Hagia Sophia Tickets | Skip-the-Line Access & Guided Tours

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Jessica

United States

Jul 2025

This sunrise hot air balloon ride was the highlight of my trip! Everything was perfect, the view is incredible and went as scheduled. Thank you so much for this forever memory.

Pedro

Jun 2025

Very good service. Very good price. Personalized attention and very nice flight with an excellent pilot. Highly recommended. Thank you very much for the attention.

Brent

United States

Jun 2025

Our tour guide Buse was amazing. She was very informative and answered everyone's questions with a detailed answer. She definitely made our experience better than if we would have gone without a guide. I definitely recommend doing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia tour with her.

Ionasc

May 2025

Great spots to visit, the guide was great, giod details and good english. Plenty of time to visit, no rushing. Just enjoy

Antoine

May 2025

Our guide Öpücük was very good. We were impressed how smoothly she managed to navigate us in such busy places. We never felt rushed or anything. Just very informed about the places we visited. She always found the best stop and she had lots of time for extra questions. Great job!

Hilda

Ireland

Apr 2025

We bought skip the line tickets the night before for €33.50 each. The next day, Sunday, we went along at 2pm and didn't have to queue at all. Hagia Sophia is spectacular, well worth seeing. We are not Muslim so could only see from first floor balcony which wraps all the way around but you still get a good view of it

Joshua

United States

Apr 2025

I finally got to visit the great Hagia Sophia. While getting to explore the upper level was a blessing, I don't understand why the lower level is off limits. Even the Blue Mosque is open to non-Muslims. If I had gotten to explore the lower level, my visit would have been perfect. This is not Headout's fault, but something that is on my mind.

Ricardo

Spain

Apr 2025

The guide was great. Very complete explanations. At all times told us how the visit would continue, times at each site etc. the visit was with headphones and micro which is much appreciated. Very punctual.

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Hagia Sophia | Cathedral-turned-mosque

Hagia Sophia 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. Today, Hagia Sophia is an iconic melting pot of a myriad of cultures. Read on to learn more about the Hagia Sophia, how to book Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets, and other details to plan your visit.

Things to know before you book Hagia Sophia tickets

Choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long ticketing lines and access the second level of the mosque, saving you up to 30 minutes of wait. However, there is a mandatory security check before entering Hagia Sophia, so expect a 30-minute wait on average and up to 60 minutes in the high season.
Opt for a guided tour to fully understand the long and complex history of Hagia Sophia, which is nearly 1,500 years old.
Combine your Hagia Sophia tour with a visit to other iconic sites in Istanbul like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern to make the most of your day.
Since Hagia Sophia is a place of worship, visitors must follow a dress code. Both men and women are required to wear appropriate and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees. Women also need to cover their hair with a scarf.
Since Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, it is closed for non-worshippers during prayer times. Ensure you check these timings and plan your visit accordingly.
While most of Hagia Sophia is wheelchair-friendly, certain areas may not be easy to navigate by wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to steps and cobblestone pathways.
The meeting point for the tour will be located conveniently near Hagia Sophia. The exact meeting point details will be provided in the voucher, which you will receive after booking.

Why visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia view from Istanbul hotel terrace with cityscape in background.

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.

Plan your visit to the Hagia Sophia

Which Hagia Sophia ticket is best for you?

If you are short on time:

Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

If you do not have much time, choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines on the day of your visit. These tickets also allow you to enter the second level of the mosque.
With Istanbul MegaPass and combo tickets, you can visit attractions in and around Sultanahmet Square in a day, like the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more.

Recommended tours:

If you love history:

Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

You can choose between a self-paced audio-guided tour or an in-person guided tour to understand more about the history and cultural relevance of the mosque.

Recommended tours:

Hagia Sophia guided tour with skip-the-line entry tickets

If you are on a budget:

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

If you are on a budget but want an in-depth tour of the Hagia Sophia, choose combo tickets. With a one-time purchase, you can tour the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more.
The Istanbul MegaPass also includes skip-the-line access to multiple attractions. You can bypass long lines at the venues and save time.

Recommended tours:

What's Inside Hagia Sophia?

Grand Central Dome

Spanning 31 meters, the Hagia Sophia central dome was once considered the largest in the world. Constructed in 537 AD, the dome’s sheer size, innovative design, and decorative elements are a testament to the genius craftsmanship of ancient Byzantine laborers.

Plan your visit to 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.

Hagia Sophia opening hours

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih İstanbul, Turkey

Find on Maps

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.

Best way to reach the Hagia Sophia

Facilities Available at the Hagia Sophia

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.

Tips to Note When Visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque

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 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.

Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine (0.3 km away): Expect a diverse array of flavorful meat, vegetable, and rice-based dishes, often featuring aromatic spices and herbs in this authentic Turkish restaurant.
Sultanahmet Fish House (0.4 km away): This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy a variety of grilled, fried, and marinated fish and seafood options, along with traditional Turkish mezes and salads.
Fuego Restaurant (0.3 km away): This restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines with a contemporary twist. Indulge in dishes like grilled meats, fresh salads, and flavorful mezes, all served in a stylish and modern setting.
Beyzade Restaurant (0.5 km away): This restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on grilled meats and kebabs. Sample a variety of succulent meat dishes, accompanied by freshly baked bread, salads, and savory sauces.
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant (0.3 km away): This eatery specializes in recreating authentic Ottoman recipes using traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Here, you can enjoy classic Ottoman dishes such as lamb stew, stuffed vegetables, and decadent desserts.

Explore beyond Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is a large complex of courtyards and buildings, and a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. The Palace also contains an impressive collection of manuscripts, old weapons, and jewels.

Explore Topkapi Palace

Basilica Cistern

Built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is an underground water storage system. The structure is supported by 336 columns and is a perfect example of how the water system worked during the Byzantine reign.

Explore Basilica Cistern

Bosphorus Cruises

You can cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, straddling Europe and Asia, and enjoy Istanbul’s famous landmarks from the water. You can also opt for Bosphorus dinner cruises to enjoy a delicious meal on your sightseeing cruise.

Explore Bosphorus Cruises

Dolmabahce Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The palace features stunning interiors, crystal chandeliers, and gold embossed artworks, and is designed in a blend of Baroque, Ottoman, and Rococo architectural styles.

Explore Dolmabahce Palace

Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia

Do I need tickets to visit the Hagia Sophia?

Yes, you need to purchase tickets to enter the Hagia Sophia. Book Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines on the day of your visit. If you are a history and culture enthusiast, you can book guided tours or combo tickets for a hassle-free and informative touring experience.

Which Hagia Sophia tour should I buy?

If you are short on time, book the Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets. For an in-depth tour, you can choose the historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia. If you have a few hours to spare, 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.

How much does it cost to visit Hagia Sophia?

Depending on whether you are purchasing historian-guided Hagia Sophia tours or combo Hagia Sophia tickets, they can range between €31 to €36 to €59.

How long is the Hagia Sophia guided tour?

The Hagia Sophia guided tour lasts for almost 2 hours. You can roam the monument for as long as you wish even after your historian-guided tour ends.

When is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is open daily. You can visit it any time of the year, however, please avoid visiting it during prayer calls and noon prayers on Fridays. June to August is the busiest time of the year, attracting tourists from all over the world. Arrive early in the morning to soak in the relatively quiet atmosphere at Hagia Sophia.

What should I wear to the Hagia Sophia?

Once known as the Hagia Sophia Museum, the present-day Hagia Sophia is a mosque, so please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Do not wear shorts or strappy tops. Headscarves are available at the entrance for free, and you must wrap them around your head before entering the sacred monument.

Is Hagia Sophia wheelchair accessible?

Yes, visitors with limited mobility can enter the Hagia Sophia. There are ramps at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani.

Is there a locker room at the Hagia Sophia?

While there are no locker rooms inside the Hagia Sophia, you can use the one at Sirkeci train station, 2 tram stops from Sultanahmet to store your belongings.

Can I click pictures at Hagia Sophia?

Photography is allowed inside the Hagia Sophia, however, please refrain from clicking pictures of people who are praying. Flash photography is not allowed on the premises.

Are there any attractions near Hagia Sophia?

You can plan a day trip to Sultanahmet and visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Galata Tower. They are quite near each other.