Hagia Sophia
Duration
1 hr
Admission
€28
Best time
Morning
Budget
Budget
About this place
Hagia Sophia is one of the world's greatest architectural and historical monuments, standing at the heart of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district for nearly 1,500 years. Built by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and a museum before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020. Its massive dome, golden mosaics, and towering minarets leave visitors awestruck.
Tips
Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times, so check the daily schedule before arriving and plan your visit accordingly. Modest dress is required — shoulders and knees must be covered, and women should bring a headscarf. Arrive early in the morning to experience the breathtaking interior before the crowds build. Hagia Sophia sits at the heart of Sultanahmet alongside the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace, making it the natural centrepiece of any exploration of Istanbul's historic peninsula.