Hagia Sophia Tours & Tickets

4.1(8,618 ratings)

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Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors exploring the historic architecture in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia interior with historic architecture in Istanbul.
tourist listening to audio guide in Roman Pantheon
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line tour experience.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line access.
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors exploring the historic architecture in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia interior with historic architecture in Istanbul.
tourist listening to audio guide in Roman Pantheon
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line tour experience.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line access.
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors exploring the historic architecture in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia interior with historic architecture in Istanbul.
tourist listening to audio guide in Roman Pantheon
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line tour experience.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line access.
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Tickets
4.2(3,331)

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

from
€33.50
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Bypass the ticketing queue with these skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia (you must still go through the mandatory security line), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an audio guide available in 23 languages.
  • Travel back in time and hop on a spiritual experience at Hagia Sophia, while gaining valuable insights about the Islamic and Byzantine heritage of the monument.
  • Explore the marvel that once held the title of the world's largest place of worship for over a millennium, and check out the mosaics and the imperial dome.
  • Enter the 2nd-floor visitors' area with skip-the-line access and explore the upper gallery at your own pace and convenience.
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the oldest and fastest-built cathedral, its architecture, and heritage from your audio guide.
  • Bypass the ticketing queue with these skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia (you must still go through the mandatory security line), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an audio guide available in 23 languages.
  • Travel back in time and hop on a spiritual experience at Hagia Sophia, while gaining valuable insights about the Islamic and Byzantine heritage of the monument.
  • Explore the marvel that once held the title of the world's largest place of worship for over a millennium, and check out the mosaics and the imperial dome.
  • Enter the 2nd-floor visitors' area with skip-the-line access and explore the upper gallery at your own pace and convenience.
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the oldest and fastest-built cathedral, its architecture, and heritage from your audio guide.

Inclusions

  • Skip the ticket line to Hagia Sophia
  • Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
  • Audio guide for both attractions (optional)

Exclusions

  • Skip the security line
  • Tip: The building's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. Photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceiling from here.
  • You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.
  • The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
  • The prayer area in the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
  • Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf.
  • Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders.
  • If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (A scarf is €2 and a body cover is €3).
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Don't forget to carry your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.
  • Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
  • This ticket gives you access to the visiting area and upper gallery, not the prayer area downstairs
  • During peak seasons, lines may form at security checkpoints. Your ticket does not grant priority access through the security check lines. In the high season, it might take up to 30 minutes to get in.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.2
3,331 ratings
2.0K
803
154
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250
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 89 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Andreea-Roxana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a beautiful experience! We entered immediately with the skip the line ticket! I didn't use the audio guide because I didn't know how to install it, but it's not necessary, Hagia Sofia speaks for itself! Andreea 💋 xoxo

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reviewer
George
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

Hagia Sofia is good experience. An ancient orthodox Christian Church Converted to a Mosque. Since we have the skip the line tickets we avoided standing in the long lines in the middle of the day under the hot sun. We are skeptical about the tickets in the biggining since we can not download tickets due to WiFi issues. But it worked well. Now I look forward Headout for my future travel plans. An app may be much beneficial for the travelers.

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Teresa
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

Hagia Sophia is a beautiful masterpiece hence the long line up to get in. Getting the admission ticket with head out was a smart decision because it allowed you to skip the long line ups and most importantly, it is cheaper than the admission fees at the door or on the QR codes they have to skip the line. Ticket also includes audio tour to help understand the history of this amazing architecture better. One of the best attractions in Istanbul, highly recommend visiting and getting cheaper tickets from head out.

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reviewer
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.

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Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour

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Ramon
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

The mosque is fabulous, it shows the respect and diversity that Turkiye has and had over millennia. You find Muslim and Christian manifestations and art, even Scandinavian graffiti by a well identified soldier. A wonderful place of serenity and reflection. The ticket buying experience online makes it easy to access the site and the electronic guidance system is superb. Even my teenage kids were engulfed in the history and beauty of Hagia Sophia. In short, an awesome place!

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Abboud
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Overall it was a great experience and our tour guide was super knowledgeable with the history and stories related to Hagia Sophia. We were running behind schedule due to Istanbul traffic, however customer support and the tour guide from Headout were super helpful and waited for us at the 11th hour. Highly recommended and will do it again when we visit next.

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Victoria
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

The collection point at the Topkapi Cafe was initially a little tricky to find as it is round the back of the mosque. However when we did, there was a friendly and efficient ticket organiser and a lovely walled cafe to wait in. The mosque is stunning and it was sad to see some tourists had not bothered to pay attention to the dress code for this religious building. It is a fascination building and photography is allowed in most areas.

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Eduardo
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The Headout service was so good, the guide explanation was clear and he was supported with some additional photos and complementary information. In my case I had a little incident, I lost my guide outside Blue Mosque, fortunately one guide of Headout supported me to find my group. Thanks so much to save my visit!

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reviewer
Goran
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide (Haluk Barlas) was very knowledgeable, witty, and well-organized. He showed us a lot of hidden gems inside Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. Our guide kept the focus of the group by asking some basic questions about the history and culture of the monuments we were visiting. This participation and interaction elevated the whole experience to another level.

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Alexander
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

Informative not too long introduction. "Skip the line" is a littlebit missleading, as security line needs to be done anyway and takes 45 min

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reviewer
Johannes
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

Fond of history, visiting the Hagia Sophia is a dream come true and it was made easier by booking it with Headout. Kudos to the team who assisted us.

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reviewer
Shilpi
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

Even though our entry was delayed to the President's visit, the wait was worth it. The experience of getting inside, having the space to view the mosque and the peace inside was the recipe of a great experience.

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reviewer
Ronald
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

The nature of the place and the knowledge of the guide

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arza
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

The mosque was beautiful . It was a beautiful experience

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Herman
Sep 2024Verified booking
4/5

Was amazigng. Great building. Perfect.

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Moscicki
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Amazing day with amazing guide

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YUEN
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Excellent The guide us professional

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Gillian
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

Great tour guide who was very informative. Did not rush us through the cistern so that we could appreciate it fully

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mochamad
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

Good architect and of high historical value

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Stricalova
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

Beautiful place, a lot of history, quite expensive tickets

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River
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

A great walking tour that suits our preferences n timing. Good knowledgeable guide !

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Rafael
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The guide was perfect! Places were amazing. No line with this combo.

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Elise
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

Collecting tickets was easy but a little chaotic 👍🏼

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ANASTASIA
Apr 2024Verified booking
4/5

Good information. Beautiful museum.

