About Hagia Sophia
Once the spiritual center of Christianity and a key place of worship for both Orthodox and Catholic communities, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was secularized and transformed into a museum in 1935. In 2020, it was officially reclassified as a mosque.
Today, Hagia Sophia serves a mosque and upstairs can be visited.
- The lower floor operates as an active mosque open to worshippers.
- The upper galleries remain accessible to tourists in a museum-like capacity.
This guide provides essential information for your 2025 visit, including opening hours, entry fees, dress code, and travel tips.
Opening Hours – Summer 2025
(Updated: June 3, 2025)
- Monday to Thursday: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Friday:
- Open: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Closed for Friday prayer: 12:00 PM – 02:30 PM
- Reopens: 02:30 PM – 07:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Note: Hours may vary during religious holidays or special events.
Entrance Fees (2025)
- Turkish citizens: Free of charge (entry via the main gate)
- Foreign Muslim visitors: Free during prayer times for worship only
- Tourists (non-Muslims or outside prayer hours): €25 per person
- Children under 8 years old: Free (You need to presend valid id)
Note: The Museum Pass is not valid for Hagia Sophia. Entry rules and prices are subject to change by official authorities.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, though this may vary with cruise ship arrivals.
- In summer, the mosque opens at 8:00 AM. Arriving early helps avoid large tour groups.
- Alternatively, visiting around 5:30 PM, near closing time at 7:00 PM, often means fewer crowds.
How to Skip the Line
- Security controls are mandatory and none has a right to skip the security lines.
- You can buy the tickets online to save the time. ( You can buy the tickets
- Joining a private or group tour. Travel agencies can buy the tickets advance and you will skip the ticket line.
Dress Code
As Hagia Sophia is an active mosque
- Women: Must cover their head, shoulders, and legs. Scarves and appropriate coverings are available for purchase near the entrance.
- Men: Shorts are allowed but must cover the knees.
Is Hagia Sophia Ever Closed?
Hagia Sophia is open daily, including on public holidays.
However, it is temporarily closed to visitors on Fridays between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM for Friday prayers.