Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Entrance Tickets & Audio Guide

All children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums to validate their age The visit duration and time can vary depending on the cleaning and disinfectant schedules of the authorities There is a mandatory security queue and it is not skippable Cover shoulders and knees for a respectful visit to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Women, kindly cover your heads; scarves are available for purchase. There is no need to remove shoes, explore comfortably. Only Turkish citizens are allowed in the prayer area during prayer times. QR codes provide free audio guides in 16 languages; bring your headphones or you can rent headphones for 100TRY.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya could be considered the most visited attraction in Istanbul along with its neighbor topkapı palace museum. Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian church around 532. throughout time, Hagia Sophia has become a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. the minarets and inscriptions of Islam illustrate the theological transformations that have occurred in the region throughout the centuries. after turkey's administrative court reversed a 1934 judgment that paved the way for Hagia Sophia's usage as a museum, a decree on the 10th of July 2020 to legally classify the Hagia Sophia as a mosque was issued.

Even if you have just one day to spend in Istanbul, by visiting the Hagia Sophia site you can also visit other important attractions like Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Mosaics Museum, Topkapı Palace Museum, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Grand Bazaar, and so on.

Non-Muslims Visiting The Hagia Sophia Mosque

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is open to all tourists, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. However, there are certain rules to follow. For instance, before going inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque, visitors should remove their shoes. You are also expected to avoid visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque during prayer times,  specifically on Fridays at noon. Moreover, when visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque, women are expected to cover their heads as it is a religious and sacred place for Muslims. Headscarves are available for free at the Hagia Sophia Mosque’s entrance. You are allowed to take photos inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque, however, you should not photograph anyone who is praying. During your visit, you are expected to remain silent and avoid disturbing anyone who is praying. The Hagia Sophia Mosque is free to see, however, you could donate to the community if you would like.