Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours and Tickets

No, you do not need to book tickets to the Hagia Sophia in advance. As a mosque, the entrance is accessible to all visitors, including tourists. However, if you’re seeking an immersive sightseeing experience, booking a tour online in advance is advisable. Otherwise, be prepared for persistent guides in the long entry line.

Yes, you can wear jeans inside the Hagia Sophia. However, as it is a functioning mosque, men and women must dress modestly and cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. In addition, women must cover their heads inside the mosque. Head scarves and gowns are available for purchase after security.

Since being converted from a museum into a mosque in 2020, visiting the Hagia Sophia is free, and skip-the-line admission is no longer available. All guests must wait in the security line, and it is prohibited from entering during prayer times. Many guests enhance the long wait with a guided tour.

You'll encounter a captivating blend of history and architecture at the Hagia Sophia. Guests can marvel at intricate mosaics, grand domes, and the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Arguably Istanbul’s most emblematic historical site, it offers a glimpse into more than 1,500 years of religious and cultural significance.

Yes, the Hagia Sophia is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. A series of ramps enable visitors to easily navigate through security and the mosque. Note that due to the historical nature of the site, there may be some slightly uneven stones between ramps.

The Hagia Sophia is open 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is early morning or evening when the entrance line is significantly shorter. Keep in mind that admission is not allowed during prayer times, which vary from day to day. Up-to-date times posted are outside the mosque and online.