Hagia Sophia Free Entry Guide
Find out what you can see for free, who qualifies for free admission, and how to save money on your Hagia Sophia visit in 2026.
Quick Answer
Good news! The ground floor of Hagia Sophia is FREE for everyone. The upper gallery (with the famous Byzantine mosaics) costs 25 EUR for foreign visitors.
Who Gets In Free?
Several categories of visitors enjoy free access to Hagia Sophia.
Turkish Citizens
Free ground floor access. Upper gallery 500 TL (250 TL with MuzeKart).
Children Under 8
Free entry everywhere, including upper gallery, with a paying adult. Passport required.
All Visitors β Ground Floor
The main prayer hall and ground floor are completely free for everyone, no ticket needed.
Disabled Visitors
Free entry with a valid disability card or document. Companion may also enter free.
Upper Gallery Pricing
The upper gallery is the only paid area. Here is what it costs and what you get.
What you get with the ticket:
- Access to the upper gallery balcony
- Close-up view of the Deesis Mosaic
- Empress Zoe and Comnenus Mosaics
- Panoramic view of the nave from above
- Viking runic graffiti on the marble railings
Turkish citizens: 500 TL (250 TL with MuzeKart) β’ Children under 8: Free with paying adult
Money-Saving Tips
Ways to make the most of your visit without overspending.
Book Online in Advance
Purchase upper gallery tickets online to skip long queues and sometimes get small discounts from authorized sellers.
Visit the Ground Floor First
The ground floor is free and impressive on its own. Decide if you want the upper gallery after seeing it.
Combo Tickets
Some tour operators offer Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern combos at a reduced total price.
Museum Pass Istanbul
Note: The Istanbul Museum Pass does NOT cover Hagia Sophia. Do not buy it expecting Hagia Sophia access.
Pay in EUR
The ticket price is set in EUR. Paying in Turkish Lira at the counter may result in an unfavorable exchange rate.
What's Free vs Paid
A clear breakdown of what you can see for free on the ground floor versus what requires a paid upper gallery ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hagia Sophia free to enter?
Yes, the ground floor of Hagia Sophia is completely free for everyone. You can walk in without a ticket and see the main prayer hall, the grand dome from below, and the Imperial Gate. The upper gallery with Byzantine mosaics costs 25 EUR for foreign visitors.
Do I need a ticket for the ground floor?
No ticket is needed for the ground floor. Simply enter through the main entrance on the park side. The ground floor operates as an active mosque, so modest dress is required.
Is the Istanbul Museum Pass valid at Hagia Sophia?
No. The Istanbul Museum Pass is NOT accepted at Hagia Sophia. You must purchase a separate 25 EUR ticket for the upper gallery. The ground floor remains free regardless.
Are there any free days for the upper gallery?
Currently, there are no regular free days for the upper gallery. The 25 EUR fee applies year-round for foreign visitors. Turkish citizens pay a reduced rate of 500 TL (250 TL with MuzeKart).
Is Hagia Sophia free for children?
Children under 8 get free entry to all areas including the upper gallery, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. Bring a passport or ID as proof of age.