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Combo (Save 9%): Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets + Galata Tower Tickets

Tourists viewing artifacts in the Vatican Museums, guided tour through Sistine Chapel.
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
A female tourist standing on Galata tower bridge
Portrait of beautiful mother and son tourists with view of Galata tower in Beyoglu, Istanbul

Enjoy panoramic views from Galata Tower, plus a guided tour and skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia with this pocket-friendly combo.

Highlights

  • Skip the lines and explore Hagia Sophia, a symbol of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, that has weathered centuries of conquest.

  • Your guide will describe the fascinating story of the monument’s transformations through the Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.

  • Soar 167 feet above Istanbul atop the Galata Tower with an engaging audio guide that narrates the tower's fascinating history.

  • From the tower’s observation deck, identify the distinct silhouettes of Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye Mosque.

  • Fun fact: Legend says that if you place your finger in a hole in the Weeping Column at the Hagia Sophia and it becomes wet, your wish will come true.

Inclusions

Hagia Sophia

  • 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

  • English-speaking tour guide

  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

  • Self-paced exploration after guided tour

  • Audio guide app in 23 languages

Galata Tower

  • Entry to Galata Tower

  • Downloadable audio guide

  • Express elevator to the lookout platform

Exclusions

Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower

  • Headphones

Cancellation Policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

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4.2
1.8K ratings
5/5
1.2K
4/5
204
3/5
87
2/5
115
1/5
150
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 84 countries have loved this experience
Marie Rodriguez

Marie

5/5

Jan, 2025

No queuing. Was able to pay by credit card instead of worrying about whether they want Lire or Euro. Easy transaction. You know what you are getting.
Nureen Hanisah Binti Mohamad Zaki

Nureen

4/5

Jan, 2025

Good to have transcript of audio guide because we didn't bring a headset. Guide length is just nice. It was unclear where to go with the ticket so perhaps an extra direction to just go straight to the line would be nice.
María Jesús Cárdenas Peñalva

María

4/5

Jan, 2025

I liked the visit but I do not understand how we were not allowed to be on the first floor. I do not think it is fair and it is not explained when buying the ticket.
View original review in Spanish
elisa tetamo

Elisa

4/5

Jan, 2025

Skipped the ticket line, but the checkpoint lines are very long. Hagia Sophia is beautiful, well worth the visit.
View original review in Italian
Georgiou Andreas

Georgiou

4/5

Nov, 2024

The visit to Hagia Sophia was rather disappointing. Non-Turkish citizens were typically not allowed to enter the mosque premises, which is completely unreasonable. Everyone should have the right to enter a place of prayer, as praying is a universal act and should not be restricted to Muslims alone.

Combine panoramic views from the Galata Tower with an in-depth guided tour of the Hagia Sophia with this affordable combo.

Hagia Sophia

Skip the line and go on a journey through history at Hagia Sophia. Your guide will unlock the secrets of this architectural marvel that has witnessed centuries of empires rise and fall. Look at the soaring dome, its intricate mosaics detailing biblical scenes. Explore the main floor, each step echoing with the footsteps of sultans, scholars, and worshippers. Learn about the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences that shaped the Hagia Sophia's unique character on your guided tour.

Galata Tower

Standing tall for centuries, Galata Tower whispers tales of its rich past as a watchtower, prison, and observatory. See all of Istanbul from the Galata Tower's observation deck and witness the city's European and Asian sides unfold before you, covering over 1,000 years of history. Identify symbols of the city's heritage like Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque, their grandeur magnified by the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn. The audio guide unveils the tower's fascinating history as a defensive structure, while the observation deck provides the perfect platform for capturing panoramic photos.

Basilica Cistern

Monday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Tuesday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Wednesday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Thursday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Friday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Saturday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM
Sunday09:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 06:30 PM

Hagia Sophia

Monday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Tuesday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Wednesday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Thursday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Friday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Saturday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Sunday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM

Galata Tower

Monday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

  • Strict dress code: Guests must dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. Women should also partially cover their hair with a scarf.

  • For optimal enjoyment, bring your earphones to use with the audio guide.

Galata Tower

  • The Galata Tower's open-air deck can get chilly so dress in layers to stay comfortable.

  • Comfortable shoes are recommended for climbing the tower.

  • Bring a pair of earphones or headphones to enjoy the audio guide.

What's not allowed

Hagia Sophia

  • Flash photography and tripods are not permitted.

Accessibility

Hagia Sophia

  • Hagia Sophia features ramps and elevators for wheelchair accessibility.

Galata Tower

  • The Galata Tower's observation deck requires climbing over 200 stairs. This may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Additional information

Hagia Sophia

  • During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.

  • Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.

Galata Tower

  • Note that there is mostly no internet or very little signal at the location. Download the audio guide app on your smartphone before your visit.
  • Final confirmation and vouchers will be sent to you 1 day before the visit.

  • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket redemption points

  • Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.

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