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Guided tour
4.5/5
(4,667)
Simeon
Colin
Marina
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Skip the lines and experience Hagia Sophia’s storied past with a one-hour guided tour led by a licensed English-speaking licensed guide.
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Explore the minbar from the Ottoman era, the bronze doors of the entrance, and the marble ramp leading to the upper galleries—all while an expert reveals lesser-known stories about this landmark.
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Enhance your experience with upgrades like multilingual audio guides, headsets, skip-the-line entry and guided tours of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace, a handy Istanbul Old Town map, and a Hippodrome and Old Town walking tour.
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1/1.5-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
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Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
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Expert licensed English-speaking guide
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Multilingual audio guide (based on option selected)
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Headset (based on option selected)
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1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque with entry (based on option selected)
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30-min Hippodrome & Old Town walking tour (based on option selected)
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Istanbul Old Town map (based on option selected)
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20/30-min guided tour of Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)
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1-hour guided tour of Topkapi Palace with skip-the-line entry (based on option selected)
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Audio app in 8 languages (based on option selected)
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 4,667 reviews4.5
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.
3.2K863216113198Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Italy and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Retegan
Nov 2025Verified booking5/5
Guðlaug
Nov 2025Verified booking3/5
Andrew
Nov 2025Verified booking5/5Filipa
Nov 2025Verified booking5/5
Andreas
Nov 2025Verified booking4/5
The world of emperors and sultans
Skip the ticket lines and join a licensed English-speaking guide for a one-hour journey through Hagia Sophia. You’ll hear how the building’s massive dome survived centuries of earthquakes, see the marble omphalos where emperors were crowned, and learn about the hidden prayer niches that reveal its past as both a church and a mosque. The tour also uncovers the ancient library that once held sacred texts and the stone floor grooves worn by thousands of worshippers over the centuries, making this a deep dive into the building’s history.
Enhance your Hagia Sophia adventure
Want more? Get upgrades that let you join guided tours of the Blue Mosque, where the mihrab and minbar frame the prayer hall, and the Basilica Cistern, where Medusa’s head supports ancient columns in an underground water wonderland. Add skip-the-line entry and a tour of Topkapi Palace to see the imperial treasury and the Harem’s private quarters. Round out your experience with a multilingual audio guide, headsets for crystal-clear commentary, a detailed Istanbul Old Town map, and a short Hippodrome and Old Town walking tour to complete your journey.
What to bring
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Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses to explore comfortably.
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Download the audio app ahead of time to avoid network glitches.
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Don’t forget your earphones for the audio guide.
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Carry cash to pay for meals, souvenirs, and extras.
What's not allowed
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The prayer area on the first floor is only for Turkish citizens.
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Women should avoid knee-length shorts, skirts, and clothing that exposes shoulders or cleavage. Hair should be covered with a scarf.
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Men should avoid knee-length shorts and clothing that exposes shoulders.
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Photography is permitted, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
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Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted.
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Food and drinks are not allowed inside the mosque.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair or pram/stroller.
Additional information
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You can bypass the ticket lines, but the security check is mandatory and can take up to 60 minutes during the peak season (June to August).
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Choose skip-the-line tickets or arrive early, particularly between June and August, to avoid long waits.
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The ground floor is reserved for prayers, while the second floor is accessible to visitors.
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Hagia Sophia is under renovation, so not all parts are open to the public.
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During Friday prayers, the mosque is closed from 12pm to 2:30pm.
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Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance.
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In addition to midday and afternoon Bosphorus cruises, you can opt for a special evening cruise at 6pm, available from April to October.
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Consider visiting during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak crowds, particularly during the summer months (May to July).
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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