⛪ Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – Istanbul Guide 2025

Few places in the world carry as much layered history as Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian as a Byzantine church, converted later into an Ottoman imperial mosque, then a museum, and today an active mosque again, it has been the symbol of Istanbul for almost 1,500 years.

• Architecture: the massive central dome, columns, and galleries feel unlike any other mosque.
• Art & details: a mix of Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.
• Spiritual atmosphere: prayer hall, carpets, and quiet corners (outside peak times).
• Perfect location: right in Sultanahmet Square, opposite the Blue Mosque.

Plan at least 60–90 minutes inside, more if you enjoy slow photography and reading details.

• Area: Sultanahmet, on the European side of Istanbul.
• Located in the main Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square, opposite the Blue Mosque.
• 📍 Google Maps – Hagia Sophia

You can easily walk between Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace in the same morning or afternoon.

• Open daily, from early morning until late evening.
• Closed to sightseeing in the main hall during congregational prayers, especially at midday and Friday prayers.
• On Fridays, expect more closures around noon and larger crowds.

Exact hours can change with seasons and prayer schedules. Aim for early morning or late afternoon outside prayer times for a calmer visit.

Entrance to Hagia Sophia is currently free because it functions as an active mosque. You may find a separate queue for visitors that passes through security checks before entering.

• No regular museum ticket is required for the prayer hall.
• Guided tours, audio guides, and combo tickets are offered by agencies outside or online.
• Donations to support maintenance may be suggested but are optional.

A licensed guide or good audio guide can make a big difference if you are interested in history, emperors, and the meaning of the mosaics and inscriptions.

• Headscarf for women: hair should be covered inside the prayer hall.
• Shoulders & knees covered for everyone (no short shorts or sleeveless tops).
• Shoes off: you remove shoes and carry them in a plastic bag before entering the carpeted areas.
• Keep voices low and avoid walking directly in front of people who are praying.
• Photography is usually allowed, but no flash during prayers and avoid blocking walkways.

If you forget a headscarf, simple coverings are often available for purchase or loan near the entrance.

• Central dome: look up to see the huge dome resting on four massive piers – a miracle of 6th-century engineering.
• Byzantine mosaics: golden mosaics of Christ, emperors, and saints in certain areas (visibility can vary).
• Ottoman calligraphy: giant round panels with the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and early caliphs.
• Mihrab & minbar: the prayer niche facing Mecca and the pulpit used for sermons, added in the Ottoman period.
• Marble floors & columns: patterned marble slabs and reused columns from different ancient sites.

Some upper galleries and sections may be closed or restricted depending on restoration work and mosque use.

• Tram T1 → Sultanahmet stop: the fastest and most budget-friendly way from areas like Kabataş, Eminönü and the Grand Bazaar. From the tram stop it’s a short walk up the square.
• From Taksim: take the F1 funicular down to Kabataş, then Tram T1 to Sultanahmet (see also our Istanbul Tram guide).
• Taxi / ride-hailing: licensed taxis using BiTaksi or Uber can drop you near Sultanahmet Square.
• Guided tours: many walking tours start from the square and include Hagia Sophia as a main stop.

If you’re new to Istanbul public transport, pair this with the Istanbul Metro guide for airport and metro connections.

• 🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – directly opposite Hagia Sophia across the square.
• 🏰 Topkapi Palace – former Ottoman palace; 5–10 minutes’ walk through the gardens.
• 🛍️ Grand Bazaar – ~15 minutes on foot or a short ride on Tram T1 (Çemberlitaş/Beyazıt stops).
• 🌶️ Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – near Eminönü, reachable by Tram T1.
• 🚤 Bosphorus Cruise – cruises from Eminönü or Kabataş after your Old City sightseeing.

You can easily spend one full day in Sultanahmet visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar with breaks for Turkish tea and lunch.

• Arrive early: try to be in the square near opening time to minimize queues.
• Avoid main prayer times: especially Friday midday if you want sightseeing photos.
• Families: explain mosque etiquette to kids; keep them close in crowded spots.
• Footwear: wear shoes that are easy to slip on/off; you’ll carry them in a bag inside.
• Photography: be patient and respectful; step aside after taking photos so others can move.

For sunset views of the domes from outside, consider a nearby rooftop café or combine with an evening Bosphorus cruise .

• Official info (historical site): ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr
• Visitor reviews & photos: Tripadvisor – Hagia Sophia
• Public transport status: metro.istanbul – service status
• Istanbulkart info: istanbulkart.istanbul

Use these guides with your Hagia Sophia visit to build a complete Istanbul itinerary:

• 🚊 Tram in Istanbul (T1/T5) – easiest way to reach Sultanahmet from Kabataş and Eminönü.
• 🚇 Istanbul Metro guide – airport connections and main metro lines.
• 🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – visiting tips, dress code and prayer times.
• 🏰 Topkapi Palace guide – tickets, Harem section and museum highlights.
• 🛍️ Grand Bazaar – shopping, bargaining and what to buy.
• 🚢 Bosphorus Cruise guide – day & night cruises, piers and booking tips.