How much time do you need to visit 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 long do you need at Hagia Sophia?

You can complete touring the Hagia Sophia within 30 to 45 minutes. If you opt for a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia mosque, then it'll take you around an hour.

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.

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.

What 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.

Hagia Sophia Entry Fee and Changes Explained for 2024 | Everything You Need to Know!

Can I just walk into Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is open to visitors throughout the week, but it remains closed during prayer times. Check the current prayer schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly if you don't want to wait for the prayers to end. Hagia Sophia is open to visitors every day, opening hours from 09:00 am to 7:30 pm in 2025.

What is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?

What is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia? It is best to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque during the early hours of the morning to experience lesser crowds; avoid Friday afternoons, as it remains closed to non-worshippers during prayers. Try to visit during the winter months to experience pleasant weather.

Do you need to buy Hagia Sophia tickets in advance?

It's recommended that you buy your entrance tickets for the Hagia Sophia in advance to avoid waiting in line. This is particularly true for busier periods, such as weekends and during the summer.

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 you bring a backpack into Hagia Sophia?

Big luggage bags are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.

There is no cloakroom available for public use at the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

How to skip line at Hagia Sophia?

How it works when we book for the Hagia Sophia ticket? After booking, you will receive your digital ticket electronically that will avoid waiting for the ticket lines. So, you can go to the security for the entrance.

How much time to spend in Topkapi Palace?

Frequently asked questions about how to visit Topkapi Palace

You'll need at least 3 hours to explore the whole complex, including the exhibits, courtyards, and architecture. If you're a history enthusiast, you might want to set aside 4–5 hours to explore the palace more thoroughly.

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

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.

How much time do you need in the 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.

Is Topkapi Palace open?

Opening Times: The palace is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is it free to enter Galata Tower?

Visitors must purchase a ticket to access the tower's interior and observation deck. The entrance fee is relatively modest, and the views from the top often justify the cost for many tourists. Check the Official Website for Tickets to the Galata Tower for updated prices.

Is it better to go to Galata Tower in the morning or at night?

It is best to visit the Galata Tower early in the morning, around 8:30am, when it just opens, or later in the evening, after 7pm for fewer crowds.

What to do in Taksim?

Is it free to enter Blue mosque?

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free. You do not have to buy tickets. If you're a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

How to 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).

Is the Istanbul 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.

What day is the Blue Mosque closed?

The Mosque is open to visitors each day of the week. It's closed to non-worshippers for 45 minutes before the call to prayer, 15 minutes afterward, and all morning on Friday until 2:30 pm, the Muslim holy day.

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.

How much does it cost to enter Hagia Sophia?

Admission Fee: The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Explore during the winter months: Plan your visit during the winter months to explore Hagia Sophia in comfort and avoid crowds and large groups of tourists.