Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Tickets with Audio Guide

KTLY628358

Istanbul, Turkey

Audio Guide

Turkish, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Chinese

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure

About this tour

See two of Istanbul's landmarks on one ticket. At Topkapi Palace, the centuries-long seat of the Ottoman sultans, you'll walk the courtyards and gardens above the Bosphorus, step into the private Harem, and see the jewels and holy relics kept there. Across the square, Hagia Sophia pairs its huge Byzantine dome with Islamic calligraphy inside a working mosque. Skip-the-line entry is included at both, along with an audio guide available in nine languages.

Audio Guide Languages

Turkish English German Spanish Italian Russian Arabic Chinese

Highlights

Walk through the Harem, the private living quarters of the sultan and his family
See the jewels, weapons, and treasures held in the Imperial Treasury
Stroll the palace courtyards and gardens overlooking the Bosphorus
Visit the Holy Relics Chamber, home to sacred objects of Islam
Take in the Iznik tilework and Ottoman detailing across the palace grounds
Marvel at the harmonious blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, shaped by centuries of history.
Stand beneath the vast central dome, an engineering feat far ahead of its time
See Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy sharing the same space, the mark of a building that was cathedral and then mosque
Feel the atmosphere of a working mosque that still opens its doors to worshippers and visitors

Places You Will Visit

Open map

Included / Excluded

Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
Access to the Harem Museum
Topkapi audio guide in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visitor area
Hagia Sophia audio guide in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish

Opening Hours & Dress Code for Both Sites

Topkapi Palace opens daily except Tuesdays. In summer, from April 1 to October 1, hours are 09:00 to 18:00; in winter, from October 1 to April 1, hours are 09:00 to 17:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and the palace is closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Because it's a functioning mosque, a modest dress code applies: women should cover shoulders and arms, wear a skirt to the knee or below or full-length trousers, and put on a headscarf inside; men need full-length trousers or knee-length shorts and no sleeveless tops. The rules are relaxed for children under eight.

Check the official site for current visiting times before you go.

Weather in Istanbul

Today 73°F23°C 60°F16°C Rain 78%

Tomorrow 67°F20°C 59°F15°C Rain 5%

Sun, Oct 25 71°F21°C 58°F14°C Rain 0%

Mon, Oct 26 67°F19°C 61°F16°C Rain 17%

Tue, Oct 27 64°F18°C 60°F16°C Rain 33%

Wed, Oct 28 60°F16°C 57°F14°C Rain 34%

Thu, Oct 29 61°F16°C 54°F12°C Rain 34%

Local time 3:43 AM, UTC+03:00

Available Days / Times

Monday : All day
Tuesday
Wednesday : All day
Thursday : All day
Friday : All day
Saturday : All day
Sunday : All day

Last updated: Oct 22, 2026

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Important Information

Allow two to three hours at the palace to cover the Harem and Treasury
Everyone passes through security, which can take up to 30 minutes in high season even with tickets in hand
Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone paths, courtyards, and stairs
Booking online ahead lets you skip the ticket-purchase lines, especially in peak months
Confirm your ticket covers the Harem, which needs a separate ticket and shows the sultans' private life
A combo ticket saves time and money since Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern are a short walk away
An audio guide or guided tour adds context on the palace's history and imperial collections
Hagia Sophia is a working mosque, so dress respectfully (see dress code)
Visitor tickets cover the Upper Gallery only; the ground-floor prayer hall is for worshippers and is not part of standard visits
Hagia Sophia closes to tourists during the five daily prayers and the main Friday prayer, so visit outside these times
Security checks apply at entry, with waits of up to 60 minutes in high season (June to August)
Set aside one to two hours to take in the architecture and history of Hagia Sophia
Guided tours or audio guides are recommended for deeper insight into the history, symbolism, and artistic details.
Ongoing conservation work means parts of the interior may be behind scaffolding
Combo tickets are a practical option and can save time and money when visiting nearby landmarks such as the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace.
No eating or drinking in the exhibition rooms
Photography is fine in the courtyards and most areas, but no flash, and none in the Imperial Treasury or Sacred Relics rooms
Do not touch or climb on the exhibits
No smoking inside the palace buildings
Follow the directions of museum staff and security
Dress modestly at Hagia Sophia, covering shoulders and knees (see dress code)
Remove your shoes before the prayer area; use the racks provided or carry them in a small plastic bag
Keep quiet and respectful inside the mosque
Photography is generally allowed, but avoid using flash.
Follow the directions of mosque staff and guides

