The 6th-century Byzantine cathedral, a mosque again since 2020. Foreign visitors enter a separate route to the upper galleries, where the Deesis mosaic and the imperial portrait mosaics of Zoe and the Komnenos family are the highlights.
- Address
- Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, Fatih
- Hours
- Open daily for visitors outside prayer times; tourist route is to the upper galleries; closed to visitors during Friday midday prayer
- Best time to go
- Morning · About 1 h
- Price
- EUR 25 for foreign visitors (2026); free for Turkish citizens and worshippers
- Price level
- ₺₺₺
- Free entry
- Also free for: Children under 8 accompanied by an adult (passport/ID required)
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Women must cover their hair; shoulders and knees covered for everyone
- Go at opening or late afternoon; queues peak 10:00-14:00
- Fee paid since 15 January 2024 for foreign nationals