Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Cistern of Theodosius + Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide

Name: Combo (Save 5%): Cistern of Theodosius + Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide
Start: 2025-11-18T09:00:00
End: 2025-11-18T19:00:00
Location: Istanbul

Illuminated columns inside Theodosius Cistern, Istanbul.

Visitors exploring Theodosius Cistern with illuminated columns in Istanbul.

Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view, Istanbul, Turkey.

Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.

Open today

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.3/5

(4,102)

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

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.

Nadia

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Hagia Sophia is amazing and well worth a visit, even though the tickets are a bit pricey. We went in the afternoon, a couple of hours before closing time, so we were definitely glad to be able to skip the line and devote more time to the visit. One small thing to improve: after the purchase, I've received multiple Headout mails with attachments, so I got a bit mixed about which one to show at the entrance, luckily I was able to use the wifi there (I had no internet on my phone - very common problem among EU tourists) and I was helped by Hagia Sophia staff to retrieve the correct e-mail with the actual tickets. One e-mail with all attachments would be preferable!

Get the best of Istanbul in a day with skip-the-line entry to the Theodosius Cistern and access to Hagia Sophia, both with included audio guides.

Descend underground to explore the Theodosius Cistern’s atmospheric space, lined with marble columns that are over 1600 years old.

Experience an immersive light and video mapping show that brings the cistern’s ancient history and purpose to life.

Step inside Hagia Sophia to marvel at its soaring dome, intricate mosaics, and trace centuries of Christian and Ottoman artistry.

Discover the rich history of both the Theodosius Cistern and Hagia Sophia at your own pace with the included audio guide app.

Save time and money with this value-packed combo, granting entry to two of Istanbul's most legendary historical sites.

Cistern of Theodosius

Skip-the-line entrance ticket to Theodosius Cistern

Audio guide app

Hourly light and video-mapping show

Hagia Sophia

Entry to Hagia Sophia

Audio guide app

Cistern of Theodosius

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Guided tour

Food and drinks

Hagia Sophia

Skip the line entry

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Guided tour

Food and drinks

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

4.3
4,102 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.
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What our guests say
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
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.
Kelly
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
November 1st. Beautiful weather about 65. Many people but easy to get around and lines are 15-20 minutes before 11a. Just amazing. I don't think skip the line did anything. Maybe in high season. Can get through it in 2h max.
Antonio
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
ACCESS to Hagia Sophia was super EASY. you go directly to the entrance, go through the checkpoint and THERE IT IS.... As for the AUDIOGUIDE, it worked perfectly, besides being VERY AMENSE and INTERESTING .... 100% RECOMMENDABLE
Adriana
Nov 2025
Verified booking
3/5
With the site being under construction the fee should be reduced. Also it wasn't clear that there would not be access to the lower level. With the limited access the fee should be reduced

Save time and discover two of Istanbul’s most iconic sites—Hagia Sophia and the Theodosius Cistern—with skip-the-line entry and audio guides.

Getting started

Start at either site by showing your mobile ticket for entry. Enjoy fast-track access at the Theodosius Cistern and explore both locations at your own pace.

What to expect

Theodosius Cistern

Descend underground to explore this late Roman cistern, a key piece of Byzantine engineering once vital to Istanbul’s water supply.

Features:

Marble columns and vaulted ceilings: Admire the cistern’s robust 1600-year-old architecture, built to endure centuries below the city.

Light and video-mapping show: Experience the hourly light and video mapping show that brings the cistern and its purpose to life.

Contemporary art installations: Catch some rotating modern art exhibits that add a creative dimension to the ancient structure.

Hagia Sophia

Step into Hagia Sophia, a landmark where Byzantine mosaics meet Islamic art, and centuries of history are etched into every surface.

Features:

Architecture: Discover Hagia Sophia highlights including the mihrab, Christian mosaics, and the legendary weeping column.

Imperial Gate: Admire the grand entrance used by emperors, topped by a mosaic of Christ flanked by Constantine VI and the Virgin Mary.

Omphalion: Stand on the marble circle where Byzantine emperors were once crowned, still visible on the floor of the main hall.

Hagia Sophia

Monday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Tuesday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Wednesday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Thursday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Friday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Saturday	09:00am - 07:30pm
Sunday	09:00am - 07:30pm

Cistern of Theodosius

Monday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Tuesday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Wednesday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Thursday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Friday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Saturday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm
Sunday	09:00am - 07:00pm	last entry 06:00pm

Cistern of Theodosius:

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.

Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cistern is underground and may be cooler than the outdoor temperature.

What’s not allowed

Flash photography is not permitted inside the cistern.

Accessibility

The experience may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users due to slippery surfaces and required walking.

Additional information

Photography is allowed, but please refrain from using flash.

Opening hours are daily from 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 6pm.

Skip-the-line entry does not exempt you from routine security checks, which still apply at the entrance.

Hagia Sophia:

What to bring

Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

Women are required to cover their heads inside, so bring along a scarf.

What's not allowed

Large bags, luggage, tripods, and flash photography are not allowed

Accessibility

The site is not wheelchair accessible as you may have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

Additional information

Some areas may be closed due to ongoing renovations.

Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after prayer hours.

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

Cistern of Theodosius Tickets

Show your ticket at Cistern of Theodosius.

Address: Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:2/1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Get directions to the redemption point

Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide

Please scan your ticket at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Adress: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Landmark: Hagia Sophia Visiting Area.

Get directions to the redemption point