Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Megapass Ticket with Audio Guide
About this tour
Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's defining monuments, first a Byzantine cathedral, later an imperial mosque, and today an active mosque you can still visit. Under its huge central dome you'll find Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy sharing the same walls. Visitor tickets cover the Upper Gallery, while the ground-floor prayer hall stays reserved for worshippers. Plan on an hour or two inside, and use this page to compare verified ticket options and current deals before you go.
Highlights
- See Byzantine and Ottoman architecture layered together across centuries of history
- Stand beneath the vast central dome, an engineering feat well ahead of its time
- Find ancient Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy sharing the same space
- Feel the atmosphere of a working mosque that still welcomes worshippers and visitors
Hagia Sophia: Opening Hours & Dress Code
Hagia Sophia is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00, with last entry at 18:30. Because it's a working mosque, visiting is scheduled around the five daily prayers, and the building closes to tourists during each one, usually for about 75 to 90 minutes. The longest closure is Friday from 12:30 to 14:30 for the main weekly prayer. Outside those windows, you're free to walk through the monument.
A modest dress code applies to everyone. Women should wear a knee-length or longer skirt or full-length trousers, keep shoulders and arms covered, and put on a headscarf inside. Men need full-length trousers or knee-length shorts, and sleeveless tops aren't allowed. Rules are more relaxed for children under eight.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Important Information
- Active mosque: respectful dress required (see dress code)
- Tickets cover the Upper Gallery viewing area; the ground-floor prayer hall is for worshippers only and not part of tourist visits
- Closed to tourists during the five daily prayers and Friday midday prayer; visit outside these times
- Security checks at entry; waits up to 60 minutes in peak season (June to August)
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to see the architecture and history properly
- A guided tour or audio guide helps make sense of the history, symbolism, and artwork
- Some interior areas may be behind scaffolding due to ongoing restoration
- Combo tickets save time and money at nearby sites like the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered (see dress code)
- Remove shoes before the prayer area; use the racks or carry them in a small bag
- Keep quiet and respectful inside the mosque
- Photography is generally fine, but no flash
- Follow directions from mosque staff and guides