Hagia Sophia Tickets

Skip the ticket lines. Book with confidence.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Step Into 1,400 Years of History

Journey through Istanbul’s cultural heritage

Discover the timeless grandeur of Hagia Sophia

Built in 537 under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia has shaped Istanbul’s identity for nearly fifteen centuries. First a Byzantine basilica, later an Ottoman mosque, then a museum, and now an active mosque once again, it remains one of the world’s most influential monuments.

Admire Its Iconic Dome & Byzantine Art Inside, light filters through soaring arches, illuminating ancient mosaics, marble pillars, calligraphy medallions, and breathtaking architecture that defined an era.

Explore at Your Own Pace with an Audio Guide Your ticket includes an audio guide app that reveals the history, symbolism, and secrets of its upper gallery—the only area open to foreign visitors.

Upgrade Your Experience with the Basilica Cistern Combo Just steps away, the 6th-century Basilica Cistern offers a mystical underground world of 336 columns and the famous Medusa heads. With combo access, you skip both ticket lines and explore two of Istanbul’s most essential landmarks in one seamless visit.

Book Hagia Sophia Tickets Online Enjoy verified access, instant mobile confirmation, and a smooth entry experience. Witness the living history of Istanbul.

BOOK MY TICKETS NOW

What’s Included

Hagia Sophia Ticket

✅ Skip-the-ticket-line access
✅ Audio guide app access
✅ Entry to the upper gallery
✅ Free time to explore at your own pace

Combo Ticket (Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern)

✅ Entry ticket for Hagia Sophia
✅ Entry ticket for Basilica Cistern
✅ Skip-the-ticket-line access for both
✅ Audio guide app for Hagia Sophia

What’s Not Included

❌ No guided tour
❌ No hotel transfers
❌ No meals
❌ No earphones (bring your own)
❌ No entry to the prayer area on the ground floor (Hagia Sophia)

Opening Hours

Hagia Sophia

Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Last admission: 7:00 PM

Closed to visitors Fridays from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM for prayer

Basilica Cistern

Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Important Information

Foreign visitors may only access the upper gallery
Dress code applies:
- Women must cover hair & shoulders
- Men & women must cover knees
Security lines cannot be skipped
Bring your own earphones for the audio guide
Children under 8 (Hagia Sophia) and under 6 (Cistern) enter free with ID

Discover What Awaits You

A Masterpiece of Faith, Empire, and Timeless Architecture

Discover Hagia Sophia’s monumental dome, golden mosaics, and timeless blend of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry. A breathtaking space where centuries of history echo through every arch and marble column.

Medusa head pillar in the Basilica Cistern

BOOK MY TICKETS NOW

Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds

Bring your own earphones for the audio guide

Respect the dress code—scarves are available for purchase nearby

Keep your phone charged for audio guide use

For combos, visit Hagia Sophia first, then walk to the Basilica Cistern

Leave extra time for security lines, especially in high season

How To Get To Hagia Sophia Location

(Most recommended option for the historic center)

Line: T1 (Kabataş – Bağcılar)
- Destination stop: Sultanahmet
- Walking distance: The Sultanahmet stop leaves you just a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and other key tourist sites.
Other nearby stops:
- You can also get off at Gülhane (about a 7-minute walk) or Sirkeci (about a 15-minute walk).
- If you’re coming from Taksim Square: Take the F1 funicular from Taksim to Kabataş. At Kabataş, transfer to tram line T1 toward Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet.
If you are near a station on the M2 line, you can take it to Vezneciler station. From there, you can either walk (about 30 minutes) or transfer to the T1 tram line at the nearby Laleli stop.
Marmaray (Underground Train)

If you’re coming from the Asian side or using this train line, the closest stop is Sirkeci, which is about a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
The driver will take you to Sultanahmet Square or to an adjacent street as close as possible to the entrance. The square itself and the areas surrounding the main monuments are often pedestrian-only or have restricted traffic.
- Traffic: Istanbul is known for its heavy traffic, especially in the city center. Depending on your location and the time of day, traveling by car can be significantly slower than using public transportation.
- Parking: Visitor parking is practically nonexistent in the Sultanahmet area. Taking a private car is strongly discouraged if you expect to find parking easily.
Recommendation

If you choose this option, the best approach is to take a taxi or use a ride service (such as Uber/BiTaksi) and simply request to be dropped off as close as possible to “Hagia Sophia Mosque” or “Sultanahmet Square.”
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are located directly opposite each other, separated only by the large Sultanahmet Square (or the Hippodrome), which is a completely pedestrian area.

If you arrive in Sultanahmet using public transportation, here are the walking distances from the main arrival points:
- Sultanahmet Tram Stop (T1 Line): 3–5 minutes
- Basilica Cistern: 5 minutes
- Topkapi Palace: 5–7 minutes (through the outer gardens)
- Grand Bazaar: 15–20 minutes (pleasant walk, though with some uphill/downhill sections)
- Sirkeci Train Station (Marmaray): 15 minutes

Hagia Sophia Istanbul: Plan Your Visit Today

Hagia Sophia remains one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul and a must-see attraction for any traveler. Book Hagia Sophia tickets online for skip-the-ticket-line access and enjoy an audio-guided visit through one of the world’s most significant historical structures. Located in Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia Istanbul offers an extraordinary look at Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman calligraphy, and architectural innovations that defined centuries of religion and empire.

Choose verified Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets for smooth access and mobile-friendly entry. You can also upgrade to the combo ticket and visit the Basilica Cistern—the ancient underground reservoir famous for its Medusa heads, atmospheric lighting, and forest of marble columns. Both attractions are among the top things to do in Istanbul and some of the most photographed cultural sites in Turkey.

Plan your visit by checking Hagia Sophia opening hours, prayer times, and dress code requirements. Whether you're exploring Istanbul for a short city break or a full cultural trip, these landmarks offer unparalleled insight into the city's Byzantine and Ottoman past. Book your Hagia Sophia tickets or Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern combo tickets with a verified partner for secure entry and instant confirmation.

Access and behavior rules

- Skip-the-ticket-line access applies to ticketing, not security
- Visitors enter via the tourist entrance designated for the upper gallery
- Tickets valid for day use (Cistern: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM only)
- Women: hair & shoulders covered
- Men & women: knees covered
- Failure to comply may result in denied entry
Staff may check bags and backpacks, as well as request documentation to verify age on reduced tickets. Avoid carrying bulky luggage.
- Silence is expected inside prayer spaces
- No flash photography
- Large bags & luggage not permitted in the Basilica Cistern
- Respect roped-off areas and walking paths

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, except during Friday prayer from 12:00 PM–2:30 PM.
They skip the ticket line—not security.
No. Foreign visitors may only access the upper gallery.
Yes:
- Hagia Sophia: under 8
- Basilica Cistern: under 6
Yes. Hair, shoulders, and knees must be covered.
No, this is a self-guided experience with an audio guide app.
Hagia Sophia tickets are valid 60 days after issuance. Combo tickets are valid for 3 days.