Santa Sofía Reviews

Hagia Sophia is very magnificent, beautiful and wonderful
However, it is difficult to use normal taxi around
Istanbul taxi drivers are cheaters. Please be careful.

Car number 34 TEN 24 Taxi driver is a cheater
This taxi driver is the disgrace of Istanbul

I took a taxi from Hagia Sophia to the Park Inn by Radisson hotel.
I paid $ 100 for the fare, but the taxi driver magically switched to a $ 1.
And the taxi driver threatened me to pay more.
I had to pay an extra $ 50.

As a result, I had to pay $ 150 for a 20km taxi fare.
Are all Istanbul taxi drivers a magician or thief?

Car number 34 TEN 24 Taxi driver is a real robber

I will not go to Istanbul again
Istanbul is a really lucrative city.

Just fabulous. Hagia Sophia is just steeped in history. First a cathedral, then a mosque and finally a museum. We were all in awe. The dome and preaching pulpit are just beautiful. There is even more beauty as you head up to the viewing gallery. The trek up is via an inclined slope and not stairs. It's safe and easy. The viewing gallery has the beautiful gold mosaics from when the building was a cathedral. The views down into the hall is spectacular as are the views from the windows at this height. Hagia Sophia is an absolute MUST if you come to Turkey. Entry prices are very reasonable and children under 8 are admitted free. There's also a nice outdoor sit-down cafe and a tasteful little gift shop.

Historically significant but very overpriced for whats available visually. 71 lira to see one hall seems like an overkill.

Beautiful place, one of a must visits when you come to Istanbul!

Beautiful! The art, architecture, and location are mesmerizing. This is definitely something to add to your bucket list.

The audio tour was good but could better link the many centuries of the building's use together.

Very good history.
Just a pity most of the Christian artifacts are in ruin. Was still very nice to see.

Must to see in Istanbul. It is a place where Christianity and Islam meet and respect each orher.

Actually it is not a bad idea to take the official guide, they charged us (2 adults) 200 lira (ca. 50 ), this includes the 40 lira admission per person, but you skip all the waiting queue, we saved min. one hour :-)

It s a beautiful and rich museum full of history and art. Mosaic art is done amazingly well.
There are a lot of people and tour guides that speak almost every language. The tickets are bought in two different options and you can have a ticket of a multi visit (5 days) for 125 TL or a one time visit for 40 TL.

Stunning. Three ruling Empires, three religions, 1500 years of history. I recommend getting a guided experience to really understand what, when and why

A beautiful building full of history. Wouldn't recommend the audio tour as it doesn't give you much extra information.

Christian and Islamic history seem side-by-side. Fast and free entry in 2020.

Beautiful architecture and amazing history between changes of Empires

The Hagia Sophia (pronounced aya sofya ) is a must-see attraction in Istanbul. This 1,500 year old structure not only combines Muslim and Christian art, but was an architectural landmark.

Given its age, the building does require a lot of renovations - my guide told me that in the last ten years, there have only been a handful of days where he s not noticed any renovations/maintenance taking place.

I d recommend going first thing in the morning as the location does get quite crowded.

Follow me on Instagram @yamisohungry for more food and travel!

Church sponsored by emperor Justinian in the 500's. Amazing.

This was a short and educational stop. You could take your time but 45-60 minuted is enough. Watching the video they had airing (in english) was very helpful as we knew little about the monument. I believe it isnt open intil afternoon. Located right beside the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Cistern made it easy to pop in and out of. Its a long steep walk up a slippery smooth stone ramp to the 2 nd storey inside so sturdy shoes is helpful.

A must-see in Istanbul. However, it's currently under construction, there is usually a line and the price of 40TL is quite expensive, considering other (arguably more beautiful) sights in Istanbul are free. Therefore, having high expectations beforehand, we left a little disappointed.

Since the surroundings are spacious, I did not feel so huge when looking from the outside.
However, entering inside it is overwhelmed by the huge space.
How did you build such a huge building like this? How did you put a huge disk with Arabic letters in it?
Wonders and doubts come to mind one after another.
I think that I do not know this feeling of space unless we go to practice.
It is the world's best temple.

Hagia Sophia is one of those kind of places that lives you speechless. It's definitely a must visit.

Beautiful and an amazing place however, Be careful of the tour guides (scam)

It would have been better if the restoration tasks would have finished before.

Very interesting and beautiful place. Must see in Istanbul

One of the most gorgeous architecture in Istanbul. It's huge. It's beautiful :)

Absolutely a must! They don't make them like this no more!

Unique church and mosque with hundreds of years of History

Truly wonderful historical building. The architectural structure, design, decoration takes you back to medieval times. Amazing, must see.

Love the museum. Former mosque. One of my favourites in Istanbul

If you love history then you should visit this place

This place has unreal energy! Extremely gorgeous inside-out. Definitely must go.. Try going while its not crowdy,

The great place. Ex church, become a museum, and will be a mosque again by erdogan.. Hope will be true

One of greatest places to visit around the world and not to miss if you visit Istanbul where you can see both cultures ( Islamic and Christianity) in one place. Over 500 years still Christianity icons same place not destroyed or changed, feel more tolerance and accepting to other cultures. I loved to see mixed cultures same time same place.

