- 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?
Guests from United States, Spain, Italy and over 89 countries have loved this experienceMatthew
Oct, 2024
We booked last minute and were still able to see everything we wanted to. Ticketing was straightforward. The Topkapi Palace tour was what we hoped for: descriptive, informative, and quick so we could go exploring on our own. Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cisterns were amazing to witness. Thank you for helping to make this a good experience.Elsa
Oct, 2024
Everything was great, no queues to get in and , seeing the Basilica cistern is the most beautiful thing I have done on the trip. Thank you .View original review in Spanish
Aparna
Oct, 2024
Awesome experience. We went to Hagia Sofia at about 11 am . The line with online tickets was also long but with our tickets we got to get in very fast and smooth . At basilica , again the line was more then one hour wait , but with our skip the line tickets , we went inside in like 5 mins , the gate keeper stopped everyone and let us go in first, as they were skip the line tickets. Very smooth process of booking and having the app on phone was very helpful and fast.
Marcus
Oct, 2024
Everything went smooth, from entrance to finish! A little bit complicated until I discovered how to download the audio guide.Taelemans
Sep, 2024
It was worth seeing it. Luckily we had bought a skip the line ticket so we didn't have to queue. The space inside was overwhelming and the colour gradations on the artworks beautiful.
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.
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.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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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
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Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.
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Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
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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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