Wow, I had no idea! When we visited right after things started reopening post-Covid, not only was everything free, but it was empty. I literally sat on the floor of Hagia Sophia 6 AM, only me and a cat. How very very sad...
Had almost the same experience on my first visit. It’s always been a different experience depending on where you could access (with women restricted behind the barricades), but it seems like a completely different place now. Visitors can now only access the upper gallery.
Given your timing, was the cat that you met by chance Gli??
That is sad to hear about the prices. I'm glad my family got to see the inside of Hagia Sophia before they began charging. The only thing that made standing in line for hours worth it was the free entry. It appears that Istanbul has ceased to be a cheap town. Hope other parts of the country still are.
Wild! I'd love to visit Istanbul some day. It seems like a city more suited for wandering than for any single, standout view or heritage site (there are so many!)
Wow, that's a shame! I didn't realise the prices were that high. My Mom and I visited in 2024, and opted for mostly free/budget attractions like taking the ferry, walking in the tulip gardens, and lots of walking around :) The only paid attraction we visited was Dolmabahce Palace, and it was quite beautiful.
I went to Istanbul for the first time in November last year.
We saw some of the 'important' sights and got annoyed by how much we had to pay to enter.
Commuter ferries? An excellent way to get arounnd.
The highlight? Breakfast at a random cafe in Kadıköy - other than "on a corner", I couldn't possibly tell you where it was, but very local, great food and hospitality.
I was there last October and for Hagia Sofia, cistern basilica the ticket was 25€. I did as you did, the city has a lot to offer, but the inflation is a real problem there and the prices needs to be updated regularly.
Glad you were able to visit Istanbul. I’m sure your pictures from the trip were excellent. Yes, the Hagia Sophia (upper visitor gallery) is still that price — I was referring to the combined cost in the piece. I’ve read that they re-evaluate and adjust prices for these sites on roughly a six-month basis, so as you said, it’s something that’s being updated regularly.
Thank you! Actually, I went to Istanbul 4 times, the first time in 2021, and I visited Hagia Sofia for free. This economic situation is a pity for such a beautiful country.
Can’t believe these ticket prices. Never heard of anything like this in other historical cities although there are lower rates that apply to locals and it is understandable. Your article is an eye opener.
Tiered pricing makes sense, especially given the economic context — the harder question is where the balance tips and starts to affect the experience of the site and of the trip as a whole. Many historical cities are and will be going through this soon (as you mention).
I know the feeling, I love Istanbul, it’s my favorite city, but I’ve seen the changes too. Funny enough I also posted a piece today sharing similar sentiments (promise I’m not just trying to promote my own work)!
Yes, I think it's important that these cities/sites/etc. consider the pricing, timed entry, and duration of stay holistically to find that appropriate balance to preserve the experience.
Wow, I had no idea! When we visited right after things started reopening post-Covid, not only was everything free, but it was empty. I literally sat on the floor of Hagia Sophia 6 AM, only me and a cat. How very very sad...
Had almost the same experience on my first visit. It’s always been a different experience depending on where you could access (with women restricted behind the barricades), but it seems like a completely different place now. Visitors can now only access the upper gallery.
Given your timing, was the cat that you met by chance Gli??
https://hagiasophiaturkey.com/gli-cat-hagia-sophia/
I’ll have to go back and look at my pictures!
I visited over thirty years ago and this makes my heart hurt. Fifty euro!
That is sad to hear about the prices. I'm glad my family got to see the inside of Hagia Sophia before they began charging. The only thing that made standing in line for hours worth it was the free entry. It appears that Istanbul has ceased to be a cheap town. Hope other parts of the country still are.
Other parts of the country are definitely better. Glad you and your family were able to see it already!
Wild! I'd love to visit Istanbul some day. It seems like a city more suited for wandering than for any single, standout view or heritage site (there are so many!)
You should visit it really is a great place for wandering. You are exactly right.
Wow, that's a shame! I didn't realise the prices were that high. My Mom and I visited in 2024, and opted for mostly free/budget attractions like taking the ferry, walking in the tulip gardens, and lots of walking around :) The only paid attraction we visited was Dolmabahce Palace, and it was quite beautiful.
The Dolmabahce Palace is indeed quite beautiful and sounds like you have a nice trip!
I went to Istanbul for the first time in November last year.
We saw some of the 'important' sights and got annoyed by how much we had to pay to enter.
Commuter ferries? An excellent way to get arounnd.
The highlight? Breakfast at a random cafe in Kadıköy - other than "on a corner", I couldn't possibly tell you where it was, but very local, great food and hospitality.
Glad you were able to enjoy the ferries that that does sound like a superb highlight. Turkish breakfasts are low-key amazing!
And there was a place that did charcoal grilled sheep’s runners that were incredible.
I think the summary is: stay away from the tourist part of town, especially that part with the crazy expensive Turkish delight!
I have a rule: no money to any religious sites. Religion has enough money already.
I was there last October and for Hagia Sofia, cistern basilica the ticket was 25€. I did as you did, the city has a lot to offer, but the inflation is a real problem there and the prices needs to be updated regularly.
Glad you were able to visit Istanbul. I’m sure your pictures from the trip were excellent. Yes, the Hagia Sophia (upper visitor gallery) is still that price — I was referring to the combined cost in the piece. I’ve read that they re-evaluate and adjust prices for these sites on roughly a six-month basis, so as you said, it’s something that’s being updated regularly.
Thank you! Actually, I went to Istanbul 4 times, the first time in 2021, and I visited Hagia Sofia for free. This economic situation is a pity for such a beautiful country.
Agreed.
Can’t believe these ticket prices. Never heard of anything like this in other historical cities although there are lower rates that apply to locals and it is understandable. Your article is an eye opener.
Tiered pricing makes sense, especially given the economic context — the harder question is where the balance tips and starts to affect the experience of the site and of the trip as a whole. Many historical cities are and will be going through this soon (as you mention).
But these Istanbul prices are exuberant!
I know the feeling, I love Istanbul, it’s my favorite city, but I’ve seen the changes too. Funny enough I also posted a piece today sharing similar sentiments (promise I’m not just trying to promote my own work)!
Just read it, thanks for mentioning it. Glad to hear the cigarette smelling cabs are still going strong despite it all though.
some things never change 😂
Shame to hear about the severe price gouging and pushy attitude. Places like the Galata Tower and Topkapi should not be rushed.
Yes, I think it's important that these cities/sites/etc. consider the pricing, timed entry, and duration of stay holistically to find that appropriate balance to preserve the experience.