Hagia Sophia renovation

We were there in December. Yes, there is large scaffolding in the center area. It doesn't totally block any views but detracts from the open beauty of the interior. We were still able to see the mosaics on the upper (tourism) level. We are not planning on returning to Turkey, so why miss it just because of scaffolding? It was still impressive and our guide was still able to provide a regular tour.

I sent you a link to a photo I took in the HS. Please check your private messages.

Thanks very much for the useful info.

We were also there in December. While the huge scaffolding in the center was a hindrance to the experience, there were still plenty of architectural details and mosaics to see. But for a truly wonderful Mosque experience, the Blue Mosque can’t be beat. A stunner!

I just came back from Istanbul and was sorely disappointed with Hagia Sofia, but this is because I visited prior to it's being changed from a museum to a mosque and I can assure you, the experience was a million times better before 2020. As this will be your first time, it's still an impressive sight, but I want to warn you of a few things to make the best of your experience. I DON'T recommend getting the combo ticket that includes the mosque AND the museum. Both are crazy expensive at about $30 USD each. As it was, we got suckered into buying the "whole experience" or whatever they're calling it and I was annoyed to be taken advantage of. I tried to write a critical review of this experience to both Google and TripAdvisor and both refused to publish so this is the best I can do. As of this writing, the exterior of Hagia Sofia is covered in scaffolding, blocking the outside. Inside the mosque there is scaffolding on the inside, blocking views and seriously diminishing the majesty of this formerly impressive site. Furthermore, visitors are only allowed in the upper gallery and even there, there are ropes and other fences corralling the visitor, further diminishing views. You can still see some great mosaics in the upper gallery as well as the Viking graffiti, but the true, awe inspiring views, especially the dome and Mary and Jesus image behind the former alter, all formerly seen from the main level, are no longer available to most tourists unless they are muslim. You'll crane your necks and maybe use the zoom function on your phones, but it's just not the same as it used to be. Even though we purchased the combo tickets, we never made it into the museum as the extremely slow moving line snaked inside and outside and we didn't want to waste what would've likely been well over an hour trying to make it through. After 10 minutes with no movement in the line, we left in frustration and bitterness as our party of four was out $240 USD for a very unimpressive total visit. I was the only one of our party to have seen it before and was excited to bring my friends in and gushed about it beforehand. Needless to say, they found the experience lacking and a waste of money and I was left with egg on my face. I still think it's worth a view, but know beforehand what you're getting and please, skip the museum. Also, when in line to buy your tickets expect to be hassled by tour guides and people trying to get you to their carpet showroom. Turks are very warm and friendly people, but in the Old Town, any male who speaks to you unsolicited is going to try to sell you something. If you're short of time and want a "must see" attraction in the Old Town, follow Rick's walk that brings you to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. It's not that far from Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, gets far less visitors, and is more impressive than the former attractions as it's wide open, free, and you can get in on the ground floor when religious services are not being conducted and while there, take in this truly magnificent structure in peace, quiet, and tranquility. Rick's walk will give you the very best experience and the views of the city from outside the mosque are stunning. Honestly, if you have time for just one thing, Suleyman's Mosque is # 1, better even than the Blue Mosque.

December visitor also. So much else to enjoy in Istanbul. It felt like a money grab for how little could be seen. Blue Mosque far more worthwhile.

Thanks very much for taking the time to respond. My overall impression from everyone's input is that despite the importance of the Hagia Sophia at this particular moment one's time might be better spent visiting the Topkapi Palace, mosques, and other sites in more depth.

I flew into Istanbul last year and on final approach a mosque was visible. Oh look, a couple in front of me said, there’s Hagia Sophia! I didn’t burst their bubble by telling them that Hagia Sophia was at least 20 miles away, that Istanbul has literally thousands of mosques, and that they were seeing a fairly large, but quite ordinary modern one. I guess that’s the way to do it these days … glad I saw it years ago, unfortunate what’s happened.

FWIW, I visited the Hagia Sophia in 2023 when you could still enter at the ground floor and visit the mosque (the second floor was off limits at that time so I couldn't see the mosaics, which were obscured with fabric). If you are interested in the history of the building and want to see the mosaics, then paying the admission fee may be worth it for you. The prior poster mentioned the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum which is a separate building a few blocks away and is included with some of the museum passes https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=YSM01&distId=MRK

If you want to see beautiful architecture and experience the feel of a working mosque, then as noted there are many great alternatives to visit. My personal favorite was Rüstem Pasha that has beautiful blue tile work and is very quiet compared to the bigger sites. It's in the center of the Grand Bazar.

Should one wish to purchase tickets to see Hagia Sophia, what is the best route? I've found this site - https://www.hagiasophia.gen.tr/#tve-jump-197f44d531d but when following the link to purchase, wind up at Headout tours. Is there an official site to get tickets?

Should one wish to purchase tickets to see Hagia Sophia, what is the
best route? I've found this site -
https://www.hagiasophia.gen.tr/#tve-jump-197f44d531d but when
following the link to purchase, wind up at Headout tours. Is there an
official site to get tickets?

This is the state website for the Hagia Sophia https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya. The link to pre-purchase tickets goes to a GetYourGuide site with multiple options for skip the line tickets. No museum passes cover entrance to the mosque.

You might want to start a separate thread to get answers from people who have been there recently and did an advance purchase.