Where can I buy tickets for Hagia Sophia?
You can buy Hagia Sophia tickets online from third-party sites like GetYourGuide or HagiaSophia-Tickets.com for skip-the-line access, or directly at the entrance in Istanbul from ticket booths for around €25 (approx. £21/ $27), though expect queues for both methods; online purchase is recommended to save time, especially for combo tickets with other sites like Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern.Do Hagia Sophia tickets sell out?
Book skip-the-line tickets to Hagia SophiaPrime slots and guided groups often sell out 2–3 days in advance.
Can you just walk into the Hagia Sophia?
Since 2024, access to the famous former basilica has changed: only Turkish Muslim worshippers can enter for free, and only to pray. Everyone else – including tourists – must buy a ticket and can visit the upper gallery only.Can I buy Topkapi tickets online?
You can buy tickets for Topkapi Palace online or on-site. As the queues in front of the ticket office on-site are very long, we strongly recommend you to buy an online ticket so that you do not queue unnecessarily and lose valuable time. >> Buy your Topkapi Palace tickets with great deals and discounts here!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.Hagia Sophia Guide | Ticket Prices, Opening time, Dress code and more! What to see inside the Mosque
What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.What is the entry fee for 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.Do I need to buy Hagia Sophia tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are required to visit Hagia Sophia. Visitors need to purchase tickets at the entrance or online in advance.Is it worth buying Istanbul e-pass?
Amazing Way to Explore IstanbulThe Istanbul E-pass made my entire trip seamless. I loved the convenience of accessing major attractions without waiting in long ticket lines. Everything was digital and perfectly organized. I used it for the Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, and even the Bosphorus Cruise.
Which is better Topkapi or Dolmabahce?
Choose Topkapi if: You're interested in Ottoman history, Islam, or imperial relics. Choose Dolmabahce if: You're drawn to lavish European interiors and want a more immersive guided experience.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.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.Who is buried in Hagia Sophia?
The sultans whose tombs are in the Hagia Sophia complex include Sultan Selim II, Sultan Murad III, Sultan Mehmed III, Sultan Mustafa I, and Sultan Ibrahim. The tombs are characterized by their Ottoman architectural style, featuring domes, Iznik tiles, and intricate calligraphic inscriptions.What 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.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.
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 much is Hagia Sophia's entrance fee?
Hagia Sophia is free to enter for prayers, but tourist visits require an entrance fee of €25.Can I wear jeans to Blue mosque?
Dress codeBoth men and women are required to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.