Visiting Hagia Sophia? Here is everything you need to know

Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — a place where history, art, and faith all meet under a breathtaking dome. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist, pilgrim, or history lover, it helps to know what to expect before you go. Here are the answers to the most common questions travelers have.

TripShape

9/15/20252 min read

Is entry free or paid?

Ground floor (prayer area):
Entry is free for Turkish citizens and Muslim visitors who come to pray. Tourists are only allowed upstairs.
Upper galleries (museum section):
Access requires a ticket (about €25, paid in Turkish Liras), and this applies to all visitors. These galleries are where you’ll see the most impressive details of Hagia Sophia’s history.

What can you see upstairs?

The upper galleries are the real highlight for cultural visitors. Here you’ll find:

Byzantine mosaics of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints — shimmering golden masterpieces.
Islamic calligraphy panels the size of small houses, added in the Ottoman period.
Views of the great dome from above, giving you a new perspective on its massive 30-meter span.
Marble decorations and columns that date back to the 6th century.
Overlooks into the prayer hall, letting you see the blend of mosque and church features together.

When is the best time to visit?

Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues.
Avoid Friday midday, since it’s closed to tourists during the Friday prayer.
Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.

How long will I wait in line?

Off-season (winter weekdays): 5–15 minutes.
High season (spring/summer): 30–60 minutes, sometimes more.
Tip: Buying tickets online (when available) or joining a guided tour often helps you skip some of the line.

Do I need to follow a dress code?

Yes. As Hagia Sophia is an active mosque:

Women need to cover their hair and shoulders.
Men and women should avoid shorts above the knees.
Everyone must remove shoes before entering the prayer area (socks are recommended in winter, as the floors can be cold).

Is Hagia Sophia worth visiting?

Absolutely. Reviews from both locals and tourists agree: Hagia Sophia is breathtaking. Its architecture is unlike anything else in the world — a building that was once the center of Orthodox Christianity, later a mosque of the Ottomans, a museum for decades, and now again a mosque.
It’s not just a place of prayer or sightseeing; it’s a living symbol of Istanbul’s layered history.

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