It was built as a church, converted into a mosque during Ottoman Empire. It is the most amazing place on earth. 600 years old and still standing. So big a lot of history. Architecturally amazing. Must see. A lot of history in it.

A bit of a queue to get in but we had a guide who took us through. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the place and how it changed from church to mosque to museum. And all the details behind it from the different eras. So fascinating. You won t regret visiting!

Women ablution area is connected to the mens are behind a white door.

Shows what the Hippodrome would have looked like in its hay day

Another historical and architectural gem in Istanbul.

Beautiful place. But definitely a lot of maintenance work needs to be done. Huge waiting lines at the entry. Worth buying the city pass.

spectacular
i really loved it

This building is from 5th century. It was a church and then become a mosque and then become a church and then become a mosque again. So that's why you can found Christian and Islamic relic in one place. So historical! Entrance ticket is 60 TRY.

Ticket is 72 lira, little expensive for what they offer to show, most of the building is always under construction. Mainly you can see everything on Google Map. Nothing Special there

Great place, beautiful and majestic. The enter price is 40 lt

good place and tell a lot of story of muslim in turkey

Most interesting and well conserved building showing the different phases of history!

This was only one monument in Istanbul that makes me a huge impression. Great architecture and frescoes. Definetely recommend to see it.

I fell in love with this place. Although integration of religious sites might not be acceptable for some but for me it is the best example of history. A peaceful place for soul if you can ignore the crowd. Advice: plug in earphone to feel the peace

One of the best attractions of Istanbul.. Its beauty and history are worth seeing and knowing about...the ticket price is a little expensive though but its worth it.. You don't need a guide to understand its history.. Inside they show a documentary in different languages which will give you all the information you need.. If you are visiting Istanbul i would suggest you to visit this museum..

Love love love! I find it so beautiful to see two religions in one place. The energy is really unique and it's just a gorgeous venue. Makes you think about what we humans have achieved till date. Pro tip: take a selfie face down so that you capture the decor and chandelier above you.

What can be said about the Hagia Sophia it's simply amazing!

A - M - A - Z - I - N - G !
A Church for 1000 years ... then a mosque for 400 years ... now a Museum for last 95 years ....

"Solomon, I have outdone thee" these are the words that Roman Emperor Justinian allegedly said upon completing this structure. Formerly largest Christian church in the world, then for a long time principal mosque of the Ottoman Empire and now (and hopefully in the future) a museum showing fragments of all those who have participated in making this temple what it is - a masterpiece of religious architecture, a model, against which most Ottoman mosques were measured, a symbol of the late Roman Empire. From the outside it might not look as sleek as the Blue Mosque (being 1000 years older ;-) ), once you walk in however, the giant space will definitely leave you speechless. Islamic shields on the sides of the dome, mosaics of Christian saints (and Justinian himself), Angels just underneath the top...Worth every penny of the admission, dont think for a second to skip it. Very advisable to come early in the morning just as they open as later on the queue can get too long.

Centuries of History. Takes u back ages in History.

Great to visit this place. Dont forget to buy Museum Card for visiting 12 included places and you dont neet to wait in queues.
This place accepts Museum card.

Although having being tainted by the Ottomans, It still has a strong Greek spirit and it is the greatest Greek-Orthodox Christian Church.

Lovely place and the place itself speaks the heritage

This is a very nice historical place that shows the tolerance in turkey between the two religions (islam and christianity), it reflects the old-rotedness of Istanbul...this is a must visit place.
Entrance fee :60 lira /person.
It takes 2 hours to visit everything in side it.
You can rent ear set for tour illustratolion in all languages for 20 lira.

One of the best and oldest historical places in Istanbul. Just must be seen.

As a Christian it is really nice to visit this museum, I give 5 when they finish fixing things

I will start with the tickets line which you have to follow in order to purchase the tickets, it would be great if they considered a sun shade in future.. but you shall not be too worry considering that the ticket issuance is too fast and you will not wait for long time.. the ticket price is 40 TL and it's free for kids below 12. There is an option to buy a VIP or fast track tickets for 50 TL but I will not recommend this as everyone will pass from the same security check point and you'll not get much time saving due to that. Tip: there is a machines at the left side where you can pay and issue the tickets directly but it accept Visa card payment only although it is showing that you can deposit cash (I lost 20TL while trying ).. after the tickets and the security check you will get inside the museum.. the place is unique and special where you can find an unusual mix of islaIsl art and Christian.. the Arabic writings are there as well as the Christian mosaic on the walls.. defenatly you will have a great time and special feelings.. the building is huge and wounderful domes are there.. you can spend not less than two hours.. don't miss to attend the upper floor of the building.. ( not recommended for the wheelchair users due to the tough ramps) ..
Once you get out of the museum you can spend an enjoyable time at the adjacent park.
Finally, I will not recommend the visit to the museum with kids, unless you don't have the option as me .
I wish you an enjoyable time at this unique place.

It's a cool place for anyone that likes history. It's worth seeing at least once.

Amazing! I was there last year and again few days ago. Here is a picture how it looks at night on the moonlight. It's magic!

The one and only place in this world where cross and crescent stay with harmony. Loved it . But if you wanna to see archeological beauty, it s not for you.

Amazing structure and history, it's being renovated at the moment. Entry fee 40TL, photography is allowed, usually crowded, tourist guides and audio maps are sold outside.