• Hagia Sophia Guided Tour

    Hagia Sophia Guided Tour

    Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in 537 AD at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was famous in particular for its massive dome. It was the world’s largest building and an engineering marvel of its time. It is considered the…

  • Full day private city tour with lunch and entrances included

    Full day private city tour with lunch and entrances included

    Get to the heart of old Constantinople with this private 1-day walking tour of Istanbul’s old city, Sultanahmet. Visit the Roman-era Hippodrome, the iconic Blue Mosque, Topkapi Serayi, home of the Ottoman sultans, and the stunning Hagia Sophia cathedral-mosque before haggling for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar. Most people spend 8 hours or less on this…

  • 15-Day Heart of Turkey Best Honeymoon Tour

    15-Day Heart of Turkey Best Honeymoon Tour

    Welcome to Turkey! If you are looking for something special and extraordinary then look no further. You will be seeing the most famous honeymoon destinations of Turkey including Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Sirince Village, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya, and Cappadocia. This an exquisite tour for you with all the bells and whistles. There…

  • Best of Istanbul

    Best of Istanbul

    This tours gives you unforgettable moments that you will remember during the rest of your life.You will learn a lot of things about Istanbul Old City.

  • Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour

    Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour

    This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the…

  • 8 Days Solo Tour Turkey

    8 Days Solo Tour Turkey

    Welcome to Turkey! If you are a solo traveler and want to travel with other people to make new friends, enjoy Turkish hospitality, learn how to cook delicious Turkish food and have dance classes, here is our super program for you. You will be visiting the most popular destinations in Turkey, including Istanbul, Kusadasi, Ephesus,…

  • Key Istanbul Sights in Half a Day

    Key Istanbul Sights in Half a Day

    This tour captures the highlights of some of Istanbul’s famous landmarks in the old city giving a great introduction and by finishing in the Grand Bazaar it allows flexibility to continue exploring at one’s own pace.

  • 3 Days Cappadocia Trip Including Balloon Ride & Camel Safari

    3 Days Cappadocia Trip Including Balloon Ride & Camel Safari

    Explore UNESCO sight of Turkey in 3 days package with expert local guides in a small group tour. Visit Goreme open-air museum, rock churches, Derinkuyu underground city and more… Also the travel package is included the most popular attractions Hot Air Balloon Tour and Camel Safari. Overnight stay at a cave boutique hotel in Cappadocia,…

  • Shore Excursion: Istanbul Hidden Highlights Private Tour

    Shore Excursion: Istanbul Hidden Highlights Private Tour

    While you’re in port in Istanbul, discover some of the city’s hidden and historical highlights on this 5-hour private shore excursion. Enjoy personalized attention from your expert, private guide on a tour that looks beyond the city’s headline attractions, casting the spotlight on three Istanbul sights sometimes missed by visitors. Admire the exquisite late Byzantine…

  • Imperial Istanbul Half-Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basillica Cistern and Grand Bazaar

    Imperial Istanbul Half-Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basillica Cistern and Grand Bazaar

    Get a glimpse of Istanbul’s fascinating Imperial legacies on this half-day sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. First visit Hagia Sophia, once one of the largest basilicas in the world and now the second-most visited museum in Turkey. Venture below ground to the ancient Basilica Cistern, which once supported the Great Palace of Constantinople,…

  • 11-Days Classics of Turkey Tour From Istanbul

    11-Days Classics of Turkey Tour From Istanbul

    Turkey, an intoxicating blend of old and new, of East and West. Experience exciting Istanbul with a full-day tour and enough leisure time to discover its hidden charms. Marvel at the unusual rock formations of Cappadocia, the unique calcium cascades of Pamukkale and the Roman ruins at Ephesus before stopping at Troy and Gallipoli.

