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Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia: Our most recommended tours and activities

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

1. Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

Hop on a sightseeing cruise to tour the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this boat tour with an audio guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Sail as far south to see the Bosphorus Bridge. Meet your host on the other side of Hagia Sophia and walk down to the pier behind the grand mosque. Jump on board to discover the Golden Horn, considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor. Sail through the magnificent Bosphorus strait forming the continental boundary between Asia and Europe. On your way, come across cultural and historical emblems of Istanbul like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Learn about the city’s rich heritage with an audio guide. Admire the Bosphorus coastline on the European side from the cruise, and see a string of villages, each with its own individual character and attractions. Glide past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge, among others. Be sure to keep an eye out for ancient castles, famous parks, and spectacular seaside residences from different centuries. Capture stunning pictures of the vibrant city of Istanbul along the water on this scenic cruise.

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

2. Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Discover the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome on a private or shared guided walking tour in Istanbul. Admire the historic architecture and unique views of the city. Get an insider perspective of these must-see sights. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Blue Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul famous for its stunning blue tiles. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque. Afterward, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Walk through the Hippodrome, the social and political center of the city, and learn about the significance of the famous obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanahmet. Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home. End your tour in Sultanahmet Square with enough information and hints to help you be independent for the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour

3. Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour

Travel back in time to experience the story of the ancient Hagia Sophia on a guided tour in Istanbul. Trace how this iconic site has transformed over time with a local guide. Uncover stunning details as you explore this architectural gem. Meet with your professional local guide in front of Hagia Sophia. Hear a short history of the Old City then start the Hagia Sophia tour.  Your guide will explain the mystery of the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, the Hagia Sophia has always been a precious building for the locals.

Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

4. Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

A Bosphorus cruise is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. Get on the boat and start discovering the long waterway which separates Europe and Asia. Discover Istanbul’s main attractions, including magnificent palaces, ancient castles and famous hills and parks, as well as spectacular seaside residences from different centuries while passing under famous bridges. You will start your tour from the Old City in Sultanahmet and cruise along the European side until the 2nd Bosphorus bridge and return back along the Asian coast. You will pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. You will aslo get to see some historical landmarks from a distance such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower. 

Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet

5. Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet

Take advantage of a comfortable and economical private airport transfer to or from Istanbul city. Do not lose any time finding taxis or navigating public transport in a new city to make it to your flight on time. Get picked up from the airport and be greeted by a professional host to reach your hotel or address in comfort. For transfers from the hotel, get picked up from your Istanbul accommodation on time to reach the airport and catch your flight conveniently. Leave all worries behind with a pro fleet and team that will monitor any flight delays to assist you.

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

6. Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

Discover Istanbul's most iconic sights on a tour. Listen to your guide recount tales of the city's colorful past as you pass by landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Round off the experience with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Start your tour at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was the sports and social center of the old city. Discover major artworks including the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Willhelm II. Then, continue to the Blue Mosque, whose 6 minarets adorn Istanbul’s skyline. Next up is the Topkapi Palace, which was home to Ottoman emperors between the 15th and 19th centuries. Marvel at the jewel-stuffed treasury, the Ottoman Empire's imperial collections, and priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. If the Topkapi Palace is closed on your trip date, you'll visit the Nakkas Cistern instead. Continue to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a monument of equal significance to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Behold the dome and stunning mosaics of this architectural gem as your guide recounts its turbulent history. Then, enter the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry to ceramics and leather goods. Take a stroll around the Bazaar and soak in the aroma of different spices, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, and lokum (Turkish Delights). Tour ends in Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour

7. Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour

Enjoy stress-free sightseeing and total flexibility with this combination tour of Istanbul. Decide the best time for you to visit each attraction across 2 days, skip the long lines at the Basilica Cistern, and learn about the fascinating history of the Blue Mosque. Visit the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia by choosing from multiple daily departure times. Meet your guide in the heart of the Old City and start your tour at the best time for you. 60-Minute Blue Mosque Tour: Daily at 11:00 A.M. & 1:45 P.M. (Tuesdays only at 10:00 A.M & Fridays only at 1:45 P.M.) Journey back in time in the courtyards ot the Blue Mosque. Then, step inside and admire the architecture and the famous blue Iznik tiles. As you explore, learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul's rich history from your guide. After the tour, you can stay as long as you want. 30-Minute Basilica Cistern Tour: Daily tours at 10:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., 2:00 P.M., 4:00 P.M. Skip the long ticket lines with your guide and discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. Wander through the ancient cistern and admire the architecture and Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Stay inside as long as you wish after the tour finishes. 60-Minute Hagia Sophia Tour: Daily except Tuesdays at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. (Fridays only at 2:00 P.M. ) Discover fascinating facts about this 1,500-year-old landmark as you explore with your guide. Get a closer look at the massive dome, beautiful mosaics, and the wishing column. After your tour, stay as long as you want to test the wishing column. Important Information: During high season the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 60 minutes and at Blue Mosque 45 minutes.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App

8. Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App

Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul and admire the cosmopolitan city from a completely different perspective while enjoying the beautiful views of the Orient and the Occident at the same time. The Bosphorus is 32km long, separates Europe from Asia, and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. Cruise along the strait between Asia and Europe and discover Istanbul tourist attractions, magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and other historical sites, as well as fine seaside residences and the Bosphorus bridge. Admire the views of Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. Furthermore, you will have a glance at the spectacular pieces of authentic civic architecture on the European and Asian coasts.

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Combo Ticket

9. Istanbul: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Combo Ticket

Save time and money with this combo ticket with hassle-free entry to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Bypass the ticket lines to make the most of your time and hear the most important information and tips from your guide. Visit Hagia Sophia the largest Christian church in the world for 1,000 years and the 1,500-year-old Basilica Cistern, famous for its Medusa heads and many Hollywood Blockbusters. Both attractions are located right next to each other in the Old Town on Sultanahmet Square. Meet your guide guide at the Dsign Cafe in front of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located on the Hippodrome, right next to Egyptian Obelisk. Your guide will show you the most important features. Then, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace with your in-app audio guide. Begin your tour at either attraction. Your guide will help you get oriented and advise you of the best time to visit both attractions. With this Combo there are 2 different options: Option 1: If you book the 10 am timeslot, you can enjoy all tours in one day with the same tour guide in 3 hours. Option 2: Or you can spread the tours across two days, giving you the freedom to see things as and when you like.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern

10. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern

Enjoy hassle-free entrance to Istanbul’s top 3 attractions, the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace with this guided tour. Skip the ticket lines (though security lines can’t be skipped) for fast entrance and make the most of your time. Get the most important information and tips from your tour guide. If you're not comfortable with English, take advantage of the audio guide app available in 7 different languages. Visit Hagia Sophia, the largest Christian church in the world for the past 1,000 years, before seeing the majestic Topkapı Palace, which was home to Ottoman Sultans for centuries. Next, visit the 1500-year-old Basilica underground water cistern, famous for its Medusa heads. See all the highlights of these landmarks with your licensed tour guide. Then, enjoy free time to explore more at your own pace with exciting stories and interesting information frrom your audio guide. With this tour, there are 2 options: Option 1: With the 10 AM timeslot, you can enjoy all tours in a single day with the same tour guide within 5 hours. Option 2: Spread the tours across 3 days, giving you the freedom to see the sites as and when you like.

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What people are saying about Hagia Sophia

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 6,500 reviews

Our tour guide, Sabih, did a wonderful job and was extremely knowledgeable. At each of the places we went to he presented a variety of historical stories and a wealth of knowledge while keeping the tour at a very good pace. He pointed out many details about each of the buildings in ways that made things memorable and that made the tour far superior to other similar tours I have taken in the past. Additionally, I myself was a history major and I naturally had many questions for him about his various stories and the various parts of each building. He answered each of my questions with an abundance of additional facts and even more wonderful historical anecdotes. I would highly recomend this tour.

Really enjoyed to see the most beautiful places of Istanbul from water, just amazing! The cruise was organised well, they contacted me to give more information about the pick up point, everything was on time.

Yessss .. superb service and well manage. Tq so much for smooth handling from a to z…. I really enjoy every single thing. Hussle free!

Chetan was really nice and very informative I will highly recommend for my friends as well

Mustafa was very helpful with the recommendations and knowledgeable about the city.