Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque | Plan the perfect day in Istanbul

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.

Visit two key Istanbul landmarks with one booking, with options for guided or audio-guided tour.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Enjoy entry to Hagia Sophia and explore the interior, from the main hall to the side areas. Take time to look up, notice details around you, and pause for a moment of reflection before you step back into the city streets outside once more.
• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Get entry to the Blue Mosque and step inside the main prayer space to absorb the calm atmosphere. Take your time to walk the interior, look up at the patterns and light, pause to reflect, and then head back out to continue exploring the city around you.
• Why choose this: One booking covers both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque — Istanbul's two most visited landmarks, steps apart from each other.
• Options: Join an English-language tour with a licensed guide, or explore independently with an audio guide — available for both sites.

Inclusions #

• Entry to Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Blue Mosque

• English guided tours of both landmarks (as per option selected)

• Audio guides in 10 languages (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

• Souvenir photos

What to bring

• Hagia Sophia covering: Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl so you can cover up appropriately before entering.
• Blue Mosque covering: Bring a modest covering such as a wrap or headscarf, as you will need it inside the mosque.
• Audio guide use: If you plan to use the audio guide, remember to bring your own headphones.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia access: Only the ground level is accessible for wheelchair users, since the upper gallery cannot be reached with mobility aids.
• Blue Mosque access: The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible with pathways designed to accommodate mobility needs.

What’s not allowed

• Hagia Sophia bags: Oversized bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted past security.
• Blue Mosque bags: Large bags are restricted at the entrance, so plan to bring only small personal items.

Additional information

• Hagia Sophia renovations: Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.
• Hagia Sophia dress code: Women and men should avoid clothing that exposes shoulders or chest, and skirts or shorts above the knees.
• Hagia Sophia coverings: Scarves and cover-ups can be purchased on-site if you do not have your own.
• Hagia Sophia security: Expect a mandatory security check and be prepared for lines, especially around midday.
• Hagia Sophia prayer hall: The first-floor prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
• Hagia Sophia hours: Opening hours are 9am to 7:30pm, and on Fridays, it closes from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
• Blue Mosque dress code: Ensure you follow the modest dress requirements, and if needed, you can purchase a scarf or cover-up at the entrance.
• Blue Mosque visiting times: Visiting times are available until 11am and then again after 2pm, and on Fridays entry is only permitted after 2pm.