Booking this ticket to Hagia Sophia with an audio guide is the best way to visit one of Istanbul's biggest attractions without missing out on a single detail. Plus, this ticket also includes skip-the-line access!
Why Visit Hagia Sophia?
You can't travel to Istanbul without visiting Hagia Sophia! If you don't want to miss this city's architectural gem, this skip-the-line ticket with an included audio guide is your best option.
Hagia Sophia, officially the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, is one of Turkey's great symbols, and it's no wonder! Its significant religious, political, and architectural importance makes everyone want to learn about its history. With this ticket, you'll get to discover all of this building's secrets, from its time as a church, mosque, and even museum.
Built during the reign of Justinian between the years 532 and 537, Hagia Sophia is without a doubt one of the greatest works of Byzantine art. During your visit, you'll be able to explore its interior, featuring a huge central nave, over 100 columns, and the Imperial Door. Legend has it that this door was built with the wood from Noah's Ark!
Additionally, the included audio guide in English will spotlight details that could otherwise easily go unnoticed. For example, did you know that Hagia Sophia is home to ancient mosaics that completely amazed the Ottoman conquerors when they took the city in the 15th century?
The audio guide will work on your smartphone. In your booking confirmation, we'll indicate the instructions to download the audio guide.
Before going into the mosque, you'll also be able to admire its four minarets and impressive dome, over 30 metres (almost 100 feet) in diameter. Don't forget to spot the spectacular Ablution Fountain!
Skip-The-Line Access
By booking this ticket, you won't have to wait in line at Hagia Sophia's entrance. You'll only have to pass the required security queue and, from this moment onwards, you can enjoy this architectural wonder.
Please note that, during peak times, the obligatory security line can take up to an hour.
Free Admission
Children under 7 can enter Hagia Sophia for free. However, to receive these tickets, you must go to the ticket booth, where you'll be given these free tickets after proving the child's age with their ID or passport.
Opening Times
Hagia Sophia is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm. Final admission is 1 hour before closing time.
Please note that on Fridays, the mosque's visiting area is closed to visitors from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, due to Friday prayers.
The best time to return is at 9 am or after 3 pm.
Guided Tour
Want to get to know Hagia Sophia with a guide? In this case, we recommend booking our skip-the-line guided tour of Hagia Sophia. You'll have an English-speaking guide outside the mosque who will reveal all of Hagia Sophia's secrets and answer all your questions.
Partial Closures
Currently, some areas of Hagia Sophia are closed due to restoration work.
