A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul – New 2024 rules

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, where East meets West, lies a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical significance – the Hagia Sophia. This iconic structure has been a symbol of power, religion, and cultural exchange for over a millennium.

Visiting the Hagia Sophia is not just a journey through time but an immersive experience that encapsulates the essence of Istanbul’s rich heritage. In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this extraordinary monument.

There is so much to see and do in Istanbul. It wasn’t long before I felt completely at home.

Hagia Sophia meaning

The Hagia Sophia had several names. It is known as the Ayasofya in Turkish and Sancta Sofia in Latin. An alternate spelling of Hagia Sofia and Aya Sophia mosque is also commonly used.

Hagia Sophia” is a Greek term that translates to “Holy Wisdom” in English. The name carries significant religious connotations, reflecting the original purpose of the structure as a Christian cathedral dedicated to the Divine Wisdom of God.

Hagia Sofia History

The structure we see today is the third church to be built on this site. So, who built the Hagia Sophia? The first two structures (built in AD 360 and AD 415) were destroyed by fire. Emperor Justinian had the current building constructed in the 6^th Century as a Greek Orthodox Church.

During the 4^th Crusade, in 1204, many of the treasures were looted and taken to Venice by mule where they still can be seen in St. Marks Basilica.

With the arrival of the Ottomans in the 15^th century, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque. This was when the minarets were added and the direction of the apse was changed to face Mecca. Over time the mosaics and caliphs were added

The building was proclaimed a museum by the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Atatürk, in 1935.

NOTE: It is now operating as a mosque once again.

Inside Hagia Sophia

Mosaics in the Aya Sophia 

Most of the Christian mosaics are located in the upper gallery of the temple. This was once the section for women during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The oldest mosaic dates back to the 9th century AD.

Sultan Mehmed II unwittingly protected the Christian mosaics because he ordered that they were whitewashed over and covered in Islamic designs. They were later uncovered and restored. Their restoration has been an ongoing project for more than 100 years. This is understandable considering that there are more than 30 million mosaic tiles in the mosque.

The Apse Mosaic

If you look up in the centre of the quarter dome you will see a mosaic of the Virgin Mary sitting on a throne holding the baby Jesus. This dates from the 9th century and is characteristic of the Iconoclastic style.

Deisis Composition

In the Deisis Composition, we see John the Baptist ( on the right) and the Virgin Mary ( on the left) with Jesus in the middle. This is considered the start of the Renaissance style and dates from the 13th Century.

There are many more beautiful mosaics, not all of which have religious connotations to explore. Purely from an artistic point of view, I think that they are exquisite. I am astounded that they are still in such an amazing condition.

What to See and Do at the Aya Sophia Mosque

• Admire the impressive dome, which once held the title of the largest cathedral dome in the world, and soak in the ethereal light filtering through its windows.
• Explore the exquisite calligraphy and Islamic art adorning the walls, showcasing the fusion of Christian and Islamic influences.
• Visit the Imperial Door, reserved for emperors and sultans, and envision the grand ceremonies that once took place within these hallowed halls.

Hagia Sophia Facts

• The Hagia Sophia dome is the second-largest in the world after the Pantheon in Rome.
• It took more than 10,000 men to construct the dome. It  was completed in 5 years, 10 months and 4 days
• It was the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.
• The main dome is supported by hollow bricks that were specially made in Rhodes, using a very light and porous clay.
• The total surface area of the domes and cupolas is around 19 000 sq metres

The Upper Galley of the Hagia Sophia

The first time I visited the Hagia Sophia I could explore the gallery. In 2023, when I visited it was closed. This year, 2024, is the first time it has been opened to visitors since 2020.

Good to Know Tips for Visiting the Hagia Sophia

• Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code, it’s advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the site. Women visitors must also wear a headscarf before they pass through a temporary entrance and ascend a stone ramp to the upper gallery. You can buy a scarf if you need one near the worship area entrance for 30 TL.
• Hydrate: It can also be very hot standing in the queue so take something to drink and some form of shade.
• Photography: Photography is permitted inside the museum, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.
• Crowd Avoidance: To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Accessibility: The Hagia Sophia is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility issues.