  • Istanbul Historical Peninsula full day cultural tour

    Istanbul Historical Peninsula full day cultural tour

    Having been the capital city of many civilizations throughout a history of centuries, İstanbul is still in the state of the capital city of Turkey, though unofficially. This giant city with a population of twenty million still continues to host countless different cultures. You will say hello to İstanbul, with the unique beauty of its…

  • 3 Days Private Istanbul Tour Including Ottoman and Byzantine Sites

    3 Days Private Istanbul Tour Including Ottoman and Byzantine Sites

    • Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Harem section, Grand Bazaar, St. Chora, Spice Market, Hagia Sophia, • Next we walk through the old cobbled streets down to Rustem Pasha Mosque and then the Spice Market, where Genoese and Venetian goods were sold at a time when there was no Suez Canal, and all…

  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul with Guide

    2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul with Guide

    Cruising on the Bosphorus is one of the top attractions in Istanbul. Having an educated and experienced tour guide will greatly enhance the experience.This two hour cruise between two continents, Asia and Europe, giving visitors an unique vantage point of Istanbul with 20 million populationBosphorus is one of the most expensive real estate in the…

  • 4 Days Istanbul City Tour- YK007

    4 Days Istanbul City Tour- YK007

    Visit to Hagia Sophia This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time.Topkapi Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver,…

  • Istanbul Private Walk Tour

    Istanbul Private Walk Tour

    Let us take you to the depth of this beautiful historical city. Istanbul has been a capital city of 3 empires such as the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Today it is the main city of Turkey which gives you an experience to be in the bridge between Europe and Asia continents. Istanbul is one…

  • Private Tour: Istanbul Highlights and Nakkas Cistern

    Private Tour: Istanbul Highlights and Nakkas Cistern

    Visit four of Istanbul’s world-famous sights and one of its hidden gems on a full-day private tour, with lunch included. With your very own guide, explore the splendid Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Then, descend into the little-known Nakkas Cistern, a Byzantine underground cistern, where the arched vaults house an exhibition on Istanbul’s…

  • 6 Days Dream of Turkey Vacation Package

    6 Days Dream of Turkey Vacation Package

    If you are looking for something special and extraordinary then look no further. The best tour in Turkey, including Istanbul, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale and back to Istanbul by domestic flight. This an exquisite tour for you with all the bells and whistles. There are no long bus rides just domestic flights getting you to your…

  • Tailor Made Istanbul Tour

    Tailor Made Istanbul Tour

    Your guide will be waiting to meet you at the port. After you’ve been welcomed your guide will take you to Topkapi Palace which has been the official residence of Ottoman Sultans and the center of the state administration. Topkapi Palace is a museum since 1924 and exhibiting sacred Islamic relics,kitchen, Chinese Porcelain, weapons, calligraphy…

  • Istanbul Classic & Ottoman Relics Tour ( Full Day )

    Istanbul Classic & Ottoman Relics Tour ( Full Day )

    Enjoy a fullday tour of the UNESCO site of Sultanahmet Old Istanbul with an extensive guided walking tour. You`ll enjoy the magical Istanbul and its signature sights: the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome of Constantinople and Grand Bazaar.According your group tour pick up time meet with your guide at the lobby of your…

  • 8 Days – Seven Churces of Revelation

    8 Days – Seven Churces of Revelation

    This is an 8 days biblical package combined with Istanbul, Alexandria Troas, Troy, Assos, and Seven Churches of Revelation. Walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Discover the meanings of the letters in revelation by observing the actual places. Find out Ancient Christian Traditions of early congregations…

  • Private Full-Day Walking of Istanbul Old City with Lunch

    Private Full-Day Walking of Istanbul Old City with Lunch

    You are welcome to discover old city Istanbul with our Old City Private Walking Tour. The msot popular destinations are located in old city area of ıstanbul where you can walk by. This tour basically covers Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archeological Museum, and Grand Bazaar.

  • Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a

    Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a

    Meet your guide in front of the museum and skip the long ticket lines and enter the legendary Hagia Sophia the shortest way. You can save up to 2 hours by not standing in the famous ticket queues.You will get a brief 30 minutes orientation about the long history of Hagia Sophia and how to…

  • Istanbul Private Old City Tour

    Istanbul Private Old City Tour

    From Istanbul’s Wonders as Hagia Sophia to The ancient echoes of Constantinople, The Hippodrome.Explore Istanbul’s Old City and New City with a Wise, Professional Tour Guide and follow the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers and generals at Topkapi Palace. Than, the iconic Grand Bazaar, best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs. Special Offer…

  • Private Ottoman Istanbul Full-Day Tour with Local Expert Guide

    Private Ottoman Istanbul Full-Day Tour with Local Expert Guide

    Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Ottoman Istanbul on this full-day private tour. Visit the key cultural heritage sites such as the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and feel the Ottoman majesty. Get inspiration from the spiciness and brightness of the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the awe-inspiring history of the Hagia Sophia, originally built as…


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.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Art in the Hagia Sophia

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.