What 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.

How long is the wait at the 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 go to the Blue Mosque?

What are the Blue Mosque's opening hours? The mosque is open to visitors throughout the day. We recommend visiting between 9 am to 6 pm, except during Blue Mosque prayer times, when the mosque is closed to non-worshippers.

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.

Can you enter Hagia Sophia at night?

Hagia Sophia is open to visitors every day, opening hours from 09:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in 2025. Visiting area of the mosque is closed to visitors between 12:30-14:30 due to Friday Prayers.

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

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.

How much time is needed at Hagia Sophia?

How much time does it take to visit the Hagia Sophia? You can finish touring the Hagia Sophia in about 30 to 45 minutes, however, if you book a guided tour, it will take you around an hour. You can stay inside the monument for as long as you want.

Which is better, 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.

Is Hagia Sophia entry 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.

Can you take pictures inside Hagia Sophia?

Yes, you can click pictures inside the Hagia Sophia. But, please be mindful and do not take pictures of people praying.

Is Blue Mosque still free?

The Blue Mosque does not require an entrance fee, therefore, there isn't a separate entrance for ticket holders.

Can I wear shorts in Blue Mosque?

Both men and women must avoid wearing shorts. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. Is there a restroom at the Blue Mosque? Yes, there are restrooms available for visitors at the Blue Mosque.

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.

Do I need to buy Hagia Sophia tickets in advance?

Do you need tickets for Hagia Sophia? Yes, tickets are required to visit Hagia Sophia. Visitors need to purchase tickets at the entrance or online in advance.

Is the Istanbul E Pass any good?

Pub crawl. The Istanbul E-pass was an absolute lifesaver on my trip! It gave me access to all the major attractions, including Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. The skip-the-line feature was incredibly helpful at crowded sites, especially during peak hours.

How much are Hagia Sophia tickets?

Visiting Hagia Sophia is Apart from prayers, touristic trips to the historical mosque are realised with an entrance fee of 25 euros.

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.

What to see in Istanbul for free?

What to wear to Hagia Sophia?

Clothing Coverage: Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders, arms, and knees. Sleeveless tops, short skirts, and shorts are not appropriate. Head Covering: While not always mandatory for women, it's recommended to carry a scarf to cover your head as a sign of respect when entering the mosque.

How much time do you need to visit Blue Mosque?

How long should I spend at the Blue Mosque? We recommend you spend at least 2 hours inside the Blue Mosque to explore its interiors and the Ottoman design fully. Look out for its blue Iznik tiles, from where the mosque derived its name, lining the vast interiors, featuring floral patterns and calligraphy.

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.

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

Best time to visit the Hagia Sophia

If you prefer a more peaceful visit, weekdays might be better, but if you enjoy a bustling atmosphere, weekends would be ideal.

What is closed in Istanbul on Monday?

When planning your itinerary, keep in mind the closures for these top sites: Closed Monday: Archaeological Museums, Ayasofya, Dolmabahçe Palace, Great Palace Mosaics Museum. Closed Tuesday: Topkapı Palace and Harem. Closed Wednesday: Chora Museum, Rumeli Fortress.

How much time for 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.