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Show more reviews
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Visitors exploring the interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, during a guided tour.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Visitors exploring the interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, during a guided tour.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Visitors exploring the interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, during a guided tour.
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, Turkey.
Guided Tours
4.3(1,425)

Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

from
€39
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. - 4 hr.
  • Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. Explore at your own pace afterward.
  • Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel.
  • Bid your guide goodbye, and take your time to listen to stories of Hagia Sophia in multiple languages, with your audio guide, as you continue exploring.
  • Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops.
  • Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Blue Mosque or opt to add a 1-hour guided tour of the Old City with a Bosphorus Cruise.
  • Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. Explore at your own pace afterward.
  • Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel.
  • Bid your guide goodbye, and take your time to listen to stories of Hagia Sophia in multiple languages, with your audio guide, as you continue exploring.
  • Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops.
  • Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Blue Mosque or opt to add a 1-hour guided tour of the Old City with a Bosphorus Cruise.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
  • 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
  • 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Old City (as per option selected)
  • English-speaking guide
  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visitors' area
  • Audio guide for Hagia Sophia
  • 2-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)
  • Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese (as per option selected)
  • Entry to Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
  • Audio guide for Blue Mosque (as per option selected)
  • Tip: There are many great restaurants located along the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the water.
  • The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • In addition to midday and afternoon departures for the Bosphorus cruise, you can also opt for a special evening cruise at 6 PM, available from April to October.
  • You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check. The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
  • Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.3
1,425 ratings
841
378
42
59
105
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Switzerland
  • Canada
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Romania
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 54 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Abboud
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Overall it was a great experience and our tour guide was super knowledgeable with the history and stories related to Hagia Sophia. We were running behind schedule due to Istanbul traffic, however customer support and the tour guide from Headout were super helpful and waited for us at the 11th hour. Highly recommended and will do it again when we visit next.

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reviewer
Alexander
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

Informative not too long introduction. "Skip the line" is a littlebit missleading, as security line needs to be done anyway and takes 45 min

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reviewer
Tanner
Apr 2024Verified booking
4/5

To be honest, my partner and I felt a little bit underwhelmed by the tour. We did get to skip the line for the Hagia Sophia, but we got a 10 min briefing before we went in and then as soon as we entered our guide showed us to the audioguide area and left us saying "he wasn't allowed to guide us through" which we saw a sign for, however there were probably 50 groups that we saw that were being guided, so that felt weird. As for the Blue Mosque we could barely hear our guide and we only spent about 15 minutes inside, and it was free entry... So it definitely didn't feel worth €112 for two people. We more or less paid that much for just the Hagia Sophia and a 30 minute tour. Overall it was a fun day though and they are definitely sites worth seeing.

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Shilpi
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

Even though our entry was delayed to the President's visit, the wait was worth it. The experience of getting inside, having the space to view the mosque and the peace inside was the recipe of a great experience.

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reviewer
Ronald
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

The nature of the place and the knowledge of the guide

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reviewer
Peter
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

Manageable group size and knowledgeable guide. History of the various reincarnations of the site was great.

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reviewer
Maria
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The tour was well organized and the meeting point was easy to find. Gidt told interesting facts and answered questions.

View original review in German

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Wendy
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

I really appreciated the friendliness and warm welcoming the guides gave me. I felt safe and they really knew how to keep you captivated with all their hostorical content. This was my first time having guided tour and it did not disappoint.

reviewer
Maud
Jan 2025Verified booking
4/5

Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We thought having a guided tour for Aya Sophia was definitely worth it. But it was quite expensive for a family of 5. Children or family discount would be welcome! (For this tour and most Istanbul attractions by the way)

reviewer
Janna
Jan 2025Verified booking
4/5

Haluk, our guide for the Hagia Sophia Tour was very knowledgeable and shared some interesting information. He had pictures with him to show how it looked like in the past and told everything in a good way. All in all it was a bit chaotic, as how to split the tour and in which order to do it. Not sure if it's worth paying the money for the tour or if you just do pay the entrance fee and take a look yourself. Both your guides in between distracted by their phones. The Blue Mosque 'Tour' was not a tour, could have saved the money for it. Younger tour guide, who didn't stick to a story line and showed us example pictures in tiny on his phone.

reviewer
Yordanka
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

I felt that the tour guide was not knowledgeable enough to explain the history and the facts around Haga Sophia. We stayed around 30minutes outside and he was just talking and most of us are English speakers and couldn't understand what he was saying. One couple asked him why you need to cover your head when you go in the mosque and the tour guide said "these are the rules" and moved on. Repeatedly kept saying "by the way" and "actually".

reviewer
Shirley
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was amazing, spoke English and explained many things . I wish I had his name to praise him to you as he was the best tour guide taking us through the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, and Hagia Sofia.

reviewer
Gillian
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

The communication has been very good. The guide was punctual and spoke excellent English . He had a good voice and he could be heard above the surrounding noise. Samet - our guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. I enjoyed his tour . The building spoke for itself. Amazing and well worth the visit!

reviewer
David
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

The guide presented some interesting information and managed the tour well. It was good from that point of view. The skip the line ended up as a long queue in the sun - not directly your fault but it spoiled the experience.

reviewer
Rene
Sep 2024Verified booking
3/5

The tour guide was very helpful. Unfortunately hard to understand. Other groups had headphones and the guide had a microphone. That would have been very helpful.

View original review in German

reviewer
Nina
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

The guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, shared a lot of facts about the history and background , plus very attentive to the group. Recommended to explore one of the main archeological masterpieces of Istanbul

reviewer
Joseph
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our tourguide, Arda, was very knowledgeable of Turkish history, and enthusiastic to share that knowledge. A great walking tour with a spectacilar ending at the Mosque.

reviewer
Adriana
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

We had Arda as our guide. He did a great job. Was very knowledgeable and calmly took his time to explain everything. Highly recommended!

View original review in Dutch

reviewer
TAGHRID
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

The most i like the good explication of our guide,good English and he explains to us everything and he answered our questions, He is very professional i think his name was semit or semih

reviewer
Jennifer
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

Guide was very well informed, spoke very good English and provided a lot of interesting facts and details about the Hagia Sophia as we got closer to the entrance. He was very nice and helpful.

reviewer
Marja
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

We got to go inside the mosques without having to wait in line for the tickets. The guide had a lot to say and was very helpful. The guide was a bit hard to hear inside the mosques though because of so many people. Also hee englisj was just okay. The meeting point was also a bit unclear as the guide didn't show up until at the last second.

reviewer
Julie
May 2024Verified booking
3/5

We thought it was way over priced for what we got to see. We were only allowed in the top portion, so for price paid only half a tour considering the Blue Mosque is free. Couldn't get the audio to work, so no real tour as guide not allowed in. Only wanted skip the line tickets and audio but spent an hour outside with guide seeing things we'd already been over. Wouldn't recommend to others!

reviewer
John
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Ticketing was simple and quick. The experience was amazing especially given the excellent tour guide whom we had. She was calm, patient and helpful. The information she gave was first class and she answered questions with ease.

reviewer
Vikram
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

The logistics (meeting points) and expectations in the booking email were outlined really well. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging. The website description, pre-booking, needs to be transparent about the fact that the guides are not allowed inside the Museum and the "guided" portion of the tour is outside Hagia Sophia, with a skip purchase ticket line included as a perk.

reviewer
julia
May 2024Verified booking
3/5

We didn't realise we were being taken around a square and given a talk We thought the guide would be taking us into the hagia sofia and we would get the benefit of his knowledge in there As it was there wasn't too big a queue to get tickets

Show more reviews
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Combos
4.0(1,113)

