Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern combo tickets & tours

Breeze past the ticket 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)

• 3-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)

• 4-course Turkish dinner (menu here) (as per option selected)

• Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, & a DJ (as per option selected)

• Unlimited soft drinks (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

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• 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.

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 expert commentary.
• 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 mosaics while listening to interesting insights on its history.
• 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.
• Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket.
• Upgrades: Pick an audio-guided tour to explore at your own pace or choose a guided tour to hear interesting insights from a live guide and make your visit more interactive.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

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

• Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish (as per option selected)

Hagia Sophia

• 2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

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

• 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 (as per option selected)

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

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• 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.

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 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 (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, 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 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 the 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 is closed to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.

Topkapi Palace

• 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.

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 are 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.

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; there is 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 Whirling Dervish shows for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and get introduced to the Sufi legacy of Istanbul.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

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

  • 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