Hagia Sophia Moschee

Hagia Sophia Moschee

Hagia Sophia Moschee
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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C$49.75
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere stroll of each other – and all set around the site of an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to retain an air of peace and calm. It offers visitors a significantly less celebrated but nonetheless pleasant network of quaint lanes and side streets, majestic panoramas of the Bosphorus, and an impressive assortment of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
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See what travellers are saying
  • kimsoeungaeulmaa
    Manila, Philippines1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    25€ only for the up floor, down floor is for Turkish citizens.
    Be aware! Tickets cost 25€ per person. You can ONLY see the up floor. The down floor is only allowed to Turkish citizens. Beautiful mosque too, you can get earphones for 100TL, to listen to the story in your language, but you can also use your own earphones, so make sure you bring yours.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 11, 2024
  • Ekspertas
    Vilnius, Lithuania433 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    World scale significance
    Hagia Sophia is a place of world scale significance. Very modest, even shabby looking from outside, it has mesmerising views inside. Recently introduced 25 eur/pax non-local ticket fee made for us easy access for upper-gallery ( only ) without any quee. Might not be the same in high season.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written February 15, 2024
  • Kadirbilgihilal
    24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Sultan Fatih
    May God bless everyone who has turned this place into a place of worship in the past and today. This smells like history. The entrance fee for the upper floor was approximately 1000 TL. It is not neccesary, I think .
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written February 16, 2024
  • Luca S
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic
    Here too is the clarification. As of today February 2024 entry is free! Here too, a point of reference for the Islamic religion with a significant focus on tolerance. Unlike the nearby blue mosque (where we had to leave during prayer), here it is possible to witness the phases of Muslim prayer (obviously with a less touristy climate than the blue mosque), the very high vaults are surrounded by mosaics of angels and Christian paintings alongside Islamic symbols. The 4 dark verse medallions with golden writing bear the name of Allah, the prophet and two other sultans. The green carpet on which you walk (without shoes) is very soft and very clean. An obligatory stop during your stay in Istanbul.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written February 20, 2024
  • Adventure39115089758
    Hong Kong, China15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great to see. Not worth the price.
    This building is truly magnificent. It is a testament to human engineering and ingenuity. When you are inside and see the detail, love and effort that went into building and maintaining this space it is truly incredible. That being said, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. It is a little expensive and I would recommend any women getting a scarf or head covering before going into the building because the headscarf you can buy is just a dusting bag. The idea of restoring this building into a mosque is not a good idea. Likewise it would be a bad idea to return this building into a cathedral where Orthodox Christians worship. If there is a push to return it to being a building where religiouns are practiced, make it a multi-faith building that respects the whole history, instead of omitting it's Byzantine origins.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 24, 2024
  • Eloyfr
    Buenos Aires, Argentina1,381 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another great landmark of this city
    Recently, an entrance fee (not cheap) began to be charged for entry to Hagia Sophia in search of raising funds for a restoration that is clearly necessary. This monumental building went through all kinds of historical events, it was a Christian church, a mosque, a museum, then a mosque. It survived earthquakes, fires and was even visited by Vikings. It is living history and its deterioration in many areas does not take away any of its charm or everything interesting that can be learned from what happened there. Nowadays, visitors who do not go there to pray are only allowed to visit the upper floor, although from its balconies and galleries you can appreciate its architecture very well.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 28, 2024
  • GAR
    983 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic Byzantine sight
    This 1500 year old building is a very unique one and absolutely worth visiting. The new €25 entrance fee is a shame, which is why I deducted a point, but I do believe the mosque is worth the price. The upper gallery offers excellent views of the architecture
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written March 4, 2024
  • CPaM68
    Texas817 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Also called the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles on the walls
    Because of the flatter, more rounded dome, Hague Sophia was considered an architectural marvel when it was built. It is also unique in that it was consecrated as the Hagia Sophia (Church of Divine Wisdom) in 537, converted to a mosque in 1453, declared a museum in 1935, and reconverted into a working mosque in 2020. Luckily, while Hagia Sophia has been re-established as a mosque, it remains open for visitors outside of prayer time. But remember that, since it is a religious mosque, there are certain dress requirements and restrictions to enter. Check beforehand to see what you can or cannot wear (shoes are not allowed inside). You also generally have to stand in a long entry line that wraps around the outside of the building, although on the day we visited, it moved pretty fast. The interior is mainly an open expansive area but is very interesting. Try and go upstairs, although sometimes it is blocked off. A real treasure from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. (PaM)
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written March 8, 2024
  • book_of_dreams
    Australia145 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit pricey but a stunning building
    Stunning historical building, one the worlds' great edifices. Note from now the price is 25 EURO to enter and access is to the top floor only, but you get a decent look still but it is limted. It is a little expensive and I tjhink this also kept crowds a bit lower too so I found the experience less intense than the Blue Mosque across the square, which is free, and was extremely crowded. A mixed feeling about it. Istanbul is a great city but it is no longer a budget destination.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 8, 2024
  • Gyorgy B
    Debrecen, Hungary10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a beautiful mosque and a key tourist place in Istanbul
    It's this iconic mosque in Istanbul, a key tourist place of this city. The entry is free so no need to pay for it. THere are guides available which can make the experience worthwhile. Be aware that one should be in moderate clothing as it's a mosque and need to follow their dressing tradition. Women should cover their heads before entering here Recommended to visit earlier in the morning before 10am as it only gets crowded after that.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written March 12, 2024
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KEI
Osaka, Japan25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
A mosque located in the center of the old city of Istanbul.
The current building was based on an Orthodox church built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, and was later converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, and became a museum in 1935, and was converted back into a mosque in 2020.
The large space and interior, which bring together the best of the technology of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, are wonderful, and I think it is one of the best tourist spots in Turkey. In addition, you can access the free explanation website in various languages, including Japanese, from the QR code posted in the building, so we recommend viewing the mosque while reading the explanation.
As of May 2024, tourists can only enter the second floor corridor, and the admission fee is 900 lira (about 4,500 yen, credit cards accepted). The entrance to the second floor and the ticket office are located around the northeast corner of Hagia Sophia, and there are separate lines for the entrance and the ticket office. At the time of opening at 9:00, the waiting time for both was about an hour, so if possible, it would be a good idea to split into two groups and line up in both queues from around 8:30. At the ticket counter, you can also purchase tickets for the nearby Hagia Sophia Museum (810 lira).
By the way, the first floor is free, but only Turkish people and Muslims are allowed to enter. You will be checked to see if you are Muslim at the gate on the south side of the building to the first floor.
Google
Written May 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