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

from €71.50
€64.98

9% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
  • Avail of a great cost benefit with this combo, giving you skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul’s iconic sites: the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
  • Marvel at the impressive Byzantine architecture of the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century subterranean marvel with 336 massive columns.
  • Soak in the Basilica Cistern experience with an optional multilingual audio guide providing intriguing insights into the history of this unique site.
  • Step into the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest place of worship for over a millennium with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.
  • Enjoy the liberty to explore the magnificent mosaics and paintings at your own pace at the Hagia Sophia’s 2nd-floor Visitors' Center.
  • Avail of a great cost benefit with this combo, giving you skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul’s iconic sites: the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
  • Marvel at the impressive Byzantine architecture of the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century subterranean marvel with 336 massive columns.
  • Soak in the Basilica Cistern experience with an optional multilingual audio guide providing intriguing insights into the history of this unique site.
  • Step into the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest place of worship for over a millennium with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.
  • Enjoy the liberty to explore the magnificent mosaics and paintings at your own pace at the Hagia Sophia’s 2nd-floor Visitors' Center.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
  • Multilingual audio guide

Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
  • Audio guide in 5 languages

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the ghostly outlines of carp swimming in the water, they make for a great photo backdrop.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Look for the 'weeping column,' it's believed to have healing powers.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.
  • The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
  • Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf.
  • Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
  • Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction.
  • Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.0
1,113 ratings
528
335
66
87
97
  • United States
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • Romania
  • Canada
  • Switzerland
Guests from United States, Spain, Italy and over 89 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Liliana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a surprise to enter such an old and well preserved site, the lighting is perfect and the modern sculptures installed there add a lot of character, we loved not having to wait in line to enter especially because the day was very hot and it is always visited by many people.

View original review in Spanish

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Rodopi
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Very beautiful and unique place! With e-ticket, I didn't had to wait in line (which was very long!). Audio also worked very well. Definitely worth it!!

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Ionescu
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

We've skipped the lines for tickets. Especially at Cisterna. Super fast entry. At Aya Sofia there was a line for security and entry. But was fast enough. Good choice we bought the tickets online. Saved a lot of time and no more waiting in the heat and sun.

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Savoldi
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful experience. The basilica is a goosebump show. Guide in Italian using cell phone. Online ticket purchase and ticket hopping. Good organization at the entrance

View original review in Italian

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Alfredo
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Purchasing tickets on line was easy, intuitive and fast taking advantage of cheaper prices than on other sites. The skip-the-line allowed us to immediately enter the attraction using the fast track dedicated to online purchases that was practically empty while the other two were full of people with very long lines. Using the audio guide was very easy and very intuitive, however, only after the invaluable help we got from the Support Team assistant at the entrance of the Basilica Cisterna by setting up the cell phone correctly with much helpfulness and courtesy. Thank you, it was fatastic to use Headout!

View original review in Italian

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Kit
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Quick and simple selection of attraction we would like to visit, other than Headout allow you to select each attraction, it also enable you to choose how many attraction per day to visit. We only select 1 attraction a day. This allow us to go in the morning and finish just before noon which is pretty hot in July. We head back to hotel to shower and take a nap 😴. Then head back out after 6pm for dinner and visit attraction to take pictures only from the outside. Sunset and night scene looks very different comparing it to day scene especially at Blue Mosque.

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Ileana
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

The place was out of this world. We don't have to make any line. The staff was very friendly. Were tennis shoes (no heels).

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Virginia
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The best thing about buying tickets with Headout was not having to wait in line! The tour is impressive and very well organized. I was really impressed with the experience and recommend it for its historical value.

View original review in Spanish

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Marianela
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The experience at the Basilica Cistern is incredible. I purchased tickets that allowed me to enter without waiting in line, and I was able to get in quickly. The basilica is marvelous, with stunning lights and artistic displays to enjoy. On the downside, there's no mobile signal inside the cistern. Although I had downloaded the app for a virtual guided tour, it wasn't available within the basilica. It would have been very considerate of them to inform visitors of this when purchasing tickets. So, you could decide whether to listen to the guide before or after entering the basilica. Alternatively, providing an option to download the guide for offline use would be ideal. Despite this, I highly recommend visiting the Basilica Cistern.

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Annette
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The online ticket system was super easy and convenient. We arrived and entered without any line ups. The Basilica Cistern is breathtaking, Beautiful, spectacular and a must do whilst in Istanbul.

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reviewer
Amra
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

The skip-the-line ticket is worth every penny. We were quickly inside and were able to enjoy the beautiful basilica without waiting in line. Buying and paying for tickets online is easy. I highly recommend it. The basilica itself was incredible. It's nice to see a piece of history and enjoy the beautiful views.

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Clelia
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a wonderful visit, the site is beautiful. As expected, we didn't wait in line and it was easy to get in. We recommend taking the guided tour to get more details about the cisterns. It is a must see place in Istanbul.

View original review in Spanish

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Monica
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

The Basilica Cistern is impressive. Is beautiful, incredibly stunning. To visit is a must while in Istanbul. Using the "skip the line" tickets was the best. From bying and downloading the app and walking in took us less than 10 minutes while the line to buy the tickets was very long. We did not do any line or waiting or nothing. We highly recommend it.

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reviewer
Lynne
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

So glad we found these online tickets! We visited later in the day, which meant limited remaining open time, so we only had to wait in the long security line. Ww would have liked to have more guidance, or an escort, regarding where to go after picking up the tickets, but we figured it out. The audio tour was only for one person and there were two of us, so that was only OK. That said, getting to visit the Hagia Sophia was wonderful and well worth the effort to get there.

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reviewer
L.A.
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arrived a few minutes after 9am opening to find a line half way up the block, but then realized I chose the SKIP THE LINE option, I breezed in. There are two lines, one along the wall and the other STL option right next to it but sort of street side. I was maybe one of the first 20 people in the door Very pleased I went with that option. A tiny bit disappointed that the downloaded audio didn't work, I had listed to it the night before so I had a good idea what to expect, but would have been nice if it had worked as advertised.

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Patricia
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Instrucciones sencillas,descarga de la guía correcta y funcionó sin datos móviles durante toda la visita a la basilica cisterna.muy recomendable.

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Romana
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Ottimo il servizio di biglietti in Line siamo entrati senza fila. Il posto è veramente incredibile Complimenti anche per come sono allestite le luci. L'esperienza della visita è stata veramente unica. Un posto bellissimo!

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Patricia
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Having purchased my ticket early, we avoided the very long lines. The Cistern was amazing! Words can't describe. Stunning!

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reviewer
Judith
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

The speed with which we were able to enter and the explanations about the Cistern Basilica. We had read them beforehand so that we could take a closer look at the details.

View original review in Spanish

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reviewer
Julia
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

Fue una gran experiencia. Disfrutamos mucho el caminar entre las columnas. El único detalle es que pagamos audioguia y no pudimos utilizarla porque nunca pudimos conectarnos a Internet

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reviewer
Virgil
Apr 2024Verified booking
5/5

I caught a good day and was lucky to be there before all the tourists crowded the basilica. Very interesting with many thoughts that teleport you back in time. From my point of view, worth seeing.

View original review in German

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Robert
Mar 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a very interesting experience. I love being in such old structures and the fact that it was featured in movies and videogames, it makes it even better

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reviewer
Tatjana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Breathtaking place! We loved we skipped very long line and enter in a few minutes!

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Javier
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Fast, easy entries and very attentive staff.

View original review in Spanish

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María
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

The organization to enter, very interesting, the platforms allow you to go all over the site.

View original review in Spanish

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Show more reviews
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Combos
4.0(3,111)

Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

from €131.40
€121.53

8% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
  • This combo lets you skip the lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern all in one go! Perfect for time-conscious travelers and history buffs.
  • Explore the Sultan's lavish chambers at the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, and marvel at the Imperial Treasury's jewels like the Topkapi Dagger.
  • Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and decipher the cryptic Viking runes etched by ancient visitors, alongside Islamic and Christian art.
  • At Basilica Cistern, spot the column that is shaped like the feathers of a peacock, constructed in memory of the slaves who died building it.
  • With multilingual audio guides, unlock the secrets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia's hidden murals, and the Basilica Cistern's haunting Medusa.
  • This combo lets you skip the lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern all in one go! Perfect for time-conscious travelers and history buffs.
  • Explore the Sultan's lavish chambers at the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, and marvel at the Imperial Treasury's jewels like the Topkapi Dagger.
  • Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and decipher the cryptic Viking runes etched by ancient visitors, alongside Islamic and Christian art.
  • At Basilica Cistern, spot the column that is shaped like the feathers of a peacock, constructed in memory of the slaves who died building it.
  • With multilingual audio guides, unlock the secrets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia's hidden murals, and the Basilica Cistern's haunting Medusa.

Inclusions

Topkapi Palace

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Topkapi Palace
  • Access to Harem Museum and Hagia Irene Museum
  • Audio guide in English, Arabic, French, German, and Spanish

Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish

Basilica Cistern

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Basilica Cistern
  • Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish

Topkapi Palace

  • Tip: In the first courtyard, don't miss Hagia Irene, the oldest church in Istanbul and one of the oldest unreconstructed buildings in the world.
  • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Don't miss the Deesis mosaic, a recently uncovered Byzantine treasure depicting Virgin Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist in a scene of intercession.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: Look out for exhibitions which combine modern art installations with the cistern's ancient architecture, showcasing Istanbul's evolving character.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.0
3,111 ratings
1.7K
596
268
273
297
  • United States
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Romania
  • Australia
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • Switzerland
Guests from United States, Spain, Italy and over 97 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Marcella
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

The. Palace is marvelous, thoughtful and friendly assistance, unfortunately the audio guide was inaccessible and the internet coverage was partial, so we were not. Managed to translate all the explanations and we. Understood little

View original review in Italian

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Liliana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a surprise to enter such an old and well preserved site, the lighting is perfect and the modern sculptures installed there add a lot of character, we loved not having to wait in line to enter especially because the day was very hot and it is always visited by many people.

View original review in Spanish

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Romana
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

The gentleman who came for us was funny and nice. He was well understood. The tour itself was wonderful. It is a pity that in the palace there is no property or other things to look at.

This review is translated. Show original review.

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Rodopi
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Very beautiful and unique place! With e-ticket, I didn't had to wait in line (which was very long!). Audio also worked very well. Definitely worth it!!

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Ionescu
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

We've skipped the lines for tickets. Especially at Cisterna. Super fast entry. At Aya Sofia there was a line for security and entry. But was fast enough. Good choice we bought the tickets online. Saved a lot of time and no more waiting in the heat and sun.

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Savoldi
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful experience. The basilica is a goosebump show. Guide in Italian using cell phone. Online ticket purchase and ticket hopping. Good organization at the entrance

View original review in Italian

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Alfredo
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Purchasing tickets on line was easy, intuitive and fast taking advantage of cheaper prices than on other sites. The skip-the-line allowed us to immediately enter the attraction using the fast track dedicated to online purchases that was practically empty while the other two were full of people with very long lines. Using the audio guide was very easy and very intuitive, however, only after the invaluable help we got from the Support Team assistant at the entrance of the Basilica Cisterna by setting up the cell phone correctly with much helpfulness and courtesy. Thank you, it was fatastic to use Headout!

View original review in Italian

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Humera
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Straight forward tour, enjoyed being able to have my own time flexibility. Loved the sacred relics and all the historical architecture. However audio guide only covered the entrance really.

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Simone
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

The meeting point is near the main entrance easily recognizable. The guide is ONLY for entering inside the palace and does not give instructions or ticket to visit the Harem area. Beware of this as Harem turns out to be extra charged and if not ticketed they will not let you in. Ask the guide for instructions now!!!

View original review in Italian

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Kit
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Quick and simple selection of attraction we would like to visit, other than Headout allow you to select each attraction, it also enable you to choose how many attraction per day to visit. We only select 1 attraction a day. This allow us to go in the morning and finish just before noon which is pretty hot in July. We head back to hotel to shower and take a nap 😴. Then head back out after 6pm for dinner and visit attraction to take pictures only from the outside. Sunset and night scene looks very different comparing it to day scene especially at Blue Mosque.

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Ileana
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

The place was out of this world. We don't have to make any line. The staff was very friendly. Were tennis shoes (no heels).

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Dirk
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

We loved the beautiful palace at the impressive location at the Bosporus. The palace is well preserved. Information about the harem could be more informative, there were for instance no stories about the harem. The ticket service also could be better. First it was not clear where to get the Headout tickets. We got the tickets from a guide, but the guide only accompanied us to the palace but did not follow us into the palace. So we did not get more information from the guide after entering the palace. In spite of these points of criticism the overall impression was great, we are glad we have visited this very impressive beautiful palace.

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Virginia
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The best thing about buying tickets with Headout was not having to wait in line! The tour is impressive and very well organized. I was really impressed with the experience and recommend it for its historical value.

View original review in Spanish

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Naho
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The guide's explanation of the highlight was accurate. I was able to see the main parts of the palace in less than 2 hours.

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Marianela
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The experience at the Basilica Cistern is incredible. I purchased tickets that allowed me to enter without waiting in line, and I was able to get in quickly. The basilica is marvelous, with stunning lights and artistic displays to enjoy. On the downside, there's no mobile signal inside the cistern. Although I had downloaded the app for a virtual guided tour, it wasn't available within the basilica. It would have been very considerate of them to inform visitors of this when purchasing tickets. So, you could decide whether to listen to the guide before or after entering the basilica. Alternatively, providing an option to download the guide for offline use would be ideal. Despite this, I highly recommend visiting the Basilica Cistern.

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Vekshana
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

Easy to get there and apart from the initial part where the tour guide needs to lead you into the harem area, you are free to look around at your leisure. Audio guide app doesn't work but you can download a guide from the website although sometimes the areas can get confusing.

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Annette
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The online ticket system was super easy and convenient. We arrived and entered without any line ups. The Basilica Cistern is breathtaking, Beautiful, spectacular and a must do whilst in Istanbul.

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Amra
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

The skip-the-line ticket is worth every penny. We were quickly inside and were able to enjoy the beautiful basilica without waiting in line. Buying and paying for tickets online is easy. I highly recommend it. The basilica itself was incredible. It's nice to see a piece of history and enjoy the beautiful views.

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Clelia
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a wonderful visit, the site is beautiful. As expected, we didn't wait in line and it was easy to get in. We recommend taking the guided tour to get more details about the cisterns. It is a must see place in Istanbul.

View original review in Spanish

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Monica
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

The Basilica Cistern is impressive. Is beautiful, incredibly stunning. To visit is a must while in Istanbul. Using the "skip the line" tickets was the best. From bying and downloading the app and walking in took us less than 10 minutes while the line to buy the tickets was very long. We did not do any line or waiting or nothing. We highly recommend it.

