How much time do I need to see Hagia Sophia?

Duration of Visit: You can finish touring the Hagia Sophia within 35 to 45 minutes, however, if you want to delve deeper into the cultural elements and historical symbols inside the Hagia Sophia, you can opt for a 1-hour Hagia Sophia guided tour. You can stay inside the monument for as long as you want.

How much time to spend in Hagia Sophia?

Most visitors spend at least an hour at the Hagia Sophia, which is enough time to admire the dome and intricate mosaics and explore the upper galleries.

How long is the line for Hagia Sophia?

Since January 2024, Hagia Sophia has introduced a €25 official ticket for the Upper Gallery, sold at the visitor entrance (worshippers uses a separate gate). At peak times, expect 30-90 mins total wait with ticket and security queues—easily an hour lost on hot/rainy days or when prayer schedules pause sightseeing.

What time should I visit Hagia Sophia?

What is the best time of day to visit Hagia Sophia? The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is early in the morning, before the crowds start to arrive. It can get quite busy during peak hours, so going early will give you more time to explore and take in the beauty of the site.

Is Hagia Sophia free entry?

ICOMOS and IPC, press cards are not valid for entrance to the visiting area of Hagia Sophia. Ticket price is 25€ (Euro), Euro to Turkish Lira exchange rate is applied according to management policies and can be seen at ticket booth / visiting area.

Hagia Sophia Guide | Ticket Prices, Opening time, Dress code and more! What to see inside the Mosque

Is Galata Tower worth it?

We went for the views of the city and it was worth it. We enjoyed the 360 views of the city for the hour, though the Euro 30 PP is quite pricey and the queue is quite long. It took us 20 minutes of queuing to go up the tower.

Is Topkapi Palace free?

The entrance fee of Topkapi Palace Museum is 2000 TL (Turkish Lira) per person including the Harem visit.

Can I wear jeans to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

Which is better to visit, Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

Which day is Hagia Sophia closed?

Hagia Sophia is open every day and, unlike many other monuments, has no weekly closures. The only time when tourist access is temporarily suspended is on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to allow the weekly prayer to take place. The same is also done on the mornings of the first day of major Islamic holidays.

Can you bring a backpack into Hagia Sophia?

Big luggage bags are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.

How much time does it take to visit Blue Mosque?

How much time does it take to visit the Blue Mosque? Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the Blue Mosque's interior and exterior. If you're interested in taking a guided tour, allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Should you buy Hagia Sophia tickets online?

Buy your tickets for Hagia Sophia online right away and skip the ticket lines at the entrance. Enjoy your visit to the Hagia Sophia and explore more of Istanbul's most iconic monuments. This orthodox church-turned-mosque is a definite must-visit attraction in Istanbul.

How long do I need at Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is quite a large monument with many elements to cover. We suggest that you spend at least 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace to make the most of your visit.

How much time does it take to visit Basilica Cistern?

Visitors typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, depending on individual interest and crowd levels.

Is Hagia Museum worth it?

The Hagia Sophia History Museum is an important addition near the mosque, for it enables visitors to get a closer look at the mosaics, artworks, and artifacts, and understand the cultural relevance of the mosque.

How long is the queue for the Blue Mosque?

Most visits last 30–45 minutes, but security queues can add 30–60 minutes during peak hours. A guided tour ensures a smoother visit. See available guided tours.

Is Hagia Sophia worth the fee?

The Hagia Sophia is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Istanbul, and it is well worth your time. The architecture is incredible, the history is rich, and the mosaics and paintings are breathtaking. For more on the history of the Hagia Sophia, read here.

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi?

Both Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are highly recommended by professionals. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly higher than Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace comes in at #1 in Istanbul with praise from 9 publications such as Travel + Leisure, Michelin Guide and Time Out.

Can Muslims go to Hagia Sophia for free?

Free prayer area entrance is available to Muslim tourists at Hagia Sophia only during prayer times. The gate faces Sultanahmet Square (old gate).

Can a woman wear jeans in Istanbul?

Having said that, most people wear international smart-casual clothing. Jeans are very popular combined with a sweater and jacket in the cooler months. Although there are no rules for dress, it's better to dress quite modestly to avoid unwanted attention and beachwear certainly isn't recommended.

How much is the Hagia Sophia ticket?

The ticket price at the ticket windows of Hagia Sophia is 25 Euro. If you prefer to go the ticket booth the estimated waiting time is between 20 to 60 minutes. After that, the security will be the next step to go through that may take 1 to 25 minutes. Children under the age of 8 will need no ticket.

What attractions are free in Istanbul?

Is Istanbul E Pass worth it?

If you're the type of traveler that wants to cover as much of Istanbul's attractions as possible during your stay, who doesn't want to waste time in ticket sales lines, loves to have a guide explaining the ins and outs of some of the Istanbul's top attractions, than you should buy the Istanbul E-pass.

Is Dolmabahce Palace free?

🎫 Dolmabahçe Palace Entrance Fee (Updated 2025)

Foreign Visitors: 1,500 TL. Turkish Citizens: 200 TL. Foreign Students (with ISIC card): 150 TL.