New rules for the Hagia Sophia

Guides are no longer allowed to conduct tours inside the Aya Sophia Mosque. Instead, you can scan a QR code on your phone to access an audio-visual tour (headsets are an additional 100 TL/€3 or you can use your own).

Hagia Sophia opening hours

Hagia Sophia is open to visitors every day, opening hours from 09:00 am to 7:30 pm. The mosque is closed to non-worshippers during prayer hours and during the noon prayers on Fridays.

Best time to visit Hagia Sophia

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is early mornings or late afternoons when there are fewer people around. The winter months ( December – February / March) are the best time of the year to visit.

How to get to the Hagia Sophia

• The nearest stop for visiting the Hagia Sophia on the T1 tramway is ‘Sultanahmet’
• It is about a 20 min walk from the  Eminönü ferry terminal or Sirkeci station on the Marmaray line.  

Hagia Sophia entrance fee

There is a new €25 entrance fee, and tourists and non-Muslims can no longer visit most of the ground floor. All visitors over the age of 8(non-Turkish) must buy a ticket for €25 (or 850 TL). 

Recommended: Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide and Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

I thought that I would include this as a tip because of the huge variation in hotel prices throughout the year. Off-peak I have seen discounts of 50 % or more so if you want to save money then consider visiting then.

High season – The end of May – September, although I have seen prices begin to rise in late April. June, July and August are the peak season.

Where to stay near the Hagia Sofia

Luxury Hotel close to the Hagia Sophia – Régie Ottoman Istanbul – Special Category 

The Régie Ottoman is about a 10-minute walk away from the Hagia Sophia. The Special Category means that it has an Ottoman feel to it.  Some of these hotels were built during the Ottoman Empire, others have been restored to the character of that era. This building is 150 years old. I love the exposed stone walls and natural brick incorporated into the stylish rooms and suites. Another huge plus for me is that the rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned. If you like an old-world charm and modern elegance you will love the Régie Ottoman.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

Boutique Hotel near the Hagia Sophia- Boutique Saint Sophia

The Boutique Hotel Saint Sophia is right in the middle of the old town and it is a short walk to the Hagia Sophia. The building dates from the 19^th century and underwent a complete refurb in 2013, updating it to a modern, contemporary styled hotel. Everything is designed for you to have a comfortable stay, down to premium linen and a pillow menu.

⭐️ RATING: 4  | ✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

5 star hotel near the Hagia Sophia – Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul

At the Vogue Hotel Supreme, you get all the bells and whistles of 5-star luxury at mid-range prices. With such a central location you can reach some of the main attractions in the city with a short walk. The hotel is on a quiet road which is a huge plus in a busy city. Some rooms also have amazing views of the Hagia Sophia.

⭐️ RATING: 5   | ✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

Family hotel near the Hagia Sophia – Neorion Hotel

Style-wise the Neorion Hotel would not be my usual choice. It is not slick and modern but rather is designed in a faux Ottoman style, complete with pointed windows that seem to work. They have an indoor swimming pool as well as a Turkish bath. The location is perfect for many of the main sights in Istanbul. You can choose a triple room, a family room or even connecting rooms which make this an ideal choice if you are travelling with kids.

✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

Budget Hotel near the Hagia Sophia – Boss Hotel Sultanahmet

Sometimes budget hotels surprise me and this is one of those times. In a competitive market, the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet has risen to the challenge and delivers so much more than you would expect from a hotel at this price point. Check it out. I am sure that you will be pleasantly surprised.

✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

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 A visit to Hagia Sophia is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a transformative journey through centuries of history, religion, and cultural exchange. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its profound symbolism, Hagia Sophia continues to captivate visitors from around the globe, serving as a timeless testament to Istanbul’s enduring legacy as a bridge between continents and civilizations. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveller, remember to include Hagia Sophia in your itinerary.

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