Istanbul Skip-the-Line Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia
- Explore the Blue Mosque's stunning architecture
- Learn about Istanbul's rich history
- Enjoy a guided tour with expert insights
- Experience the city's iconic landmarks
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Guided tour with expert insights
- Headsets for clear audio during the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
The ticket is included if you choose the “with entry ticket” option. Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to the visitors.
Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque,, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
Pass by: Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city whıch once could hold 100,000 spectators. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
One of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 60 streets and 5000 shops, where you will find in an authentic oriental atmosphere, all kind of gifts, leather clothing, rugs, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics etc…
Meeting point
Start Location
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, be respectful of local customs.
- Children under 6 years old can join for free; please inform in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into religious sites.
- Dress modestly to respect local customs when visiting mosques.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
- Please contact the local provider and confirm your pick-up time before the tour date.
- Please be advised that for our regular small group tours, a single departure time is available for guests already residing in Istanbul (8:30–9:00). Later departure options have been made available exclusively for cruise passengers arriving by ship.
Traveler reviews
Great Guide, In Spite of Minor Headaches
Kemal, our guide, was excellent: cordial, professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. He answered all our questions, demonstrating considerable expertise about the many sites we visited. But Viator should have informed us (in advance) that the Hagia Sophia is undergoing MAJOR renovations and repair of earthquake-related damage. This means a lot of the site is shrouded in scaffolding.
Baris tour guide is the Best!
We lucked out with our guide Baris who was so incredibly knowledgeable in the history of every place we visited. He is a true professional and a really nice guy as well. We learned a lot today but also had a lot of fun with our group. I would highly recommend requesting Baris for your tour in Istanbul.
Great tour
My tour guide was exceptional. He was kind, knowledgeable and answered all the questions with patience. He shared the rich history of all of our sights with his great knowledge. I was left with an appreciation for the city, country and culture. Thank you
Wonderful tour and guide
Kemal did such a good job with finding what the people on our tour were interested in by spending the time seeing and providing it. He is very knowledgeable and considerate. He even got us back to our hotel because we were unsure of how to get back.
This is Istanbul essentials but…
We loved our guide Ali, but I hesitate to recommend this excursion because: 1) exhausting walks, 2) Hagia Sophia entry fee sort of a ripoff at $30, and 3) Grand Bazaar is anything but grand with high prices, aggressive sales tactics, and overwhelming focus on mass-produced tourist items rather than an authentic market experience.