syphone
Langley, Canada158 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Visiting Hagia Sophia (aka Aya Sofia), a site listed on UNESCO, was a truly special experience with its rich historical significance. This building stands as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Although there is now an entrance fee, when I visited on January 3rd, 2024, I was able to enter without charge by waiting in line. By around 11 a.m., the line had grown considerably longer, so I recommend arriving early. Despite the lengthy queue, entry was relatively swift as they were admitting visitors in two lines.

Although it is now a mosque, traces of its history as a church, cathedral, and museum are still evident. Part of the charm of touring this place is searching for depictions of Jesus, Mary, Cherubim, the cross and etc. Once considered the world's greatest church building, it has withstood several major earthquakes despite undergoing multiple renovations. Upon entering the interior, it's necessary to remove your shoes, so wearing socks is advisable. Nearby attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, and the historic Grand Bazaar are worth exploring together.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neys T
California6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
From the moment you enter, you are greeted by the grandeur of its architecture. The massive dome, which seems to float effortlessly, fills you with awe. The intricate mosaics, some dating back to the 6th century, tell stories of a bygone era and are truly mesmerizing. For a more enriching experience, I recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and the significance of the various artworks and architectural features. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can also help you avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the serenity of the place.
Written December 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robyn L
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
This mosque is definitely worth visiting for the rich and amazing history, and it was very beautiful inside. However the process to get inside was horribly managed, and the security staff were unbelievably rude. We lined up around 10:30am on a weekday; there were 2 lines with no signs telling you what each line was for. We waited about 45 mins in what we thought was the ticket line, but when we got near the front the security guards were telling people this was the line for people who already had tickets and yelling at people to go to the end of the line. It was chaotic and there was pushing and shoving.

We decided it was too chaotic and bought tour tickets online to come back at a later time in the afternoon. We came back around 3pm that day, met our tour group, and proceeded to go inside but got separated from the group. We showed our tickets and tried to catch up to the rest of the group and a security guard started shrieking at us that we were breaking all the rules; she was shrieking so hysterically/high-pitched we could no longer understand her. Other than that unpleasant experience the inside of the mosque was interesting with beautiful architecture and artwork throughout, though I was disappointed we couldn't go on the ground floor for such a steep admission price. I would recommend coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, and to buy tickets online ahead of time.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RRR
Exeter, UK66 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
Family of 5 (2 adults and 3 teens) visited on our last day in November 24. We were initially going to give it a miss due to the extortionate entrance fees but then decided we would regret not going and took the plunge. We went on a Friday morning, ignoring guides warnings that we needed a skip the line ticket to get in before prayers (on Friday they start at 12:30 restricting entrance). The queues moved fast and we got to the ticket kiosk in about 10 mins. At the kiosk came the hard sale for museum entrance tickets. Which basically doubles the entrance price! Don’t bother with this unless you are particularly keen. It is outrageous that on top of the super high entrance fee to the mosque (first floor only, don’t forget) the government has decided to charge almost the same again to enter the museum - the museum is not next to the mosque and the queue to get in is a complete pain as they only allow a few people in at a time, this means a lot of waiting outside. Back to Hagia Sofia, if you are a woman bring a head scarf or else you will need to buy one, they cost 60 lira a piece, not a lot but would be annoying after paying the rip off entrance cost. Luckily, it was not particularly crowded when we went and managed to walk around and see what we could without any trouble. It would be a nightmare on a busy day as there is only so much balcony space people can get close to in order to have a look at the floor below. We did not have a guide and the QR codes sort of worked, I would have preferred a written display (plenty of room for it). The building is impressive due to its size, i did love seeing the mosaics. I would not say it is the most beautiful building (the blue mosque is much more beautiful) but overall I am glad to have walked inside its walls. It is a real pity that the costs are so high and that the museum entrance is not included.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rakesh S
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Please spend hard earned money elsewhere. What a load of crap it is, for the extortionate price. It is yet another elaborated scam, made to make you feel like a priviledge.

