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The Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece, a testament to centuries of history. Once an Orthodox Cathedral in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia was later turned into a mosque, then a museum, and is now an active mosque again. It receives thousands of visitors every year, however, you can skip ahead of long lines if you purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets in advance.
The Hagia Sophia has 3 entrances. The main entrance is located on the west side of the building. And, there are side entrances and entrances from the narthex. During peak hours, you need to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes to enter the mosque. With skip-the-line tickets, you can shorten your waiting time, and enter the mosque within 15 to 30 minutes.
The Hagia Sophia has 3 entrances, the Imperial entrance on the western side, the Narthex Doors on the southern side, and the Emperor’s Door on the southern side. If you have purchased skip-the-line tickets, you can enter the mosque through any entrance. Please note that since Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, some entrances may be closed to non-worshippers temporarily. In such cases, you can use any of the other entrances. It is important to note that while you can bypass long lines with your skip-the-line tickets, you cannot skip the security check.
Yes, you can skip ahead of long lines at the Hagia Sophia with your skip-the-line tickets, which also include an audio guide in 23 languages. A Hagia Sophia historian-guided tour with skip-the-line entry provides priority access, an expert tour guide, and an audio guide in 23 languages.
Yes, you can purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets online. Note that these tickets allow you to bypass long lines of visitors, however, you still have to wait in line for security checks.
The Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets cost around €36. If you love history and architecture, we would recommend you purchase the Hagia Sophia historian-guided tour since it also starts from €36, and allows you more flexibility to tailor your visit. With the guided tours, an expert tour guide will accompany you for around an hour, after which you can plug in your audio guide and explore the mosque by yourself.
We recommend booking Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets because they allow you to bypass long lines and spend more time at the mosque. You can also access an audio guide, available in 23 languages, which allows you to explore the mosque museum at your own pace.
During peak season, between March to May, and September to October, you need to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes outside the mosque. With skip-the-line tickets, you can minimize your waiting time, and enter the mosque within 15 to 30 minutes.
There is no specific entrance for Hagia Sophia skip-the-line ticket holders. You can enter through any of the entrances and explore the mosque museum.
Yes, the Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets include an audio guide, available in 23 languages. If you book a historian-guided tour, you can also access an audio guide to explore the mosque at your own pace.
Inclusions
Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum skip-the-line ticket
Unlimited stay inside the museum
Hagia Sophia Mosque entry (optional)
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
60-min Hagia Sophia tour with entry
90-min Bosphorus Cruise ticket
English-speaking guide for all attractions
Audio app in 10 languages
Day 1
Day 2
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Breeze past the lines at Hagia Sophia and explore with an audio guide for a stress-free visit.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with one flexible, skip-the-line combo ticket.
Inclusions Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Tip: Follow the full loop before heading out—the Medusa heads are tucked away at the far end and worth a close look from every angle.
Skip-the-line tickets are very helpful, but all visitors must go through standard security screening.
For a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s less crowded. The space feels a lot more serene then!
The lighting is kept low to preserve the atmosphere. Switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer photos.
Make sure you wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping in some areas.
Hagia Sophia
Tip: Security checks are a must at the venue. During summer months, checks can take extra time with queues stretching into the courtyard.
Only the Upper Gallery area is open to visitors, while the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.
The Hagia Sophia is closed to tourists on Fridays from noon to mid-afternoon for prayer.
Modest dress is mandatory for all, so make sure you wear clothes that cover your head, shoulders and knees. Headscarves are available at the entrance for women.
Topkapi Palace
Explore 2 of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks with a single ticket & skip the crowds.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Get a quick entry to the Basilica Cistern with the skip-the-line tickets to explore at your own pace, with insights from an audio guide available in 7 languages.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Get a 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
Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon or early evening.
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 worth viewing from every angle!
Hagia Sophia
Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.
Inclusions
Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/9 depending on your pass tier)
Guided tours: Asian side walking tour & hop-on hop-off bus tour (based on your pass tier)
Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience & Dervish ceremony (based on your pass tier)
Blue Mosque guided tour
Bosphorus dinner cruise
5-ride Istanbul transportation card
Multilingual audio guides for all attractions
Digital guidebook
City, tram, and metro map
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
