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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

09:00am - 07:30pm

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Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.3/5

(5,150)

Michael James Reeves

Michael

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Visiting Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line tickets was an incredible experience. The entry process was seamless and saved us so much time compared to the long lines outside. Stepping inside was absolutely breathtaking—seeing the massive dome, the blend of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy, and the scale of the architecture made it feel like walking through multiple layers of history at once. The atmosphere was powerful, especially with the natural light streaming in, and it really gave me chills thinking about all the centuries of people who have stood in the same spot. The crowds were large, but moving smoothly, and having the tickets ready made the entire visit stress-free and enjoyable. Truly one of the highlights of our trip and a place I’ll never forget.
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
    5,150 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

    Riccardo d errico

    Riccardo

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Our guide was a very good girl and explained the history and interesting details of the three tour stops. The combo blue mosque,santa sofia and basilica cisterna with the line-jumpers allows you to optimize your time and in about 3 hours have a good smattering of the three attractions. The only thing that could be improved is the acoustics because at times listening to the guide in the earpiece in crowded places and with a group of about 20 people becomes a bit scattershot and unclear so sometimes you miss pieces of explanation.
    Раиса Рамазанова

    раиса

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    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.
    Klaudia Zielonka

    Klaudia

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The trip was quite nice. We didn't have to stay in a line, so we got quickly to the inside of Hahia Sophia. We spent about 30 minutes inside. Audioguides are available only after scanning QR code - it's better to be prepared with ful battery of your phone. The mosque is really beautiful and worth visiting. I recommend this tour especially that lines to the tickets kiosk can be really long.
    Elizabeth Myers

    Elizabeth

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Headout is great to use for buying tickets to ensure you skip the line, which made our experience less time consuming or rushed with waiting in line, even if there was not a big line. However, unfortunately, Hagia Sofia is not as impressive to visit as it once was, as since last year, it has been converted into a practicising mosque, so you can only go on the upper balcony.
    Lise Raven Lothe

    Lise

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Fantastic guiding by the one and only, Mrs Kiss. She was extremely knowledgeable and delivered all the information in a very understanding and interesting manner. I felt like I had plenty of time at the different sites and never felt rushed. Definitely book this guided tour and ask for Mrs Kiss!
  • 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.

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