Hagia Sophia Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit & More
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours
Hagia Sophia is open throughout the year.
Closed: Hagia Sophia is closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours and during the noon prayers on Fridays.
Duration of Visit: If you are short on time, you can finish exploring the Hagia Sophia within 30 to 45 minutes. However, if you opt for a guided tour, it’ll take you around 1 hour. Once you enter the Hagia Sophia Mosque, you can stay for as long as you like inside the premises.
What is the Best Time to Visit Hagia Sophia in Istanbul?
Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, which makes it important to know the right days and times for visiting the attraction.
Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekends are bound to be crowded at the Hagia Sophia, so it's a good idea to plan your visit to the mosque during weekdays and weekend mornings. Avoid visiting the mosque on Friday afternoons, since they have their prayer hours and the mosque tends to get very crowded during this period. If you are booking Hagia Sophia guided tours, you will enjoy priority access no matter the day.
Peak Season vs. Low Season: Istanbul tends to get very hot during May and June, so it's best to plan a visit to the city during the winter months. Not only will this let you enjoy the pleasant weather, but it will also help you comfortably explore the Hagia Sophia Church-turned-Mosque and other attractions.
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All Your Questions about Hagia Sophia Opening Hours Answered
A. The Hagia Sophia is open throughout the year. The mosque remains closed to non-worshippers during prayer times.
A. Yes, Hagia Sophia is open every day, all year round.
A. Hagia Sophia is closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours and the noon prayers on Fridays.
A. You can finish exploring the Hagia Sophia on your own within 30 to 45 minutes. However, if you want to delve deeper into history and examine Hagia Sophia’s architecture to the fullest, choose a guided tour that will take you around an hour.
A. Plan your visit to the Hagia Sophia during the winter months to enjoy the pleasant weather. Visit the mosque during the early hours of the morning on weekends and weekdays. Avoid visiting Hagia Sophia on Fridays.
A. It is best to choose a Hagia Sophia guided tour to have a hassle-free and more informative experience at the mosque. You can also enjoy priority access with your Hagia Sophia guided tour tickets. However, you can also explore it on your own.
A. Hagia Sophia is open all year round. It is only closed during prayer times.
A. It is a good idea to buy your Hagia Sophia tickets in advance since this will help you plan your visit efficiently. You also do not have to worry about standing in long queues or missing your attraction.
A. The best way to reach the Hagia Sophia is to take the 28, 32, BN1, or EMI to Sultanahmet Square. You can also take either the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train to reach Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square. The M2 metro and the T1 tram also reach Sultanahmet Square. The Hagia Sophia is a short walk from the Square.
A. The Hagia Sophia has nine entrances, that will take you to the very heart of the mosque. Each of these entrances is even more majestic than the last.
A. Photography is allowed at Hagia Sophia, but avoid clicking pictures of people who are praying at the mosque. Do not use flash photography or commercial equipment that may disrupt others’ viewing of the attraction.
A. Pets are not allowed in the Hagia Sophia.
A. Yes, Hagia Sophia is wheelchair accessible. There is also a special entrance at the mosque that has ramps for visitors with limited mobility.
A. Yes, you can visit the Hagia Sophia with a large group.
A. Yes, prams and strollers are allowed inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque, however, try to visit during the quieter hours during weekdays and in the early mornings to easily navigate around the area.
A. Currently, there are no restrooms inside Hagia Sophia, but you can find restrooms near the attraction in the Sultanahmet Square.
A. You can cancel your Hagia Sophia guided tour tickets 24 hours before the experience begins to get a full refund on your purchase.
