Is it worth paying to go inside Hagia Sophia?

Yes if you have time. Since non-Muslims are now unable to enter the ground floor of Hagia Sophia, I opted to get the combined balcony/museum pass for €25. The balcony visit is very much worth seeing as this is the only way to visit the interior of the great structure.

Do I need to pay to enter Hagia Sophia?

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.

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.

Is the Blue Mosque worth it?

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Built in the early 17^th century, this mindblowing structure is one of the most majestic Ottoman-era mosques anywhere in the country. A visitor can't help but be awed by its six stunning minarets, one of only six mosques anywhere in Turkey having this many.

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.

The BEST way to get Hagia Sophia tickets in advance... And is it worth it?

Can I bring a backpack into Hagia Sophia?

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 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.

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 does the Hagia Sophia cost?

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 long is the queue for 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.

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 to see in Istanbul for free?

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 Topkapi Palace free?

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

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.

How early should I get to Hagia Sophia?

It's a good idea to visit the Hagia Sophia early in the morning when it's less crowded, particularly between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays before most guided tours start. Avoid Friday afternoons when the mosque is closed for tourists and only open for prayer.

Do I need to buy tickets for Hagia Sophia?

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

How long is the wait at the Hagia Sophia?

Visiting Info for Hagia Sophia

The entrance will be open between 09:30 and 17:30. 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.

Are Ayasofya and Blue Mosque the same?

Conveniently, they face each other, easy walking distance apart. The Hagia Sophia has been around for 1600 years and is steeped in history while the Blue Mosque was built to confront and surpass the older one and was built some 1200 years later.

Is Blue Mosque worth going inside?

Is it worth going inside the Blue Mosque Istanbul? Absolutely, the Blue Mosque's interior is one of the most breathtaking examples of Ottoman architecture. With its iconic domes, Iznik tilework, and spiritual ambiance, stepping inside offers a unique blend of history, art, and faith.

Is there a fee to enter Blue Mosque?

As the Blue Mosque operates as a mosque, there is no admission fee to enter.

How much are tickets for 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.

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.

How long does it take to walk around 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.