Experience only the best of Basilica Cistern Tickets
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info

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Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.
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Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.
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Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.
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Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.
More details
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Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.
-
Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.
-
Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.
-
Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.
-
Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.
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This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
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Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.
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Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.
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Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.
More details
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This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
-
Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.
-
Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.
-
Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.
5% off
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Get instant access to Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern in one convenient combo—and save 11% compared to buying separately.
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With just 110 meters between sites, this combo is perfect for a smooth, self-paced visit without long transfers or complicated planning.
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Enjoy skip-the-line entry and explore the ancient underground cistern with a self-guided audio tour in 7 languages.
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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.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water, enough to fill around 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
More details
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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!
9% off
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Three iconic sites, zero hassle. Save on entry and skip the lines at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
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With all three sites just a short walk from one another, you can visit them back-to-back without transfers, tight scheduling, or time wasted in queues.
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Enjoy fast-track entry into Hagia Sophia and take in the Upper Gallery’s unmatched views of centuries-old mosaics and majestic arches.
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Skip the wait and explore Topkapi Palace, from the sultans’ private Harem to treasures like the legendary Topkapi Dagger and sacred relics of the empire.
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Head underground to the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century marvel where dim reflections and ancient marble columns create one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric sights.
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Explore each site your way with audio guides in multiple languages—just plug in your headphones and let the stories unfold.
More details
-
Three iconic sites, zero hassle. Save on entry and skip the lines at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
-
With all three sites just a short walk from one another, you can visit them back-to-back without transfers, tight scheduling, or time wasted in queues.
-
Enjoy fast-track entry into Hagia Sophia and take in the Upper Gallery’s unmatched views of centuries-old mosaics and majestic arches.
-
Skip the wait and explore Topkapi Palace, from the sultans’ private Harem to treasures like the legendary Topkapi Dagger and sacred relics of the empire.
-
Head underground to the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century marvel where dim reflections and ancient marble columns create one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric sights.
-
Explore each site your way with audio guides in multiple languages—just plug in your headphones and let the stories unfold.
5% off
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Spend less and see more with one expert-led tour that covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern in a smooth, all-in-one experience.
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With all three landmarks just steps apart, this combo eliminates transfers and saves you from juggling multiple bookings or waiting in lines.
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Skip the ticket lines and explore with a licensed English-speaking guide who brings each site to life with stories, context, and hidden details.
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Look up at the golden mosaics in Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, walk beneath the Blue Mosque’s soaring domes, and wander past Medusa columns in the Basilica Cistern.
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Fun fact: The Hagia Sophia has served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again, reflecting centuries of shifting empires and beliefs.
More details
-
Spend less and see more with one expert-led tour that covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern in a smooth, all-in-one experience.
-
With all three landmarks just steps apart, this combo eliminates transfers and saves you from juggling multiple bookings or waiting in lines.
-
Skip the ticket lines and explore with a licensed English-speaking guide who brings each site to life with stories, context, and hidden details.
-
Look up at the golden mosaics in Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, walk beneath the Blue Mosque’s soaring domes, and wander past Medusa columns in the Basilica Cistern.
-
Fun fact: The Hagia Sophia has served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again, reflecting centuries of shifting empires and beliefs.
13% off
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Choose 2 to 9 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
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Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.
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Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
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Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
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Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.
More details
-
Choose 2 to 9 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
-
Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.
-
Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
-
Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
-
Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.
- The ticket gets you an an elevator up the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that has stood tall for centuries, it was originally a watchtower.
- Tickets also have skip-the-line access, so you can avoid long queues, and spend more like at the museum that houses exhibitions about Turkish history.
- Revel in the panoramic vista of the city and see iconic landmarks - from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
- Walk down some of the oldest streets in the Galata quarter of Istanbul as you head to the seaside.
- Upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide app and listen to fascinating facts and stories about the Galata Tower.
- Did you know? There is a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower. Indulge in fancy Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant.
- Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free visit to one of the city's top landmarks.
More details
- The ticket gets you an an elevator up the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that has stood tall for centuries, it was originally a watchtower.
- Tickets also have skip-the-line access, so you can avoid long queues, and spend more like at the museum that houses exhibitions about Turkish history.
- Revel in the panoramic vista of the city and see iconic landmarks - from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
- Walk down some of the oldest streets in the Galata quarter of Istanbul as you head to the seaside.
- Upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide app and listen to fascinating facts and stories about the Galata Tower.
- Did you know? There is a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower. Indulge in fancy Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant.
- Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free visit to one of the city's top landmarks.
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Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site – Topkapı Palace along with an expert multilingual local guide and enjoy priority admission with skip-the-line access.
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Explore the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
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Admire the lavish interiors, see the brilliant artifacts on display, and bask in the glory of the Ottoman Era.
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Visit the Harem section and see the lavishly decorated marble hallways, and arched doorways with over 400 rooms!
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Fun Fact: The Palace has 20 chimneys in the kitchen, where roughly 800 employees worked making this the largest kitchen in the Ottoman Empire at the time.
More details
-
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site – Topkapı Palace along with an expert multilingual local guide and enjoy priority admission with skip-the-line access.
-
Explore the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
-
Admire the lavish interiors, see the brilliant artifacts on display, and bask in the glory of the Ottoman Era.
-
Visit the Harem section and see the lavishly decorated marble hallways, and arched doorways with over 400 rooms!
-
Fun Fact: The Palace has 20 chimneys in the kitchen, where roughly 800 employees worked making this the largest kitchen in the Ottoman Empire at the time.
13% off
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Soar high above the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, witnessing the sun's first rays painting the Goreme Valley landscape gold, on a hot air balloon ride.
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Kickstart your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel, a hot cup of coffee or tea, and some breakfast snacks to fuel your flight.
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Float over the ancient caves, vineyards orchards, and rock-cut dwellings, soaking in panoramic views.
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Upon landing, celebrate your journey with a traditional champagne toast, a flight certificate to take home, or a royal medal to take home.
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Get to choose how intimate your experience is, fly with 28 other adventurers on the standard flight, or limit it to 20 on the premium flight/royal queen flight.
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Fun Fact: Hidden beneath Cappadocia’s exquisite landscape are over 50 underground cities!
More details
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Soar high above the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, witnessing the sun's first rays painting the Goreme Valley landscape gold, on a hot air balloon ride.
-
Kickstart your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel, a hot cup of coffee or tea, and some breakfast snacks to fuel your flight.
-
Float over the ancient caves, vineyards orchards, and rock-cut dwellings, soaking in panoramic views.
-
Upon landing, celebrate your journey with a traditional champagne toast, a flight certificate to take home, or a royal medal to take home.
-
Get to choose how intimate your experience is, fly with 28 other adventurers on the standard flight, or limit it to 20 on the premium flight/royal queen flight.
-
Fun Fact: Hidden beneath Cappadocia’s exquisite landscape are over 50 underground cities!
30% off
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Istanbul
About Basilica Cistern
Explore the Basilica Cistern, a massive 6th-century Byzantine water reservoir. Emperor Justinian I initiated its construction to ensure water supply to the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its intriguing features, like the Weeping Column and Medusa's Heads, echo Istanbul’s centuries-old history.
Why visit Basilica Cistern?
Highlights
Plan your visit

Main Entrance (Yerebatan Caddesi)
The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is located on Yerebatan Caddesi (street), on the southwest side of Hagia Sophia. On average, the wait time at this entrance is around 10-15 minutes if you don’t have a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket.
Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour
While strollers are allowed into the Basilica Cistern, there is no place to keep them aside while you explore the attraction. Visitors have to carry the stroller with them at all times.