Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 and has been a church, a museum and today a mosque. Foreign visitors buy a ticket, around €25 per adult, for the upper gallery, and children under 8 go free with ID or a passport. Queues of 30 to 60 minutes are common, so booking ahead through an authorised partner saves time with children.
The building closes briefly for each of the five daily prayers, and on Fridays it is closed to tourists around midday, roughly 12:00 to 14:30. Opening hours run roughly from 09:00 to 19:00 or 19:30 and are shorter in winter, with last entry 30 to 60 minutes before closing.
There is a dress code for everyone: shoulders and knees covered, and women cover their hair, with scarves handed out free at the entrance. Shoes come off on the carpet. A folding stroller can come in but often has to be carried, so a baby carrier is easier for the upper gallery. There is no food or drink inside and no dedicated baby-changing room, so plan feeds before or after. The tram to Sultanahmet stops close by.
Family FAQ
How much does Hagia Sophia cost for children?
Children under 8 go free with ID or a passport; foreign adults pay around €25.
What are the opening hours of Hagia Sophia?
The building closes briefly for each of the five daily prayers, and to tourists on Fridays around 12:00 to 14:30.
Are there rules to know before visiting Hagia Sophia?
Shoulders and knees covered for everyone, and headscarves for women, given out free at the entrance; shoes off on the carpet.
Can you bring a stroller to Hagia Sophia?
A folding stroller can come in but often has to be carried; a baby carrier is easier for the upper gallery.
Do you need to book Hagia Sophia in advance?
Expect 30 to 60 minutes in line; booking ahead through an authorised partner shortens the wait.
Can you bring your own food to Hagia Sophia?
No food or drink inside and no dedicated baby-changing room, so plan feeds before or after.
Is there parking at Hagia Sophia?
Take the tram to Sultanahmet; there is no parking at the building.
