Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) magnificent Hagia Sophia is a riot of swooping domes and mismatched minarets added throughout its long life. The lofty interior is a soaring sequence of domed and arched spaces, centering on the shell-like apse and the massive dome, which seems to float unsupported and gives the church its amazing sense of space. Work continues to uncover the golden Christian mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era, which were plastered over by the Ottomans.

Tours often allow you to skip the long lines with a guide, and many Istanbul excursions combine the Hagia Sophia Museum with other sights in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern.

• Hagia Sophia is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs, and all first-time visitors to Istanbul.

• Restoration work is ongoing in the Hagia Sophia, so expect scaffolding and some obstructed views and access.

• The best view of the lofty interior is from the upstairs gallery.

• Save time by booking a skip-the-line tour to avoid the long lines.

The Hagia Sophia is in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, just across the way from the Blue Mosque and close to Topkapi Palace. It is minutes away from the Sultanahmet tram stop and is also easily accessible by taxi. Parking is limited in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, so taxi or tram is the most convenient option.

The Hagia Sophia is a busy attraction, so try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. It’s open seven days a week, even during most of the major national and religious Turkish holidays, with a few exceptions. Closing hours are extended between April and October.

The Hagia Sophia has impressive frescoes and spectacular mosaics that depict Christian scenes. Admire the golden mosaics, including Constantine the Great presents Constantinople and Justinian the Great presents Hagia Sophia to the Virgin, probably from the 10th century, and others depicting Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Notice the colorful cherubim frescoes that the decorate the domed ceiling.

No, you do not need to book tickets to the Hagia Sophia in advance. As a mosque, entrance is accessible to all visitors, including tourists. However, if you’re seeking an immersive sightseeing experience, booking a tour online in advance is advisable. Otherwise, be prepared for persistent guides in the long entry line.

Yes, you can wear jeans inside the Hagia Sophia. However, as it is a functioning mosque, men and women must dress modestly and cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. In addition, women must cover their heads inside the mosque. Head scarves and gowns are available for purchase after security.

Since being converted from a museum into a mosque in 2020, visiting the Hagia Sophia is free, and skip-the-line admission is no longer available. All guests must wait in the security line, and it is prohibited from entering during prayer times. Many guests enhance the long wait with a guided tour.

You'll encounter a captivating blend of history and architecture at the Hagia Sophia. Guests can marvel at intricate mosaics, grand domes, and the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Arguably Istanbul’s most emblematic historical site, it offers a glimpse into more than 1,500 years of religious and cultural significance.

Yes, the Hagia Sophia is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. A series of ramps enable visitors to easily navigate through security and the mosque. Note that due to the historical nature of the site, there may be some slightly uneven stones between ramps.

The Hagia Sophia is open 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is early morning or evening when the entrance line is significantly shorter. Keep in mind that admission is not allowed during prayer times, which vary from day to day. Up-to-date times posted are outside the mosque and online.