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Guided Tours

Best of Istanbul in 1 Day: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace

Hagia Sophia exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque exterior with tourists, Istanbul; Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets available.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.

Duration

7 hrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

    • Explore Istanbul’s top sights in one day with an expert guide sharing rich history and local insights.

    • Visit Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, holding the world’s largest dome for nearly 1,000 years.

    • Wander around the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.

    • Walk through the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water system with 336 columns. Look out for the mysterious upside-down Medusa heads.

    • Tour Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman power for centuries, and home to treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger.

    • Expert English-speaking guide

    • Visit to Hagia Sophia (entry fee not included)

    • Visit to Basilica Cistern (entry fee not included)

    • Visit to Topkapi Palace (entry fee not included)

    • Entry to Blue Mosque

    • Breaks for coffee and relaxation

    • Food or drinks

    • Admission fee inside Hagia Sophia (25 Euro)

    • Admission fee inside Basilica Cistern (35 Euro)

    • Admission fee inside Topkapi Palace & Harem (50 Euro)

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Explore Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace in a single expertly guided day tour.

    Getting Started

    Meet your guide near DSign Cafe. After a brief introduction, your group will proceed through mandatory security checks at each location. Please allow extra time for these checks, especially during peak season.

    Hagia Sophia:

    Walk around and witness the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque, showcasing centuries of religious and artistic history.

    Blue Mosque:

    Step inside the Blue Mosque, widely known for its elegant domes and stunning blue İznik tiles, and marvel at its elegant blend of faith and artistry.

    Basilica Cistern:

    Venture beneath the city into a 6th-century underground Basilica Cistern, supported by towering marble columns and steeped in mystery, and stand in front of the gigantic Medusa heads.

    Topkapi Palace:

    Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, featuring royal chambers, sacred relics, and sweeping views over the Bosphorus.

  • Topkapi Palace

    Monday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Sunday09:00am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm

    Basilica Cistern

    Monday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm

    Hagia Sophia

    Monday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 07:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 07:30pm
  • What to bring:

    • Have your entry tickets ready for a seamless experience.

    • Carry a refillable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a few weather-wise essentials—like sunscreen, a hat, or an extra layer, depending on the day.

    What's not allowed:

    • While visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, revealing clothing is not permitted. Women are required to cover their hair and knees, and men must cover their knees.

    • Please bring suitable covers. If you don’t have one, hair and body covers are available for purchase at the entrance for €3.

    Accessibility:

    • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.

    Additional Information:

    • Meet your tour guide at DSign Cafe (Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye)

    • Security checks may take some time at all sights, extending up to 30-60 minutes. Be prepared for some waiting time.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Meeting point

    • Meet your guide at Design Cafe.

    • Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

    Get directions to the meeting point

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