Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern Tickets + Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4.6/5(5,760)

Stefanie S

Family

Verified booking

Yesterday

The Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off tour was a fantastic way to get a great overview of the city before the marathon. It allowed us to discover the main sights and get a feel for the city in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Highly recommended!

Băluță D

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The experience was excellent! Purchasing tickets was quick and easy, access was hassle-free, and everything that followed was a dream come true.

Trisha C

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Was a bit worried initially as I didnt receive tickets or a QR code the night before but a word document saying we would have a 'hosted' entry. However upon arrival, we saw the headout flag and the man gave us a paper ticket and we entered without fuss. Was a very smooth transaction and the Basilica was wonderful; I would highly recommend as the ticket price was very reasonable. The Basilica is well worth the entrance fee but you won't need more than an hour for the visit.

Luke C

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Jin from PLK travel was a great guide! Her translation of the NK defector really added a lot. Overall great tour and a good value. Worth the day trip.

Jan S

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

I had my doubts before buying a ticket online, because the sheer number of websites offering them at various prices made me suspect a scam. However, the massive line to the Basilica Cistern and the rain motivated me to take action, so I simply asked the ticket agent at the skip-the-line entrance if buying on Headout was safe. Five minutes later, I had the tickets on my phone, and we were inside. The price difference of about 10 PLN, with a ticket price of 200 PLN, is nothing compared to the ability to skip the line.

Chrysoula C

Group

Verified booking

May 2026

Great experience fantastic place and with skip the line was perfect!😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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.

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

Istanbul HOHO

Entry to attractions

Guided visits inside attractions

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

5,760 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
4.2K
874
315
126
170
Guests from Italy, United States, United Kingdom and over 55 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Pamela P
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I really loved the tour; the only downside was that I couldn't open the window to take some decent photos.
Steven L
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Headphone tour was very informative. The ride is long so start early if you wish to make multiple stops.
Elizabeth G
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
I loved to not be in a hurry because the bus left me! Time enough to see arround each point.
Giamou O
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
45 minutes waiting at.the bus stop to continue the trip. It is very difficult
Gabriele B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Everything worked well, I would use it again,

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!

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.

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.

What to bring

Basilica Cistern

Comfortable footwear: It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

Details: Specific details related to Basilica Cistern will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Istanbul HOHO

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

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

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.