Combos

Combo (Save 14%): Basilica Cistern Tickets + Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Guided tour group inside Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with Topkapi Palace visible in the background.

Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%

Tourists exploring Istanbul with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, with a stop at the historic Basilica Cistern, offering a unique combo deal saving 9%

Tourists exploring Istanbul with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, with a stop at the historic Basilica Cistern, offering a unique combo deal with a 9% saving

Score big savings on your Istanbul tour with this combo! Visit the Basilica Cistern and cruise the city's sites on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Highlights

Descend into Basilica Cistern's ancient marvel holding 80,000 cubic meters of water and whispering tales of Roman engineering.
For 1500 years, 336 marble pillars and twin Medusa heads have guarded the Cistern, inviting tourists to unlock the mysteries of its underground oasis.
Zip between 11 key spots on a hop-on hop-off bus tour running every half hour, from the aromatic Spice Bazaar to Hagia Sophia's grandeur.
Let Istanbul's skyline unfold from an open-top deck as you listen to centuries of stories with an audio guide, turning sightseeing into time travel.
Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern has appeared in various films and books, including Dan Brown's "Inferno".

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern (Close to stop #1 Sultanahmet)
Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish

Istanbul HOHO

1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish
Free earphones

Exclusions

Istanbul HOHO

Entry to attractions
Guided visits inside attractions

cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

How do we collect reviews?

4.4

2.4K ratings

5/5

1.7K

4/5

306

3/5

126

2/5

124

1/5

152

Ximena

5/5

Jan, 2025

The site is very user friendly, dynamic. The discount for previous use is great. I loved the site because they had quick access tickets and audio guides, I didn't have to wait in line at all. Anyway, I would use HeadOut again. I used the site to buy tickets for the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabace Palace.

View original review in Spanish

Mónica

5/5

Jan, 2025

We had only one day of stopover to know the most exemplary of Istanbul and having bought this type of tickets expedited all the visits and we were able to know more. Excellent.

View original review in Spanish

Ivan

5/5

Jan, 2025

Fast entry, no lines for purchase or admission. Visiting the Basilica Cistern is a unique experience.

View original review in Spanish

Arturo

5/5

Jan, 2025

Excellent way to start getting your bearings in Istanbul. You can discover the areas of interest and schedule your visits on foot afterwards. The service, first class...

View original review in Spanish

Charlotte

4/5

Dec, 2024

Certainly an easy and relaxing way to discover Istanbul, with many of the main sites covered through the extensive drop off points. The audio guide which was both informative and interesting, gave deeper insights into each region Would highly recommend.

Show all reviews

Routes & schedule

See Istanbul's engineering Marvel Basilica Cistern and hop between 11 prime Istanbul sights at your own pace, all with this super budget-friendly combo that'll save you some kaching!

Basilica Cistern

Step into the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece hiding beneath Istanbul's bustling streets. Once providing water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, this underground marvel spans nearly 10,000 square meters, supported by 336 intricately designed marble columns. Its atmospheric lighting, tranquil water, and columns create an almost dreamlike ambiance. You can wander along raised wooden platforms, hearing the soft echo of water droplets while spotting fish swimming through the shallow reservoir. Adding to the intrigue are the two mysterious Medusa head pillars, inviting countless theories about their symbolism. The Basilica has even been featured in pop culture, from Dan Brown’s Inferno to James Bond’s From Russia With Love. The hauntingly beautiful blend of architecture, history, and mystery makes the Basilica Cistern an unforgettable stop for any traveler exploring Istanbul.

Istanbul HOHO

Discover Istanbul’s iconic European-Asian blend on this hop-on hop-off journey aboard a comfy double-decker bus. Board from any of the 11 stops and hop off wherever your heart takes you! At Sultanahmet, see the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia catch your eye. In Eminönü, grilled fish aromas fill the air along the lively waterfront. Pass through Galataport’s sleek vibe, ending at Dolmabahçe Palace, where glittering chandeliers and lush gardens await.

Schedule

First Bus: 10am from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
Last Bus: 4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
Frequency: every 45 minutes
Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace

Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Operating hours

Basilica Cistern

Monday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Tuesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM

Know before you go

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Specific details related to Basilica Cistern will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Istanbul HOHO

-The routes, stops and departure times may change temporarily under uncontrollable circumstances.

During peak hours, seating cannot be guaranteed on both decks.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket Redemption Points

Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul

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

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card tour guide that has red flag in front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica Cistern.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point