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reviewer
Btissame
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

The guide was very well informed and got us through all the lines very quickly. He gave us all the information we needed, including tips on how to make the most of this visit. I really recommend. Expecially if you have children (skip the line really does mean skip the line)

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reviewer
Lynne
May 2024Verified booking
4/5

So glad we found these online tickets! We visited later in the day, which meant limited remaining open time, so we only had to wait in the long security line. Ww would have liked to have more guidance, or an escort, regarding where to go after picking up the tickets, but we figured it out. The audio tour was only for one person and there were two of us, so that was only OK. That said, getting to visit the Hagia Sophia was wonderful and well worth the effort to get there.

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reviewer
L.A.
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arrived a few minutes after 9am opening to find a line half way up the block, but then realized I chose the SKIP THE LINE option, I breezed in. There are two lines, one along the wall and the other STL option right next to it but sort of street side. I was maybe one of the first 20 people in the door Very pleased I went with that option. A tiny bit disappointed that the downloaded audio didn't work, I had listed to it the night before so I had a good idea what to expect, but would have been nice if it had worked as advertised.

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Patricia
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Instrucciones sencillas,descarga de la guía correcta y funcionó sin datos móviles durante toda la visita a la basilica cisterna.muy recomendable.

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Romana
May 2024Verified booking
5/5

Ottimo il servizio di biglietti in Line siamo entrati senza fila. Il posto è veramente incredibile Complimenti anche per come sono allestite le luci. L'esperienza della visita è stata veramente unica. Un posto bellissimo!

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Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
The Royal Kiosk interior with intricate tilework inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
The Royal Kiosk interior with intricate tilework inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
The Royal Kiosk interior with intricate tilework inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Guided Tours
4.1(344)

Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

from €109
€89

18% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
  • Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
  • Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
  • See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
  • Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
  • Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
  • Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
  • See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
  • Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

  • 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
  • Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern
  • Expert English-speaking guide

Blue Mosque

  • 60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque
  • Entry to the Blue Mosque
  • English-speaking guide

Hagia Sophia

  • 60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm.

Blue Mosque

  • Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran.
  • This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
  • Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
  • If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!
  • This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
  • Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
  • Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.
  • While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
  • Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
  • These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.1
344 ratings
184
90
26
13
31
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Portugal
  • France
  • Romania
  • Switzerland
  • India
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Italy and over 51 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.

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Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour

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Eduardo
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The Headout service was so good, the guide explanation was clear and he was supported with some additional photos and complementary information. In my case I had a little incident, I lost my guide outside Blue Mosque, fortunately one guide of Headout supported me to find my group. Thanks so much to save my visit!

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reviewer
Goran
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide (Haluk Barlas) was very knowledgeable, witty, and well-organized. He showed us a lot of hidden gems inside Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. Our guide kept the focus of the group by asking some basic questions about the history and culture of the monuments we were visiting. This participation and interaction elevated the whole experience to another level.

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Moscicki
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Amazing day with amazing guide

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YUEN
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Excellent The guide us professional

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reviewer
Gillian
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

Great tour guide who was very informative. Did not rush us through the cistern so that we could appreciate it fully

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River
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

A great walking tour that suits our preferences n timing. Good knowledgeable guide !

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Rafael
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The guide was perfect! Places were amazing. No line with this combo.

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reviewer
Christian
Mar 2025Verified booking
3/5

We got in quickly Unfortunately in English The guide was quite strict and not relaxed He was more of a boss than a tourist guide There was no audioguite but except in the Hagia Sophia where the preacher was so loud, we understood everything

View original review in German

reviewer
Tarlin
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Mohammed was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. He gave a lot of details that others would not. He also taught us Turkish words and gave us recommendations to eat and visit. A must go tour. Very easy to book and really wonderful attractions. Don't miss it.

reviewer
Armando
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Tour guy was very knowledgeable of the Istanbul history. Great way to get into the historical places with the passes. We did not spend time waiting on the lines.

reviewer
Esther
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Detailed explanations and at a good pace. Despite being a visit in English and q in group we were several whose native language is different the guide adapted to us and our level.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Ferri
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

Experience to be had here in Istanbul especially with the guide who took us through all the explanation necessary to understand the whole history up to the present day. Skip the line is essential to avoid long waits.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Theodoros
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

Glad we took the combo, we had a great experience visiting these amazing monuments. And our guide Ali gave us many details about the history of the places we visited. Totally recommended.

reviewer
María
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guides were great, nice, supportive , patient. The whole combo was ideal to see into one single shot. Skip the line was worthy.

reviewer
santosh
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide who conducted the walking tour was excellent. Very knowledgeable and professional. The tour was organised very well too. Overall a fabulous experience.

reviewer
Javier
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Recommended!! It was very easy to find the tour guide and he knew how to explain about the history of the Mosques. They provided us with headphones to hear better what he was talking. Very patient and attentive. Also with no cues! Fantastic

reviewer
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
4/5

We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!

reviewer
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.

reviewer
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!

reviewer
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.

reviewer
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get

reviewer
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.

Show more reviews
Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia interior with ornate domes and arches, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors observing the Deesis mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque exterior in Istanbul with domes and minarets against a clear sky.
Blue Mosque interior with intricate tilework and stained glass windows, Istanbul.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Galata Tower in Istanbul viewed from a narrow street, showcasing its historic architecture.
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia interior with ornate domes and arches, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors observing the Deesis mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque exterior in Istanbul with domes and minarets against a clear sky.
Blue Mosque interior with intricate tilework and stained glass windows, Istanbul.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Galata Tower in Istanbul viewed from a narrow street, showcasing its historic architecture.
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia interior with ornate domes and arches, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors observing the Deesis mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque exterior in Istanbul with domes and minarets against a clear sky.
Blue Mosque interior with intricate tilework and stained glass windows, Istanbul.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Galata Tower in Istanbul viewed from a narrow street, showcasing its historic architecture.
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Guided Tours
4.1(509)

Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Tickets

from €59
€53

10% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr. - 4 hr.
Itinerary
START POINT

Cankurtaran, No:5 Kabasakal Caddesi, Istanbul

1

Blue Mosque

60 min

Tickets included

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul rises with six minarets and a towering central dome. Inside, more than 20,000 İznik tiles in shades of blue form intricate floral and geometric designs. Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows, casting a glow on the detailed calligraphy and chandeliers that once shimmered with candlelight.

2

Hagia Sophia

45 min

Tickets included

Enter Hagia Sophia, and your gaze instantly locks onto its massive dome, seemingly suspended in midair as sunlight streams through 40 windows. The walls blend shimmering Byzantine mosaics with towering Ottoman calligraphy. Wander through, and you’ll uncover hidden tunnels, mysterious marble doors, and even Viking carvings etched into the stone!

3

Istanbul Old Town

The guide talks about historical significance & related stories.

4

Basilica Cistern

30 min

Tickets included (based on selection)

The Basilica Cistern is a massive underground chamber with 336 marble columns emerging from still water. At the far end, two Medusa head carvings, one tilted sideways and the other inverted, serve as column bases. Subtle lighting casts shadows across the arched ceiling, while gentle ripples shimmer against the ancient stone.

Discover the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one discounted ticket and a guide.

