Distance from Hagia Sophia — On Foot or Tram
Walking from Hagia Sophia to Pino Gare takes 10-12 minutes via Sogukcesme Sokak → Alemdar → Hocapasa. Alternatively, take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Sirkeci (one stop, 2 minutes) and walk 4 minutes — 8-10 minutes door to door. Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque are all on the same walking corridor, very close to Hagia Sophia.
| Address | Hudavendigar Cd. No:24, Eminonu-Fatih (Orient Express Hotel, 7th floor) |
| Hagia Sophia — Walk | 10-12 min (via Sogukcesme Sokak) |
| Hagia Sophia — Tram | T1 Sultanahmet → Sirkeci, 2 min + 4 min walk |
| Blue Mosque | 12-14 min walk |
| Topkapi Palace | 10-12 min walk |
| Basilica Cistern | 8-10 min walk |
| Sirkeci Tram (T1) | 3-4 min walk |
| Hours | Daily 12:00 - 24:00 |
The Angle on Hagia Sophia
The Pino Gare terrace opens onto a south-western corridor. From this angle you can see the northern silhouette of the Hagia Sophia dome, the Blue Mosque minarets next to it, and the Topkapi Palace wall line — all framed within the same picture. At sunset (around 20:30 in summer), the Hagia Sophia dome takes on a reddish tone and the minarets light up in the evening. After museum closing hours (from 17:00), the crowds around Hagia Sophia thin out and the view from the terrace reaches its calmest state.
After Hagia Sophia — Popular Dishes
Guests who finish the Hagia Sophia → Topkapi → Sultanahmet route most often choose the dishes below. A la carte alongside 2-4 person set menus — a quick and satisfying dinner for tired feet after the historic peninsula walk.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Mixed Meze Platter (for 2) | 800 TL |
| Pino Gare Special | 800 TL |
| Lamb Chops | 920 TL |
| Shrimp Casserole | 720 TL |
| Grilled Sea Bass | 950 TL |
| Adana Kebab | 550 TL |
| Slow-Cooked Lamb | 900 TL |
| Pistachio Baklava | 400 TL |
* Prices are indicative and may vary by season. Full menu: menu page
Hagia Sophia and the Historic Peninsula
Hagia Sophia was built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian as a church, converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, served as a museum from 1934 to 2020, and reopened as a mosque in 2020 — a continuous world heritage site. Sirkeci, where Pino Gare sits, is the gate of the historic peninsula opening to the Bosphorus; the final stop of the Orient Express stood at the heart of this neighbourhood. A short walk from Hagia Sophia to Sirkeci compresses 1,500 years of Istanbul history into a single evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest rooftop restaurant to Hagia Sophia?
Pino Gare, 10-12 minutes on foot from Hagia Sophia, is the rooftop restaurant on the 7th floor of Orient Express Hotel in Sirkeci where you can see the Hagia Sophia dome from the terrace.
Is there a restaurant with a view of Hagia Sophia?
Yes. The south-western angle of the Pino Gare terrace frames the Hagia Sophia dome together with the Blue Mosque minarets and the Topkapi Palace walls in a single picture.
Where can I eat after visiting Hagia Sophia?
A 10-12 minute walk from the Hagia Sophia exit takes you to Pino Gare. The restaurant is open daily 12:00-24:00 for lunch and dinner.
Is there a Bosphorus view restaurant near Hagia Sophia?
Yes. Pino Gare is close to Hagia Sophia and its terrace also shows the Bosphorus entrance, Galata Bridge and the night view of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Where to find a licensed restaurant near Hagia Sophia?
Pino Gare is one of the rooftop restaurants within walking distance of Hagia Sophia that serves alcohol — wine, raki, cocktails and beer are on the menu.
Finish Your Hagia Sophia Day on the Pino Gare Terrace
Message us on WhatsApp or use our reservation page — our team responds within 15 minutes.