Entry ticket

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Ticket Line & Audio Guide

4.4  / 51067 reviews
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Entry ticket
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Ticket Line & Audio Guide
4.4  / 51067 reviews

Allow the Hagia Sophia to captivate you with its stunning architectural marvel, rich history spanning empires, and breathtaking mosaics, enhanced by a digital city audio guide.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Audio guide included
English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

P
Parviz – Azerbaijan

We arrived around 13:00 on Wednesday in November and had no waiting time as we purchased tickets in advance. However, there was quite a big line to buy the tickets, so make sure you buy them online in advance. Just show the QR code at the entrance and get in. Hagia Sophia is one of the best places to visit during an Istanbul trip; it is very much recommended.

P
Parviz – Azerbaijan
J
Julia – Austria

Everything worked very well. Be aware that you do not skip the entrance line which is actually the longest one. The ticket line is quite short and not worth the extra money for skip the line. If you come in the morning at 10am there is no line at all neither for the tickets nor the entrance. After 11am the entrance line is enormous and you should brace yourself for an hours long queue in the torching sun. Lots of people also jump the line by squeezing in at the top of it making the wait even longer for those honestly lining up. Eventhough you purchase a time bound ticket you can enter at any time with the ticket. They did not check and the ticket is valid at all times on that day. It’s up to you whether you want to purchase your ticket in advance in which case I recommend this provider or just be there before 10am and buy it on site.

J
Julia – Austria

Experience

Highlights

  • Witness the Hagia Sophia with skip-the-ticket-line entry plus a city audio guide
  • Explore Byzantine mosaics with Islamic calligraphy and insights with audio guide
  • Unveil the story of civilizations converging in Istanbul on this audio tour
  • Explore the eerie beauty of ancient, submerged columns crafted from marble
  • Marvel at the mysterious and beautifully carved upside-down Medusa heads

Full description

Visit Hagia Sophia and enjoy a tour that combines a rich history with modern convenience. This architectural masterpiece showcases centuries where the East meets the West through stunning designs and craftsmanship. Step inside to see the famous dome, beautiful mosaics, and historic calligraphy that have amazed visitors for generations. Enhance your experience with a unique city audio guide that provides in-depth narratives on Istanbul’s most remarkable sites. This digital companion takes you through the wonders of Hagia Sophia and other significant attractions, offering rich context and stories that bring each location to life. Explore the timeless beauty of Hagia Sophia and delve deeper into Istanbul’s cultural heritage with this informative audio guide, ensuring a memorable and educational visit.

Includes

  • Hagia Sophia entry ticket
  • Skip the ticket line
  • Complimentary digital audio guide app
  • Access to History and Experience Museum (if option selected)
  • Live guide
  • Headphones
  • Hagia Sophia Museum entry ticket

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

This is not a guided tour. Please go to Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) & enter on your own with your tickets Your tickets with a QR Code will be sent one day before your tour date via e-mail and WhatsApp application (if used) Foreigners can enter Hagia Sophia through the newly opened tourist entrance located near Topkapi Palace. From there, they will have direct access to the upper floor galleries via a gentle ramp. During peak seasons, expect lines at security checkpoints. Please note that your ticket does not provide priority access. In the busiest periods, entry may take longer than usual. You will receive a message from your activity provider.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Making noise
  • Smoking indoors
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Photography inside
  • Weapons or sharp objects

Know before you go

  • This is not a guided tour.You will enter attraction on your own
  • You will receive your tickets from your activity provider a day before the tour date
  • Women are required to cover their heads & shoulders, both men & women must cover their knees before entering the Hagia Sophia Mosque.Headscarves & body coverings can be obtained at the ticket booth for a nominal fee
  • Hagia Sophia is open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult with a passport or ID
  • The ramps & stairs in this area are not accessible for individuals with disabilities Please use the "Turkish Citizen Entrance" instead
  • As Hagia Sophia serves as a sacred site for worship, visitors are kindly asked not to take photographs of or stare at Muslims who are praying or performing namaz
  • Foreign tourists can enter Hagia Sophia from tourist entrance located near Topkapi Palace
  • This ticket grants entry to the viewing area & upper gallery, but does not include access to prayer area downstairs

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 1067 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    3.9/5

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P
Parviz – AzerbaijanNovember 25, 2024  – Verified booking
We arrived around 13:00 on Wednesday in November and had no waiting time as we purchased tickets in advance. However, there was quite a big line to buy the tickets, so make sure you buy them online in advance. Just show the QR code at the entrance and get in. Hagia Sophia is one of the best places to visit during an Istanbul trip; it is very much recommended.
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – PortugalNovember 15, 2024  – Verified booking
We got the skip the line ticket which saved time. We walked around on our own. We believe that there was an audio guide, however we would have to hold the phone to our ear & it wasn’t really necessary. We wanted to see inside & we accomplished this & it was lovely. In my opinion it was better than the Blue Mosque.
Helpful?
J
Julia – AustriaJuly 6, 2024  – Verified booking
Everything worked very well. Be aware that you do not skip the entrance line which is actually the longest one. The ticket line is quite short and not worth the extra money for skip the line. If you come in the morning at 10am there is no line at all neither for the tickets nor the entrance. After 11am the entrance line is enormous and you should brace yourself for an hours long queue in the torching sun. Lots of people also jump the line by squeezing in at the top of it making the wait even longer for those honestly lining up. Eventhough you purchase a time bound ticket you can enter at any time with the ticket. They did not check and the ticket is valid at all times on that day. It’s up to you whether you want to purchase your ticket in advance in which case I recommend this provider or just be there before 10am and buy it on site.
Helpful?

Product ID: 618558

Activity provider:Herms

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