Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Visit 2026: New Rules, Entrance Fees & Prayer Times

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Visit 2026: New Rules, Entrance Fees & Prayer Times (Ayasofya) remains the most iconic landmark of Istanbul, but visiting it in 2026 is very different from previous years. With the new “Visitor Management Policy,” the experience has changed significantly. If you don’t want to waste hours in the wrong line or get turned away at the door, this guide is for you.

1. The New Two-Floor System

As of 2026, there are two sections:

The Ground Floor (Prayer Area): Reserved strictly for Turkish citizens for worship.
The Gallery Floor (Upper Level): This is the section for foreign tourists. You can see the world-famous mosaics and get the best view of the dome from here.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Tourists can no longer enter the ground floor main area during prayer times. To see the mosaics and the historic gallery, you must use the separate visitor entrance located near the Topkapi Palace side.

2. Entrance Fees & Tickets (2026 Update)

The entrance fee for foreign tourists is currently €25 (subject to change based on exchange rates).

Ticket Booths: Expect long queues at the physical ticket windows, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Skip-the-Line Option: To avoid the 1-hour wait under the sun, we highly recommend booking an Online QR-Code Entry Ticket or the Istanbul Combo Pass which includes the Basilica Cistern.

3. Dress Code & Security

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is an active mosque. Even though tourists visit the upper gallery, the dress code is strictly enforced:

Women: Must cover their heads. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Men: No shorts or tank tops.
Note: If you don’t have a scarf, you will have to buy one at the entrance for an extra fee. It’s better to bring your own!

4. Prayer Times & Visiting Hours

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is open to visitors from 09:00 to 19:30. However, since it is a mosque, visiting hours for the gallery floor can be affected by Friday prayers.

Friday Tip: Avoid visiting on Friday mornings (before 14:30) as the area is extremely crowded with worshippers.
Best Time to Visit: Either at 09:00 sharp or after 17:00 for the best light and fewest crowds.

5. Why You Need an Online Ticket with Audio Guide (Don’t Go Blind!)

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of symbols, mosaics, and hidden messages. However, since 2024, physical information boards inside the visitor gallery are almost non-existent. If you go without a guide, you are just looking at “pretty gold walls.”

To truly experience it, we recommend the Hagia Sophia Entry Ticket with Smartphone Audio Guide. Here is why this specific ticket is a lifesaver:

Skip the Ticket Line: In 2026, the physical ticket queue can take up to 60-90 minutes. With this QR-code ticket, you bypass the ticket booths entirely and go straight to the security check.
Smartphone Audio App: Once you enter, you simply open the app on your phone. It narrates the stories of the Byzantine mosaics, the Viking runes, and the massive Ottoman calligraphy disks as you walk.
Flexibility: Unlike a group tour, you don’t have to follow a guide. You can spend as much time as you want at each mosaic, listen to the audio at your own pace, and take your photos without rushing.
Everything Included: This ticket covers the entrance to the visitor area (Upper Gallery) and the digital guide in multiple languages.

💡 Important Checklist: To use your audio guide properly, remember to bring your own headphones and make sure your smartphone is fully charged. There are no charging stations or headphone rentals inside the monument!

Check live availability and book your Hagia Sophia QR-Ticket here →

🧭 Plan Your Visit Efficiently

Check the Prayer Times: Download a local prayer time app.
Buy Your Ticket Online: Don’t risk the ticket booth lines. Book your Hagia Sophia Entry here.
Head to the Rooftop: After your visit, walk 5 minutes to the Panoramic Restaurant to see the domes you just stood under from a bird’s-eye view.