Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
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Breeze past long lines with skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia and explore with a free, expert-led guided tour.
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Marvel at Hagia Sophia’s defining feature — its soaring dome — and gain deeper insight into the site’s Christian and Ottoman past through stories shared by your guide.
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After the tour, take your time wandering through the interiors of this landmark that once served as both a church and a mosque.
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Enjoy the luxury of a free guided tour, with your tip at the end as the only cost for your guided experience.
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Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
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1-hour free guided tour with English-speaking guide
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Transfers
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Skip the security line
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Skip the ticketing lines and discover Hagia Sophia’s layered history with a free expert-led guided tour.
This guided tour runs on a 'pay-what-you-wish' basis. There’s no fixed fee, just tip your guide at the end based on how much you enjoyed it.
Getting started
Meet your guide near Hagia Sophia’s main entrance for ticket validation. Then breeze through security and enter with your group to begin the guided tour.
What to expect
Hagia Sophia
Built in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia is a monumental symbol of both Christian and Islamic heritage, famed for its history as both a basilica and a mosque.
Features:
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Dome and Upper Gallery: Marvel at the 56-meter-high dome and explore the upper gallery, once reserved for just clergy.
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Deësis Mosaic: See the celebrated Deësis mosaic of Christ, a masterpiece of Byzantine art, and learn about its restoration and significance.
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Omphalion: Visit the ceremonial spot where Byzantine emperors were crowned, marked by an ornate circular marble design on the floor.
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Mihrab: Discover the intricately carved mihrab, which points toward Mecca, added after Hagia Sophia’s transformation into a mosque.
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What to Bring
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Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
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Wear appropriate and respectful clothing. Both men and women should avoid outfits that expose the shoulders or chest. Women are also required to cover their hair with a scarf, so be sure to bring one along.
What’s Not Allowed
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Entry to the prayer area on the first floor is restricted to Turkish citizens only.
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You cannot skip the security check. All visitors must pass through screening.
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Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attraction.
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Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Accessibility
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Additional Information
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You only pay for the entry ticket. The guided tour is entirely free of cost.
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You can skip the ticket lines, but not the security check. Security screening may take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
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Hagia Sophia is undergoing renovation. Some areas may not be open to the public.
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The mosque is closed to tourists from noon to 2pm on Fridays for prayer. For a smoother experience, it is best to visit after 4pm to avoid long security lines between 2pm and 4pm.
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This ticket grants access to the visiting area and upper gallery, but not to the prayer area on the ground floor.
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Clothing and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.
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Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
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Landmark: Please find your guide holding the 'Megapass' flag and show them your Headout voucher at Dsign Cafe.
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