Is entrance to Hagia Sofia free?

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.

Does it cost to go into Hagia Sophia?

What are the current ticket prices for Hagia Sophia? As of 2024, tickets for foreign tourists to visit Hagia Sophia cost approximately €25. Entry is free for Muslim visitors who wish to pray​.

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.

How much is the ticket for Hagia Sophia in Turkish Lira?

Essential Information About Hagia Sophia (2025 Updated)

The ticket to Hagia Sophia Museum costs 800 TL or 25€ for tourists, 250 TL for Turkish citizens. free for children under 8.

What is free to visit in Istanbul?

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

Is Topkapi Palace free?

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

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 enter Hagia Sofia 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).

What to wear 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.

Can I buy Hagia Sophia tickets at the gate?

Visiting area of the mosque is closed to visitors between 12:30-14:30 due to Friday Prayers. Admission tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth and online (Skip-the-Line) through official seller DEM MUSEUMS with below link. There are no Museum Passes available for visiting the Hagia Sophia.

What is the best day of the week to visit the Hagia Sophia?

Weekdays generally have fewer crowds at Hagia Sophia compared to weekends, offering a quieter experience for exploration. However, weekends may provide a livelier atmosphere with more activities and events happening around the area.

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.

Can I bring a backpack into the Hagia Sophia?

Yes, you can click pictures inside Hagia Sophia but avoid taking pictures of people who are praying. Will my luggage be allowed inside the Hagia Sophia? Big luggage bags are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia. There is no cloakroom available for public use at the Hagia Sophia 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 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.

Is the blue mosque the same as 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.

How much are tickets to 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.

Can I wear sandals to Hagia Sophia?

Avoid wearing shorts. Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Wear socks or bring an extra pair to keep your feet covered. Avoid Transparent Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is see-through or overly revealing.

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.

How much is the ticket for Topkapi Palace?

Ticket Prices

As of 1st of June 2025, the basic ticket price at the ticket windows of the Topkapi Palace is set to be 2400 TL.

Is the Blue Mosque free to visit?

Is the Blue Mosque free to enter? Yes, entry is free as it remains an active place of worship. However, visitors must pass a mandatory security check, which can take up to 30 minutes in low season and up to 1 hour during peak season. Donations are welcome.

Is Hagia Sophia open 24 hours?

FAQs about Hagia Sophia Opening Hours

Hagia Sophia opens daily at 08:30 and closes at 19:00, with the last tourist entry at 18:30. It remains open 24/7 for worshippers but visiting hours for tourists are limited to daytime.

Do I need to buy tickets for Hagia Sophia?

Do you need tickets for Hagia Sophia? Yes, tickets are required to visit Hagia Sophia.

Why is Blue Mosque closed?

Yes, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is open to worshippers and visitors throughout the year. When is Blue Mosque closed? The Blue Mosque is closed only during prayer times and for around 2 hours during Friday noon prayers. You cannot enter the monument during these hours, as it is an active place of worship.

Is Istanbul expensive for tourists?

For most tourists, Istanbul is moderately priced. Daily budgets can range from ₺500 for budget travelers to ₺2000+ for luxury seekers. With proper planning, you can tailor your expenses to suit your needs.