Why would someone pay to be openly discriminated against? If you are a Muslim you go in for free and to any part of the building, without having to queue up. If you are a non Muslim you pay anywhere between £30-45 per person to be allowed on the 2nd floor only. The view is very restricted and we felt it is neither worth the hassle, nor the price. To add more insult to the injury, you will need to queue to buy tickets and then join another queue to gain entry. This usually takes around 1.5 hours depending on the time of the day. 10am -4pm are terrible times. We bought the ticket and returned back in the evening at 6pm and went through straight.

The Blue Mosque next to it was much much better and it was for free. I would highly recommend it.

Avoid seeing Ayia Sophia, Basilica Cistern from inside.

Highly recommend Blue Mosque and Sulemaniyeh Mosque which is even better than Blue Mosque.

Hope this review helps my fellow Brits and they, and others about being scammed.
Written October 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SawyerHicks
Baltimore, MD108 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Couples
It’s sad to give such a historically significant place a bad review, but the visiting experience is not good. You’re offered two tickets options: 1,000 Lira for the mosque, or 1,725 Lira for the mosque and the museum. The ticket seller intentionally misled me to get me to buy the more expensive ticket. He made it sound as if the audio guide was only available at the higher price (it’s not) and that the museum was part of the complex (it’s down the street).

Foreign visitors are only allowed to view the sanctuary from the second floor. The view is not good, and at a busier time I imagine it would be difficult just to get a spot on the bannister to see anything. The audio guide didn’t work on the provided wifi, so I had to use data to listen. It was only OK, somewhat informative but not at all comprehensive, and it kept advertising the museum. The whole experience takes 20-30 minutes. It’s a bummer reading reviews of what it was like to visit before 2020.

The “museum” is mostly a 20-minute animated video of the building’s history that takes you from room to room for 1-2 minute snippets. It had nice production value and we learned a couple of things, but it was not very in-depth. I would not recommend it.
Written January 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mezaco
Canada471 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Solo
With the controversial new high admission fee, limited access only to the upper floor and huge crowds, I was considering not visiting. But on my final day, I didn't want to regret it so I decided to go, and I am still glad I did as it's quite stunning inside. It's one of the world's most famous sights for a reason. Even from the upper gallery you can still get an appreciation for the history, architecture and art. They do have QR codes to supposedly interpret some sights on your phone but I could not always get it to work very well, so without a guide you might not really know what you are looking at. If they are going to treat it like a museum and charge an admission fee, then they should maybe do what museums do in terms of signage and information. The ssecurity staff on site can also be a bit strict in how long you can spend or where you can go. I would highly recommend going as early as possible. I went around 9am and only had to wait about 30 minutes to get in.
Written November 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Martha S
Nice, France3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
The Hagia Sophia Basilica, the birthplace of Christianity, and one of the emblematic monuments to visit in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the basilica has been transformed into a mosque inside and not much remains to be seen of the original basilica. Fortunately, there is the museum right next door, where you can see an animated movie with the history of the basilica. The problem is that the price to visit both monuments (without guide) is 50€ (25€ + 25€), which I consider an exaggerated price, since it is the same monument. I suggest that visitors see the museum in advance and after visiting the basilica, or simply, see the film and visit the basilica from the outside. Good luck!
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Written November 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Agnese
11 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Friends
The mosque is undoubtedly majestic and fascinating from the outside, with its architecture dominating the panorama of Istanbul. However, the experience inside does not live up to expectations, especially considering the high cost of the entrance fee (25€). It is important to note that the lower part of the mosque is now reserved exclusively for Muslims, so access is restricted.

If you are interested in visiting an iconic mosque, I recommend going to the Blue Mosque, which is not only free, but also much more representative and evocative. Overall, this mosque is certainly beautiful to see from the outside, but the interior does not justify the price of the ticket, and the whole queue that there is to do first to buy the ticket and then for entry! It took us more than an hour straight and 20 minutes to visit.
Automatically translated
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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