Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour: Explore Istanbul's Cultural and Historic Treasures
4.8
56 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the cultural and historic treasures of Istanbul with a half-day tour of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Skip the ticket line and explore these iconic sites at your own pace.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Church of Divine Wisdom, a fifteen hundred years old splendid monument, is a must see in Istanbul, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD. First a Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica, later an imperial mosque, in 1935 it was opened to the public as a museum. After being neutral for about 86 years it was converted into a mosque again in July 2020. Hagia Sophia is the only mosque anywhere in the world right now where you could see Islamic elements along with the Christians images. The lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome, which seems to float unsupported and gives the church its amazing sense of space. An unforgettable experience awaiting you.
What's Included
  • Professional Guide
  • Small Group
What's Not Included
  • Topkapı Palace Admission (TRY 1500 per person)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratitudes
Additional Information

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace stand out as must-see sites for their cultural significance and historical depth. By dedicating attention solely to these landmarks, you can appreciate their splendor and distinct pasts in a relaxed manner, rather than hastening to additional attractions. Benefit from time-saving priority entry at Topkapi Palace, bypassing the queue—a distinct advantage for newcomers and seasoned travelers alike.

  • Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee. For those who do not have suitable clothes, stands are available at the entrance. Overalls and headscarves are provided for free of charge.
  • Entrance to Topkapı Palace (1500TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. Your guide will use e-tickets and you can just walk in to the palace directly without waiting. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).
Location
Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(56 Ratings)
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Mustasan_m
Apr 13, 2024
Superb, amazing and outstanding - Exceptional, one of a kind place on earth. Don't know why this is not part of 7 wonders rather should be the first.
Review provided by Viator
Vanessasc5437qw
Mar 17, 2024
Blue mosque and Topkapi palace with Erol - We took a tour through the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi palace with the harem section. Our tour guide was Erol. From the beginning the tour was incredible because of the historical facts Erol provided. His knowledge made the tour highly interesting and gave us many many insights into the interconnections between the religions building and the ottoman dynasty. He would answer all questions, was friendly and forthcoming. We highly recommend Erols tour. It was an amazing start for us in Istanbul!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blair_p
Mar 10, 2024
Great tour with knowlegeable local guide - We had an amazing experience on this tour! Gamze was an incredible and very knowledgeable guide. She is Turkish and has been a tour guide in Istanbul for over a decade and it shows! She took lots of time answering our questions ans taught us so much. So happy we booked this. Thank you Gamze!
Review provided by Viator
Jim_b
Feb 28, 2024
A great guide makes a big difference - Just seeing the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, and the Hagia Sofia setting is amazing. Erol with his info and pleasant manner made it fun, entertaining and informative.
Review provided by Viator
S6527gagerhardw
Feb 22, 2024
Great tour! - Great and very informative tour! Absolutely worth the while! Erol Utgun was our guide. We can highly recommend him. He will tell you a lot of interesting details, answers your questions and takes great care of you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_s
Feb 14, 2024
Very in-depth tour of Topkapi Palace - Had a great tour of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque with Erol Utgun. It was like my own personal tour guide. Erol was very knowledgeable on these places and explained not just the architecture but also the history and background. Topkapi Palace is such a large venue that he suggested places to vist at the site that were not on the tour to he made sure I saw everything. Best tour I have had in Istanbul.
Review provided by Viator
Snehvaib
Feb 9, 2024
Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace + Harem tour. Great experience! - I met my guide on time at the location that was promised. He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I had Topkapi palace and the Blue Mosque tour on my booking. Despite this my guide explained to me many facts about the other sites as well. He took time to explain to me many facts about the Blue Mosque that I didn’t have idea about. There was no rush. He then took time to explain the history of each and every section of the Topkapi palace including the Harem section. Being a history buff, I did ask him a lot of questions and he answered them patiently. Would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_a
Dec 31, 2023
Great tour guide - Such a phenomenal time! Elif was a fantastic guide and we learned so much about Istanbul’s history. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to learn more about Topkapi and Hagia Sophia!
Review provided by Viator
Frankly4277tp
Nov 30, 2023
Wonderful tour of Hagia Sophia / Topkapi by Erol - Our guide Erol was great. He was so knowledgeable about Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace so we learned much from him. The tour was well paced - we did not feel rushed so there was plenty of time to take photos and see the many details pointed out by Erol. The pictures he took of us in Hagia Sophia turned out great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Myla_h
Apr 21, 2024
Blue Mosque &Topkapi Palace Tour - Blue Mosque amazing tile work and stained glass windows. Palace beautiful. Tour was alright. Provided some interesting details.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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