Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

• Do away with long lines and experience Hagia Sophia's rich cultural heritage on a one-hour guided tour led by an English-speaking guide.
• Explore the Ottoman-era minbar, bronze entrance doors, and marble ramp to the upper galleries while your guide shares lesser-known stories.
• Admire the stunning mosaics, towering dome, intricate calligraphy, and interiors that reflect centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
• Upgrade your visit with guided tours of the Blue Mosque for a well-rounded experience of Istanbul's culture and history.

What to bring

• Dress modestly and bring scarves or cover-ups to use before entering the mosque.

What's not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted.

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside.

• Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.

Accessibility

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible with ramps and special access to the ground floor only. The upper floor is not accessible.

Additional information

• Due to ongoing renovations, certain sections of the interiors may be obstructed by scaffolding.

• Women must cover their hair, shoulders, and knees, while men must cover their shoulders and knees. Scarves and cover-ups are available at the entrance.

• You can bypass the ticket lines, but security checks are mandatory. Security lines may take up to 30 minutes and up to 60 minutes during peak season (June to August).

• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.

• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30 pm for the Friday prayer.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Variant-specific cancellation policies may apply.