Processing your payment

Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Museums

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view, Istanbul, Turkey.
Interior view of Hagia Sophia's dome and arches in Istanbul, showcasing intricate mosaics and calligraphy.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.
Interior view of Hagia Sophia with visitors exploring the historic architecture in Istanbul.

Open today

09:00am - 07:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.3/5

(5,162)

Anthony arguello

Anthony

Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Our guide Ali (aka Alex) it was amazing! Very knowledgeable and personable. Also very kind and gave us plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the sites. He let us ask any questions we wanted, and he clearly has a deep understanding of the history and culture of the areas we visited. I could not believe how cool it was to cities areas with an expert showing us the ropes. When you book a tour ask for this guy. Five stars ++ but one little disclaimer about the getyourguide support team. They're not very helpful. I had an issue that I had to contact them about and they gave me some generic response that didn't solve my problem at all. It's just lucky that Alex was so awesome to make up for it.
Patrick Williams

Patrick

Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
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.
Marina Zawaher

Marina

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We joined a four-hour guided tour around the main highlights of Sultanahmet, and it was a wonderful experience. Despite the large crowds, the tour was concise, well-structured, and very informative — the perfect introduction to the area’s rich history. Special thanks to our guide, Buse, who was absolutely fantastic! She has such a dynamic personality, great energy, and an engaging way of explaining everything. Her enthusiasm and clarity made the whole experience so enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time!
    • Step into Hagia Sophia’s Ottoman history with skip-the-line tickets and experience its breathtaking blend of Christian mosaics and imperial elegance, with a multilingual audio guide.

    • Wander beneath the 56-meter-high dome, admire the Deësis mosaic of Christ, and take in the calligraphic medallions that define the interior.

    • Head up to the upper gallery for sweeping views of the vast nave, where intricate Byzantine artistry meets majestic Ottoman design.

    • For an even richer experience, upgrade your visit with options like a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum, or explore the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque with a multilingual audio guide.

    • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

    • Multilingual audio guide for Hagia Sophia

    • Guided tour of Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)

    • Expert English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

    • Entry to Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum (as per option selected)

    • Audio guide for Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum (as per option selected)

    • Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)

    • Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

    • Multilingual audio guide for Basilica Cistern (as per option selected)

    • Guided tour of the Blue Mosque with entry (as per option selected)

    • Skip the security line

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    • Food and drinks

    • Gratuities/tips

    • Souvenir photos

    • Additional activities outside the main tour

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 4.3
    5,162 reviews

    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.

    3.2K
    1K
    369
    188
    286
    Guests from United States, Italy, Spain and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Anthony arguello

    Anthony

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Our guide Ali (aka Alex) it was amazing! Very knowledgeable and personable. Also very kind and gave us plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the sites. He let us ask any questions we wanted, and he clearly has a deep understanding of the history and culture of the areas we visited. I could not believe how cool it was to cities areas with an expert showing us the ropes. When you book a tour ask for this guy. Five stars ++ but one little disclaimer about the getyourguide support team. They're not very helpful. I had an issue that I had to contact them about and they gave me some generic response that didn't solve my problem at all. It's just lucky that Alex was so awesome to make up for it.
    James Gilchrist

    James

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Easy to determine inclusions, easy to purchase, easy to use. We were a tad dubious as the whole process was so simple but once we arrived at the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cisterns sites and saw the line ups we knew we had done the right thing. Good value
    Koen Elbers

    Koen

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    When visiting Istanbul, this museum is definitely one to go to. Spectacular lights iluminate the pilars underneath this beautiful city. Also featuring in various movies, but the whole story and why it's so well preserved is very interesting.
    Antonio Cannizzaro

    Antonio

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Excellent support by the lady who guided us through the lovely curiosities of Istanbul. She was very nice and listened to our questions and needs. The experience was very positive throughout. Highly recommended
    Roberta Borgato

    Roberta

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Too bad there was major restoration work inside so we only saw the top part. Maybe give notice or further discount.
  • Unlock layers of history inside one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, Hagia Sophia, with fast-track entry and a guided tour.

    Getting started

    Begin at the Hagia Sophia entrance to have your tickets validated. From there, download the complimentary audio guide app or join your selected guided group if you’ve chosen a tour upgrade.

    What to expect

    Hagia Sophia

    As one of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks, Hagia Sophia reveals centuries of cultural and architectural transformation. Step inside this mosque to witness the stunning fusion of Byzantine heritage and Ottoman grandeur.

    Features

    • Architectural wonders: Discover marble jars from ancient Pergamon, follow the paths once taken by emperors, and make a wish at the famed Weeping Column.

    • Byzantine mosaics: Admire Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine mosaics, uncovered after centuries, revealing detailed portraits set against shimmering gold backgrounds.

    Extras

    Upgrade your visit to include a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum or add guided visits to the Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque.

  • 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
  • What to bring

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

    • Ensure you bring a scarf with you when you visit.

    What's not allowed

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

    • No large bags or suitcases are permitted inside.

    Accessibility

    • Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible via ramps.

    Additional information

    • During peak seasons, lines may form at security checkpoints. Your ticket does not grant priority access through the security check lines. In the high season (June to August), it might take up to 30 minutes to get in.

    • Modest attire is required. Women should cover shoulders, chest, and hair with a scarf and avoid knee-length skirts or shorts, while men should avoid sleeveless tops and shorts.

    • Internet access at the venue is limited, so download the audio guide in advance to ensure smooth access during your visit.

    • 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.

    • This ticket gives you access to the visiting area and upper gallery, not the prayer area downstairs.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Similar experiences you'd love

Tourist exploring the ancient columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.
Landmarks
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets
4.4(9,164)
from €35.90
€33.50
7% off
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 9164 ratings.From €33.50
Topkapi Palace entrance, Hagia Sophia dome, and visitor in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Combo
Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets
4.1(7,760)
from €129.40
€124.88
3% off
Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets . Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 7760 ratings.From €124.88
Free cancellation
Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with visitors walking nearby.
Landmarks
Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
4.1(7,160)
from
€59
Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 7160 ratings.From €59
Tour boat on the Bosphorus with Kuleli Military High School in the background, Istanbul.
Sightseeing Cruises
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Audio Guide
4.3(2,299)
from
€9.50
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Audio Guide. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2299 ratings.From €9.50
Free cancellation
Cruise ship AMOR on Bosphorus strait during evening dinner tour.
Sightseeing Cruises
Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Show & Private Table
4.7(2,514)
from €35
€26.25
25% off
Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Show & Private Table. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2514 ratings.From €26.25
Download app section background

We've served 45 million+ guests and we are here for you

45 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