FAQs

What is Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is a historic palace museum in Istanbul that served as the main administrative center and royal residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. Today, Topkapi Palace preserves imperial courtyards, state rooms, and collections that reflect the political, ceremonial, and private life of the Ottoman court.

Where is Topkapi Palace located?

Topkapi Palace is located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, on a promontory overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara. The central location places Topkapi Palace within walking distance of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Who built Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in the 15th century, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, and was expanded by successive sultans over time.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Topkapi Palace?

The average visit duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours to see the main highlights.

What is the Topkapi Palace entrance fee?

The Topkapi Palace entrance fee varies depending on the ticket type, such as standard admission, guided tours, or combination tickets that include nearby attractions. Prices can change by season and ticket inclusions, so it is best to refer to the Topkapi Palace tickets listed on this page for the most up-to-date options and current prices.

Where to buy Topkapi Palace tickets?

Topkapi Palace tickets can be purchased online or on-site, but booking Topkapi Palace tickets online through our site allows you to compare options such as standard entry, guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, combo tickets, and city passes, helping you find the best deal for your visit.

Are guided tours available at Topkapi Palace?

Yes, guided tours at Topkapi Palace are available and offer deeper insight into the palace’s history, key sections, and imperial life. You can explore top-rated guided tour options and current availability on our site.

Are tickets to Topkapi Palace available online?

Yes, Topkapi Palace tickets are available online, allowing visitors to secure entry in advance. Booking through our site gives access to verified tickets, different ticket types, and special deals.

Can I buy skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace are available and help save time by avoiding ticket-purchase queues. Our site also offers money-saving combo tickets and city passes that include Topkapi Palace and nearby attractions.

What is Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into an imperial mosque, and today functioning as an active mosque and historic monument. It is renowned for its massive dome, layered history, and unique blend of Christian and Islamic architectural elements.

When was Hagia Sophia built?

Hagia Sophia was constructed between 532 and 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. At the time of its completion, it was the largest cathedral in the world.

Who built Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as the principal cathedral of Constantinople and a symbol of imperial authority.

Who designed Hagia Sophia?

The structure was designed by two scholars and architects: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus. Their innovative engineering, particularly the dome, was groundbreaking for its time.

What does Hagia Sophia mean?

The name “Hagia Sophia” means “Holy Wisdom” in Greek. It refers to divine wisdom rather than a specific saint.

Why is Hagia Sophia important?

Hagia Sophia is important for its architectural innovation, historical significance, and cultural symbolism. It has served as a cathedral, mosque, museum, and mosque again, reflecting the complex religious and political history of Istanbul. Its dome influenced centuries of church and mosque architecture across both the Christian and Islamic worlds.

Where is Hagia Sophia located?

Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, directly opposite the Blue Mosque and within walking distance of major landmarks such as the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palast.

Is Hagia Sophia free to visit?

Access to the main prayer hall of Hagia Sophia is free for Muslim worshippers attending prayer, as it functions as an active mosque. However, the designated visitor areas, including the Upper Gallery, require a ticket. On this page, you can review verified ticket options and available deals for access to the visitor areas.

Where can I buy Hagia Sophia tickets?

Tickets for the designated visitor areas of Hagia Sophia can be purchased online or on-site, subject to availability and current regulations. Booking online through this page allows you to compare verified ticket options, view inclusions, and access current deals, helping you plan your visit more easily, especially during busy periods.

How do you pronounce Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is commonly pronounced as “HAH-yuh soh-FEE-uh” in English. In Turkish, it is pronounced “Ayasofya.”