Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Hagia Sophia

  • Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

Last updated: 19 February, 2024

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire in stone.

With a great dome and marble columns adorned with frescoes and glittering gold mosaics, the Church of the ‘Holy Wisdom’ was the last major creation of classical antiquity and the centre of the Byzantine world for 1,000 years. Initially a cathedral, then a mosque, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the tram to the Sultanahmet station; from there, it’s just a short walk.

There a number of local operators who offer guided tours of the Hagia Sophia, usually as part of a wider old-town tour – useful for skipping the queues, although some tours do feel rushed. Just make sure you climb up to the gallery for views down over the interior and to see the best mosaics.

Women need to cover their heads, shoulders and knees.

When to do it

The mosque is open all year round, seven days a week, except during prayers (half an hour after the call to prayer). Also avoid the main services on Friday mornings and early afternoons, unless you’re a Muslim.

If you can go early in the day, when it first opens, to avoid the queues and the crowds. Or go a couple of hours before closing, as the crowds disperse and the lights come on. Also try to avoid July and August and weekends and holidays throughout the year, when it’s packed.

Who to go with: organised tours

9

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Istanbul

This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group with all the expenses included! You will begin the day with the German Fountain- a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm next to Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits you will be guided to Nakkas Cistern and presented to a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousand of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.

Price $150

Min age 1

Rating 4.95 / 5 [462 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Istanbul

Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia Option to meet your guide in Galata port if you are on a cruise ship Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide. Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque. Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

Price €63

Min age 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [185 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Istanbul

Enjoy this 4 hours tour with visits to the highlights of the old city. Firstly visit the magnificent Byzantine church of St Sophia. After here continue to Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople and the Blue Mosque, amazing blue tiles from 16th century. Final visit of the morning is to the Grand Bazaar.

Price $88

Min age 0

Rating 4.35 / 5 [98 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Istanbul

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are two of the city’s unmissable cultural and historic sites. Focusing on these two places will allow you to concentrate on their beauty and unique histories at leisure, without rushing on to other sites. Save time by skipping the ticket line in Topkapı Palace with priority access, definitely a bonus whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or you’re a repeat visitor.

Price €35

Min age 13

Rating 4.77 / 5 [74 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Istanbul

All Tours are organized by a travel agency by Tursab Hagia Sophia is one of the most valuable and most visited historical heritages in the world. You can go inside with your licensed guide without waiting in the ticket line and travel through history. - Dress code Both men and women are required to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. If your clothing doesn't meet these standards, wraps and scarves are provided at the entrance. - ATTENTION PLEASE ! The entrance ticket fee of Hagia Sophia museum is not included. Our guests will pay for the ticket to the Guide in cash at the entrance of the Museum.

Price $50

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [60 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >