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.
- Note: With this ticket, you are paying for a guided tour. Entry into the attraction is free.
Inclusions
- 1-hour English guided tour by a historian
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- This tour is available in English only.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Best of Istanbul: Combo Guided Tour
- Save with this VIP Combo Ticket time and money, 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.
- Combo Ticket Istanbul is valid for 3 Days: Your name will be on our list 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.
- The guided tour in each of the museums lasts for 30-45 minutes.
- 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
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern
- 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.
- 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
- 1.5-hour cruise
- Audio guide in 9 languages
- Combo: Historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus cruise tickets (optional)
- Combo: Topkapi Palace + Bosphorus cruise tickets
Exclusions
** Historian Guided Hagia Sophia**
- Audio guide
Bosphorus Cruise
- Hotel transfers
- Food and beverages
- Earphones
- 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
- Combo: Historian-Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Combo: Topkapi Palace + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- 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.
- Explore the Turkish metropolis with an Istanbul Welcome Card valid for 7 days. Save time with skip-the-line entry to key attractions and free hotel delivery of your cards.
- Get up to 10 free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul including metro, tram, ferry, funicular, bus, and Metrobus.
- Set sail on the Bosphorus strait on a 90 min cruise. Get a 20% discount on Turkish baths, luxury yacht tours, the Whirling Dervish show, and more!
- Enjoy English-guided/audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Experience the lively local culture of Istanbul with 2 guided walking tours and to explore the renowned Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line access and entry tickets to attractions
- 10 rides with public transportation
- 30 min Hagia Sophia highlights tour
- 30 min Topkapi Palace highlights tour
- 30 min Basilica Cistern highlights tour
- Unlimited stay inside each museum
- 90 min Bosphorus Cruise
- 2 Istanbul walking tours
- Audio guide app in 9 languages
- Digital guide book & map
Exclusions
- Skip-the-line service for Hagia Sophia
- Entrance into Harem of Topkapi
- Tip: Research and plan out your itinerary beforehand so that you can make the best use of your Istanbul Welcome Card!
- Your card will be valid for 7 days (in hours) after first use.
- The Museum Pass included with the card is valid for 5 days from first use. Only one-time entry is allowed at each museum.
- Audio Guide App is available in the following 9 Languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. The app can be downloaded on your smartphone prior to the visit.
- Skip-the-line line tickets let you skip ticket lines, not the security line.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hagia Sophia Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom 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. This crucial piece of history marks the Hagia Sophia as what is it today: an iconic melting pot of a myriad of cultures. The building was constructed using advanced techniques like half-domes and pendentives, a remarkable feat during those years. The Hagia Sophia Grand Dome, spanning over 100 feet is still popular as the world’s largest cathedral dome. Read on to learn more about the Hagia Sophia, how to book Hagia Sophia tours, and other information to plan your visit.
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. Following a stint as a museum, 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.
Your Hagia Sophia Tours Explained
Historian-Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia
- Book a historian-guided tour of the Hagia Sophia to enjoy walking through the magnificent monument while listening to some of its essential history, stories, and anecdotes.
- The historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia offers interesting insights into how the 6th-century Eastern Orthodox cathedral was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman reign in Istanbul.
- Book the Hagia Sophia guided tour to explore its beautiful Byzantine and Ottoman artwork, mosaics, and the Wishing Column, which is believed to possess healing powers.
- You can continue roaming the museum monument after your guided tour on your own.
Duration: 1 hour
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Book Tickets
Combo Hagia Sophia+Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern Tickets
- Book the Hagia Sophia combo tickets to save money and skip the line at the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
- You can also enjoy an audio guide in 9 languages- English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish at the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace with these combo tickets.
- Hagia Sophia combo tickets are available for 3 days. You can visit all three museums on the same day, or on different days.
- The Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia guided tours last for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Please download the audio guide on your smartphone prior to visiting the monuments.
- With these combo tickets, you can choose between going to only the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, or all three monuments.
Duration: Flexible
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Book Tickets
Combo: Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia+ Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Book this Hagia Sophia combo ticket to experience the best of Istanbul and enjoy a guided tour of Hagia Sophia along with a Bosphorus cruise.
- You can learn about Hagia Sophia’s mosaics and history from your English audio guide. Also, make sure to roam the beautiful Hagia Sophia and explore the Ottoman and Byzantine artwork by yourself after your guided tour.
- The Hagia Sophia combo guided tour tickets also include a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, where you can watch famous Istanbul attractions like the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden Tower, Topkapi Palace, and Beylerbeyi Palace.
- Listen to an audio guide available in over 9 languages when cruising along the Bosphorus river.
- With these Hagia Sophia combo tickets, you can choose between a historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia and a Bosphorus cruise or a visit to the Topkapi Palace and a Bosphorus cruise.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Book Tickets
Istanbul Welcome Card
- The Istanbul Welcome Card is valid for 7 days from the date of issue.
- Use the Istanbul Welcome Card to enjoy hassle-free redemption at most Istanbul tourist attractions.
- The Museum Pass is included with the Welcome Card and is valid for five days from the time of purchase. You can enter the museums only once with these passes.
- You can use the Istanbul Welcome Card to enjoy free public transportation in Istanbul.
- Enjoy English-guided audio tours to the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, depending on the chosen ticket option.
- The Istanbul Welcome Card includes a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, skip-the-line access to several Istanbul monuments, ten transportation tickets, reduced prices at other top tourist attractions, a city map, an audio guide app, and a Bosphorus cruise.
- You have to enter your date of arrival and accommodation details so that the Istanbul Welcome Card can be delivered to you.
Duration: 168 hours
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Book TicketsWhy You Should Book Your Hagia Sophia Tours Online?
Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, famous for its ornate artworks and architecture inspired by the Ottomans and the Byzantine rule in Turkey. Make sure to book Hagia Sophia guided tours well in advance for it can get really busy, especially during the months of June to August.
- Convenience: One of the best perks of booking tours online is that you do not have to wait in long lines. You can do so with the click of a button with ease.
- Secure Bookings: Online ticket bookings ensure that you do not miss your attraction and get guaranteed access upon payment confirmation.
- Great Deals: If you book tickets online, you may chance upon combo offers and reduced prices. The Combo Hagia Sophia guided tour tickets offer discounted prices to enter three popular attractions- the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hagia Sophia.
Which Hagia Sophia Tour Should You Choose?
Here's a quick guide to the different Hagia Sophia guided tours to help you choose the perfect one to fit your sightseeing needs.
1. If You are Short on Time:
If you want to explore the mosque but cannot invest much time, choose the historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia. The guided tour lasts only an hour but covers the most interesting facts and stories about the church-turned-mosque. You can also roam around the mosque after your tour has ended.
2. If You Want Great Deals:
If you have a couple of hours at hand and would like to explore Istanbul at steal-worthy deals, choose Hagia Sophia combo tours. You can visit the Topkapi Palace along with the Hagia Sophia, or go on a Bosphorus cruise, depending on the kind of ticket you choose. The Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia guided tour comes with guided tours that last for 35 to 40 minutes for a more informative visiting experience.
3. If You Want to Explore Istanbul to the Fullest:
If you want to explore Istanbul to the fullest, invest in an Istanbul Welcome Card that also includes a Museum Pass. The card is valid for 7 days and the Museum Pass is valid for 5 days from the time of purchase. It allows you to enjoy free public transportation in Istanbul. You can also enjoy guided tours of famous attractions like the Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia with this card.
Inside Hagia Sophia
Christian mosaics
The Hagia Sophia, also known as the Ayasofya in Turkish, had been built as a church during Emperor Justinian’s reign. One of its most famous mosaics depicts Justinian giving Ayasofya and Constantine gifting Constantinople to Mother Mary. The several gold, silver, glass, and terracotta mosaics inside showcase the unique history of the Hagia Sophia mosque.
Hagia Sophia History
Emperor’s Gate
It is rumored that the Hagia Sophia has over 361 doors and every time a person opens any one of the 101 giant talisman doors, another one appears. The Emperor’s Gate dates back to the 6th century and as its name suggests, was used by the Emperor of its time. Some sources also state that the bronze neck and the wooden gate had pieces of Noah’s Ark.
Hagia Sophia Architecture
Wish Column
The Wish Column, located in the northwest direction of the Hagia Sophia, gained popularity among the public over time. It is said that Emperor Iustianos experienced a severe headache, that went away when he touched this column. Since then, it is believed that if one puts their fingers inside the cavity and uses the wetness to rub it around, their disease will be cured. The wetness inside the cavern is said to be the tears of Mother Mary.
Coronation Spot
As you enter the Hagia Sophia, you will see a circle, surrounded by other circles. It is the coronation spot of the Roman Emperors. The candidate would be given the crown at the center. The ancient ones referred to it as the Omphalion of Ayasofya. The literal translation of Omphalion is ‘belly button’ and is named so because if you stand at the center and speak, you can be heard from any corner of the Ayasofya.
Mihrab
A section of the Hagia Sophia mosque has a niche, not exactly at the center, from where the Imam leads the prayers. The structure is carved with ornate artwork and mosaics on its surface. When the Ottomans set up the structure, they made sure to tilt it in the direction of Mecca. The Mihrab is a common feature in most mosques. Some also have Minrabs, which are stairs leading the Imam higher up, from where they pray facing Mecca.
Plan Your Visit to the Hagia Sophia
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.
Plan Your Visit to the Hagia Sophia
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hagia Sophia
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. If you book Hagia Sophia tours online, you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. The Hagia Sophia remains open to the public daily throughout the year. It is only closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours on Fridays.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
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.
A. No, you must remove your shoes before entering the Hagia Sophia.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.