- Türkiye
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, blending architectural grandeur with a deep historical and spiritual significance. Originally constructed in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral, it later served as a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, and more recently, it was converted back into a mosque in 2020. The building’s immense dome, intricate mosaics, and towering minarets reflect centuries of artistry and devotion. Whether you admire its religious importance or its stunning architecture, Hagia Sophia is a must-see destination that stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours & Excursions
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Heritage Tour: Explore the Heart of the Old City
€45
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Live Performances
€30
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul City Tour with Hotel Transfer and Lunch
€45
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Turkey in 12 Days: A Journey Through History Nature Culture
€1850
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Patterns of Turkey: 13-Day Tour
€4800
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Western Turkey Explorer: 3 Nights Iconic Aegeans - 10 Days
€2200
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Turkey in 8 Days: From Istanbul to Ephesus Pamukkale
€1500
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Cappadocia Konya and Ephesus Multi-day Tour
€2250
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Private Guided Tour With Historical Riches
€19
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore the Highlights of Istanbul - A Journey Through Time
€340
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Best of Turkey in 10 Days: Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale & More
€2230
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Hidden Gems of Istanbul: 4-Day Journey
€600
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Full-Day City Highlights Tour with Lunch
€60
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque City Highlights Tour
€35
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul to Pamukkale: 6-Day Journey Through Turkey’s Iconic Landmarks
€950
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour
€1450
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour
€75
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Magical Cappadocia & Vibrant Istanbul: A 4-Day Getaway
€935
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: A Full-Day Guided Tour
€52
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best City Highlights Guided Tour with Turkish Lunch
€80
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbuls MustSee: Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Tour
€35
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia SkiptheLine Ticket with Live Guide
€50
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Timeless Treasures Walking Tour
€85
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace Tour and Sunset Yacht Cruise
€150
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar Tour
€34
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Half Day Classic Istanbul Guided Tour
€50
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Best of the City Private FullDay Walking Tour
€30
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Explore Best of the Istanbul City
€150
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque By Night
€150
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover the Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul With Lunch
€65
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation with Transfers and Tours
€665
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Tour of Istanbul with Red Carpet Treatment
€250
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Bespoke Tour with Guide and SkiptheLine Entries
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Eurasia Bike Boat HalfDay Tour
€75
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Get Your Guide and Explore the Best of the City
€7
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Tour
€35
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise Day or Sunset
€8
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern
€25
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour
€17
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Daytime or Sunset Options
€8
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Public Transport Card: Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferry Included
€23
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia
€27
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Discover Istanbuls Wonders: Private Guided Tour 1 or 2 Days
€21
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Cappadocia, Pamukkale 8-Day 7-Night Tour From Istanbul
€1,000
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Best of Istanbul: Private Guided Istanbul Tour
€14
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: A Private Full-Day Adventure Walking Tour
€19
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Discovery: 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Experience
€16
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Explore the Heart of History with Hagia Sophia Entry
€150
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Half Day Old City Tour by Art Historian
€30
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Highlights: Private Layover Adventure
€90
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Walking Tour: Secrets of the City and Iconic Landmarks
€66
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Topkapi and Basilica Cistern Tour
€25
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul’s Cultural & Architectural Marvels in a Day
€3
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul: Segway Tour of the City
€51
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Private Istanbul Photoshoot Tour With Local Photographer
€95
starts from
Istanbul - Türkiye
Istanbul Old Town Photoshooting
€100
starts from
The Basics
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, Hagia Sophia is open daily to visitors. Entrance is free, as it is an active mosque. However, non-Muslim visitors should plan around prayer times, as sightseeing is paused during these hours. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs; women are also required to cover their hair. Scarves are usually available at the entrance. Hagia Sophia's immense central dome and ancient Christian mosaics, combined with its Islamic calligraphy, offer an unforgettable experience for history and art enthusiasts.
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
starts from
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
starts from
Istanbul City Tour with Hotel Transfer and Lunch
Istanbul - Türkiye
Step into Istanbul's vibrant past with this captivating heritage tour! Explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar in the heart of the Old City. A perfect journey through history!
€45
starts from
Things to Know Before You Go
As a functioning mosque, visitors should respect Islamic customs. Photography is allowed but avoid flash to preserve the artwork. Bring a bag for your shoes as you’ll need to remove them upon entering. Plan for potential crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays. For the best experience, consider hiring a guide or downloading an audio tour to learn about the building’s fascinating history and significance.
How to Get There
Hagia Sophia is easily accessible from anywhere in Istanbul. The nearest tram stop is Sultanahmet on the T1 line. From there, it’s just a short walk through the historic district. If coming by ferry, disembark at Eminönü or Karaköy and take the tram. Alternatively, taxis and ride-share services are widely available, but traffic can be heavy, so plan accordingly.
When to Get There
For the best experience, visit Hagia Sophia early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy compared to weekends. During summer months, aim for early morning visits to beat the heat. Keep in mind that visiting is restricted during the five daily prayer times, so check the local prayer schedule before planning your trip.
Day Trips from Istanbul
Make the most of your visit by exploring nearby attractions in the Sultanahmet area. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern—all offering unique insights into Istanbul’s rich history. If you have more time, consider joining a guided walking tour that covers these highlights. Alternatively, book a day trip package that includes Hagia Sophia alongside other iconic sites to ensure a well-rounded experience of Istanbul’s cultural treasures.
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved
