All Travel Guides

Provided by: Hasan Akbas/unsplash.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe Turkey Istanbul Do & See Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Overview

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

The guide was updated: 2023-10-31

7230 Reviews

Badge of excellence

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

Useful Information

Address: Sultan Ahmet Mah., Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet, Istanbul
More Info: Visitors are asked to comply with the modesty dress code when visiting this historic mosque: knees and shoulders covered, women must don headscarves.
Tickets: Entrance is free for everyone
Phone: +90 212 522 17 50

From USD 200

Lowest price guaranteed

Check Availability

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hour in advance

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Turkish Baths

Turkish Baths

It is said that if you have never tried a Turkish bath then you have never been truly clean. The visitor moves through several hot rooms and finally arrives at the massage table for a real going over. Men and women bathe separately, exceptions are made at certain times for tourists. Here is one recommended bathhouse: Çemberlitaş Hamam. Situated near the Bazaar, this is the oldest hamam in town and was reputedly built by the master architect Mimar Sinan in 1584.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived (the two are not included in the ticket price to the palace).

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

Sultanahmet or The Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet or The Blue Mosque

Built at the beginning of the 16th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this grandiose mosque seemlessly combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The building is known for its six minarets and was given its nickname for the 20,000 blue tiles adorning the interior. These tiles were made in Iznik — an area that was famous during the Ottoman Empire for its expert production of ceramic tiles.

Maçka Park

Maçka Park

Maçka Democracy Park is about 10 minutes away from Taksim square and has paths for jogging, walking and dog walking. The northern part of the park is popular with young people who come there to sit around on the lawn, talk with friends over a couple of drinks and escape the heat of the city blocks. The park's location close to a university campus means it's always full of hip students. Don't miss the opportunity to fly high above the park in a cute 2-cabin cable car. You'll need your public transit card for that.

Galata tower

Galata tower

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus. The top floor of the tower is located at a height of 52 meters and houses an observation deck. It is unlikely that you will find a better lookout spot in all of the city — simply stunning. The tower is one of the most iconic building in Istanbul and is a very popular destination. It's a good idea to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar attracts many people — far too many if you come at rush hour. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes whilst the bazaar comes to life. There are thousands of stalls, selling virtually everything, carpets, gold, cloth, spices. The bazaar is a world of its own and it’s easy and fun to get lost in the teeming alleyways.

Boat trips

Boat trips

Boats travel along the shores of the Bosporus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.

Eminönü Pier

Eminönü Pier

Eminönü Pier is located right next to the famed Galata bridge, where you can find plenty of restaurants and locals fishing at all times of the day. It's a perfect day to take in Istanbul's busy atmosphere, or start a day of exploring the city by boat. Ferries depart regularly and take you up the Golden Horn, along the Bosphorus or across the water to the Asian side.

Moda Coastal Park

Moda Coastal Park

Moda district of Kadikoy has a certain bohemian and alternative vibe. Once the sun begins to set, locals and visitors of the area head down towards the Marmara sea. People stroll up and down the footpaths, jog, bike, pet cats, have picnics — whatever floats your boat on this grassy stretch of parkland. Vendors frequently pass by selling sunflower seeds, snacks, water, and beer.

Arter

Arter

Arter is non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous facade — in stark contrast with comparatively dilapidated old buildings in the area. A must for fans of contemporary art. Every single visitor is impressed by the bookstore. The art centre also has a lovely cafe with a terrace.

Süleymaniye

Süleymaniye

Süleymaniye is the largest mosque dating from 1557 and also contains the mausoleum of sultan Süleyman and his wife Roxelane. The master architect Mimar Sinan built many of Istanbul’s mosques during the 1500s and is buried next to the mosque. This is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul, and from its location on the Third Hill, it commands an extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. If you have seen a photo of Istanbul taken from a ferry — most likely Süleymaniye is right in the middle of the composition.

SALT Beyoğlu

SALT Beyoğlu

SALT Beyoğlu is a six-story building on the central shopping İstiklal street. In this historic building you'll find selected artworks and small-scale exhibitions that are ever changing to reflect the fast-paced rhythm of modern world. Check this art space's Walk-in Cinema — a platform for screenings, talks, workshops, and performances. While you're in the area, also check out SALT Galata — an equally wonderful sister project of SALT Beyoğlu with a cafe and a library with free Wi-Fi.

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Sakip Sabanci Museum

A private mansion with a nice garden turned into a museum, a place where you can admire works from Turkish artists created between 1850 and 1950. There are also excellent collection of calligraphy, religious and state documents, classical Turkish furniture and well as paintings of the Ottoman era. The museum is beautifully located on a hilltop, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

This is the first private museum to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions in the city. It was founded in 2004 and is located in an old warehouse by the harbour. Istanbul Modern Museum offers two main exhibition halls; the museum’s permanent collection is displayed on the upper floor and the temporary exhibition hall and photography gallery on the lower floor.

Hodjapasha Cultural Centre

Hodjapasha Cultural Centre

For best local authentic events, head over to this Cultural Centre, housed in an old historical Turkish bath (over 500 years old). It has two sections, first is an exhibition and foyer area, the other section is the performance area. This is a great place to enjoy belly dancing, whirling dervishes and other traditional dance performances with live music.

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Istanbul. There are several playgrounds for children, trails for hiking and picnic tables. Every April there is a Tulip Festival, a period when the park is surrounded by blossomed tulips.

Istanbul Aquarium

Istanbul Aquarium

This is a well organised aquarium with species from all over the world and is a great family attraction as well as a popular tourist sight. It offers approximately 1.500 species, 15.000 land and sea creatures in total. When you are feeling hungry or thirsty you will find a café inside.

Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Rahmi M. Koc Museum

The first museum in Turkey dedicated to the history of transport. The collection contains of full size ships, aircrafts, trains and cars. This is a great place to explore and learn something new, both for children and adults.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace

This white stone behemoth — the Dolmabahçe Palace — is located in the Beşiktaş district and overlooks the Bosphorus. It used to serve as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Some visitors compare it with Versailles and Hermitage.

Next section

Next Section