Last updated: September 2026
Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, is one of Istanbul's most important monuments. The building has moved through different phases of the city's history: it was a church during the Byzantine Empire, became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, functioned as a museum for part of the 20th century, and returned to being a mosque in 2020.
Located in Sultanahmet, practically facing the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia combines an enormous dome, Byzantine mosaics and elements added during the Ottoman period.
Today, foreign visitors mainly follow a tourist route through the upper gallery, while the ground floor remains in religious use.
Quick information
- Visit duration: about 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Location: Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
- How to get there: T1 tram to Sultanahmet plus a short walk
- 2026 tourist ticket: €25 for foreign visitors
- Approximate value: 1,410 TL / R$148
- Free entry: the mosque's religious area on the ground floor
- Stated hours: 9am to 7:30pm, outside prayer times
- Friday: tourist visits paused between 12:30pm and 2:30pm
- Best time: in the morning
- Dress code: appropriate for an active mosque
Prices checked in September 2026 and subject to change.
Is Hagia Sophia worth visiting?
For a first trip to Istanbul, yes.
Hagia Sophia's importance lies precisely in the overlap of different historical periods. The main structure was completed in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I and became one of the most important religious buildings of the Byzantine Empire.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the building was converted into a mosque. Minarets, large medallions with Arabic calligraphy and other Islamic elements were added to the complex.
That combination is still visible today and sets Hagia Sophia apart from practically every other attraction in Sultanahmet.
How does the visit work in 2026?
Hagia Sophia went back to functioning as a mosque in 2020, and there's now a specific route for foreign visitors.
The tourist ticket leads mainly to the upper gallery, from where you can observe the nave, the central dome, Byzantine elements and Ottoman-era additions.
The ground floor has a religious function and shouldn't be treated as a conventional tourist area.
This distinction matters because older photos and accounts show a different kind of visit from the one available today.
How much does it cost to visit Hagia Sophia?
The tourist ticket for foreign visitors costs:
€25
At the exchange rate checked in September 2026:
€25 ≈ 1,410 TL ≈ R$148
That price corresponds to the tourist route with access to the upper section.
Prices and rules can change, so it's worth confirming again closer to your trip.
Is there free entry to Hagia Sophia?
There is free access related to the mosque's religious area on the ground floor.
This shouldn't be confused with the tourist route designed for foreign visitors.
To see the upper gallery, the tourist ticket is paid.
This distinction explains why some information about Hagia Sophia mentions free entry while other sources list a price.
Hagia Sophia opening hours
The currently stated hours are:
9am to 7:30pm
Tourist visits pause during prayer times.
On Fridays, tourist visits are paused between:
12:30pm and 2:30pm
Since religious schedules vary through the year, confirm the conditions close to your visit.
Arriving in the morning tends to make planning much easier.
What to look for inside Hagia Sophia
The central dome is one of the highlights. Its scale was extraordinary for the period it was built in, and it had an enormous influence on later religious architecture.
The preserved Byzantine mosaics and the large Islamic calligraphy panels added during the Ottoman period are also worth close attention.
From the upper gallery, you can clearly see this coexistence of Byzantine Christian and Islamic elements within the same monument.
Dress code
Hagia Sophia continues to function as a mosque.
Wear clothing that properly covers shoulders and legs. Women should also be prepared to cover their hair when required.
Behaviour should respect the building's religious function and the people using the space for prayer.
How much time should you allow?
Allow roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
A direct visit through the gallery can take about 45 minutes, while taking in the architecture, mosaics and details at a calmer pace can take an hour or a little more.
Also account for possible queues and security checks.
How to get to Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is in the historic centre of Sultanahmet.
One of the most practical ways to get there is to take the T1 tram and get off at the Sultanahmet stop.
From there, it's just a few minutes on foot.
A car generally isn't necessary in this area. Public transport and walking work better for exploring the main attractions of the historic centre.
Are Hagia Sophia, Santa Sofia and Ayasofya the same place?
Yes.
All three names refer to the same monument:
- Hagia Sophia: the international name;
- Santa Sofia: the Portuguese and Spanish form;
- Ayasofya: the name used in Turkish.
Knowing all three names helps when searching for the attraction on maps and ticketing platforms.
What to combine with Hagia Sophia?
Location is one of the biggest advantages of this visit.
Blue Mosque: right across Sultanahmet Square.
Basilica Cistern: just a few minutes on foot.
Topkapi Palace: also nearby, but it requires several hours and shouldn't be squeezed in when time is short.
These attractions can be organised by proximity without needing long journeys between them.
Are Hagia Sophia and the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum the same thing?
No.
The Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum is a separate attraction dedicated to the monument's history.
When looking for tickets, confirm whether you're buying entry to Hagia Sophia itself or to this separate experience.
Practical tips for visiting Hagia Sophia
- Allow roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- The tourist ticket for foreign visitors costs €25.
- At the exchange rate used, that's approximately 1,410 TL / R$148.
- Arrive in the morning if you want to plan the rest of your day better.
- Avoid the period between 12:30pm and 2:30pm on Fridays.
- Wear clothing suitable for an active mosque.
- Women should be prepared to cover their hair.
- Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet.
- The Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are all nearby.
- Confirm the price and hours again before your trip.