Hagia Sophia

Things to do near Hagia Sophia

Near Hagia Sophia, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including browsing the vibrant shopping markets and exploring local art galleries. Additionally, the area boasts other significant attractions such as the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, enriching your cultural experience in Istanbul. With its historical charm and lively atmosphere, this locale promises an unforgettable adventure.

Shopping

Visit the Grand Bazaar, a bustling market just 966m from Hagia Sophia, for a vibrant shopping experience. The Egyptian Bazaar, located 1.1km away, offers a rich selection of spices and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, 6.4km away, for family-friendly fun.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, a tranquil body treatment venue just 1.6km from Hagia Sophia. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Whirling Dervishes Istanbul, a captivating music concert only 322m away, followed by a delightful dance at Kumbaraci50, also 1.6km away, blending culture and romance.

Adventure

Embark on the Sultans Trail for an invigorating hike with picturesque scenery close to Hagia Sophia. For thrill-seekers, Istanbul Jumping offers exhilarating bungee jumping, while the Eyüp Cable Car provides a family-friendly adventure with stunning views of the city from above.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Hagia Sophia with a visit to the Dance of Colours theatre, just 805m away, or enjoy the captivating performances at Tiyatro-Z, located 1.6km from this iconic landmark. For a unique atmosphere, Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 3.2km away, also promises unforgettable entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Hagia Sophia

When visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring its magnificent mosque and the surrounding historic buildings. The piazza offers a vibrant outdoor experience, perfect for leisurely strolls. For travellers seeking a blend of history and city life, the area around Hagia Sophia is a treasure trove of cultural attractions that will leave a lasting impression.

• Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, the Blue Mosque offers a unique blend of spirituality and history. Visitors can admire its grand domes and intricate designs while experiencing the serene atmosphere of this iconic mosque, located merely 483m from Hagia Sophia.
• Sultanahmet Square: A vibrant hub of culture and history, Sultanahmet Square is surrounded by stunning landmarks. This lively piazza serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, making it perfect for leisurely strolls or enjoying a coffee, just 483m from Hagia Sophia.
• Galata Tower: This historic tower, standing 1.6km away from Hagia Sophia, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. Climb to the top to experience the city's rich history and stunning skyline, making it a memorable highlight of your visit.

Best time to go to Hagia Sophia

The best time to visit Hagia Sophia can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hagia Sophia falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Hagia Sophia falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
August	77.9°F (25.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	72.3°F (22.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hagia Sophia

To save money on your visit to Hagia Sophia, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices drop. Saturdays are the most economical days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and location, and sort by price to find the best deals. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to further savings. Look for affordable hotels and be mindful of additional booking fees to maximise your budget.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hagia Sophia are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Hagia Sophia is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you fancy. To uncover the most economical prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Hagia Sophia with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.