Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Highlights
- Skip the queues and delve into the rich history of Hagia Sophia on a one-hour guided tour led by a licensed English-speaking guide.
- Admire the Ottoman-era minbar, intricate bronze entrance doors, and majestic marble ramp under the insightful narration of our expert guide.
- Optimize your visit with enhancements such as multilingual audio guides, headsets, priority access, guided tours of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace, an Istanbul Old Town map, and a captivating Hippodrome and Old Town walking tour.
Inclusions
- Guided tours of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
- Skip-the-line entry to attractions
- Expert English-speaking and audio guides
- Headsets for better audio experience
- Walking tour of Hippodrome & Old Town
- Maps for Istanbul Old Town exploration
- Guided tours of Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace
- Audio app in multiple languages
Cancellation Policy
Your personalized Hagia Sophia experience
Unveil the legacy of emperors and sultans
Embark on an exclusive journey through Hagia Sophia, accompanied by a knowledgeable licensed English-speaking guide. By skipping the ticket lines, you'll delve into the architectural marvel of the massive dome that has withstood the test of time. Explore the marble omphalos where emperors ascended to power, and discover the hidden prayer niches that narrate its dual history as a church and a mosque. Delve deeper into the past as you uncover the remnants of the ancient library and the worn stone floor grooves that resonate with centuries of worship.
Enrich your Hagia Sophia exploration
Take your adventure to the next level with optional upgrades that offer guided tours of the iconic Blue Mosque, where the mihrab and minbar adorn the prayer hall, and the mystical Basilica Cistern, featuring Medusa's captivating head among ancient columns in an underground oasis. Opt for skip-the-line access and a guided tour of Topkapi Palace to marvel at the imperial treasury and the secluded quarters of the Harem. Enhance your journey with a multilingual audio guide, top-notch headsets for a clear narrative, a comprehensive Istanbul Old Town map, and a brief walking tour of the Hippodrome and Old Town to round off your experience.
Insider Tips
Essential Packing List
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Ensure comfort by wearing sturdy walking shoes and bringing along a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses for an enjoyable exploration.
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Prioritize seamless touring by downloading the audio guide app in advance to steer clear of connectivity issues.
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Don't overlook your earphones for an immersive audio experience.
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Carry cash for convenient payments towards meals, souvenirs, and any additional purchases.
Prohibited Items and Attire
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Kindly note that the prayer area on the first floor is exclusively for Turkish citizens.
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For women, it's advisable to avoid knee-length shorts, skirts, and attire revealing shoulders or cleavage. Remember to cover your hair with a scarf.
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Men should refrain from wearing knee-length shorts and outfits that expose their shoulders.
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While photography is allowed, flash photography and tripods are restricted within the premises.
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Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted inside the establishment.
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Food and beverages are prohibited inside the mosque.
Accessibility Information
- This location is unfortunately not wheelchair or pram/stroller accessible.
Additional Insights
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Opt for skip-the-line tickets or early arrival, especially between June and August, to avoid extended waiting times due to the mandatory security check which can take up to an hour during peak season.
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While the ground floor is designated for prayers, the second floor welcomes visitors for exploration.
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Please note that Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing renovations, resulting in restricted access to certain areas.
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During Friday prayers, the mosque remains closed from 12pm to 2:30pm.
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Clothing items and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance if needed.
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Aside from midday and afternoon Bosphorus cruises, you have the option of a special evening cruise at 6pm, running from April to October.
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To beat the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in the bustling summer months from May to July.
My Tickets
- Your voucher will be sent to your email shortly.
- Show the voucher on your mobile phone along with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your tour's scheduled time to prevent delays.
Meeting Point
Refer to your final voucher for precise meeting point information and detailed instructions.
