- Türkiye
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Hagia Sophia, or Ayasofya, is one of Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks, showcasing a fascinating blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, it later became a mosque, a museum, and in 2020, a mosque once again. Known for its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and intricate Islamic calligraphy, Hagia Sophia offers a glimpse into centuries of history and artistry. Visitors are awed by the grandeur of its interiors and its unique role as a bridge between religions and cultures.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours & Excursions
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Old Town Photoshooting
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Heritage Tour: Explore the Heart of the Old City
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Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
€30
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Istanbul City Tour with Hotel Transfer and Lunch
€45
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Turkey in 12 Days: A Journey Through History Nature Culture
€1850
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Patterns of Turkey: 13-Day Tour
€4800
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Western Turkey Explorer: 3 Nights Iconic Aegeans - 10 Days
€2200
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Turkey in 8 Days: From Istanbul to Ephesus Pamukkale
€1500
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Cappadocia Konya and Ephesus Multi-day Tour
€2250
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Private Guided Tour With Historical Riches
€19
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore the Highlights of Istanbul - A Journey Through Time
€340
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Best of Turkey in 10 Days: Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale & More
€2230
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Hidden Gems of Istanbul: 4-Day Journey
€600
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Full-Day City Highlights Tour with Lunch
€60
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque City Highlights Tour
€35
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul to Pamukkale: 6-Day Journey Through Turkey’s Iconic Landmarks
€950
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Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour
€1450
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour
€75
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Magical Cappadocia & Vibrant Istanbul: A 4-Day Getaway
€935
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: A Full-Day Guided Tour
€52
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best City Highlights Guided Tour with Turkish Lunch
€80
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbuls MustSee: Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Tour
€35
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia SkiptheLine Ticket with Live Guide
€50
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Timeless Treasures Walking Tour
€85
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace Tour and Sunset Yacht Cruise
€150
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar Tour
€34
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Half Day Classic Istanbul Guided Tour
€50
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best of the City Private FullDay Walking Tour
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Best of the Istanbul City
€150
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque By Night
€150
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Istanbul - Türkiye
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€65
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation with Transfers and Tours
€665
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Tour of Istanbul with Red Carpet Treatment
€250
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bespoke Tour with Guide and SkiptheLine Entries
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Eurasia Bike Boat Half-Day Tour
€75
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Get Your Guide and Explore the Best of the City
€7
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Tour
€35
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise Day or Sunset
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour
€17
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Daytime or Sunset Options
€8
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Public Transport Card: Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferry Included
€23
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia
€27
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbuls Wonders: Private Guided Tour 1 or 2 Days
€21
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Cappadocia, Pamukkale 8-Day 7-Night Tour From Istanbul
€1,000
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Best of Istanbul: Private Guided Istanbul Tour
€14
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: A Private Full-Day Adventure Walking Tour
€19
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Discovery: 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Experience
€16
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Hagia Irene Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour
€100
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Explore the Heart of History with Hagia Sophia Entry
€150
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Half Day Old City Tour by Art Historian
€30
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: Private Layover Adventure
€90
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks
€66
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Topkapi and Basilica Cistern Tour
€25
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Cultural & Architectural Marvels in a Day
€3
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Segway Tour of the City
€51
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Istanbul Photoshoot Tour With Local Photographer
€95
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Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Topkapi and Harem Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
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The Basics
Hagia Sophia is open daily, and admission is free as it functions as a mosque. Visitors should plan for crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. The site includes both the main prayer hall and additional areas showcasing its rich history. Dress modestly, as it is a place of worship, and bring a scarf if you are female (scarves are often provided at the entrance). Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
Istanbul Old Town Photoshooting
Istanbul - Türkiye
Capture the timeless beauty of Istanbul’s Old Town with a professional photoshoot tour, combining iconic landmarks and expert photography to preserve your memories forever.
€100
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Istanbul Heritage Tour: Explore the Heart of the Old City
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul's iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of Hagia Sophia to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, on this expertly guided tour combining history, culture, and unforgettable sights!
€45
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Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover the enchantment of Istanbul on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Delight in exquisite cuisine, captivating live performances, and stunning views of illuminated landmarks for an unforgettable night.
€30
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Things to Know Before You Go
Prayer Times: Non-Muslim visitors are not allowed during prayer times, which occur five times daily.
Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer area.
Respect the Atmosphere: Keep voices low and avoid disrupting worshippers.
Arrive Early: Early morning visits provide a quieter experience and better opportunities for photos.
How to Get There
Hagia Sophia is located in the historic Sultanahmet district. The easiest way to get there is via the T1 tram line, which stops at Sultanahmet Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the site. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available, but walking through the scenic old town is highly recommended for its charm.
When to Get There
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, offering mild weather and manageable crowds. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours. Fridays can be busier due to weekly prayers, so plan accordingly. Winter offers a quieter atmosphere but can be chilly, so dress warmly.
Day Trips from Istanbul
Hagia Sophia is surrounded by other must-see attractions, making it ideal for a day in Sultanahmet. Pair your visit with the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, all within walking distance. After exploring, relax at a traditional Turkish café or enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant offering local delicacies. For a serene escape, take a stroll through Gulhane Park, located just a short distance away. Hagia Sophia is the perfect starting point for a day steeped in Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
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