Snapshot
Timings: 9 am to 7.30 pm.
Best Time to Visit: 9 am to 11 am.
Duration: 3 hours
Highlights: Museum, Tombs
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul,
Price: ₺1,199 ($33)
Buy Tickets NowTop Tickets for the Attraction
Skip the line Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide – Entry Ticket
From
$36
- Travel back in time to the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires by marveling at Hagia Sophia.
- Take advantage of the flexible pre-booked ticket to the Mosque.
- Skip all entry queues and enjoy a comfortable experience.
- Discover interesting backstories and details from the informative audio guide on your mobile phone.
- Enjoy a close look at the Mosque’s breathtaking architecture, mosaics, and art.
1 Day
Instant Confirmation
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Guided Tour
From
$79
- Enjoy the quick, skip-the-line entrance to Hagia Sophia by accompanying an expert tour guide.
- Feast your eyes on the beauty of the Blue Mosque and discover its history.
- From your guide, hear a historical story of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires in their glory.
- Discover additional tips to explore Istanbul comfortably from a local guide.
- Explore the scene of the vibrant social life of Istanbul at the Hippodrome.
3 hours
Instant Confirmation
Hagia Sophia Museum Tickets with Audio Guide
From
$28
- Discover Hagia Mosque’s history by exploring the fun, high-tech digital museum.
- See unique artifacts and artworks telling the history of the Mosque.
- Explore the building of the mosque by interacting with a 3D architectural exhibit.
- Learn the exciting backstories of all artworks through your informative audio guide.
- Enjoy the quick skip-the-line entry to the museum!
1 Day
Instant Confirmation
Hagia Sophia Private Tour
From
$249
- Enjoy a full-day walking experience of Istanbul and admire its top attractions.
- Discover the history behind and explore the Hippodrome, Hagia and the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Enjoy a personalized experience and a planned itinerary by your private tour guide.
- Dive into the exciting lifestyle of the locals by exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar.
- Take advantage of a comfortable pick up and drop off at your hotel.
4 to 7 hours
Instant Confirmation
Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Tickets
From
$108
- EnjaChoose to see Istanbul’s top highlights on a group or private guided tour.
- Accompany a professional tour guide and enjoy access to reserved entry to all attractions.
- Admire the world-famous Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia from the inside.
- Discover the stories of the Ottoman Empire while exploring the marvelous Topkapi Palace.
- This tour includes admission to all the mentioned attractions in Istanbul.wer in this combo.
4 hours
Instant Confirmation
Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Tour
From
$40
- Feel like you’ve traveled back in time while exploring the beautiful Hagia and Blue Mosques.
- Explore at your own pace with a small snack break at Sultanahmet Square.
- Discover architect Mimar Sinan’s beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Enjoy a small group or private tour experience.
- Discover the construction stories of all attractions on a guided professional tour.
4 hours
Instant Confirmation
Ticket Booking Information
Ticket Prices
The standard Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets, which include quick access to the mosque and an informative audio guide, cost ₺1,199 ($36) for all visitors.
History and architecture lovers can enjoy an informative visit with the 3-hour Guided Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Tour costing ₺2,653 ($79) for adults between 9 and 99 years.
Kids between ages of 3 and 8 can enjoy this guided tour for a discounted price of ₺2,507 ($75), while infants under 3 can take it for free!
If you’re interested in knowing more about the construction and history of the Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum Ticket is perfect for you, costing ₺909 ($28) for all visitors.
Visitors traveling in a big group of family or friends will enjoy the Hagia Sophia Private Tour, with a chance to see all the top Istanbul attractions for ₺8,048 ($249) for adults between 8 and 99 years.
Kids between ages 3 and 8 years old can enjoy the tour for a huge discount of ₺977 ($31), and infants below 3 for ₺245 ($8)!
History lovers curious about the Ottoman Empire can explore their residential area on the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Tour for adults between 8 and 99 years for ₺3,597 ($108).
Kids between ages of 3 and 8 years can explore the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Mosque for a discount of ₺3,197 ($96).
If you want to see the marvelous Mosques in Turkey, the Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque Tour is the best option for ₺1,337 ($40) for all visitors!
Ticket Discounts
All Hagia Sophia tickets come with age-based discounts, which you can access with ID proof.
Kids tickets are around 10% cheaper than adult tickets, allowing you to save much more when exploring with family.
The cost of the Private Tour of Hagia Sophia also reduces as the number of participants increases so that you can explore even with a big group on a budget!
For additional discounts, plan a visit between March and November, when tickets are more affordable and different discount offers are available since this is the non-peak tourism season.
How to buy tickets? Book online!
Hagia Sophia Tickets can be purchased online or from the ticket counter at the Mosque’s entrance; however, we do not recommend this since over 10,000 visitors go there daily.
To have a pleasant and comfortable visiting experience, always book your tickets online. It comes with various benefits and is a more hassle-free and convenient option.
Online booking is a much more convenient and hassle-free way to get entry tickets.
Here are some simple steps to follow to book your tickets to the Hagia Mosque online:
Step 1: Go to the online booking website for Hagia Sophia.
Step 2: You will see many ticket options available. Click on the ticket that catches your eye and matches all your requirements.
Step 3: Open the ticket and check the highlights, inclusions, exclusions, and cancellation policy.
Step 4: If you’re satisfied with the ticket, select your date and time slot of preference and click on “Book Now.”
Step 5: Enter your personal information and other essential details before paying for your ticket.
Step 6: As soon as your transaction is complete, you will receive your ticket online via email or message.
Step 7: You don’t need to print your ticket. All you need to do is show it on your device at the mosque’s entrance.
The ticket websites GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tiqets are the best online ticket-booking websites that provide authentic experiences.
Each ticket has its own ranking and rating, allowing visitors to select only the best for a great experience.
These websites also make all customer reviews available, so you can get a good idea of the experience before booking!
Please note: Ensure your booking details exactly match your ID documents or passport information.
“Hagia Sophia was previously a free attraction, but since 2024, tourists have had to pay an entry fee to enter the mosque.
Only the locals of Istanbul can enter the Mosque to pray inside for free”’
Advantages of Booking Louvre Museum Tickets Online
- Booking online ensures you can enter the Mosque during your desired time slot and plan as per your visit date.
- You will be safeguarded from all scams and avoid unprofessional guided offering tours outside the Mosque.
- You can avoid dealing with currency exchange hassles by booking from the comfort of your home in your native currency.
- Visitors can find real-time timings, closure date changes, and updates so they are not disappointed.
- It is easier to apply for an online refund since you know the details of the service provider. Such facilities might be challenging to access offline.
- You can book at any time of the day and can avoid ticket counter timing changes.
- Online booking allows you to compare ticket prices and inclusions so you can access the cheapest options!
Which ticket is best for you?
For Solo & Budget-Friendly Travelers
Suggested Ticket:
Standard Skip the line Hagia Sophia ticket
Ticket Price: ₺1,199 ($36)
Solo visitors and those traveling on a budget will enjoy the experience of the standard Hagia Sophia tickets!
This ticket allows you to explore the Mosque and admire the Byzantine architecture at your own pace.
It is the cheapest ticket option available for purchase and is valid till the museum closes!
For a Religious Visit
Suggested Ticket:
Guided Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Tour
Ticket Price: ₺2,653 ($79)
Pilgrims looking to see Istanbul’s top sacred spaces must take the Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque!
They can admire the stunning interiors and quiet ambiance of both places, get blessings, and fulfill all their wishes through prayer.
This best-selling experience also includes a 3-hour professional guided tour to discover more about these two Mosques’ religious significance and history!
For a Group Tour
Suggested Ticket:
Ticket Price: ₺8,048 ($249)
You can enjoy a group experience on the Hagia Sophia Private Tour and explore some of Istanbul’s most popular attractions with a private guide!
The prices of these tour tickets decrease if more members from the same group book, allowing big family and friend groups to enjoy an affordable experience.
The guide will give you a personalized experience focused only on your group, so you can get your questions answered on the tour!
About the Attraction
Hagia Sophia was originally built to be an Orthodox Church, which was converted to a magnificent Mosque under Sultan Mehmed II in 1453.
In 1935, the Mosque underwent restorations to become a museum with stunning Byzantine architecture; it was made a Mosque again in 2020.
Because of these continuous changes, the Mosque you see today has unique combinations of Catholic and Islamic influences!
Today, it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracting over 13 million visitors every year who journey to admire its beauty.
Plan Your Visit
Hagia Mosque is open all year from 9 am to 7.30 pm, seven days a week.
The mosque’s prayer area opens at 10 am from morning prayer time since cleaning and maintenance take place between these hours.
You cannot enter the visiting area of the Mosque on Fridays between 12.30 pm and 2 pm because of the prayers happening.
For detailed information, Read Hagia Sophia’s Opening Hours
The Mosque is easily accessible from all parts of the city since it is in a crowded spot of Istanbul.
