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Basilica Cistern Tickets
Tourist exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Fatih, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Tourist admiring Hagia Sophia's architecture in Istanbul, Turkey.
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
2 more
  • Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.

  • Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.

  • Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.

More details

  • Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.

  • Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.

  • Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.

from
€32.90
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Visitors observing ancient columns inside Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Upside down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Boy exploring Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, surrounded by ancient columns and dimly lit arches.
The illuminated columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul during a guided tour.
Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with illuminated columns reflecting in water.
Upside down Medusa head sculpture in Istanbul's Basilica Cistern.
Medusa head statue in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Hand sculpture at basilica cistern
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
1 hr
2 more
  • This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.

  • Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.

  • Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.

More details

  • This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.

  • Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.

  • Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.

from €44
€41.80

5% off

Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
1 more
  • Get convenient skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace, complete with immersive audio guides.

  • Discover the mysterious Basilica Cistern, where you’ll find towering stone columns and the legendary Medusa heads hidden beneath the city streets.

  • Walk into Hagia Sophia and head up to the Upper Gallery for a close-up view of its dazzling golden mosaics.

More details

  • Get convenient skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace, complete with immersive audio guides.

  • Discover the mysterious Basilica Cistern, where you’ll find towering stone columns and the legendary Medusa heads hidden beneath the city streets.

  • Walk into Hagia Sophia and head up to the Upper Gallery for a close-up view of its dazzling golden mosaics.

from €71.50
€64.98

9% off

Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors exploring the interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, during a guided tour.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
1 more
  • Skip the line at three iconic Istanbul landmarks with a single discounted combo ticket.

  • Explore Topkapi Palace’s courtyards, Imperial Harem, and Ottoman treasures at your own pace.

  • Admire Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, minarets, and layered history with an included audio guide in 5 languages.

  • Descend into the eerie, columned world of the Basilica Cistern — the city's ancient underground water system. Catch a glimpse of ancient columns and the large, mysterious Medusa’s head.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern's Medusa heads are still a mystery — no one knows where they came from or why they’re sideways.

More details

  • Skip the line at three iconic Istanbul landmarks with a single discounted combo ticket.

  • Explore Topkapi Palace’s courtyards, Imperial Harem, and Ottoman treasures at your own pace.

  • Admire Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, minarets, and layered history with an included audio guide in 5 languages.

  • Descend into the eerie, columned world of the Basilica Cistern — the city's ancient underground water system. Catch a glimpse of ancient columns and the large, mysterious Medusa’s head.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern's Medusa heads are still a mystery — no one knows where they came from or why they’re sideways.

from €136.40
€129.29

5% off

Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia exterior with visitors in Istanbul on a sunny day.
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
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%
The Royal Kiosk interior with intricate tilework inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
3 more
  • Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.

  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.

  • Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.

  • Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, an expert guided tour, and multilingual audio guides, all in one day.

More details

  • Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.

  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.

  • Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.

  • Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, an expert guided tour, and multilingual audio guides, all in one day.

from €114
€99

13% off

Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, entrance with historical architecture and tourists exploring.
Gate of Salutation entrance at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with tourists exploring the historic site.
Hagia Sophia Museum exterior with minarets in Eminonu, Istanbul, showcasing Byzantine architecture.
Pillars inside The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, showcasing ancient Roman architecture.
Dolmabahce Palace exterior with ornate architecture in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hop-on hop-off bus passing by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.
Bosphorus dinner cruise ship with guests dining, Istanbul skyline in the evening.
Ferry approaching Haydarpasa Railway Station in Istanbul, Turkey.
Woman relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sufi whirling dervish performing traditional dance in Istanbul, Turkey.
Aerial view of a yacht cruising on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
5 more
  • Choose 2 to 9 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.

  • Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.

  • Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.

  • Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.

  • Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.

More details

  • Choose 2 to 9 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.

  • Explore top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and more, with expert-guided tours included for deeper insights.

  • Enjoy added experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.

  • Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.

  • Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox—no paper, no pickup, just fast and easy access at every site.

from
€129
Aerial view of Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey, surrounded by cityscape.
Aerial view of Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey, surrounded by cityscape.
Tourist admiring the view from Galata Tower, Istanbul.
Panoramic view of Istanbul from Galata Tower, showcasing Bosphorus Strait and cityscape.
Galata Tower exterior in Istanbul with surrounding cityscape.
Stairs ascending inside Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ancient wine jugs displayed inside Galata Tower, Istanbul.
Visitors ascending stairs to Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey.
Young couple walking through a hillside alley in Beyoğlu Karaköy Galata, Istanbul.
Aerial view of Galata Tower in Istanbul at sunset.
Galata Tower illuminated at night in Beyoglu, Istanbul, with city lights in the background.
Galata Tower illuminated at night in Beyoglu, Istanbul, with city lights in the background.
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
1 more
  • The ticket gets you an an elevator up the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that has stood tall for centuries, it was originally a watchtower.

