The Hagia Sophia is open from 9 am to 7 pm on all days of the week in 2024.
However, since it is a Mosque, tourists are not allowed to enter the space on Fridays from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
These prayer timings are followed every week, and you can also expect sudden changes in the schedule.
Visitors planning to explore for the first time will find everything in this article about the best visiting hours and how long a visit takes to plan the best experience in 2024!
Best Time to Visit Hagia Sophia
The Mosque is least crowded from 9 am to 11 am in the morning, making this the best time to explore!
You can plan a visit on Wednesday or Thursday for less crowds; avoid visiting on Friday since it is the most crowded on this day.
Hagia Mosque has the least crowd visiting from September to March in the autumn and winter months!
Avoid visiting between April and August since the attraction is the most crowded at this time.
How Long Does it Take to Explore the Mosque?
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You can cover all parts of the Hagia Sophia and see everything inside within 30 to 45 minutes.
However, exploring the Mosque will take around an hour if you are on a guided tour, as they also tell you interesting facts and stories about the parts you are exploring.
We also recommend adding another hour to the visit, especially during the peak tourism seasons, as lines take an hour to move if you don’t have skip-the-line entry tickets.
Check out our What to See Inside Hagia Sophia article to get an estimate of the time required to cover all the spaces and plan a great schedule!
FAQs on Hagia Sophia Hours
What are the Hagia Sophia Opening Hours?
The Mosque is open from 9 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
Are there any specific prayer times at the Mosque?
Afternoon prayers are said every Friday from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
At what time does the Mosque open for tourists?
The Mosque opens at 9 am for all visitors. However, tourists can only enter when no prayers are being said inside.
Is the Mosque open 24 hours?
No, the Mosque is not open for visiting 24 hours. You cannot enter the space before 9 am and after 7 pm.
Which day is the Mosque most crowded?
You will find the most crowded inside the Mosque on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
How long does it take to explore the Mosque?
Exploring the Mosque completely will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
At what time is the Mosque least crowded?
Hagia Mosque is the least crowded from 9 am to 11 am, as soon as it opens in the morning.
When is the Mosque least crowded in the year?
You can expect to find the least crowds between September and March at the Mosque. Avoid visiting in December since many people travel to Turkey for skiing and might want to explore the attraction.
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Featured Photo by amin zeinali on Unsplash
