This guided tour of Hagia Sophia is the perfect way to discover every detail of one of Istanbul's star monuments, with skip-the-line access included. Essential for understanding the history of the city!
Tour Details
At the designated time, we'll meet near the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Ready to visit one of the great masterpieces of Byzantine art? Let's go!
During this guided tour, we'll learn the history of Hagia Sophia from the outside, taking in its beauty from every possible angle. Its 4 minarets and its dome, over 30 meters (98 feet) in diameter, have become one of the definitive symbols of Istanbul.
You'll also discover all the details of its architecture, from the lighting to the imposing dimensions of the main hall and its mosaics. It's a place that leaves every visitor speechless.
After an hour learning about the mosque from the outside, you'll head inside the building, skipping the ticket queues. Once in, you'll discover how a Greek Orthodox church became a mosque in the mid-15th century, was later transformed into a museum, and then returned to being a mosque in 2020.
After exploring Hagia Sophia at your own pace, the visit comes to an end outside the mosque.
Partial Closures
Please note that restoration works are currently underway at Hagia Sophia. As a result, only the second floor is accessible, as the lower level is reserved for prayer.
Skip-the-Line Admission
Hagia Sophia welcomes over 3.5 million visitors a year. By booking this activity, you'll save yourself the long ticket office queues. However, you will still need to queue for security to enter the monument, which in high season can take up to an hour.
