Hagia Sophia Tours

Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage architecture and wildflowers
Hagia Sophia showing wildflowers and a park
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia


Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

This collection of historical artifacts in Sultanahmet is well-liked by many travelers, so be sure to put it on your to-do list. Don't think the sightseeing ends there, however. There are a lot more spots waiting for you to enjoy after Hagia Sophia. Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern are nearby.

Plan a trip to see Hagia Sophia

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Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Bricks Hotel Istanbul

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Best Lodging Options Near Hagia Sophia

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Fer Hotel

Fer Hotel

Molla Fenari St, Türbedar St. No 12, Nuruosmaniye / Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Fer Hotel
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Lalinn Hotel

Lalinn Hotel

Oyuncu Cikmazi Oyuncu Sok. No 4, Ahirkapi Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Lalinn Hotel
GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class

GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class

Akbiyik cad. No:21, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa - Special Class
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hagia Sophia

When visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring the mosque and the small museum. Don't miss out on the fascinating sightseeing programs that highlight the best experiences around this iconic landmark. Additionally, enjoy shopping and appreciating local art in the vibrant area surrounding Hagia Sophia, making your trip both culturally enriching and enjoyable.

Shopping

For shopping near Hagia Sophia, visit the Grand Bazaar (0.6 miles) and the Egyptian Bazaar (0.7 miles) for local treasures. If you're up for a drive, check out the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre (4 miles) for a mix of shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the rejuvenating Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, just a mile from Hagia Sophia, where you can indulge in traditional body treatments in a serene atmosphere. For a unique cultural experience, enjoy the Whirling Dervishes concert 0.2 miles away, or immerse yourself in dance at Kumbaraci50, also a mile away.

Adventure

Explore the Sultans Trail, a scenic hiking path right by Hagia Sophia, perfect for outdoor adventure. For a thrill, try bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 2 miles away. If you're looking for family fun, the Eyüp Cable Car, 4 miles away, offers stunning views and a unique ride.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Hagia Sophia with a visit to Dance of Colours, just 0.5 miles away, offering an enchanting theatrical performance. Tiyatro-Z, located 1 mile from the iconic site, and Ortaoyuncular Tiyatrosu, 2 miles away, both promise a delightful evening filled with culture and entertainment for the whole family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hagia Sophia

When visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, you'll find a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions, including the iconic mosque and nearby historic buildings. Explore the Hagia Sophia Museum, stroll through the picturesque piazza, and consider staying at local hotels or exploring the nearby Hagia Sophia mansions. Whether you seek outdoor experiences or a deep dive into the city's culture, there's something for every traveler in this captivating area.

  • Blue Mosque: A stunning example of Ottoman architecture, the Blue Mosque is renowned for its blue tiles and majestic domes. Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, it offers a serene atmosphere where visitors can admire intricate designs and experience the mosque's spiritual ambiance.
  • Sultanahmet Square: This vibrant square is the heart of Istanbul, surrounded by historical landmarks. Here, you can soak in the culture and enjoy lively street performances, cafes, and gardens, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
  • Galata Tower: A striking medieval stone tower that offers panoramic views of Istanbul. Located a mile away, visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Best time to go to Hagia Sophia

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hagia Sophia falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Hagia Sophia falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hagia Sophia

To save money on your visit to Hagia Sophia, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices, especially on Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and arranging prices from lowest to highest. Consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for added savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Also, utilize public transport to keep travel costs down while exploring nearby attractions that are often free or low-cost.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hagia Sophia are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a list of sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Hagia Sophia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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