Combos

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern Tickets + Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Guided tour group exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, highlighting unique architectural features and Topkapi Palace 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

4.4

4.7K ratings

5/5

3.3K

4/5

625

3/5

241

2/5

223

1/5

307

Claudia

5/5

Nov, 2024

Worked wonderfully, frequency of 45 min or longer (traffic jam) is a bit long, great driver, pays off in any case to get a first good overview of Istanbul, 1 day is enough, all sights are also easily accessible by streetcar and bus

View original review in German

Charlotte

3/5

Nov, 2024

As a Dane but picking The English version The audio was speaking Too Quickly to understand. At The same time The Music was Too loud.

Tetiana

5/5

Nov, 2024

It's really good experience,not only because it was super fast and easy, but also Basilica cistern worth every spend cents.

Ann

4/5

Oct, 2024

The Citernes are worth visiting. However, it is recommended that you take an audio guide. Or visit the Citernes with a guide. In just under an hour you can visit the Citernes.

View original review in Dutch

Dagmar

4/5

Oct, 2024

I liked it overall, a bit more recommendations what to do at the single stops would be helpful though. Otherwise a good way to explore the city!

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