Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Ticket with Audio Guide
About this tour
Two of Istanbul's greatest landmarks on one ticket: Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century Byzantine church that became a mosque and still functions as one today, and Topkapi Palace, the sprawling seat of the Ottoman sultans. Inside Hagia Sophia you'll stand beneath the enormous central dome and see Christian mosaics sharing the space with Islamic calligraphy. Admission to both sites is covered, along with a smartphone audio guide so you can explore at your own pace. Plan on a couple of hours to do it justice.
Highlights
- Marvel at the harmonious blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, shaped by centuries of history.
- Admire the iconic central dome, celebrated as a groundbreaking achievement of ancient engineering.
- Discover historic mosaics and refined Islamic calligraphy coexisting within the same monumental space.
- Experience the distinctive spiritual atmosphere of an active mosque that continues to welcome worshippers and visitors alike.
Included / Excluded
- Topkapi Palace admission ticket
- Hagia Sophia admission ticket
- Smartphone audio guide
Hagia Sophia: Hours, Prayer Times & Dress Code
Hagia Sophia is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00, with the last entry at 18:30. Because it's an active mosque, visiting is scheduled around the five daily Islamic prayers. During each of those, Hagia Sophia closes to tourists entirely, usually for about 75 to 90 minutes. The longest closure is on Fridays from 12:30 to 14:30, when the mosque is given over to the main weekly prayer. Outside of prayer times, you're free to walk the visitor areas.
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 the mosque. Men need full-length trousers or knee-length shorts, and sleeveless shirts aren't allowed. Rules are more relaxed for children under eight.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Important Information
- Hagia Sophia is a working mosque; dress respectfully (see dress code)
- Visitor tickets cover the Upper Gallery only; the ground-floor prayer hall is for worshippers
- Closed to tourists during the five daily prayers and Friday midday prayer; visit outside these times
- Security check at entry; lines can reach 60 minutes in peak season (June to August)
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to take in the architecture and history
- The audio guide adds context on the building's history, symbolism, and artwork
- Some interior areas may be behind scaffolding during ongoing restoration work
- Combo tickets save time and money when paired with nearby sites like the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees (see dress code)
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer area; use the racks or carry them in a small plastic bag
- Keep quiet and respectful inside the mosque
- Photography is allowed, but no flash
- Follow directions from mosque staff and guides