Tickets · Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi) remains one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks in 2026. As an active mosque, it operates under a dual-access system: the ground-floor prayer hall is reserved primarily for worship, and foreign tourists visit via a paid upper-gallery route that offers views of the vast interior, the dome and the Byzantine mosaics.
Entry rules and access
Hagia Sophia operates a clear separation between worship and tourist visits:
- Tourists enter through a dedicated gate near the Sultan Ahmed III Fountain, on the Topkapı side, for the upper gallery.
- Worshippers use the main mosque entrance for the ground floor.
- Security screening is mandatory for all visitors.
- The building briefly closes to tourist access during the five daily prayer times, and especially during the Friday congregational prayer, typically around 12:00–14:30.
- Modest behaviour and decency are expected at all times.
How to buy tickets
- On-site ticket booth: located across from the Sultan Ahmed III Fountain. Queues can be long in peak season — 30 to 90 minutes.
- Online, from this site, with your date chosen before you travel.
Book your Visitor Gallery ticket
Opening hours
- Generally open daily from around 09:00 to 19:00 or 19:30. Summer hours often start earlier, sometimes at 08:00.
- Last admission is typically 30–60 minutes before closing.
- Closed to tourists during Friday midday prayer.
- Always verify current hours closer to your visit, as they can adjust for religious observances or restoration work.
Dress code and practical tips
Hagia Sophia is an active mosque as well as a centuries-old monument:
- Shoulders and knees must be covered, for everyone.
- Women are required to wear a headscarf. Bring your own or buy one on site.
- Shoes are removed in the prayer areas, and socks are recommended.
- Large bags may need to be checked.
Tips for a smoother visit
- Arrive early, right at opening, or later in the afternoon to avoid the longest queues.
- Book online in high season — spring through autumn — and on cruise-ship days.
- Allow 45–90 minutes for the upper-gallery experience.
- Combine your visit with nearby sites such as the Blue Mosque, whose exterior and prayer area are free to enter outside prayer times, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Check for ongoing restoration. Work on the dome has been reported in recent years and may affect some views.
Final notes
A Hagia Sophia ticket gives foreign visitors access to the historic and artistic highlights of the building while respecting its function as a working mosque. Planning ahead — the ticket and modest clothing above all — makes the experience far more enjoyable.