Metro Accessibility
- Sultanahmet metro station is the closest stop to the Mosque via line M2, a 7-minute walk away.
Bus Services
- Çatladıkapı bus stop is the closest stop, which is a 15-minute walk from the Mosque.
- 35A, 36, 36ES, 38, 38Z, 97, and 92B bus lines will get you close to the Mosque.
By Train
- Catch the Marmaray train line to get to the Sirkeci train station, a 16-minute walk from the Mosque.
Men and women must wear clothing that covers their legs, shoulders, arms, and knees.
Tight-fitting and see-through clothes are not allowed inside the Mosque.
Hats and sunglasses cannot be worn in the Mosque, but women must carry a headscarf in case they are asked to cover their heads.
Wear easy-to-remove footwear since it must be left behind at the entrance before entering the Mosque.
Visitors can use the main visiting area entrance of the Mosque from the Hagia Sophia Square.
However, this entrance has steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
Those who need mobility assistance should take the Turkish Citizens Entrance to enter with their wheelchair.
If the main entrance is closed for construction, visitors can enter the Mosque from the temporary entrance gate across the Sultan Ahmed III fountain.
Avoid taking photos of locals praying their Namaz prayers inside the Mosque.
Do not run around in the sacred space; maintain pin-drop silence, especially during prayer hours.
- Don’t miss out on seeing the second-floor area of the Mosque; otherwise, you won’t be able to see the mosaics.
- Avoid visiting during prayer time, as you will not be allowed to see the Hagia Mosque’s ground level during prayer hours.
- The entry lines take around fifteen minutes to an hour to move, so ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot.
- If you forgot your headscarf at home or are outside the dress code, you can buy a cheap cover-up from the ticket booth.
Highlights
The Dome
A marvel of engineering, the Hagia Dome is the most stunning part of the attraction, with mosaics showing the lives of Jesus and Mother Mary.
The Emperor’s Door
Used only by the Byzantine Emperors, this door is a grand 6th-century marvel welcoming all visitors. It is 7 meters tall, made of oak wood, and covered in bronze plates.
Hagia Sophia Museum
An interactive 3D museum focusing on the history and architectural marvels of the Mosque, which is the perfect spot for history lovers!
The Wishing Column
On the northern side of the Mosque is a massive column with a small hole. It is believed that your wish will be fulfilled if your thumb is wet after putting it on this hole and rotating it thrice.
The Tombs
The Mosque has five ornately carved tombs of Sultans from the Ottoman period surrounding it, including Sultan Selim II, Sultan Mehmed II, and more.
FAQs on Hagia Sophia Tickets & Tours
1. How much are tickets to Hagia Sophia?
The standard Hagia Sophia skip the line tickets with an audio guide cost ₺1,199 ($36) for all visitors.
2. Is Hagia Sophia entry free?
Since 2024, all visitors must buy a ticket to explore and pray at Hagia Sophia Mosque. Locals can enter the mosque for free.
3. What day is Hagia Sophia closed?
Hagia Sophia is open on all days throughout the year. However, the mosque remains closed for afternoon prayers from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm on Fridays.
4. Can you skip the line at Hagia Sophia?
You can get skip the line tickets with an audio guide, which costs ₺1,199 ($36) for all visitors.
5. What is the cost of a guided tour of the Hagia Mosque?
A 3-hour Guided Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Tour costs ₺2,653 ($79) for adults between 9 and 99 years old. Kids between ages 3 and 8 can take the tour for a discounted price of ₺2,507 ($75), while infants under 3 can take it for free!
6. Are kids discounts available on Hagia Sophia tickets?
Most tickets to Hagia Sophia have age-based discounts. You can access these with ID proof.
7. What is the cancellation and refund policy for the Hagia tickets?
Most tickets offer a 100% refund if you cancel them 24 hours before your booked time slot. If you are unsure of your trip dates, check the cancellation policy before booking.
8. How long is the ticket to Hagia Sophia valid?
No, there is no separate ticket to see the Mona Lisa. The Louvre Museum entry ticket provides access to it.
But you can book a Mona Lisa priority entry tour to get priority access and the perfect spot to view the painting.
9. Do I need to pick a time slot for the tickets?
You have to pick a time slot for the ticket. You cannot ask for a refund or reschedule your ticket if you miss the time slot you picked.
10. Can I enter the Mosque again after exiting with the same ticket?
You cannot enter the Mosque again with the same ticket once it is used and you exit the space. You will have to purchase a new ticket from the ticket counter or book online.
Featured Photo by Ibrahim Uzun on Unsplash
