We normally buy our tickets on-line at the official ticket site in advance when we travel anywhere overseas.
I don't like using GYG or Viator, or anything else for that matter, as why involve an expensive third party, and there are too many reports of last minute cancellations.
In Istanbul however, I simply cannot find any "official" sites. Do these not exist in Turkey?
Here it is ;
No e tickets for Hagia Sophia and Basilica cistern in Istanbul.
Oh that is a shame.
So does that mean my only options are to line up early, which doesn't appeal, or buy from a third party?
This will make the already incredibly expensive attractions even more expensive. I might have to reduce what we visit and spend more time wandering.
You can buy Hagia Sophia tickets ahead, and the official website actually links to a Get Your Guide page to buy them - https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya
Hagia Sophia is not covered by any museum passes, you have to purchase entry separately. No matter if you buy ahead you can't skip the security line, so you'll be waiting in some kind of line regardless. The museum passes could save you some time, but again you can't skip security. Check to see if the cost works in your favor: https://muze.gen.tr/MuseumPasses
Thanks CL. I really didn't want to book through GYG, I much prefer a direct booking, but it looks like Istanbul leaves us no choice.
I know we can't skip the security lines, but I'd at least like to skip the ticket lines.
I really didn't want to book through GYG, I much prefer a direct
booking, but it looks like Istanbul leaves us no choice.
Unfortunately that's the choice the Turkish government made for Hagia Sophia online ticket purchases. If you want to visit other sites (Topkapi Palace for example) you do NOT need to use Get Your Guide, you can buy a museum pass on the official Turkish website linked above.
