Museums

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Hagia Sophia Cathedral/Mosque/Museum in Istanbul Turkey

Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul, showcasing skip-the-line tour experience.

tourist listening to audio guide in Roman Pantheon

Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.

Save your time with these skip-the-line entry tickets to Hagia Sophia, with an audio guide in 23 languages. Marvel at the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights

Discover the wondrous Hagia Sophia, a revered attraction in Istanbul, with skip-the-line access and an audio guide in 23 languages.
Stroll through the magnificent monument that once was the world's largest place of worship for over a millennium.
Listen to your informational audio guide to learn about the history, architecture, and Islamic and Byzantine heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get skip-the-line access to the 2nd-floor Visitors' Center and explore the marvelous mosaics and paintings at your own pace.
Did you know? Hagia Sophia started as a church, then became a mosque for 500 years, and finally a museum.

Inclusions

Skip the ticket line to Hagia Sophia
Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
Audio guide for both attractions (optional)
10% discount at Dsign Cafe

Exclusions

Skip the security line

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

4.4

3.2K ratings

5/5

2.3K

4/5

351

3/5

145

2/5

155

1/5

231

Divya

5/5

Dec, 2024

Our guide, Mehmet, was exceptional—both insightful and incredibly knowledgeable. His deep understanding of the history, culture, and local stories made the entire experience unforgettable. What stood out even more was his excellent English, which made the tour engaging and easy to follow. We noticed other tour groups struggling due to language barriers, but Mehmet’s clear communication and thoughtful explanations ensured that we didn’t miss a single detail. His professionalism and passion for sharing his knowledge truly set him apart and made our tour one to remember.

Morgean

5/5

Nov, 2024

Very knowledgeable guide who provoded i teresting details and context. . Patient with the group. Appreciate thst we were not dragged into any shops.

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.

Alessandra

4/5

Nov, 2024

It's not up to you ...but a few years ago I visited hagia Sofia from the main entrance ...with vision of impressive golden mosaics at the entrance . Now I 'liked to see the upper part ...less spectacular and impactful than the past visit .

View original review in Italian

Elizabeth

5/5

Nov, 2024

Our guide was fantastic. Informative & interesting The crowds were horrendous due to Marathon but he kept us calm & got us through!

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Your experience

Skip-the-line entry to the legendary Hagia Sophia

Discover Istanbul’s gem, the world-famous Hagia Sophia , with these convenient skip-the-line entry tickets. A must-visit for first-timers in Istanbul, this church-turned-mosque-turned-museum has much to offer, in terms of architectural beauty and historical significance. Learn about the history of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires with the aid of your audio guide, available in 23 languages.

A step back in time

Take in the magnificent art and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With skip-the-line access to the 2nd-floor Visitors' Center, you can stroll through the upper gallery while gazing at the mesmerizing mosaics and the imperial dome to get a glimpse into the rich history of Hagia Sophia.

Operating hours

Hagia Sophia

Monday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday	9:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Know before you go

What's not allowed

The prayer area in the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.

What to bring

Don't forget to carry your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.

Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Additional information

You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.
The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
Appropriate and respectful clothing is mandatory while visiting the Hagia Sophia
Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf
Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders
Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction
Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.
Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.