Hagia Sophia Tickets

To visit Hagia Sophia, you should plan at least 60 minutes, there’s a lot to see in this epic former seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Nevertheless, we recommend you to also consider 90 minutes if you want to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

The best time to visit the Hagia Sophia is during the morning, preferably around 9 am. You'll probably find less people in the early morning, which, combined with the natural light flooding in, also makes it a good time to snap your photos. Try to avoid weekends and Friday afternoons – this is when the prayers take place. The best time of year to visit the Hagia Sophia is during the winter months, when the summer tourists are all back at home.

You can easily reach the Hagia Sophia by using Istanbul's metro or light tram lines. The closest tram station is Sultanahmet. From Taksim hotels just hop on the funicular (F1 line) from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. From there, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet tram station. It's a short 2–3-minute walk from the tram station to the Hagia Sophia.

There are lots of different Hagia Sophia tickets and many combine a visit with other Istanbul attractions. If you are looking for a simple visit ticket the Hagia Sophia: Skip the Ticket line may be the best option for you. Otherwise, if you want to maximize your experience, we recommend the Hagia Sophia Full Experience: Combo Pass Mosque & Museum – Skip the ticket lines. But if you do not have enough time, but still want to know more about Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum: Entry Ticket could be what you are looking for.

The Hagia Sophia, officially known as the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and formerly the Church of Hagia Sophia, is probably Istanbul's most important landmark. As your audio guide or live guide will inform you, it served as a centre of religious, political, and artistic life for the Byzantine world. Its history and architecture offer many scholarly insights into the period. It was also an important site for Muslims following the conquering of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, who designated the structure a mosque. The building, famed for its giant, glimmering dome, was known as the world's most spectacular church for centuries, and art historians have even labelled it “the 8th wonder of the world.”

There is an exclusive Hagia Sophia audio-guide app for Android and iOS (available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish). An alternative could be Istanbul Self Guided Audio tour, through which you will also learn more about Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

• Booking online in advance is cheaper than paying on the day!

• History junkies love getting the chance to go inside Istanbul's eighth wonder of the world

• Ask all your questions to your local, licensed guide

• Stay inside as long as you want and dive deep with a 10-language audio guide on your smartphone

• Learn how Hagia Sophia transformed from a church, then a mosque for 500 years, then a museum

It’s a Turkish delight to get Hagia Sophia tickets online. You'll save time on your holiday by booking before you go. There are options to buy guided tour tickets, and you can also combine your visit with other Istanbul attractions.

[Hagia Sophia tickets[(https://www.tiqets.com/en/hagia-sophia-museum-tickets-l147294/) include:

• Tours range from all-day walking tours or an abbreviated highlights tour

• Exclusive Hagia Sophia Audio App for Android and iOS

• Options to combine your ticket with Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern

• See more of Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia, with a city pass

• Children aged 4 and under can enter for free, no ticket is needed

• Opening hours vary: see up-to-date schedule

• Dress code enforced – knees and shoulders must be covered and women must cover their hair with a scarf (can be purchased onsite)

• Photography is allowed, but never take photos of people who are in the mosque to pray

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside

• The Basilica Cistern is very close by, so it’s useful to buy a combo ticket for both attractions

• You can reach Hagia Sophia using public transport (metro or tram); the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet Station