Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Tour, Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace tour includes a visit to two popular attractions of Istanbul, the famous Topkapi Palace, one of the world’s largest surviving palaces and Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was initially built as a cathedral but was converted to a mosque later on. 

You will be able to book the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace tour combo online. By combining the trip to these two famous attractions, you can enjoy fabulous attractions. Moreover, you will be able to skip the line while entering both popular attractions.

The Hagia Sophia is open 24 hours throughout the year. However, non-worshippers are not allowed to visit during the prayer hours daily, as well as the noon prayers on Fridays. The Topkapi Palace opens daily at 9 am but closes at different times in different seasons. In the winter months from October 30th to April 15th, the palace closes at 4:45 PM. In summer months, from April 16th to October 29th, the Topkapi Palace closes at 6 pm. 

The Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace tour is open to visitors of all age groups. However, the ticket price for children up to the age of 5 years can avail of the child ticket. Those above 5 years will need to purchase an adult ticket to enjoy the experience. 

1. Spoonmaker’s Diamond: Feel awestruck looking at the breathtaking 86-karat pear-shaped diamond known as the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, which is located at the Imperial Treasury of Topkapi Palace. 
2. Topkapi Dagger: While visiting the Topkapi Palace, you must look out for the min-18th century made Topkapi Dagger. Feel mesmerised looking at the curved dagger of the great Nadir Shah with an emerald which is sheathed in a 35 cm gold scabbard. 
3. Armour of Mustafa III: Displayed in the Imperial Treasury of Topkapi Palace is the ceremonial armour of Mustafa III, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The magnificent suit of armour is a must-see artefact, consisting of an iron coat of mail and is decorated with gold and encrusted with jewels of the 18th century.
4. European Porcelains: The Topkapi Palace has numerous porcelain artefacts from Europe, which were said to have been given as gifts to sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Look at 5,000 pieces of such artefacts while exploring the palace.

1. The artwork of Hagia Sophia is heavily influenced by a magical blend of Ottoman and Byzantine elements of design.
2. The holy building is well known for the mosaics that decorate several of its interior walls.
3. Different types of mosaics have been used inside the imperial gate, the north tympanum, the dome as well as the southwestern gate. 
4. Small tiles have been placed to form figures and artistic motifs, out of which the most significant ones are those on the apse.
5. There is a mosaic in the semi-dome above the apse on the east end depicting Mary, the mother of Jesus, sitting on a jewelled thokos backless throne and carrying Christ as a Child.

Yes, there are several restrictions or guidelines for visiting Hagia Sophia. As the attraction is a place of worship, you will need to remove your shoes before entering. You will need to wear suitable clothing covering your knees and shoulders. You will also not be able to carry any food or drink inside Hagia Sophia as it is a religious place.

Yes, there is a dress code for going on a Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace tour. While visiting Topkapi Palace, you must refrain from wearing any skirts, strapless or sleeveless clothing that will expose your shoulders or your knees. Hagia Sophia, being a mosque, also follows the same dress code. Additionally, you will need to cover your head with a headscarf while entering the holy place.

The Topkapi Palace is famous for being one of the largest surviving palaces in the world. The palace served as the home for the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries before being converted into a museum. The Topkapı Palace Museum today exhibits the imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire along with a large collection of manuscripts as well as books. The palace has also been famed for its magnificent architecture, as well as for projecting the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire.

1. Hagia Sophia: A must-visit heritage site situated in the heart of Istanbul which has initially been constructed as a church and was later converted into a Mosque. Visit this place of worship to take a look at the unique tenets of both religions, displayed all over the place.
2. Blue Mosque: Visit Blue Mosque, an enchanting monument situated in the heart of the city and shining like a blue diamond at night. Explore its six minarets and beautiful hand-painted blue tiles. 
3. Basilica Cistern: Explore Turkey’s largest and most mysterious cistern, Basilica Cistern, beautifully built with Byzantine architecture. Watch the two inverted Heads of Medusa, the demonic entity present on the structure which has a capacity of storing 100,000 tons of water.
4. Dolmabahce Palace: Take a guided tour of the place to learn about the place and then stroll into the large complex with four Turkish-style gardens.

• Topkapi Palace Skip the Line Tickets
• Istanbul Day Tour with Topkapi Palace
• Istanbul Day Tour with Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
• Topkapi Palace Museum English Guided Tour, Istanbul