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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

9:00am - 7:30pm

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

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.3/5

(5,266)

Sumankumar Brahmbhatt

Sumankumar

Dec 2025
Verified booking
Arda was an outstanding tour guide—extremely knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what he does. He took his time explaining everything we were seeing, answered all of our questions thoughtfully, and provided so much helpful context about both the history of Istanbul and modern-day customs and practices. His insights really brought the city to life and made the experience far more meaningful. Highly recommend Arda to anyone looking for an engaging and informative tour.
Nadja Jennifer Kurre

Nadja

Jan 2026
Verified booking
I highly recommend this tour. Our guide Ali (Alex) was great. I learned a lot about the history and significance of the cistern. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are also definitely worth seeing, and much more interesting with a guide than just walking through on your own. You learn a lot about the buildings, their history, origins, and significance. You should be reasonably fit. I can definitely recommend it.
SUSUMU TAJIMA

Susumu

Dec 2025
Verified booking
Easy access, no waiting and cue. Smooth entering, just only showing the 3D code on the smart phone. If possible, it's better that one 3D code can be covered multiple person entrance. I have to say that your support team is perfect. Quick and proper response was helpful. I especially appriciate Megan's support. If possible, " DATE" on the cheket is going to be changed "Purchased date", so that it may reduce the confusion more.
    • 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)

    • 3-hour Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)

    • 4-course Turkish dinner (menu here) (as per option selected)

    • Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, & a DJ (as per option selected)

    • Unlimited soft drinks (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.

  • 5,266 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.

    3.3K
    1K
    376
    189
    302
    Guests from United States, Italy, Spain and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Nikolaos Nikolaidis

    Nikolaos

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    Our tour guide Mehmet—also known as Michael—provided extremely detailed, knowledgeable, and vivid explanations of all the historical sites. He won us over with his friendly, open, and honest manner. We were a small, very flexible group, which made the tour particularly enjoyable. We would love to do it again!
    adriano fico

    Adriano

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    The skip-the-line ticket for Hagia Sophia was useless because there was no line. We didn't receive the audio guide. The basilica is undergoing renovation and is a construction site, so we'll have to come back to see it in all its glory.
    Catherine Henry

    Catherine

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    Our female guide Miss Kiss ( Buce) was amazing . Great explanations and very pleasant Person ! I would recommend her anytime !
    Rodrigo Prades Colosia

    Rodrigo

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    Everything was easy from the start, with very friendly staff and knowledgeable guides who made this trip memorable!!!
    Minto Wijaya

    Minto

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    A very beautiful place that must be visited when in Istanbul, and it's better to buy tickets online so you don't have to wait long.
  • 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

    Monday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Thursday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Friday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Saturday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Sunday9:00am - 7:30pm
  • 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

    • Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.

    • 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.

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