Open today
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Explore Istanbul's spiritual side with a cost-effective combo to see a Whirling Dervish show and get skip-the-ticket-line access to the Hagia Sophia.
4.2/5
(666)
Nuno
Ximena
Yahya
-
Seek spiritual enlightenment with a 1-hour Whirling Dervish ceremony at a historic Madrasah at the heart of old Istanbul.
-
Be captivated by the swirling dervishes, their white gowns flowing as they perform the centuries-old Sema ceremony.
-
Explore the Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a skip-the-line ticket, marveling at its mosaics and ancient architecture.
-
Learn about the Hagia Sophia's history through multiple ancient empires with the multilingual audio guide, uncovering the stories behind its artwork.
-
Fun fact: The whirling dervishes' white gowns represent a shroud, symbolizing their letting go of the earthly world.
-
Whirling Dervish Show
- Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show
Hagia Sophia
-
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
-
Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
-
Audio guide in 23 languages
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 666 reviews4.2
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
354198592332Guests from Spain, United States, Italy and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Yahya
Oct 2025Verified booking4/5
Jacobo
Oct 2025Verified booking5/5
Gian
Oct 2025Verified booking5/5
Nuno
Sep 2025Verified booking5/5
Javed
Sep 2025Verified booking5/5
This pocket-friendly combo lets you experience two of Istanbul's most captivating cultural treasures: the whirling dervishes' ceremony and the Hagia Sophia.
Whirling Dervish Show
Imagine the warm glow of candlelight illuminating a centuries-old Madrasah as you witness the Sema ceremony. As the first notes of traditional Sufi music fill the Madrasah, the Dervishes begin their graceful twirls. Their movements are slow and deliberate, each spin a representation of their connection to the universe. Watch as the Dervishes reach a state of near-trance, their white skirts creating a blur against the backdrop of the historic building. This performance is more than just a show; it's a window into the heart of Sufism, a mystical tradition that symbolizes their connection to the universe and a letting go of the earthly world.
Hagia Sophia
Your combo ticket also grants you skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia. With your multilingual audio guide, embark on a self-guided exploration, unraveling the stories etched in the mosaics and the intricate calligraphy adorning the walls. Imagine the footsteps of Byzantine emperors echoing through the 6th-century Emperor's Gate. Don't miss the Mihrab, a prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca – a reminder of Hagia Sophia's past as both a church and a mosque. Keep an eye out for the towering columns, each brought from ancient cities such as Ephesos and Tarsus. Explore this time capsule at your own pace as you soak in its centuries-old history.
What to bring
Hagia Sophia
- For optimal enjoyment, bring your earphones to use with the audio guide.
What's not allowed
Whirling Dervish Show
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.
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.
-
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.
Accessibility
Whirling Dervish Show & Hagia Sophia
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
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.
-
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
Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance Tickets in Sultanahmet Area
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
-
Top things to do in Istanbul
Nearby cities to explore
