Hagia Sophia
The colossal 6th-century Byzantine basilica turned mosque — one of the world's greatest and most storied buildings.
Don't miss at Hagia Sophia
- ◆ The vast dome
- ◆ Byzantine mosaics
- ◆ 1,500 years of history
Insider tip
Go at opening; pair it with the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, all a short walk apart.
Hagia Sophia — visitor questions
What is Hagia Sophia known for?
The colossal 6th-century Byzantine basilica turned mosque — one of the world's greatest and most storied buildings. Highlights include: The vast dome; Byzantine mosaics; 1,500 years of history.
Where is Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia is in Sultanahmet, Istanbul — Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 İstanbul. More info: https://www.istanbul.gov.tr
Any tips for visiting Hagia Sophia?
Go at opening; pair it with the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, all a short walk apart.
Can Chauffyr take me to Hagia Sophia?
Yes — Chauffyr provides a private, fixed-price chauffeur to Hagia Sophia and between every stop on your Istanbul itinerary, with no parking or driving to worry about.
More places in Istanbul
All of Istanbul →
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed)
Sultanahmet
The early-17th-century imperial mosque famed for its cascade of domes and 20,000 blue İznik tiles.
Topkapı Palace
Sultanahmet
The opulent primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, overlooking the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Grand Bazaar
Fatih
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets — 4,000 shops across 60 labyrinthine streets.
The Bosphorus
Bosphorus
The legendary strait dividing Europe and Asia — a cruise past palaces, fortresses and wooden mansions is essential.
Basilica Cistern
Sultanahmet
A vast, dimly-lit 6th-century underground Byzantine water cistern with a forest of columns and mysterious Medusa heads.