Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Tour

This skip-the-line tour of Hagia Sophia is ideal for exploring the history of one of Istanbul's significant monuments.

Hagia Sophia Tour

At the scheduled time, we will meet at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The tour will begin with an exterior exploration of Hagia Sophia, focusing on its four minarets and dome, which is over 30 meters (98 ft) in diameter.

We will delve into the details of its architecture, lighting, and the main hall's dimensions, including its mosaics. After an hour of external insights, you will enter the temple, skipping the queues, without a live guide, but with an audioguide in English. The tour will cover the transition from a Greek Orthodox church to a mosque in the mid-15th century, and its later conversion into a museum before reverting to a mosque in 2020.

The tour will conclude outside the mosque, allowing time for any remaining questions you might have.

Audioguide

As per local regulations, the guide cannot enter with you to provide explanations of the interior. You will enter on your own using the audioguide in English.

Skip-the-line Ticket

Hagia Sophia receives over 3.5 million visitors annually. By reserving a ticket, you can minimize wait times at the ticket office, but expect to queue for security checks, which can take up to an hour during high season.