Combos

Combo (Save 4%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket + Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

4.4/5(3,514)

Sara G

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Super easy entry, extremely kind and helpful staff, spectacular place, spotless, and with perfect crowd and space management. Special praise also goes to the booking process, as everything was very clear and straightforward. Highly recommended.

Vessela P

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

There was a problem entering the Cistern. The reader didn't recognize the barcode sent by Cosmic. But people there were supportive and everything became fine.

Mikio M

Couple

Verified booking

Oct 2026

We visited the Basilica Cistern on September 26, 2026. It was wonderful to have the flexibility to choose our visiting time after 9:00 AM. The waiting queue was extremely long, but we managed to exchange our online reservation for paper entrance tickets through a guide standing nearby. While it was a little tricky to spot the guide at first, it was totally worth it—we got to skip the massive line and head right inside. The Basilica Cistern is truly a must-visit when you are in Istanbul!

Michael B

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Basilica cistern was a stunning engineering work and beautifully presented. The blue mosque was amazing, our guide Hassain spoke clearly and knowledgeable about the mosque and it's history. We were allowed enough free time to explore independently. Would recommend to all istanbul visitors.

Paula S

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

When going on tours, the app is well known, making entry very easy. It is also easy to find tours on the app at a good price. I had never heard of it, but I highly recommend it!

Olivier M

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Our QR codes weren't generated automatically, but I reached out for help via the chat: they sent me an email to confirm the order and everything went smoothly.

Walk through the quiet underground of the Basilica Cistern and see ancient columns and Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa heads.

Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus strait with views of the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

Skip entry lines at both landmarks, and use the 5+ language audio guide to learn interesting facts and stories as you explore.

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry

Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Turkish

Headset

Bosphorus cruise

Skip-the-line entry at the pier

90-minute cruise along the strait

Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Italian, Polish, and Chinese

Meet & greet with a marine officer

Bosphorus cruise map

MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
1 Boarding point
Kabastas
Sights covered
Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahçe Palace
Ciragan Palace
Bosphorus Bridge
Bebek Bay
Rumeli Fortress
Fatih Mehmet Bridge
Emirgan
Galata Bridge

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

3,514 reviews
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What our guests say
Michael B
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Basilica cistern was a stunning engineering work and beautifully presented. The blue mosque was amazing, our guide Hassain spoke clearly and knowledgeable about the mosque and it's history. We were allowed enough free time to explore independently. Would recommend to all istanbul visitors.
Sara G
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Super easy entry, extremely kind and helpful staff, spectacular place, spotless, and with perfect crowd and space management. Special praise also goes to the booking process, as everything was very clear and straightforward. Highly recommended.
Paula S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
When going on tours, the app is well known, making entry very easy. It is also easy to find tours on the app at a good price. I had never heard of it, but I highly recommend it!
Olivier M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Our QR codes weren't generated automatically, but I reached out for help via the chat: they sent me an email to confirm the order and everything went smoothly.
Vessela P
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
There was a problem entering the Cistern. The reader didn't recognize the barcode sent by Cosmic. But people there were supportive and everything became fine.

Cover the undergrounds and the waters of Istanbul with a single combo ticket that grants you skip-the-line access at both locations, and multilingual audio guides.

Getting started

Have your tickets ready—either printed or on your device—and make sure to download the audio guides in advance. Wear a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and bring water bottles as both experiences involve walking around.

Basilica Cistern

Spend some time walking into Istanbul’s underground world with skip-the-line entry amidst its stone columns, reused from Roman temples. Look out for the iconic Medusa heads tucked away at the far end and learn their mythological significance from your audio guide.

Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

Explore the highlights between Europe and Asia on a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Skip the lines at the pier, meet your marine officer, and head straight to the upper deck for the best views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks—including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

What to bring

Basilica Cistern:

Old-school, wired earphones work best in the Basilica Cistern.

Dress snugly in warm layers. The underground can get very cold at times, so make sure you bring along a light jacket or sweater.

Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.

Bosphorus cruise:

The cruise is held in all weather conditions and can get windy on the water. Make sure you bring a light jacket or sweater.

What’s not allowed

Basilica Cistern

Flash photography is not allowed, as it disrupts the lighting and other visitors.

Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited due to space and safety concerns.

Bosphorus cruise

Large bags are not allowed on the boat, so it’s best to bring only what you can comfortably carry.

Selfie sticks are prohibited due to limited space and safety concerns.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

The entrance has a ramp, and a wheelchair platform lift is available at the exit on Alemdar Street.

Some parts of the Basilica Cistern have uneven floors. Keep this in mind if you are a visitor with mobility difficulties.

Bosphorus cruise

The cruise is partially wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to contact in advance for special arrangements, as there may be limitations due to the boat’s design.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check. During the peak summer season (June to August), this can take up to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Ensure your device has Android version 10 or later to use the audio guide.

Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.

Bosphorus cruise

The cruise departs near tram line no. 1 and the funicular, just steps from Dolmabahce Palace. Look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window behind the red petrol station.

The Bosphorus cruise boats depart every hour. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to avoid rushing and settle in comfortably.

Ensure your device has Android 10 or later and download the audio guide before arriving at the Bosphorus pier to save time.

For the best views, head to the upper deck for an unobstructed look at Istanbul’s landmarks.

Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos along the Bosphorus.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.