  • With entry to 2 mosques at a discounted price and a guide, understand how the Blue Mosque’s domes balance perfectly and how the Hagia Sophia was once a church.
  • The Blue Mosque’s vast prayer hall glows under stained-glass light, the interiors clad with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and the Quranic calligraphy.
  • At Hagia Sophia, Turkey's largest religious building, spot gold mosaics, an ancient omphalion, once a coronation site, and an ancient wishing column touched for luck.
  • Walk through Istanbul’s Old Town with your guide, passing the Hippodrome’s chariot-racing arena, and the German Fountain’s dazzling dome.
  • Upgrade for a guided walk through the Basilica Cistern’s endless columns where Medusa heads lie oddly positioned, adding mystery to this underground relic.

Discover the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with one discounted ticket and a guide.

  • With entry to 2 mosques at a discounted price and a guide, understand how the Blue Mosque’s domes balance perfectly and how the Hagia Sophia was once a church.
  • The Blue Mosque’s vast prayer hall glows under stained-glass light, the interiors clad with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and the Quranic calligraphy.
  • At Hagia Sophia, Turkey's largest religious building, spot gold mosaics, an ancient omphalion, once a coronation site, and an ancient wishing column touched for luck.
  • Walk through Istanbul’s Old Town with your guide, passing the Hippodrome’s chariot-racing arena, and the German Fountain’s dazzling dome.
  • Upgrade for a guided walk through the Basilica Cistern’s endless columns where Medusa heads lie oddly positioned, adding mystery to this underground relic.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
  • Entry to Blue Mosque
  • 45-min guided tour of the Hagia Sophia
  • Entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Expert English-speaking licensed guide for all venues
  • Walking tour around Old Town
  • Istanbul Old Town map
  • 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
  • Entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)
  • Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
  • Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
  • Hagia Sophia is not accessible for wheelchair users.
  • Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
509 ratings
270
127
33
29
50
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • France
  • Switzerland
  • Portugal
  • Germany
  • Romania
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Italy and over 59 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.

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Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour

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Eduardo
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

The Headout service was so good, the guide explanation was clear and he was supported with some additional photos and complementary information. In my case I had a little incident, I lost my guide outside Blue Mosque, fortunately one guide of Headout supported me to find my group. Thanks so much to save my visit!

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reviewer
Goran
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide (Haluk Barlas) was very knowledgeable, witty, and well-organized. He showed us a lot of hidden gems inside Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. Our guide kept the focus of the group by asking some basic questions about the history and culture of the monuments we were visiting. This participation and interaction elevated the whole experience to another level.

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Tanner
Apr 2024Verified booking
4/5

To be honest, my partner and I felt a little bit underwhelmed by the tour. We did get to skip the line for the Hagia Sophia, but we got a 10 min briefing before we went in and then as soon as we entered our guide showed us to the audioguide area and left us saying "he wasn't allowed to guide us through" which we saw a sign for, however there were probably 50 groups that we saw that were being guided, so that felt weird. As for the Blue Mosque we could barely hear our guide and we only spent about 15 minutes inside, and it was free entry... So it definitely didn't feel worth €112 for two people. We more or less paid that much for just the Hagia Sophia and a 30 minute tour. Overall it was a fun day though and they are definitely sites worth seeing.

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Moscicki
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Amazing day with amazing guide

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YUEN
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

Excellent The guide us professional

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reviewer
Gillian
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

Great tour guide who was very informative. Did not rush us through the cistern so that we could appreciate it fully

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River
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

A great walking tour that suits our preferences n timing. Good knowledgeable guide !

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Peter
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

Manageable group size and knowledgeable guide. History of the various reincarnations of the site was great.

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reviewer
Maria
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The tour was well organized and the meeting point was easy to find. Gidt told interesting facts and answered questions.

View original review in German

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Rafael
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

The guide was perfect! Places were amazing. No line with this combo.

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reviewer
Christian
Mar 2025Verified booking
3/5

We got in quickly Unfortunately in English The guide was quite strict and not relaxed He was more of a boss than a tourist guide There was no audioguite but except in the Hagia Sophia where the preacher was so loud, we understood everything

View original review in German

reviewer
Tarlin
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Mohammed was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. He gave a lot of details that others would not. He also taught us Turkish words and gave us recommendations to eat and visit. A must go tour. Very easy to book and really wonderful attractions. Don't miss it.

reviewer
Armando
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Tour guy was very knowledgeable of the Istanbul history. Great way to get into the historical places with the passes. We did not spend time waiting on the lines.

reviewer
Esther
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Detailed explanations and at a good pace. Despite being a visit in English and q in group we were several whose native language is different the guide adapted to us and our level.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Ferri
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

Experience to be had here in Istanbul especially with the guide who took us through all the explanation necessary to understand the whole history up to the present day. Skip the line is essential to avoid long waits.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Theodoros
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

Glad we took the combo, we had a great experience visiting these amazing monuments. And our guide Ali gave us many details about the history of the places we visited. Totally recommended.

reviewer
María
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guides were great, nice, supportive , patient. The whole combo was ideal to see into one single shot. Skip the line was worthy.

reviewer
Wendy
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

I really appreciated the friendliness and warm welcoming the guides gave me. I felt safe and they really knew how to keep you captivated with all their hostorical content. This was my first time having guided tour and it did not disappoint.

reviewer
santosh
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide who conducted the walking tour was excellent. Very knowledgeable and professional. The tour was organised very well too. Overall a fabulous experience.

reviewer
Janna
Jan 2025Verified booking
4/5

Haluk, our guide for the Hagia Sophia Tour was very knowledgeable and shared some interesting information. He had pictures with him to show how it looked like in the past and told everything in a good way. All in all it was a bit chaotic, as how to split the tour and in which order to do it. Not sure if it's worth paying the money for the tour or if you just do pay the entrance fee and take a look yourself. Both your guides in between distracted by their phones. The Blue Mosque 'Tour' was not a tour, could have saved the money for it. Younger tour guide, who didn't stick to a story line and showed us example pictures in tiny on his phone.

reviewer
Javier
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Recommended!! It was very easy to find the tour guide and he knew how to explain about the history of the Mosques. They provided us with headphones to hear better what he was talking. Very patient and attentive. Also with no cues! Fantastic

reviewer
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
4/5

We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!

reviewer
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city

View original review in Italian

Show more reviews
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Bosphorus cruise ship sailing past Istanbul's historic skyline and iconic landmarks.
Tophane Clock Tower with Busforus tour bus in Istanbul.
Interior view of Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate Islamic patterns and calligraphy.
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul with ornate architecture and Bosphorus view.
Basilica Cistern's ancient columns and arches in Istanbul.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Whirling Dervishes performing traditional Sufi dance in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Bosphorus cruise ship sailing past Istanbul's historic skyline and iconic landmarks.
Tophane Clock Tower with Busforus tour bus in Istanbul.
Interior view of Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate Islamic patterns and calligraphy.
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul with ornate architecture and Bosphorus view.
Basilica Cistern's ancient columns and arches in Istanbul.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Whirling Dervishes performing traditional Sufi dance in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Bosphorus cruise ship sailing past Istanbul's historic skyline and iconic landmarks.
Tophane Clock Tower with Busforus tour bus in Istanbul.
Interior view of Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate Islamic patterns and calligraphy.
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul with ornate architecture and Bosphorus view.
Basilica Cistern's ancient columns and arches in Istanbul.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Whirling Dervishes performing traditional Sufi dance in Istanbul, Turkey.
City Cards
4.1(61)

Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

from
€124
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Transfers included
Meals included
  • With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
  • Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
  • What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
  • Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
  • Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!
  • With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
  • Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
  • What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
  • Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
  • Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!

