Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Tour
Description
This skip-the-line experience at Hagia Sophia offers a unique opportunity to fully explore one of Istanbul's most significant landmarks – an essential step to understand the city's rich history!
Hagia Sophia Exploration
At the designated time, we will gather at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Are you prepared to delve into one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture? Let's embark on this journey!
Throughout this guided excursion, we will delve into the story of Hagia Sophia from its exterior, appreciating its grandeur from various vantage points. The four majestic minarets and the vast dome, spanning over 30 meters (98 feet), are iconic symbols of Istanbul.
We will uncover intricate details regarding its architectural design, from its ambient lighting to the impressive scale of the main hall and its exquisite mosaics. Unquestionably, this site leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Following an hour of exploration on the outside, you will be invited to enter the mosque, bypassing the lines, where you will proceed without a live guide. Instead, an audioguide will accompany you, providing insights about the mosque in English. As you step inside Hagia Sophia, you will uncover how a Greek Orthodox church transitioned into a mosque in the mid-15th century, later becoming a museum before reverting back to a mosque in 2020. Prepare to be astounded!
After concluding your visit to Hagia Sophia, we will wrap up the tour outside the monument, allowing you to engage with the guide for any remaining questions or curiosities from your exploration.
Audioguide Details
In accordance with local regulations, the guide will not accompany you inside to provide explanations of Hagia Sophia. However, you can explore at your leisure, using the audioguide available in English for information.
Skip-the-Line Admission
Hagia Sophia welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually. By securing this admission ticket, you optimize your experience and avoid lengthy waits at the ticket booth. Nonetheless, you will still need to queue for security checks to enter the monument. During peak times, this line could extend to an hour.
What's included
- Skip–the–line admission to Hagia Sophia
- English–speaking guide outside Hagia Sophia
- Audioguide in English
What's not included
- Guide inside Hagia Sophia
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Important information
On the day of the activity, we'll meet at Dsign Cafe, opposite The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, near the Egyptian Obelisk (Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd 23, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey). Please be ready at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.
You can find the exact meeting point here.
Audioguide in Hagia Sophia
Due to local regulations, the guide will not be able to give you a tour of the interior of the Hagia Sophia Basilica. You'll be able to visit it on your own, without a live guide, following the explanations of an audioguide in English.
To listen to the audio guide, you'll have to scan a QR code on your cell phone. Remember to bring your own headphones. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a headset for a price of 100TRY (3EUR) per unit.
Skip-the-line Ticket
Santa Sophia is visited daily by more than 3.5 million people a year. By reserving this ticket, you can make the most of your visit and avoid waiting in long queues at the ticket office. However, you will still have to queue up for security control to access the monument. During high season, this line may take up to an hour.
You might also like
Istanbul Segway Tour
Enjoy a fun ride on this segway tour through Istanbul while visiting the city's biggest attractions, like Topkapi Pal...
2-Day Trip to Cappadocia by Plane
On this 2-day trip to Cappadocia, you'll fly from Istanbul to one of Turkey's most famous sites, which you will no do...
Emaar SkyView Tickets
With your ticket to the Emaar SkyView viewpoint, you'll have Istanbul at your feet. Can you imagine being more than 2...
Turkish Bath & Massage at Beethoven Premium Spa
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in Istanbul by enjoying a Turkish bath and massage at Beethoven Premium Spa....