Overview
Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, is a historic architectural masterpiece that served as a church, mosque, and now a museum. It is renowned for its massive dome and stunning Byzantine mosaics.
Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture.
Location
Address
Sultan Ahmet Ayasofya Meydanı 1, Fatih, Istanbul
Neighborhood: Sultanahmet
Coordinates
41.005836, 28.979534
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
April-May, October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, better lighting for photos
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • flowers in the gardens
- • mild weather
summer
hot and sunny
- • long daylight hours
- • night tours
autumn
cool and pleasant
- • fall foliage
- • cooler weather
winter
cold and rainy
- • holiday decorations
- • festive atmosphere
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Bring a valid ID
- Check weather and dress accordingly
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and stairs)
- • Uneven surfaces
- • Stairs inside the building
Medical facilities: First aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash (TL), Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
Currency
Turkish Lira (TL)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes recommended, Shorts, Sleeveless tops, Revealing clothing
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 week in advance
- • Official website or authorized vendors
- • 48 hours in advance for full refund
- • Available for purchase
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Hagia Sophia Official App
Size: 65 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Historical information
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Main entrance area, Café and resting areas
Charging Stations: Not specified
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Istanbul Airport (IST)
Distance: 35 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 3 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Deep historical and cultural significance, beautiful architecture
Historical Significance: Built as a cathedral, later converted to a mosque, now a museum
Insider Tips
- Visit early in the morning for a more peaceful experience
- The best food stalls and cafes are near the main entrance
- Local guides offer unique insights and stories
Local Recommendations
- • Try Turkish tea at a local café
- • Visit the nearby Grand Bazaar for souvenirs
- • Ask for a guided tour from an official guide
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Turkish, English, German, French
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main entrance
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
Tips: Low angle for the dome, wide shots for the interior
Result: Stunning architectural details and lighting
Upper gallery
Best Time: Late afternoon for golden light
Tips: Capture the mosaics with natural light
Result: Breathtaking views of the mosaics and the city
Garden area
Best Time: Spring for blooming flowers
Tips: Wide shots of the building with the garden in the foreground
Result: Beautiful contrast of nature and architecture
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Distance: 300m
Walking: 5 min
Type: Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Distance: 500m
Walking: 8 min
Type: Palace/Museum
Basilica Cistern
Distance: 200m
Walking: 3 min
Type: Historical Site
Grand Bazaar
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Market/Bazaar
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Distance: 100m
Walking: 2 min
Type: Historical Site
Reviews
Based on 15,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book tickets online to skip the line"
- "Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience"
- "Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar Tour
Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
Istanbul Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern with Tickets
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
Istanbul Mosques Walking Tour: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
Istanbul Highlights Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Cisterns and More!
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets
Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome & Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar Guided Tour
Hagia Sophia Fast Track Online QR-Ticket with optional Tour
Morning Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
Best of Istanbul for First time Visitors
Private Tour of Istanbul with Famous Grand Bazaar
Wonders of Istanbul, Private Tour
Top Highlights of Istanbul: Luxury Private Day Tour
Istanbul Classics: Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Blue Mosque Hippodromme
Private Half Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar From Istanbul
Top Highlights of Istanbul in 1 Day
Private Old City Tour From Istanbul Port / Hotels
Istanbul Full Day Classic Old City Tour
Private Guided Exploration of İstanbul Old City
Istanbul City Break-3 Days
Colors of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Guided Private Istanbul Tours
Quick Info
Available Tours
916
Rating
4.8 / 5.0
Reviews
15,000
Adult Entry
720 TL (approx. $120)