Inclusions

  • Choice of 2/4/9 of Istanbul's top attractions
  • Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace
  • Cruises: Bosphorus cruise, Dinner cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish drinks and food
  • Tours: Asian side walking tour, Blue Mosque tour,
  • Access to hop on hop off bus tour
  • Activities: Dervish Ceremony, Turkish bath & Hamam
  • 5-ride transportation card
  • Digital guide book
  • City, tram & metro map
  • Get the list of included attractions here.
  • No reservation is needed for any activity except the Bosphorus Dinner cruise.
  • Each pass is valid for 7 consecutive days including the first day of use.
  • You can visit multiple attractions in a day but you can only visit each attraction once with this pass.
  • You do have skip-the-line access but you will still need to go through security.
  • You'll receive tickets for all attractions you have selected in an email, and you'll receive tickets for all attractions if you've chosen the Deluxe pass.
  • You can show the PDF digitally on your phone, or get a physical pass printed if you like.
  • You can change the chosen attractions as many times as you want, or you can cancel the pass free of charge up to 1 day before the service date.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
61 ratings
35
13
3
3
7
  • France
  • United States
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • India
  • Romania
  • Serbia
  • Mexico
  • Montenegro
  • Italy
Guests from France, United States, Spain and over 26 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Edis
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Everything is fine, you just have to make sure that you read your emails! It took us a while to find the checkpoint!

View original review in German

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reviewer
Raquel
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

The experience of taking the ticket and pass without queues is excellent, they accompany you to the entrance of topkapi, we were 3 friends and we took the premium megapass. The transport card is very good, it includes 5 trips and then you can recharge them in the machines of any transport. The audio guides are good. The only but, the guided tour of the Blue Mosque is not worth much, it is in English and they do not explain much.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
KARMANN
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

The fike-cutters are very practical for St Sophia and the Cistern Basilica, but not very efficient for Topkapi. The cruise is very pleasant and the sightseeing buses always interesting for a first visit to the city.

View original review in French

reviewer
muller
Dec 2024Verified booking
4/5

Good, do it after 16:00, less waiting.

View original review in French

reviewer
diana
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

All perfect Great pass to skip the line

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Clemencia
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Very convenient. The customer service is superb and very helpful!

reviewer
Ashley
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Loved how you could choose which attractions to visit and loved how you could visit on your own schedule!!

reviewer
Kőrösi
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line really did work! Great!

reviewer
Pierre
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

Buying the megacard was a god proposition

View original review in Dutch

reviewer
SHAMIDAH
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

Very convenient, well organised and a lot of time saved by booking events online

reviewer
Deep
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Value and customer service was great!

reviewer
TANJIL
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Well organized, everything went Very smooth. Highly recommend. Customer service(whats app) is excellent.

reviewer
Donatella
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Torben
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Hagia Sophia | Cathedral-turned-mosque

Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the heart of Istanbul. It was first built in the 6th century as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral but later turned into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation in Turkey. Today, Hagia Sophia is an iconic melting pot of a myriad of cultures. Read on to learn more about the Hagia Sophia, how to book Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets, and other details to plan your visit.

Things to know before you book Hagia Sophia tickets

  • Choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines and access the second level of the mosque. Visit the newly-launched Experience Museum for a deeper insight into the history of the church-turned-mosque.
  • Opt for a guided tour to fully understand the long and complex history of Hagia Sophia, which is nearly 1,500 years old.
  • There is a mandatory security check before entering Hagia Sophia, so expect a considerable wait time – about 30 minutes on average and up to 60 minutes in the high season.
  • Since Hagia Sophia is a place of worship, visitors must follow a dress code. Both men and women are required to wear appropriate and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees. Women also need to cover their hair with a scarf.
  • Since Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, it is closed for non-worshippers during player times. Ensure you check these timings and plan your visit accordingly.
  • While most of Hagia Sophia is wheelchair-friendly, certain areas may not be easy to navigate by wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to steps and cobblestone pathways.

Why visit Hagia Sophia?

Why Visit the Hagia Sophia

Which Hagia Sophia ticket is best for you?

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

If you are short on time:

Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • If you do not have much time, choose Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines on the day of your visit. These tickets also allow you to enter the second level of the mosque. 
  • With Headout Saver and combo tickets, you can visit attractions in and around Sultanahmet Square in a day, like the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more. 

Recommended tours:

Hagia Sophia Guided Tours

If you love history:

Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide:  Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • You can choose between a self-paced audio-guided tour or an in-person guided tour to understand more about the history and cultural relevance of the mosque. 
  • Visit the newly-opened Hagia Sophia Experience Museum to learn about the mosque’s artifacts from a unique 3-D perspective.

Recommended tours:

Hagia Sophia Combo Tickets

If you are on a budget:

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide:  Audio guide or an expert historian guide, depending on the ticket you choose

  • If you are on a budget but want an in-depth tour of the Hagia Sophia, choose combo tickets. With a one-time purchase, you can tour the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and more. 
  • The Headout Saver combo also includes skip-the-line access. You can bypass long lines at the venues and save time. 

Recommended tours:

Plan your visit to Hagia Sophia

Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours

Facilities Available at the Hagia Sophia
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Hagia Sophia is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. For wheelchair access, you have to buy tickets at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani. They have a couple of ramps at this entrance. The upper floor requires one to use a staircase, which is not as accessible as the ground floors. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures inside the mosque. But, you must never click pictures of people when they are praying. Tripods and commercial photography equipment are not allowed inside the mosque.
  • Guided tours: Always book Hagia Sophia guided tours. A tour guide will accompany you and share anecdotes and stories about the history of the church-turned-mosque. You will also get to see underrated nooks and hidden gems inside the mosque. 
Tips to Note When Visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • Cover your heads: Head scarves are available for free at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia. Make sure to cover your head before entering the attraction. Avoid wearing sleeveless clothing at the mosque. 
  • Remove your shoes: Please remove your shoes before entering the Hagia Sophia. It is a sacred site, actively used as a mosque in the present day. 
  • Book Guided tours: It is best to book Hagia Sophia guided tours to get a deeper insight into the history and cultural significance of the mosque. 
  • Avoid visiting on Fridays: The Hagia Sophia remains closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours and noon on Fridays. Please avoid visiting the attraction during these hours. 
  • Plan a day trip: Sultanahmet Square has several attractions close to one another. You can plan a day trip and visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Museum, and Blue Mosque. 
Where to eat near Hagia Sophia?
  • Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine (0.3 km away): Expect a diverse array of flavorful meat, vegetable, and rice-based dishes, often featuring aromatic spices and herbs in this authentic Turkish restaurant. 
  • Sultanahmet Fish House (0.4 km away): This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy a variety of grilled, fried, and marinated fish and seafood options, along with traditional Turkish mezes and salads.
  • Fuego Restaurant (0.3 km away): This restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines with a contemporary twist. Indulge in dishes like grilled meats, fresh salads, and flavorful mezes, all served in a stylish and modern setting.
  • Beyzade Restaurant (0.5 km away): This restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on grilled meats and kebabs. Sample a variety of succulent meat dishes, accompanied by freshly baked bread, salads, and savory sauces.
  • Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant (0.3 km away): This eatery specializes in recreating authentic Ottoman recipes using traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Here, you can enjoy classic Ottoman dishes such as lamb stew, stuffed vegetables, and decadent desserts.
Where to stay near Hagia Sophia?

