Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Cistern of Theodosius + Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide

Illuminated columns inside Theodosius Cistern, Istanbul.
Visitors exploring Theodosius Cistern with illuminated columns in Istanbul.
Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.

Open today

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.3/5

(3,806)

Li Liu

Li

Jun 2025
Verified booking
5/5
This is my 2nd times to visit Hagia Sophia. The first time was 11 years ago and the Hagia Sophia was a museum so that I can visit the main floor as well. Unfortunately this time is only 2nd floor open for the tourist. But I still had a wonderful experience and enjoyed to see such beautiful mosque in Istanbul.
Robert Coquereaux

Robert

Apr 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Buying tickets in advance meant I didn't have to queue on the spot (but early in the morning the queue is moderate...) Negative point: the timetables provided by Headout are both contradictory and inutally worrying: in fact you can turn up at any time at the entrance with the QR code and... that's it (there's no guide provided anyway -- except your smartphone as long as it can access the network).
Manuel Leonardo Prada Rodríguez

Manuel

Jun 2025
Verified booking
5/5
In this mosque-church you can feel the weight of history, its gravity, its importance for both the western and eastern world. You can also perceive genius in its architectural design. I would have liked to have had more access to the building, for example, to the second floor. Otherwise, it was wonderful to experience the mix of spirituality and institutional, imperial religion.
    • Get the best of Istanbul in a day with skip-the-line entry to the Theodosius Cistern and access to Hagia Sophia, both with included audio guides.

    • Descend underground to explore the Theodosius Cistern’s atmospheric space, lined with marble columns that are over 1600 years old.

    • Experience an immersive light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s ancient history and purpose to life.

    • Step inside Hagia Sophia to marvel at its soaring dome, intricate mosaics, and trace centuries of Christian and Ottoman artistry.

    • Discover the rich history of both the Theodosius Cistern and Hagia Sophia at your own pace with the included audio guide app.

    • Save time and money with this value-packed combo, granting entry to two of Istanbul's most legendary historical sites.

  • Cistern of Theodosius

    • Skip-the-line entrance ticket to Theodosius Cistern

    • Audio guide app

    • Hourly light and video-mapping show

    Hagia Sophia

    • Entry to Hagia Sophia

    • Audio guide app

  • Cistern of Theodosius

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    • Guided tour

    • Food and drinks

    Hagia Sophia

    • Skip the line entry

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    • Guided tour

    • Food and drinks

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.3
    3,806 ratings
    5/5
    2.5K
    4/5
    744
    3/5
    283
    2/5
    137
    1/5
    192
    • United States
    • Spain
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Italy
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Australia
    • Romania
    • Switzerland
    Guests from United States, Spain, United Kingdom and over 74 countries have loved this experience

    Melvic Malanog

    Melvic

    Jul, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Get there early! You have to save time wherever you can. Getting your tickets online is definitely helps!
    Frans Haarbosch

    Frans

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    Beautiful building witch beautiful things inside
    Gary McMillan

    Gary

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    The history and beauty of the location was enriched by the knowledge and information provided by our guide
    Marco Del Chiappa

    Marco

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Beautiful experience. A magical place
    Iryna BEREZA

    Iryna

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Excellent guide qr code used headphones
  • Save time and discover two of Istanbul’s most iconic sites—Hagia Sophia and the Theodosius Cistern—with skip-the-line entry and audio guides.

    Getting started

    Start at either site by showing your mobile ticket for entry. Enjoy fast-track access at the Theodosius Cistern and explore both locations at your own pace.

    What to expect

    Theodosius Cistern

    Descend underground to explore this late Roman cistern, a key piece of Byzantine engineering once vital to Istanbul’s water supply.

    Features:

    • Marble columns and vaulted ceilings: Admire the cistern’s robust 1600-year-old architecture, built to endure centuries below the city.

    • Light and video-mapping show: Experience the hourly light and video mapping show that brings the cistern and its purpose to life.

    • Contemporary art installations: Catch some rotating modern art exhibits that add a creative dimension to the ancient structure.

    Hagia Sophia

    Step into Hagia Sophia, a landmark where Byzantine mosaics meet Islamic art, and centuries of history are etched into every surface.

    Features:

    • Architecture: Discover Hagia Sophia highlights including the mihrab, Christian mosaics, and the legendary weeping column.

    • Imperial Gate: Admire the grand entrance used by emperors, topped by a mosaic of Christ flanked by Constantine VI and the Virgin Mary.

    • Omphalion: Stand on the marble circle where Byzantine emperors were once crowned, still visible on the floor of the main hall.

  • Hagia Sophia

    Monday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 07:30pm

    Cistern of Theodosius

    Monday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Thursday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Friday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Sunday09:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
  • Cistern of Theodosius:

    What to bring

    • Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.

    • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cistern is underground and may be cooler than the outdoor temperature.

    What’s not allowed

    • Flash photography is not permitted inside the cistern.

    Accessibility

    • The experience may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users due to slippery surfaces and required walking.

    Additional information

    • Photography is allowed, but please refrain from using flash.

    • Opening hours are daily from 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 6pm.

    • Skip-the-line entry does not exempt you from routine security checks, which still apply at the entrance.

    Hagia Sophia:

    What to bring

    • Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

    • Women are required to cover their heads inside, so bring along a scarf.

    What's not allowed

    • Large bags, luggage, tripods, and flash photography are not allowed

    Accessibility

    • The site is not wheelchair accessible as you may have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

    Additional information

    • Some areas may be closed due to ongoing renovations.

    • Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after prayer hours.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

    Ticket redemption points

    Cistern of Theodosius Tickets

    • Show your ticket at Cistern of Theodosius.

    • Address: Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:2/1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

    Get directions to the redemption point

    Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide

    • Please scan your ticket at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

    • Adress: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

    • Landmark: Hagia Sophia Visiting Area.

    Get directions to the redemption point

Download app section background

We've served 41 million+ guests and we are here for you

41 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime