Hagia Sophia Private Guided Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers

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Istanbul, Turkey

40 minutes (approx.)
Offered in: English

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Overview

Learn about the multilayered history of the Hagia Sophia on this private guided walking tour. In the company of your guide, explore the historic building, which served as a church, mosque, and museum. Get to know the ancient and modern history of Hagia Sophia, including its recent return to mosque status.

Explore one of Istanbul’s most notable buildings with a guide
Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
Learn about the history of the Hagia Sophia
Meet at an easily-accessible central location

What's Included

Private Licensed Tour Guide

Admission Fee - Hagia Sophia Admission

€25.00 per person
Tip is not included
Skipping the X-ray security line is not included; everyone must queue.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
There are two entrances to the building. One for the Muslims and Turkish citizens and another one is for the foreign visitors … We meet at the main foreign visitors entrance of Hagia Sophia Museum, at the front of the Hagia Sophia ticket office.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 89 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Muhammet was...

Adriana_C, Jun 2025

Muhammet was extraordinary. He want above and beyond to cater to our family and he was most insightful and interesting.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It was truly a pleasure guiding you through Hagia Sophia and Istanbul. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the tour and your kind feedback means a lot! Warm regards, Muhammet

Hagia Sophia 1:1 Tour

Angel_R, Jan 2025

Muhammet İşin was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Türkiye and of course Hagia Sophia.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you very much it was my pleasure being you guide

VIP Experience

Layne_F, Sep 2022

Our tour guide, Mohammed, was friendly, informative, punctual, and clearly loved his national treasure, the Hagia Sophia. He contacted us the night before to confirm our meeting place and time. We flew to the front of the very long line. He had a wealth of knowledge, answered all of our questions, and gave us suggestions about where to go after the tour. He is also on the “board” of tour guides, and everyone knew him, which was cool and made us feel like VIPs. Highly recommend!