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque — Istanbul's two most visited landmarks, steps apart from each other.
• Options: Join an English-language tour with a licensed guide, or explore independently with an audio guide — available for both sites.

Inclusions #

• Entry to Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Blue Mosque

• English guided tours of both landmarks (as per option selected)

• Audio guides in 10 languages (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

• Souvenir photos

What to bring

• Hagia Sophia covering: Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.
• Blue Mosque covering: Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.
• Audio guide use: If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia access: Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.
• Blue Mosque access: The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

What’s not allowed

• Hagia Sophia bags: Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.
• Blue Mosque bags: Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Additional information

• Hagia Sophia renovations: Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Hagia Sophia dress code: Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
• Hagia Sophia coverings: Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
• Hagia Sophia security: Expect a mandatory security check and be prepared for lines, especially around midday.
• Hagia Sophia prayer hall: The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
• Hagia Sophia hours: Opening hours are 9am to 7:30pm, and on Fridays, it closes from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
• Blue Mosque dress code: Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements, and if needed, you can purchase a scarf or cover-up at the entrance.
• Blue Mosque visiting times: Visiting times are available until 11am and then again after 2pm, and on Fridays entry is only permitted after 2pm.