Combo (Save 15%): Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Optional Audio Guide + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Definintely helps, but there is some abiguity about what "skip the line" actually means. This service does not offer a fast track entrance into the Hagia Sophia, it just menas you dont have to queue to purchase tickets in a separate place and then join the queue for entrance. Having said that I would suggest that you do try and find time to visit this building - regardless of the queues to get in in, which in fairness did move reasonably quickly. It is a beautiful place. I should also say that it may be my mistake that I did not see what "skip the line" actually meant, so I am highlighting here not as a criticism, but just in case anyone else makes a similar assumption.

Getting the ticket was very easy from the web site. This allowed easy access without to much queuing. Took about 5 minutes from getting through the entrance to being inside the Hagia Sophia. Inside was everything I had expected with the sense of history hitting you as you first walk onto the balcony looking down on the main mosque floor bellow. This must have been a wonderful site all those centuries ago, and still is. I thoughrouly enjoyed my experience and would recommend to anyone interested in history.

When I come to Istanbul, the first thing I want to do is to visit Aya Sofia. It is a beautiful, majestic cathedral with its own history. I once went to the Azan (call to prayer), the sensations were unbelievable. Earlier tourists were allowed on the first floor, this time we watched the beauty from the second floor). The queues are always long, especially on weekends, but the security system is well established, so people pass quickly.