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.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Hagia Sophia Museum
- Head straight inside the newly-opened Hagia Sophia Museum with skip-the-line 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
- Skip-the-line 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.
- 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: 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: 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
- 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.
Headout Saver: 3-Day Skip-the-Line Tickets to Top Istanbul Attractions
- Avail 3-day, hassle-free access with this super saver tickets to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Explore each historical site with a highlight tour while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
- Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
Inclusions
- 60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
- 30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
- 60-min Hagia Sophia guided tour
- English-speaking guide
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise
- Audio app in 8 languages
Exclusions
- Harem section Topkapi Palace access
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Topkapi Palace's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. You get to photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceilings.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- For Hagia Sophia, Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Their hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don't have a scarf or covering, it can be purchased at the entrance, at your own expense.
- With this admission ticket (except for Hagia Sophia), you will skip the ticket line, but not the security line. During high season, the security check could take up to 30 minutes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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 are Travelling Solo
Go for: Guided tours
Guide: Expert multilingual guide
Duration: 2 hours
- If you have specific language requirements or accessibility needs, you can benefit from private tours that ensure effective communication and necessary accommodations.
- These guided tours are available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian for a private group of up to 8 people.
Recommended Tours:
If You are on a Budget
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: Professional tour guide or audio guide depending on the specific tour
- You can skip ahead of long lines at the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern with these Hagia Sophia combo tickets.
- 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 are a Culture and History Enthusiast
Go for: Guided Tours
Guide: Professional tour guide
Duration: 1 hour
Languages: English or Spanish
- With these guided tour tickets, you can learn about Byzantine and Ottoman culture and history and explore hidden gems in the Hagia Sophia.
- Depending on the ticket type chosen, you can also tour the Hagia Sophia Museum and explore its interiors and artifacts with these tickets.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Hagia Sophia remains open to the public daily throughout the year. It is only closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours on Fridays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, you must remove your shoes before entering 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.
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.
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.
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.