Hagia Sophia Tours and Activities

Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia


A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.

Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.Looking across the Istanbul skyline, the Hagia Sophia demands the eye's attention. It has four magnificent minarets which soar into the sky around its enormous central dome, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture – this is a stunning design, and Istanbul's most celebrated landmark.Come through the western portal to enter, passing through the exonarthex, and then through one of the five portals to the narthex. Look upwards and marvel at the dome, inscribed with many verses from the Qur'an, and admire the ornate Christian mosaics and frescos, dating from the ninth and 10th centuries. The eastern corner is the resting place of a large number of sultans, where they are contained in their mausoleums.First built by the Romans in 360 as a Christian church, the Hagia Sophia was twice destroyed by riots. A new basilica was constructed in the sixth century, and it became the centre of the Eastern Orthodox church. When Istanbul was captured by the Ottomans in 1453, the building was converted into a mosque, and a process of “Islamification” was undertaken – Christian features were covered up, and new Muslim ones were added. After the advent of modern Turkey, the building was closed, and then reopened as a museum in 1936.As you might expect for the city's premier attraction, there are often long lines outside the Hagia Sophia, but the queues rarely last longer than half an hour. Snacks and drinks are available outside.Easily accessible by public transport, it is open daily, except on Monday. You can get your ticket at the box office, where an audio guide can also be rented – this will give you a much deeper sense of the history and culture of this fascinating monument.

Plan a trip to see Hagia Sophia

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Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
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Top Hagia Sophia Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

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

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Hotel Saba Sultan

Hotel Saba Sultan

Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class

GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class

Akbiyik cad. No:21, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class
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

While visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant local scene. Nearby attractions include bustling markets for shopping and captivating art galleries showcasing Turkish culture. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of Hagia Sophia, then wander the surrounding area to discover unique souvenirs and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at local eateries.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar, a vibrant public market only 966m from Hagia Sophia, offers a bustling atmosphere for souvenirs. The Egyptian Bazaar, just 1.1km away, is perfect for local spices and delights. If you’re up for a drive, the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre is 6.4km away, featuring a mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam offers a tranquil body treatment experience, perfect for relaxation after exploring Hagia Sophia, located 1.6km away. For a cultural touch, enjoy a Whirling Dervishes concert just 322m away, and immerse yourself in the romance and entertainment of a dance at Kumbaraci50, also 1.6km away.

Adventure

Explore Fethi Paşa Korusu for a scenic outdoor experience, located 4.8km from Hagia Sophia, perfect for a leisurely stroll. For an exhilarating adventure, try bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, situated 3.2km away, offering an adrenaline rush and stunning views of the city.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Hagia Sophia by visiting Dance of Colours, just 805m away, for captivating performances. Tiyatro Kara Kutu, 1.6km away, offers a unique cultural experience, while Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, located 3.2km from the site, combines entertainment with romance.

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

Find the best attractions near Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a must-visit for tourists, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences through its stunning architecture as a mosque and historic building, along with its art museum features. While exploring this iconic site, don’t miss nearby attractions and the fascinating Hagia Sophia Museum for a deeper insight into its storied past. Whether you seek culture, city exploration, or outdoor experiences, Hagia Sophia has something for everyone.

  • Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, the Blue Mosque offers a serene atmosphere and captivating architecture. Step inside to experience its grandeur and the peaceful vibe that envelops this iconic mosque, located only 483m from Hagia Sophia.
  • Galata Tower: This historic tower, standing at 1.6km from Hagia Sophia, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. Climb to the top for a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and the Bosphorus, while exploring its rich history and architecture.
  • Topkapi Palace: Just 483m away, Topkapi Palace was once home to Ottoman sultans. Wander through its lavish courtyards and opulent rooms, immersing yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the Ottoman Empire.

Best time to go to Hagia Sophia

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is dependant 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 (dry). 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 when accommodation prices are lower, avoiding the peak months of June to August. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, and consider bundling flights and hotel stays for better deals. Public transport is affordable, so take advantage of it to explore the area. Look out for eligible discounts and instant deals to maximise your savings during your stay.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your hotel stay near the Hagia Sophia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.