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Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.

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Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

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Mobile ticket

    • Get instant access to Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern in one convenient combo—and save 11% compared to buying separately.

    • With just 110 meters between sites, this combo is perfect for a smooth, self-paced visit without long transfers or complicated planning.

    • Enjoy skip-the-line entry and explore the ancient underground cistern with a self-guided audio tour in 7 languages.

    • Bypass the long lines and head straight into Hagia Sophia, with exclusive Upper Gallery access and a multilingual audio guide to bring its stories to life.

    • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water, enough to fill around 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

  • Basilica Cistern

    • Skip-the-line entry

    • Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

    Hagia Sophia

    • Skip-the-line entry

    • Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area

    • Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.2
    2,217 ratings
    5/5
    1.1K
    4/5
    741
    3/5
    159
    2/5
    88
    1/5
    95
    • United States
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Australia
    • Germany
    • Romania
    • Canada
    • Greece
    Guests from United States, Spain, Italy and over 87 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Martin Melcher

    Martin

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    We made a combined booking with Fastlane. For Hagia Sophia and Cisterna Basilica, the tickets we sent were immediately our valid tickets. Worked perfectly. Both sights were very beautiful and interesting. At Hagia Sophia, as a non-Muslim you "only" get to the first level and can look down into the whole mosque. Also very impressive, but not really explained beforehand. At the Topkapi Palace there was only one reservation in the mailing, which is easy to overlook, and we only noticed in front of gate 2 (where you need real tickets). We then had to go back to an agency outside Gate 1 so that we could finally get in with a tour lady. It worked but with a certain loss of time. The palace itself was huge and very beautiful. Be sure to book a ticket with harem access (as we had), this part is the highlight of the palace. All in all, a great day with lots of wonderful impressions.
    José Manuel Toledo fornes

    José

    Feb, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    I recommend visiting it but I think the price is a bit high because there are many more mosques and monuments to visit, but you can not leave stambul without visiting it.
    Julie Hills

    Julie

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Very easy to access, beautiful historic building amongst a busy city, highly recommend visiting
    CARLOS ROSAS MENAYA

    Carlos

    Mar, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    Fast access without queues and possibility of Audioguide in Spanish offline
    Therese Hunziker

    Therese

    Mar, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    It is really worth seeing, impressive and amazing.
  • Explore Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with fast-track entry and audio guides, all while saving more with this convenient dual-entry ticket.

    Getting started

    Download the audio guide in advance and present your ticket at the entrance for direct access—no need for printed copies, long queues, or fixed schedules. Both landmarks are within walking distance of each other, making your visit smooth and convenient without the need for transport.

    Basilica Cistern

    Start your visit underground at the Basilica Cistern, a hidden gem from the 6th century. Walk along raised paths between 336 marble columns, their reflections shimmering in the still water below. The audio guide brings the space to life, sharing the cistern’s role in ancient water supply, its clever design, and the story behind the eerie Medusa heads tucked away at the far end.

    Hagia Sophia

    Skip the long lines and head straight into the main hall, where golden mosaics and towering domes reflect centuries of history. Your ticket also gives you access to the Upper Gallery, offering panoramic views of the space below and close-up looks at some of its most detailed artwork. The audio guide helps you connect the dots between Hagia Sophia’s many lives, from cathedral to mosque, then museum, and now a mosque once again.

  • Basilica Cistern

    Monday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm

    Hagia Sophia

    Monday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 07:30pm
  • What to bring

    Basilica Cistern

    • Carry a light jacket, especially in summer, as the underground cistern remains cool.

    • Wear comfortable, closed shoes with a grip as the site can be slippery or uneven.

    • Wired headphones are best for audio guides; Bluetooth often doesn’t work well underground.

    Hagia Sophia

    • Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

    • Bring a scarf or shawl as women are required to cover their heads inside.

    • Use wired headphones if you plan to use a self-guided audio tour.

    • Make sure your phone is fully charged for tickets, audio guides, and taking photos.

    • Sunglasses or a hat will help if you’re waiting outside in the sun during busy hours.

    What's not allowed

    Basilica Cistern

    • Flash photography is not permitted due to the sensitive lighting design.

    • Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited for safety and space concerns.

    • Eating or drinking inside is not allowed.

    Hagia Sophia

    • Visitors are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall on the ground floor.

    • Flash photography is not allowed.

    Accessibility

    Basilica Cistern

    • The experience is partially wheelchair accessible. While there is a ramp at the entrance and a platform lift is available at the exit on Alemdar Street, the walking path inside can be damp and uneven.

    Hagia Sophia

    • The site is not wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

    Additional information

    Basilica Cistern

    • Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.

    • The exit is on a different street from the entrance, so note your bearings before heading in.

    • The Medusa heads are located at the far end of the site.

    • The cistern is especially atmospheric in the evening with fewer crowds and dramatic lighting.

    Hagia Sophia

    • Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after the prayer hours.

    • The Deësis mosaic in the Upper Gallery is a must-see and easily missed without a guide.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

    Ticket redemption points

    Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

    • Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.

    • Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

    • Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.

    Get directions to the redemption point

    Hagia Sophia Admission Tickets

    • Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.

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