Hagia Sophia Through the Ages
Hagia Sophia's history spans empires, from its consecration as a church in 537 AD to its conversion into a mosque in 1453 and finally, a museum in 1935. Discover its complex narrative with our expert guides.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Hagia Sophia Tour with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Make your stay in Istanbul complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Esra was lovely and full of information about the monuments and city. She was helpful with booking hammam and lunch for us and stayed until she joined another tour. It was my favorite carpet shop I've been to in Türkiye as they care about supporting the craft and not super pushy. I was thankful to get into Byzantine cistern in the group line saving time and you don't need to buy ahead. Overall a great time and Esra is so accommodating, she felt more like a friend by the end of the tour. Highly recommend choosing Esra!"
"With her depth of historical knowledge and engaging manner, Nihal brought to life the riches of the Hagia Sophia and old Constantinople. She welcomed our questions and through her answers deepened our knowledge and understanding of Istanbul's past and present. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with her. One thing to note - it was not clear at the time of booking that the entry price to the Hagia Sophia was not included, hence the price-value rating."
"I cannot begin to express how extremely lucky we feel to have spent time with Mine today. From the time of booking and throughout our tour, she was extremely responsive to our needs and worked with us flexibly. What’s more she is a wealth of knowledge about Architecture, Art, History and Culture and Politics , not only of Istanbul, but of the entire Middle East and Europe. I may have learned more from Mine in 3 hours today than I have in the past year. We walked away with incredible insights into Istanbul’s culture and history and relationship to the world. Mine has it all: information, cultural and religious insights and experience and a great sense of humor and fun! Anyone who gets Mine as their guide should consider themselves very lucky! "
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Discover the magnificent Hagia Sophia with our expert local guides. Unravel the secrets of this iconic landmark and delve into its rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating stories. Explore Hagia Sophia with Withlocals for an unforgettable experience.
Hagia Sophia's history spans empires, from its consecration as a church in 537 AD to its conversion into a mosque in 1453 and finally, a museum in 1935. Discover its complex narrative with our expert guides.
Marvel at the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics within Hagia Sophia, depicting biblical scenes and imperial portraits. These artistic treasures offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the era.
Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul with a taste of Turkish delights. Savor traditional dishes like Turkish coffee or a doner kebab. Let our local guides unveil the city's hidden culinary gems.
Emperor Justinian, whose vision brought Hagia Sophia to life, dreamt of an awe-inspiring structure surpassing all others. His ambition shaped the architectural marvel we admire today.
Experience the magic of Istanbul with a private Hagia Sophia tour. Don't miss this chance to unlock centuries of history and culture. Book your tour today and create unforgettable memories!
Dive deeper into Istanbul's wonders with a private Hagia Sophia tour. Explore its rich history and stunning Byzantine art with our expert local guides. Book your unforgettable Hagia Sophia experience today and unlock the secrets of this iconic landmark. Limited spots available – secure yours now!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"We had a superb experience with Oguz in Istanbul. He tailored the short time we had with our limited schedule and went out of his way to show us the sites we wanted to see. He helped us procure skip the line tickets and guided us pointing out historical info and highlights we would have otherwise missed. He also helped guide us back to the cruise port afterward."
"Cengiz was our guide at the Hagia Sophia and he was wonderful. He knew his history, taught us many new details, and was exceptionally helpful. I would take a tour from him again. Nothing but good things to say about our experience."
"Esra was a wonderfully engaged and enthusiastic guide. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Istanbul and the sites we visited and wanted to make sure we understood key points - very helpful! Thanks for a great tour. "
"Mine is an absolute fountain of knowledge. She was prompt and so incredibly knowledgeable, she could easily be a uni professor. I booked her for the Hagia Sophia tour and the insights and stories she told were fascinating. She is the pinnacle of the tour guide pyramid. She also advocated for me with a group tourists who were taking too long in front of a mosaic. "
"We had a brilliant time with the knowledgeable and friendly Oğuz exploring and learning. Highly recommended. "
"Ugur gave us a very informative and wonderful tour of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Ugur was full of knowledge of the historical sites, the Turkish history and provided us detailed information. Ugur was passionate about Turkey and shared his love of his country with us, including Turkish basketball. We had a great time with him! Thank you."
"We had a blast with Esra- from start to finish. We saw all the landmarks we wanted to see. Skipped the queues and heard the wonderful history from an extreme knowledge guide!!! Esra you rock. Will see you again soon!!!"
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.