Hagia Sophia Tours & Tickets

Breeze past the 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)

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

• Ensure you bring a scarf with you when you visit.

What’s not allowed

• No large bags or suitcases are permitted inside.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible via ramps.

Additional information

• During peak season (June to August), security lines may take up to 30 minutes. Skip-the-line access does not exempt you from security checks, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Hagia Sophia is closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm on Fridays due to prayer.
• While Hagia Sophia is partially accessible, the upper floor with the famous mosaics is not entirely accessible to wheelchair users because it requires navigating a path with numerous steps.
• This ticket gives you access to the visiting area and upper gallery, not the prayer area downstairs.
• Visiting after 4pm is recommended to avoid long security queues typically seen between 2pm and 4pm.
• Internet access at the venue is limited, so download the audio guide in advance to ensure smooth access during your visit.

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 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.

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 Harem’s and 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 Harem (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 in the Harem, 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, especially in the Harem, 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 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 closes to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.

Topkapi Palace

• Explore the Harem to see the palace’s most intricate art and architecture.
• 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.

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 an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
• 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 breathtaking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
• 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 with an expert guide.
• Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide

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

Hagia Sophia

• 2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide

• 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

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

• 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.

Discover Istanbul’s treasures, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, in one convenient combo instead of two tickets.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and choose between a 1.5-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide or a self-guided audio tour to explore the landmark at your own pace.
• Everything you get at the Blue Mosque: Get fast-track entry and choose between a 1-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide or a self-guided audio tour for insights into the mosque’s traditions and heritage.
• Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and enjoy expert storytelling and priority access to two landmarks in one booking.
• Upgrades: Enhance your journey with a guided tour of Basilica Cistern or the Topkapi palace complete with skip-the-line access.

Inclusions

• Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

  • 1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)

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

  • Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)

• Blue Mosque

  • Skip-the-line entry to Blue Mosque

  • 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

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

  • Multilingual audio guide available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (as per option selected)

• Entry to Basilica Cistern and Topkapi palace (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities/tips

• Souvenir photos

• Tour guide (for the audio guided tour)

What to bring Hagia Sophia

• Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.

Blue Mosque

• Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.

What is not allowed Hagia Sophia

• Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.

Blue Mosque

• Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Accessibility Hagia Sophia

• Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.

Blue Mosque

• The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

Additional information Hagia Sophia

• Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
• Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
• Expect a mandatory security check. Lines can be long, especially midday, so later hours after 4 pm are often smoother.
• If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.
• The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
• Opening hours are 9 am to 7:30 pm. On Fridays it closes temporarily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Blue Mosque

• Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements. If you forget a scarf or cover-up, you can purchase one at the entrance.
• Visiting times are available until 11 am and then again after 2 pm. On Fridays, entry is only permitted after 2 pm.

Go on a Bosphorus cruise, a guided Blue Mosque tour, plus access to up to 10 landmarks & experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and a dervish show.

• Everything you get: All levels of passes include a Blue Mosque tour, a Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all. Get additional access to two top landmarks or experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace, guided tours including the Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tours, Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony.
• Why choose this: Think of this as your Istanbul starter kit: metro rides, a cruise, guided entry to the Blue Mosque, and all the maps and audio you’ll need to navigate the city! Plus, entry to two landmarks of your choice.
• Upgrades: Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or experiences, or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 10 of the city’s best attractions and experiences, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Inclusions

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/10 depending on your pass tier)

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions here.
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
• The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
• The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros—no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
• The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
• Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
• The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
• The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
• Opt for evening Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

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

Explore both the living monument of Hagia Sophia and its tech-enhanced museum with one combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Skip-the-line entry to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, plus an audio guide in multiple languages.
• Everything you get at the Hagia Sophia Museum: Skip-the-line entry to the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum for an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience, with a multilingual audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: Move from tech-enhanced storytelling to the real monument in one smooth visit, gaining a richer understanding of Hagia Sophia with both locations just a few minutes apart.

Inclusions Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Multilingual audio guide

Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum

• Skip-the-line entry to the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum

• Audio guide in 23 different languages

• Augmented Reality (AR) technology experience

Exclusions

• Guided tour of the museum

• Food and drinks

• Hotel transfers

• Personal expenses

What to bring Hagia Sophia

• Bring a scarf with you when you visit, as Hagia Sophia is an active mosque and dress codes apply.

What’s not allowed Hagia Sophia

• No large bags or suitcases are permitted inside.
• Tripods and large filming equipment are not allowed.

Hagia Sophia Museum

• Avoid carrying large bags or luggage inside the museum.

Accessibility Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible via ramps.

Hagia Sophia Museum

• Hagia Sophia Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Additional information Hagia Sophia

• Security lines can take up to 30 minutes during peak season from June to August, so plan accordingly.
• Hagia Sophia is closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm on Fridays for prayer.
• The upper floor with mosaics is not accessible to wheelchair users due to multiple steps.
• This ticket provides access to the visiting area and upper gallery only, not the prayer area downstairs.

Hagia Sophia Museum

• The museum is not located inside the mosque but on Sultanahmet Square, a short walk away.
• The experience involves themed rooms and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges or sensitivity to loud sounds or close-range visuals.

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: For a complete experience, enhance your visit with a guided historical and cultural tour of the Blue Mosque.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Expert licensed English-speaking guide

• 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

• 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.