Explore beyond Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Bosphorus Cruises
Dolmabahce Palace

Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia

Do I need tickets to visit the Hagia Sophia?

Yes, you need to purchase tickets to enter the Hagia Sophia. We recommend booking Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets to bypass long lines on the day of your visit. If you are a history and culture enthusiast, you can book guided tours or combo tickets for a hassle-free and informative touring experience.

Where can I buy Hagia Sophia tickets?

You can purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets online. It is best to book tickets in advance to reserve your spot so that you do not miss your attraction. 

Can I buy Hagia Sophia tours online?

Yes, you can purchase Hagia Sophia historian-guided tours online. We recommend you book Hagia Sophia guided tours online because online ticket bookings ensure that your spot is reserved in advance. You may also chance upon great deals and combo offers when booking tours online.

Are there any discounts on Hagia Sophia tours?

Yes, if you book Hagia Sophia tickets online, you can enjoy discounted prices and combo deals. These combo tours start from €59 and include access to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and more.

Does Hagia Sophia offer an audio guide?

Yes, if you purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets, you can enjoy a self-paced, multilingual, audio-guided tour of the mosque. If you book guided tours or Hagia Sophia combo tickets, an English-speaking tour guide will accompany you to share interesting stories about how the past Orthodox church came to be a mosque. 

Which Hagia Sophia tour should I buy?

If you are short on time, book the Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets. For an in-depth tour, you can choose the historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia. If you have a few hours to spare, you can choose the combo Hagia Sophia guided tours that offer access to important monuments like Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern, and also include a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise depending on your ticket options.

What is included in my Hagia Sophia tours?

Book Hagia Sophia guided tours to enjoy touring the impressive mosque with an English-speaking tour guide. The guide will share interesting stories and anecdotes to familiarize you with the history of the mosque. 

Do you need a tour guide for Hagia Sophia?

It is better to book Hagia Sophia guided tours because a tour guide can offer you insights and interesting stories about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the monument. The guide can also ensure that you follow the rules and regulations while visiting the mosque. You can also explore the lesser-known hidden corners and secret gems inside the Hagia Sophia with a tour guide. 

How much does it cost to visit Hagia Sophia?

Depending on whether you are purchasing historian-guided Hagia Sophia tours or combo Hagia Sophia tickets, they can range between €31 to €36 to €59. 

How long is the Hagia Sophia guided tour?

The Hagia Sophia guided tour lasts for almost 2 hours. You can roam the monument for as long as you wish even after your historian-guided tour ends. 

When does the Hagia Sophia open?

The Hagia Sophia remains open to the public daily throughout the year. It is only closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours on Fridays. 

How to reach the Hagia Sophia?

The best way to reach the Hagia Sophia is to catch the 28, 32, BN1, or EMI to reach Sultanahmet Square. You can also catch either the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train to reach Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square. The M2 metro and the T1 tram also reach Sultanahmet Square. The Hagia Sophia is a short walk from the Square. 

When is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is open daily. You can visit it any time of the year, however, please avoid visiting it during prayer calls and noon prayers on Fridays. June to August is the busiest time of the year, attracting tourists from all over the world. Arrive early in the morning to soak in the relatively quiet atmosphere at Hagia Sophia.

What should I wear to the Hagia Sophia?

Once known as the Hagia Sophia Museum, the present-day Hagia Sophia is a mosque, so please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Do not wear shorts or strappy tops. Headscarves are available at the entrance for free, and you must wrap them around your head before entering the sacred monument.

Is Hagia Sophia wheelchair accessible?

Yes, visitors with limited mobility can enter the Hagia Sophia. There are ramps at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani.

Is there a locker room at the Hagia Sophia?

While there are no locker rooms inside the Hagia Sophia, you can use the one at Sirkeci train station, 2 tram stops from Sultanahmet to store your belongings.

Can I enter Hagia Sophia with shoes on?

Yes, with the new visiting area, you can enter the Hagia Sophia with your shoes on. However, you have to remove your shoes if you want to go up to the second floor or the inner chambers.

Can I carry food inside the Hagia Sophia?

We advise you not to carry food inside the Hagia Sophia since it is a sacred prayer site. It would be disrespectful to drop crumbs or litter the inside. 

Can I click pictures at Hagia Sophia?

Photography is allowed inside the Hagia Sophia, however, please refrain from clicking pictures of people who are praying. Flash photography is not allowed on the premises. 

Are there any attractions near Hagia Sophia?

You can plan a day trip to Sultanahmet and visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Galata Tower. They are quite near each other. 

Is it worth visiting Hagia Sophia?

Once a church and now a mosque, Hagia Sophia has witnessed numerous eras and dynasties. As a former church, the present-day mosque is an essential symbol of the coexistence of several religions. The Byzantine and Ottoman artworks and mosaics inside its walls are remnants of its glorious days. The building’s design is breathtaking with a massive central dome surrounded by towering ornate columns. 

Millions love heading out with us

Andreea-Roxana Mihai

Andreea-roxana

Oct, 2024
review-image
It was a beautiful experience! We entered immediately with the skip the line ticket! I didn't use the audio guide because I didn't know how to install it, but it's not necessary, Hagia Sofia speaks for itself! Andreea 💋 xoxo
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Borhene Boulabiar

Borhene

Nov, 2021
Great experience with great guides. I asked the support team for a help with whatsApp and they were so reactive. appreciated
Istanbul Museum Pass: Guided Tour + Skip the Line
Maud Lepez
GB

Maud

United Kingdom
Jan, 2025
Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We thought having a guided tour for Aya Sophia was definitely worth it. But it was quite expensive for a family of 5. Children or family discount would be welcome! (For this tour and most Istanbul attractions by the way)
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Gillian Gallagher

Gillian

Oct, 2024
The communication has been very good. The guide was punctual and spoke excellent English . He had a good voice and he could be heard above the surrounding noise. Samet - our guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. I enjoyed his tour . The building spoke for itself. Amazing and well worth the visit!
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Tsvetelina Dobreva

Tsvetelina

Jul, 2022
Our tour guide Hakan was awesome! The service was great, the balance of guided tours excellent for the price we paid. The best information packet and cards were delivered on time and gave ample instructions on redemption. Smooth, simple and god value! Will highly recommend to friends
Istanbul Pass with Access to Top Attractions
Jaloul

Jaloul

Jul, 2021
I took my whole family on a holiday to Turkey and we did the walking tour at Istanbul. All of us had a very nice time and our kids really enjoyed it. We got to try so many local treats and the rooftop view is simply amazing!
Walking Tour of Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, & Istanbul Rooftops
Zinan

Zinan

Jul, 2021
I did a solo trip to Istanbul and the walking tour made me fall in love with the local culture. The food is just amazing and I got to buy a lot of little things to take back home with me. Looking at the city from the rooftop was great! I got some really nice pictures from up there.
Walking Tour of Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, & Istanbul Rooftops
francesca bergamini

Francesca

Jun, 2024
The celerity in entering the attractions by skipping the line . The audio guide for Topkapi Palace did not work, only the one for Saint Sophia
View original review in Italian
Combo Guided Tours with Entry Tickets: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern