Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with our skip-the-line tickets and multilingual guided tours.

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

Hagia Sophia | Byzantine Gem & UNESCO World Heritage Site

Istanbul

Book Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets & expert-guided tours. Choose from combos of other top sites like Basilica Cistern & Blue Mosque & enjoy 24/7 support!

002 Istanbul: Hagia Sophia

Get ready to explore Hagia Sophia, a timeless marvel in Istanbul. Unveil the echoes of history within its ancient walls, adorned with stunning mosaics and colossal domes. Choose from our curated list of expert guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and combos with top attractions like Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and more!

Hagia Sophia Tickets, VIP Tours, Combos & More

Bestseller

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Save your time with these skip-the-line entry tickets to Hagia Sophia, with an audio guide in 23 languages. Marvel at the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top Experiences

Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks with a budget-friendly combo: skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Dive into history and save!

Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Explore Istanbul's top spots for less with this combo ticket, featuring skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.

Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

See 3 of Istanbul's most famous landmarks – Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia – with this cost-effective combo ticket along with an expert English-speaking guide.

Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Skip the lines and explore Hagia Sophia's splendors with a guide. Upgrade your experience to include the Blue Mosque or a Bosphorus cruise.

Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque Guided Tours with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Want the best of Istanbul without denting your pocket? Go for this combo ticket that lets you into Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque.

Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

Pack your bags and set out to explore Istanbul's best attractions with the Istanbul MegaPass that not only helps you save money but also save time with skip-the-line tickets.

Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise

Explore Istanbul with this super saver ticket and get access to Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, a skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia with an audio guide, and a Bosphorus Cruise.

Combo (Save 23%): Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise + Galata Tower Tickets

Soar above the city and sail through history. This budget-friendly combo includes entry to the Galata Tower and a charming Bosphorus cruise.

Istanbul Mosques: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque with Entry Tickets

Enjoy an exciting tour to see 2 of Istanbul’s most famous monuments, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and save big with this combo ticket!

Combo (Save 5%): Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Tickets

Explore Istanbul at your leisure with a 1-day hop-on hop-off tour, then enjoy a visit to the Hagia Sophia, all bundled in this budget-friendly combo.

Headout's Top Recommendations

Why visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia highlights

Marvel at the Grand Dome

Step back in time with the Deesis Mosaic

Touch the Wishing Column

Look at the Mihrab

Gaze at the Minbar

Seek blessings at the Weeping Column

Explore the Imperial Gate

Discover the secret mosaics

Unwind in the Serpentine Gallery

Why was the Hagia Sophia established?

Architecture and design of the Hagia Sophia

Book Hagia Sophia tickets

Inside the Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia opening hours

Hagia Sophia architecture

About Hagia Sophia | Content Framework

Visit the Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine grandeur in Istanbul. Delve into its history, marvel at its architecture, and understand its cultural relevance.

About Hagia Sophia | A marvel of Byzantine architecture

Hagia Sophia | Common Footer

Hagia Sophia | Common Header

Hagia Sophia’s majestic dome is an engineering and architectural masterpiece that has stood for centuries. Discover the grandeur of its intricate mosaics and breathtaking artwork.

Dome of Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the walls of Hagia Sophia, which are decorated with vibrant and detailed mosaics. They depict religious stories and historical figures in exquisite detail, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Byzantine Empire.&nbsp;

Byzantine Mosaics

The Sultan’s private lodge allowed Ottoman rulers to attend religious ceremonies out of sight of the public. Get a glimpse into their opulent lifestyles and get stunning views of the main prayer hall below.

Sultan’s Lodge

Explore the South Gallery of Hagia Sophia, which provides panoramic views of the entire landmark while being surrounded by intricate marble balustrades and decorative elements.

South Gallery

Step through the Imperial Door, which was used by the Byzantine emperors and their entourages. Built in the 6th century, it is 7 meters tall and is the largest door in Hagia Sophia.

The Imperial Door

Discover the Mihrab, a beautifully crafted niche indicating the direction of Mecca, and the Minbar, a pulpit from where prayers were delivered, both showcasing Islamic influences on the building.

Mihrab and Minbar

Touch the iconic white marble Weeping Column, believed to have healing powers, and immerse yourself in the ancient legends and stories associated with this mysterious artifact.

The Weeping Column

With its colossal dome, intricate mosaics, and exquisite decor, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia is the epitome of Byzantine architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich and diverse history.

Built in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia has undergone many transformations in its 1,500-year history: Byzantine cathedral, Ottoman mosque, museum, and mosque again. Its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and fusion of architectural styles embody Istanbul’s rich heritage.

Dating back to 537 AD, Hagia Sophia has been a church, mosque, museum, and mosque once again during its 1,500-year history. Its blend of Christian and Islamic architectural styles make it one of Istanbul's most iconic historic landmarks.

Hagia Sophia, the iconic 6th-century landmark in Istanbul, draws over 3 million tourists each year with its stunning Byantine and Ottoman architecture, colossal dome, and exquisite mosaics. Buy your tickets and explore this historic monument.

Located on the west side of Hagia Sophia, next to the Ablution Fountain, the Imperial Gate entrance is the main entrance for all tourists and visitors. On average, the wait time at this entrance is around 20 minutes.

Imperial Gate Entrance

Marvel at Hagia Sophia's grand dome, an architectural masterpiece. Its expansive dimensions and ornate embellishments are testament to the exceptional skills of the ancient Byzantine craftsmen.

The Dome of Heaven

Step back in time through the Imperial Door, which was reserved solely for the use of the Byzantine emperors. This large, heavy door of Hagia Sophia was opened on special occasions.

Admire the intricate mosaics that adorn the walls of Hagia Sophia, showing scenes from both Christian as well as Islamic religious history. They showcase the rich artistic culture and legacy of the Byzantine Empire.

The Mosaic Gallery

Experience the view from the Sultan's Lodge, from where Ottoman sultans could watch and participate in religious rituals. This privileged spot granted them a unique perspective of the proceedings in Hagia Sophia's grand hall.

The Sultan's Lodge

Also known as the Wishing Column, this iconic monument is believed to miraculously cure many illnesses if one touches it. There are many fascinating ancient legends and stories associated with the weeping column.

Hagia Sophia was the inspiration for the Blue Mosque. Its magnificent dome led to the construction of the other iconic mosque in Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia was once used as a military warehouse during the Ottoman Empire. Cannons and ammunition were stored within its walls.

Hagia Sophia has been hit by earthquakes on many instances, causing cracks in its roof and causing its half-domes to collapse. It has been repaired and restored several times throughout its history.

The original Hagia Sophia had large mosaics of Jesus, Mary, Christian saints, and angels, which were plastered and covered up during the Ottoman era. They were uncovered during more modern renovations and restorations of the monument.

Hagia Sophia’s four minarets and other Islamic features were added at different times during the 15th and 16th centuries, during Ottoman rule when the church was converted into a mosque.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is open every day throughout the year. It is partially closed during prayer hours.&nbsp;

Hagia Sophia showcases features of both Christian and Islamic architecture, blending Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural styles. It is a majestic testament to Istanbul’s diverse cultural heritage.

In its 1,500-year history, Hagia Sophia has undergone many transformations – from a church to a mosque a museum, and back again to a mosque. This embodies the significant cultural role it has played throughout the history of Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia’s massive dome, which seemingly floats above the nave, is an ingenious work of engineering. It was built using innovative architectural techniques that contributed to its stability and the building’s exceptional acoustics.

The interiors of Hagia Sophia are decorated with mesmerizingly intricate mosaics showcasing religious and imperial scenes, masterfully crafted by skilled Byzantine artisans.

With Islamic calligraphy intertwining with Christian icons, Hagia Sophia symbolizes the blending of two great faiths and Istanbul’s rich Christian and Islamic heritage.

Bus routes 28, 32, BN1,&nbsp;35A, 36, 36ES, 38, 38Z, 97, and 92B&nbsp;will get you to Hagia Sophia. The nearest bus stop is Sultanahmet, which is just a two-minute walk from the landmark. Other nearby bus stops include Akbıyık (10-minute walk away) and Çatladıkapı (13 minutes away by foot).

The T1 tram line takes you to Hagia Sophia. Visitors can get down at the Sultanahmet tram stop, which is only a 5-minute walk from the landmark. The other nearest tram stop is Gülhane.

Visitors can reach Hagia Sophia by train by taking the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) lines. The nearest station is Marmaray Sirkeci İstasyonu, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace.

You can take the M2 line of the Istanbul Metro to reach Haghia Sophia. The nearest station is Vezneciler, which is 2 km away and takes 30 minutes to cover on foot. Alternatively,&nbsp;you can walk to Laleli-İstanbul Üniversitesi tram stop from Vezneciler and take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet&nbsp;Square, which is next to Hagia Sophia.

Skip the line to save time: Purchasing skip-the-line tickets online for Hagia Sophia will help you save time by avoiding long queues and getting fast-track entry. Ticket prices start at €19, making it a great investment for a comfortable visit.

Guided tours for a richer experience: Taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience. You will get a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of Hagia Sophia. Audio guides are also available, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Best time for a peaceful visit: Plan to visit Hagia Sophia in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene atmosphere as you explore the monument.

Check ticket inclusions: Check your ticket details to ensure it allows you access to all areas of Hagia Sophia, including the upper galleries and the museum, so that you don’t miss out on any highlights.

Combo tickets for added value: Consider buying combo tickets that include access to other popular attractions in Istanbul, such as Dolmabahce Palace, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, for a comprehensive sightseeing experience.

About Hagia Sophia | Content Page

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Bypass the ticketing queue with these skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia  (you must still go through the mandatory security line), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an audio guide available in 23 languages.

Travel back in time and hop on a spiritual experience at Hagia Sophia, while gaining valuable insights about the Islamic and Byzantine heritage of the monument.

Explore the marvel that once held the title of the world's largest place of worship for over a millennium, and check out the mosaics and the imperial dome.

Enter the 2nd-floor visitors' area with skip-the-line access and explore the upper gallery at your own pace and convenience. 

Learn about the fascinating history of the oldest and fastest-built cathedral, its architecture, and heritage from your audio guide. 

Audio guide for both attractions (optional)

Entry to the Hagia Sophia History Museum (optional)

Tip: The building's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. Photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceiling from here.

You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.

The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.

The prayer area in the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.

Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. 

Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders.

If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (A scarf is €2 and a body cover is €3).

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Don't forget to carry your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.

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.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Cathedral/Mosque/Museum in Istanbul Turkey

tourist listening to audio guide in Roman Pantheon

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Hagia Sophia Tickets

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It was a really great tour. Our tour guide, Ali was very professional and kind. I highly recommend the program to everyone.

Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.

Well, it's Hagia Sophia so it's interesting by itself. The online audioguide was a very nice add though, and the fact that you can download it probably helps when you are inside.

It was a beautiful experience! We entered immediately with the skip the line ticket! I didn't use the audio guide because I didn't know how to install it, but it's not necessary, Hagia Sofia speaks for itself! Andreea 💋 xoxo

Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.

Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. Explore at your own pace afterward. 

Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel. 

Bid your guide goodbye, and take your time to listen to stories of Hagia Sophia in multiple languages, with your audio guide, as you continue exploring. 

Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops. 

Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Blue Mosque or opt to add a 1-hour guided tour of the Old City with a Bosphorus Cruise.

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

1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Old City (as per option selected)

Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visitors' area

2-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)

Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese (as per option selected)

Entry to Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

Audio guide for Blue Mosque (as per option selected)

Tip: There are many great restaurants located along the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the water.

The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.

In addition to midday and afternoon departures for the Bosphorus cruise, you can also opt for a special evening cruise at 6 PM, available from April to October.

You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check. The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.

Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Blue Mosque exterior with tourists, part of Istanbul combo tour including Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise.

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Tours

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Guided Tours

The amazing paintings and architecture in the mosque.
Peaceful place to be.
Our tour guide Aron Ali was very knowledgeable and patient, explaining everything.
Mechelle Australia 🇦🇺 

It was good tour. Guide was a very good man. Don't remember his name. He was thin, short, had moustache. He had a little dark skin and short hair.

Enjoyed being with the informed guide. We had some problems with a couple of our group not flowing well through the exhibits. Nothing wrong with the way the guides handled everything that came up.

I booked a tour for both the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia, but was only given a guided tour for the blue mosque. Because of the confusion I was able to eventually get tickets into the Hagia Sophia, but was not given a guided tour, which was a disappointment.

The guide presented some interesting information and managed the tour well. It was good from that point of view.  The skip the line ended up as a long queue in the sun - not directly your fault but it spoiled the experience.

Enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul’s best iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over 2 or 3 days.

Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.

Gain valuable insights about the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from your guide before you enter.

Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern 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. 

60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry

30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry

English-speaking guide for all attractions

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.

Your guide will show you the way to each attraction, then you can set your own pace for exploring.

These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.

Guided and tourist in front of the Blue mosque

Cruise ship on the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul

Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) on the Bosphorus

Dolmabahce Palace by the Bosphorus Strait

Tourists by the sculptures inside the basilica cistern

Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.

Kürzlich haben wir eine Tour zu einigen der berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten Istanbuls unternommen, darunter die Hagia Sophia, die Blaue Moschee und die Cisterna Basilica. Leider war das Erlebnis insgesamt sehr enttäuschend, da weder Audioguides noch Kopfhörer zur Verfügung gestellt wurden.

Wir waren eine große Gruppe und es war fast unmöglich, den Führer zu hören oder die Erklärungen zu verstehen. Die geschichtlichen und kulturellen Hintergründe, die diese Orte so faszinierend machen, gingen uns so völlig verloren.

Ohne Audioguide oder Kopfhörer waren wir gezwungen, uns durch die Menge zu drängen und die Informationen selbst zu suchen, was den Besuch sehr stressig und unbefriedigend machte. Für ein so wichtiges touristisches Ziel hätten wir einen viel besseren Service erwartet.

Insgesamt war die Tour absolut schlecht organisiert und wir würden sie unter den gegebenen Umständen nicht weiterempfehlen. Eine Investition in Audioguides und Kopfhörer wäre dringend erforderlich, um den Besuchern ein zufriedenstellendes und informatives Erlebnis zu bieten.

Die 3 Guides für Topkapi, Hagia Sophia und Sultanahmet Moschee, Versunkener Palast waren exzellent: Es gab hilfreiche Informationen und Anmerkungen, die so nicht im Reiseführer stehen und sie waren sehr hilfsbereit !

The 3 guides for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque, Sunken Palace were excellent: there was helpful information and comments that are not in the guidebook and they were very helpful!

About Hagia Sophia | A marvel of Byzantine architecture

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