The Best Hagia Sophia Tour 2023
Explore one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour
On this wonderful half-day tour, you will be able to see Hagia Sophia and two other iconic sights in Istanbul. Explore this magnificent monument accompanied by a local tour guide and enjoy an insightful tour of Istanbul’s number one must-visit attraction.
DESCRIPTION
Hagia Sophia Tour
Discover Istanbul’s religious art and architecture on a guided tour of the city’s most special places of worship.
First, head to the Sultanahmet area to see the epic Hagia Sophia mosque. Built in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. This famous mosque was originally an Orthodox Christian cathedral in early Constantinople, today’s Istanbul. It has undergone significant changes throughout its nearly 1,500-year history.
This iconic landmark of Byzantine architecture survived everything from fires to earthquakes. Hagia Sophia has served as a Catholic church, a mosque, a museum, and since 2020, a mosque again. In 1985, the Hagia Sophia was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
After touring Hagia Sophia, head to the stunning Blue Mosque. It was initially named The Sultan Ahmed Mosque after the man who built it. In the early 17th century, mosques were built only by sultans who had achieved success in war.
The final stop of your guided tour is Suleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is located on the Third Hill of Istanbul. The Suleymaniye was the largest mosque in the city for more than 450 years before it was dethroned in 2019. This monumental mosque was designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, a towering figure in Istanbul’s architectural history.
- All entrance fees
- English-speaking knowledgeable tour guide
- Water
- Food
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Personal expenses
Tour Meeting Point
Meet your tour guide at At Meydanı Caddesi next to the Sultanahmet area at the German Fountain.
Don’t wait! Book the ultimate guided tour of Hagia Sophia!
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Discover Istanbul’s architecture, art, culture, history, and religion in some of the city’s most special places of worship.
Snap photos of the Blue Mosque and learn how this grand building got its nickname.
Located on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of its most famous attractions. Find out what makes it such a significant historical site.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a must-see destination for architecture and history enthusiasts. This inspiring masterpiece has a rich history dating back to the fourth century when the first Hagia Sophia was built on the site of a pagan temple. However, the current structure was rebuilt after a series of fires and finished in 537 A.D. in only 6 years. Hagia Sophia has undergone many transformations, serving as a church and cathedral for more than a millennium before becoming a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century.
The Hagia Sophia is a marvel of engineering with its massive dome and soaring arches. The building’s interior is decorated with magnificent mosaics, ornate marble floors, and intricate calligraphy, making it a feast for the eyes. An interesting fact about The Hagia Sophia is that it contains more than 100 columns, many of which were imported from the Greek Temple of Artemis.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a testament to the incredible achievements of Ottoman architecture and a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Istanbul. With its complex tilework, grand design, and peaceful atmosphere, it is a place that is sure to leave a large impression on anyone who visits.
Built in the early 17th century, The Blue Mosque got its name from more than 20,000 blue tiles that decorate its interior, creating a stunning effect. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, who wanted to build a grand mosque that would rival the Hagia Sophia. The result is a grand and elegant building with six minarets, and a massive dome.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The construction of the Suleymaniye Mosque began in the 16th century. It is the largest mosque in the city and is famous for its elegant design, magnificence, and historical significance. The mosque’s interior is just as impressive, with a huge prayer hall that can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. The interior is adorned with intricate tilework, marble floors, and beautiful stained glass windows that create a sense of peace and serenity.
Good To Know Before You Go!
- Your tour guide will be holding a TripGuru sign or wearing a TripGuru shirt.
- Rescheduling is possible 24 hours before the experience.
- By purchasing this Istanbul Pass, you will get a discount for the next attraction that you want to visit.
- The dress code is strict and must be appropriate. Women should wear a head covering or veil. Plastic bags for shoes and head coverings will be provided at the entrance and are free of charge.
FAQs
How much does it cost to visit Hagia Sophia?
Since Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, you can visit it without any entrance fees, but we highly recommend booking a guided tour or buying an entrance ticket that includes an audio guide. If you truly want to get the most out of your visit to Hagia Sophia, a guided tour is the best way to do so.Can you visit Hagia Sophia as a tourist?
Of course. Hagia Sophia is open to tourists, and we would recommend that you do so. It is an incredible way to experience Istanbul’s heritage and cultural diversity.Is Hagia Sophia worth visiting?
Yes! Hagia Sophia is certainly worth visiting. Its grand architecture and rich history are something you need to experience for yourself when you’re in Istanbul.How long is the Hagia Sophia tour?
We offer a 4-hour walking tour, which includes all entrance fees and an experienced tour guide. Still, you should consider our Istanbul Tourist Pass, which allows you to experience an extensive range of the region’s most popular sites and attractions at a discounted rate.What else can I see close to Hagia Sophia?
Don’t miss out on other amazing and must-see monuments and sites in Istanbul, one of which is the Basilica Cistern, sitting side by side next to Hagia Sophia. Visit a true relic of the Byzantine Empire’s water system that features hundreds of ancient columns. Later on, check out the Topkapi Palace, the historic Ottoman-era Palace complex, or Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.Look no further! Book your perfect Istanbul Hagia Sophia tour now!
Enjoy your visit to Hagia Sophia the fullest!
Amazing Experience!
The Byzantine and Ottoman architecture of Hagia Sophia is breathtaking. We picked a perfect time to visit Hagia Sophia, the weather was incredible, and there weren't that many people. We debated booking a private tour. But this one offered more, and we picked the right one. This tour is an amazing value for money spent, and I highly recommend it.
Incredible Tour Guide
Our tour guide was the best. She told us all about the Ottoman conquest and how Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. We learned so much about the history and the culture that both Hagia Sophia and the Grand Mosque hold. This was an amazing half-day tour with a very professional and knowledgeable local tour guide.
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