Is there a metro stop at Hagia Sophia?
If you take the metro from the airport, you can reach Hagia Sophia within 50 minutes. The nearest metro station to Hagia Sophia is Sultanahmet, which is a 7-minute walk from the mosque. You'll have to take metro M2 to reach Hagia Sophia.How do you get to the Hagia Sophia?
The best way to reach Hagia Sophia is via tram or metro. If traveling by tram, take tram line T1 to Sultanahmet square and for the metro take the M2 line to Sultanahmet station. How many entrances are there at the Hagia Sophia? There are nine entrances at the Hagia Sophia.How to avoid queues at Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia- Prepare for security checks, which can take time during summer months.
- Visit the Upper Gallery; the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
- Plan your visit around prayer times to avoid restricted areas.
- The mosque closes to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.
How to get in Hagia Sophia for free?
If you are a Turkish citizen and are entering to pray, you can enter the worship area free of charge. This is the lower part of the mosque, accessible from the entrance located in Sultanahmet Square. Please note: Free admission is exclusively for faithful Turkish Muslims. Foreign Muslims do not have free access either.Which day is Hagia Sophia closed?
Hagia Sophia does not have any closed days. However, it does remain close to tourists or non-worshippers during the noon prayers on Fridays. A visit to the Hagia Sophia can typically take around 30 to 45 minutes.The BEST way to get Hagia Sophia tickets in advance... And is it worth it?
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.How much is the entrance fee to Hagia Sophia?
The Ministry of Culture has updated the tourist regulations for Hagia Sophia, including a mandatory €25 entrance fee, new opening hours, and a dedicated tourist entrance. Here are the latest official details for 2025.Is there a metro station in Hagia Sophia?
By Metro. If you take the metro from the airport, you can reach Hagia Sophia within 50 minutes. The nearest metro station to Hagia Sophia is Sultanahmet, which is a 7-minute walk from the mosque. You'll have to take metro M2 to reach Hagia Sophia.Do you still pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?
This means that British tourists won't need to buy travel permits for the country from Monday 2nd March 2020 onwards. Before the change, British tourists needed a travel permit which cost £27 to travel to the country. In addition to a £10 entry fee.Can you just walk into the Blue Mosque?
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. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Here are the prayer times so you can plan your visit.Is 200 lira a good tip in Turkey for tourists?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.How long is the wait at the Hagia Sophia line?
Visiting Info for Hagia SophiaThe 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.
What to be careful of in Istanbul?
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.What not to do in Turkey as a tourist?
Don't make any derogatory comments about the Turkish Flag, or Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Republic's Founding Father or in fact anything else about Turkey. It is obviously impolite and disrespectful! Don't stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets. Don't point at someone with your finger.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.
What is the best time of day to visit the Hagia Sophia?
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting. Avoid Friday noon prayers, as access to the visitor area is restricted during this time. If you're planning to visit other nearby sites, consider seeing Hagia Sophia first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.Do UK passport holders need visa for Turkey?
You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism. If you hold another type of British passport, you will need a visa and should check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.Is it better to get lira in the UK or Turkey?
Is it better to exchange money in the UK or Türkiye? The best place to buy Turkish lira will depend on you. If you want to start spending as soon as you land, you may want to exchange your money in the UK.Is it better to take cash or card to Turkey?
Should I use cash or card in Turkey/Türkiye? It's usually best to have both cash and a card when travelling in Turkey.How to buy an Istanbul Metro ticket?
There are various ways to get metro ticket. Electronic card point of sales, Biletmatik or Jetonmatik token machines allow you to buy metro tickets.What is the largest mall in Turkey?
Delights of Forum IstanbulShopping Galore: Forum Istanbul is the largest shopping centre covering an area of 495,000 square metres in Bayrampaşa, Istanbul. The mall offers rentable space of 176,245 square metres and features 286 domestic and international brands.