Prices seen in October 2026, varying with date and option. Site tickets have their own price: check the "included" line before comparing.

Small group Topkapı, Hagia Sophia and Cistern

It starts in the Sultanahmet district and links the Basilica Cistern (about 30 min), Hagia Sophia (about 1 h) and Topkapı (about 2 h). The listing states a licensed guide, audio headsets, skip-the-line tickets and pre-reserved tickets; the Harem can be visited with the included tickets. One traveller describes a total duration of about 4 hours. Guides speak English and German according to our readings; French was not seen, so check it for your date. See the listing.

Flexible combo with tickets

This listing offers two versions: about $29 without tickets, about $180 with tickets for Hagia Sophia, the Cistern and Topkapı, Harem included. It is valid for three days, which lets you split the visits. The stated durations are 60 minutes for Hagia Sophia, 45 for the Cistern, 150 for Topkapı and 60 for the Blue Mosque, with a licensed guide. The entrance fees quoted in the listing (€55 Topkapı, €25 Hagia Sophia, €30 the Cistern) are indicative: compare them with our pages. See the listing.

Private full day in the Old City

About $98 per person, 4.9 from 417 reviews, with a private guide who takes you from Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, Topkapı and the Grand Bazaar. A private visit lets you set the pace with the guide. The point to check: on other private Old City tours, the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı tickets are paid on site; confirm it for this one. See the listing.

What is not included and the pitfalls

  • Closing days: Topkapı is closed on Tuesday. Our guide gives Hagia Sophia as open every day, with the visit suspended on Friday from 12:00 to 14:00. Some sources mention a Monday closure; we found no official confirmation of it. See also museums open on Monday and check the date on the listing.
  • The Harem: it is often a separate ticket. Check that it is in your tour.
  • Tickets: if the listing does not include them, count €25 for Hagia Sophia and the palace price, which is on our Topkapı page.
  • Security and dress: checks take place even with skip-the-line, and dress must cover shoulders and knees; see dress in mosques.
  • Guide language: English is the norm; check French on the listing.
  • Audio guides only: combined tickets with an audio guide are not guided tours; for skip-the-line in general, see avoiding queues.

Which tour to choose?

To choose between Topkapı and Dolmabahçe, see Topkapı or Dolmabahçe.

Booking at the best time

Aim for a weekday morning, not Tuesday, before the groups arrive. Avoid Friday midday, when the Hagia Sophia visit is suspended. Book early in high season: small groups fill up.