Ayasofya: 7 tips for visiting the iconic building

Ayasofya: 7 tips for visiting the iconic building

Practical tips for visiting Ayasofya, Istanbul's most famous monument, including the best time to visit, how to avoid crowds and things not to miss

Ayasofya (or Hagia Sophia in Greek) is one of Istanbul's most famous structures. It adorns travel brochures and glossy magazines and even makes a guest appearance in the video game Assassin's Creed.

The 1,500-year-old structure is considered the most important of the Byzantine era and is one of the largest monuments in the world. Completed in 537 AD, Ayasofya was the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.

Ayasofya and its central dome, a massive 32 meters (105 feet) in diameter, watch over Istanbul and offer beguiling views from inside and out. Here's how to make the most of your time there.

1. Avoid queues with a museum pass

To avoid long lines at Ayasofya, purchase an Istanbul Museum Pass in advance from your hotel or hostel. The pass costs the equivalent of $42 and grants access to 13 attractions across Istanbul. It entitles you to one-time entry to each museum and is valid for five days (120 hours) from the first use. You can purchase the pass online or at your hotel.

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2. Visit to Ayasofya in the evening

Most guidebooks will tell you to visit first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. However, locals advise you to visit in the evening, around two hours before closing time (see opening hours below).

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It's worth revisiting the area after dark. With Ayasofya on one side and the Blue Mosque on the other, the landscape after dark is both surreal and magical.

Note that Ayasofya is closed on the first days of Ramadan and some festivals. Check visitor information for updates.

3. Avoid Friday mornings

The nearby Blue Mosque is closed until 2:30 p.m. for Friday prayers, and Ayasofya often takes in the overcrowding. To avoid the crowds, avoid visiting during this time. We were told Wednesday and Thursday were good days to visit.

4. Prepare for scaffolding!

Restoration work is currently underway at Ayasofya, so be prepared for scaffolding and unsightly white barriers.

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Kia inside Ayasofya with scaffolding and white barriers

Between the crowds and the works, it can be difficult to photograph the stunning interior, but if you time your entry right, you're sure to walk away with something impressive.

5. Don't bring a tripod

Tripods are not allowed at Ayasofya, so leave yours at the hotel. If you happen to have yours with you, you will be asked to leave it with security. You will receive a ticket with which you can pick up the tripod when you leave.

6. Don't miss the galleries above

During our visit it was not obvious that we had access to the upper galleries of Ayasofya. Without prior research, you may miss these altogether.

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Access the galleries via the ramp at the north end of the inner narthex. There you can explore the rich mosaics depicting various religious fables. Some of the best preserved are in the southern gallery.

7. Try your luck at the wine column

Around the corner from the ramp to the galleries you may see a crowd of people waiting in line. This is the queue for the wine column.

To follow the ritual, insert your thumb into the column, rotate it fully clockwise and take it out. Legend has it that if your thumb gets wet, you will be cured of all your ailments!

Ayasofya: The essentials

What: Visit to Ayasofya in Istanbul, Turkey.

Where: We stayed at the Sirkeci Mansion Hotel in the Old City of Istanbul and absolutely loved this gem of a hotel. It's located on a picturesque street that offers both an oasis of calm away from the crowds and proximity to the city's biggest attractions. The Blue Mosque and Ayasofya are just a 10 minute walk away!

When: The best time to visit Istanbul is spring (March to mid-June), when the weather is temperate and the days are long. Note that it may rain for a day or two, especially in April.

We visited in late May and had a day washout. However, the other days were wonderful. Autumn (September-October) is the second best time to travel. Summer is hot and crowded while winter can be cold and rainy. Ayasofya's opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer (April 15 to October 25) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter (October 26 to April 14). Please note that last entry is one hour before closing time.

How: Ayasofya can be reached via a short walk from Sirkeci Mansion Hotel. If you live further away, you can use Istanbul's reliable metro system to get around. Taxis are readily available, but we preferred to use the far cheaper subway.

Istanbul has connections to several international airports. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

Note: Due to recent unrest in Turkey, please read the FCO travel advice before your visit.

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Lonely Planet Turkey is a comprehensive guide to Turkey, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.
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