Hagia Sophia Tours

Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage architecture and wildflowers
Hagia Sophia showing wildflowers and a park
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia


Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

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Reviews of Hagia Sophia

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1479
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
516
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
109
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
12
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Some parts are under construction inside the building

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

a MUST visit

5/5 - Excellent

Rusty

WOW.This is a history time capsule. I will not give you a history lesson here, there are plenty of great reads about his place. While there was a large section being worked on, the overall size was incredible. We had to wait about 20 minute in the ticket line, but using the ticket kiosk saved us 10 minutes of wait time. We had friends that went 1 day before us and they were somewhat unhappy because on the large tour groups that took over the place. It was busy but not crazy when wee were there. Use the ticket line as a judge of how crowed it might be inside. If it looks crowed, walk the 200 meters to the Blue mosque and come back later.. Worked for us. While there in construction going on, they have done a good job of leaving most of the area open for viewing and only working in a smaller area. This is a do not miss place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Some reconstruction of interior being done- wait 3 years to hopefully let them finish it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I could spend hours here and literally did. Take your time and wander around. If the line ups are huge spend the extra 30 tl per ticket and go through the fast track line.

5/5 - Excellent

lee

Large and impressive; also a must see.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Hagia Sophia

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

4 out of 5
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Fer Hotel

Fer Hotel

Molla Fenari St, Türbedar St. No 12, Nuruosmaniye / Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Fer Hotel
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton

Kabasakal Cad. No:5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hagia Sophia

Visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul offers a rich blend of sightseeing, from the stunning architecture of the mosque to the small museum showcasing its history. Engage in the best experiences nearby, including shopping and exploring local art. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and learn about the cultural significance of this iconic landmark, making your trip truly memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots to Hagia Sophia are the Grand Bazaar, just 966m away, and the Egyptian Bazaar, 1.1km away, both offering vibrant local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, located 6.4km away, for a wider variety of shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience ultimate relaxation at Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, a body treatment venue just 1.6km from Hagia Sophia, where soothing wellness vibes await. For cultural entertainment, enjoy the Whirling Dervishes concert only 322m away, or immerse yourself in the romance and culture of Kumbaraci50's dance, also 1.6km away.

Adventure

Experience the Sultans Trail, a scenic hiking path located 50m from Hagia Sophia, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For thrill-seekers, head to Istanbul Jumping for bungee jumping, situated 3.2km away. Additionally, Fethi Paşa Korusu, 4.8km from Hagia Sophia, offers beautiful outdoor spaces for relaxation.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Hagia Sophia with a visit to Dance of Colours, just 805m away, offering captivating performances. For a unique experience, check out Tiyatro-Z, located 1.6km away, or Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 3.2km away, both showcasing enchanting cultural entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hagia Sophia

When visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, you'll find a rich blend of culture and history. Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia mosque and museum, and don't miss nearby historic buildings and palaces that reflect the city's heritage. The area offers a vibrant outdoor experience, making it perfect for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. Discover the beauty of Hagia Sophia and its surroundings for an unforgettable visit.

  • Blue Mosque: Located just 483m from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes. Experience the serene atmosphere and intricate architecture that showcases the beauty of Islamic art.
  • Galata Tower: Approximately 1.6km away, the Galata Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. This medieval stone tower is steeped in history and provides a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and the Bosphorus strait.
  • Topkapi Palace: Situated 483m from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace was the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore its lavish rooms, exquisite courtyards, and rich collections that reveal the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Best time to go to Hagia Sophia

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hagia Sophia

To save money on your visit to Hagia Sophia, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to check for exclusive discounts and flexible booking options to maximize your budget. For public transport, opt for affordable local options to explore Istanbul without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hagia Sophia are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To find the most affordable rates and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for Hagia Sophia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia