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Included free Historical Landmarks 4.5 (41,860)

Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry

Join a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-ticket-line entry and discover its history, architecture, and hidden details.

Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry

● Highlights

  • Explore the famous Hagia Sophia with a professional local tour guide!
  • Skip the ticket lines and enter the Hagia Sophia Mosque Upper Gallery Visiting Area with your guide!
  • Listen to the history and hidden stories of the Hagia Sophia as your guide shares fascinating facts during the tour
  • Discover Hagia Sophia Mosque and feel the spiritual atmosphere in this sacred place.
  • Get amazed with and take photos of mosaics and artwork inside Hagia Sophia.

✓ Included with this experience

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Upper Gallery Visiting Area Ticket
  • Guided Tour with a Licensed Professional Guide in English for 45 minutes
  • Specially Curated Audio Guide in 25 different languages

About Hagia Sophia Guided

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Join a guided tour and explore the 2nd-floor visiting areas of the Hagia Sophia Mosque with a licensed professional guide. Skip the ticket lines and enjoy a smooth entry as your guide leads you inside and shares fascinating details about this world-famous monument.

Hagia Sophia is a must-see in Istanbul not only for its long history but also for its breathtaking grandeur and spiritual atmosphere. It has been a sacred place for two religions, gathering the prayers of millions of people under its dome throughout history. During your guided tour, you will hear the hidden stories, architectural wonders, and historical significance of the Hagia Sophia directly from your guide. Learn interesting facts and legendary tales without getting lost in unnecessary details, making the experience both rich and easy to follow.

For this unforgettable guided experience and more, Buy Your Pass Now! Istanbul Tourist Pass® is here to make your Istanbul trip an unforgettable experience! 

Good to know

  • Join a guided tour of Hagia Sophia Mosque and learn its history and architecture from a licensed guide.
  • With your guided tour, we also provide you an exclusive audio guide in 25 different languages!
  • Guided tours are available daily except Fridays. Please check your app for the most recent tour hours.
  • An internet connection is required to use the audio guide. It can also be downloaded in advance for offline use.
  • You need an Internet connection on your smartphone to get your Audio Guide.
  • Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age.
  • You cannot enter with a suitcase.
  • The entrance ticket ONLY gives access to the 2nd-floor visitor areas but not to the prayer area.
  • Kindly note that due to the limited capacity, there might be long queues.
  • Remember to wear modest clothing (arms and legs covered).
  • Women must cover their hair with a scarf. If you forget to bring your own scarf, you can buy one before you enter.
  • The mosque is only open for half a day on the first day of Ramadan and the Sacrifice Festivals.
  • Restoration work is ongoing at Hagia Sophia, so some areas may be temporarily closed.

Important info

Discover the most iconic landmark of Istanbul with a professional local guide and learn history and stories!

The Exclusive Hagia Sophia Guided Tour is available every day except Fridays at 09:00, 11:45, and 14:15. On Fridays, there is no guided tour, but guests can enter independently with a ticket.

FAQ

What Does Hagia Sophia Mean? +
From the Greek history, Hagia means Holy and Sophia means Wisdom. Literally it becomes Holy Wisdom. In Latin it’s Sancta Sophia.
When Was Hagia Sophia Turned Into a Mosque? +
Hagia Sophia was opened as a museum in 1934 by the decision of the Council of Ministers. Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque on Friday the 24th of July, 2020
Why should I Visit Hagia Sophia? +
It’s worth to see Hagia Sophia with its magnificent appearance and architecture with harmony of Christianity and Islam. Moreover, Hagia Sophia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
What Should I Wear in Hagia Sophia? +
Since it is a mosque with many people praying daily, make sure you wear modest clothes and a headscarf. Also shorts and revealing clothes are forbidden while visiting the Mosque. You should remove your footwear whe you enter, and put it in a bag.
Can I Visit Hagia Sophia Now? +
Yes, you can visit Hagia Sophia, but visits are arranged as guided tours and access may vary depending on prayer times. Please make sure to check the available tour days and time slots in advance before your visit.
Is the Hagia Sophia open to tourists? +
Yes, Hagia Sophia is open to everyone who wants to visit with an entrance ticket. Visitors can only enter the 2nd-floor visiting area.
Is Hagia Sophia open to public? +
Yes, Hagia Sophia is open to the public with an entrance ticket. Only Turkish citizens can enter the main hall at prayer times, other visitors must buy entrance to tickets and can enter only the 2nd-floor visiting area.
Can I enter the main area in Hagia Sophia? +
The main hall will be open only to Turkish citizens for praying; visitors can only enter the 2nd-floor galleries.
Is Hagia Sophia a mosque now? +
Yes, by 2020 Hagia Sophia is a mosque now.
What is the language of the audio guide? +
The audio guide is available in 25 different languages.
Is Hagia Sophia free entry? +
No, starting from January 15th, 2024, there is an entrance fee to visit Hagia Sophia for visitors.
What is the language of the audio guide? +
The audio guide is available in 25 different languages.
Can I take photos during my visit? +
Yes, you are welcome to take photos. However, please be respectful and follow any photography guidelines inside the Mosque.

Opening hours

Open

Every day

09:00 - 19:30

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