  • Tickets also have skip-the-line access, so you can avoid long queues, and spend more like at the museum that houses exhibitions about Turkish history.

  • Revel in the panoramic vista of the city and see iconic landmarks - from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

  • Walk down some of the oldest streets in the Galata quarter of Istanbul as you head to the seaside.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide app and listen to fascinating facts and stories about the Galata Tower.

  • Did you know? There is a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower. Indulge in fancy Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant.

  • Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free visit to one of the city's top landmarks.

More details

  • The ticket gets you an an elevator up the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that has stood tall for centuries, it was originally a watchtower.

  • Tickets also have skip-the-line access, so you can avoid long queues, and spend more like at the museum that houses exhibitions about Turkish history.

  • Revel in the panoramic vista of the city and see iconic landmarks - from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia, and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

  • Walk down some of the oldest streets in the Galata quarter of Istanbul as you head to the seaside.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide app and listen to fascinating facts and stories about the Galata Tower.

  • Did you know? There is a restaurant on top of the Galata Tower. Indulge in fancy Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant.

  • Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free visit to one of the city's top landmarks.

from
€39.50
Tourists wearing masks and maintaining social distance at a museum in Paris, France.
Hot air balloon inflating at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey, with scenic landscape in the background.
Hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia's unique rock formations at sunrise.
Woman in fedora and shawl gazing at hot air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey.
Turkish breakfast spread at Cappadocia Goreme Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour
A person holding a glass of champagne on Cappadocia Goreme Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour
Cappadocia landscape with hot air balloons at sunrise, Turkey.
Instant confirmation
3 hr
Mobile ticket
2 more
  • Soar high above the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, witnessing the sun's first rays painting the Goreme Valley landscape gold, on a hot air balloon ride.

  • Kickstart your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel, a hot cup of coffee or tea, and some breakfast snacks to fuel your flight.

  • Float over the ancient caves, vineyards orchards, and rock-cut dwellings, soaking in panoramic views.

  • Upon landing, celebrate your journey with a traditional champagne toast, a flight certificate to take home, or a royal medal to take home.

  • Get to choose how intimate your experience is, fly with 28 other adventurers on the standard flight, or limit it to 20 on the premium flight/royal queen flight.

  • Fun Fact: Hidden beneath Cappadocia’s exquisite landscape are over 50 underground cities!

More details

  • Soar high above the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, witnessing the sun's first rays painting the Goreme Valley landscape gold, on a hot air balloon ride.

  • Kickstart your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel, a hot cup of coffee or tea, and some breakfast snacks to fuel your flight.

  • Float over the ancient caves, vineyards orchards, and rock-cut dwellings, soaking in panoramic views.

  • Upon landing, celebrate your journey with a traditional champagne toast, a flight certificate to take home, or a royal medal to take home.

  • Get to choose how intimate your experience is, fly with 28 other adventurers on the standard flight, or limit it to 20 on the premium flight/royal queen flight.

  • Fun Fact: Hidden beneath Cappadocia’s exquisite landscape are over 50 underground cities!

from
€110
Guide Explaining to Tourist about Topkapi
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Imperial Treasury armory display in Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Dagger displayed in Topkapi Palace's Imperial Treasury, Istanbul, Turkey.
The harem at the Topkapi Palace
Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace Museum
Harem and Sultan's Private Apartments, Courtyard of the Eunuchs, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Imperial Council facade in Istanbul, Turkey.
Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace entrance, Istanbul, Turkey.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
3 more
  • Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site – Topkapı Palace along with an expert multilingual local guide and enjoy priority admission with skip-the-line access.

  • Explore the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.

  • Admire the lavish interiors, see the brilliant artifacts on display, and bask in the glory of the Ottoman Era.

  • Visit the Harem section and see the lavishly decorated marble hallways, and arched doorways with over 400 rooms!

  • Fun Fact: The Palace has 20 chimneys in the kitchen, where roughly 800 employees worked making this the largest kitchen in the Ottoman Empire at the time.

More details

  • Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site – Topkapı Palace along with an expert multilingual local guide and enjoy priority admission with skip-the-line access.

  • Explore the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.

  • Admire the lavish interiors, see the brilliant artifacts on display, and bask in the glory of the Ottoman Era.

  • Visit the Harem section and see the lavishly decorated marble hallways, and arched doorways with over 400 rooms!

  • Fun Fact: The Palace has 20 chimneys in the kitchen, where roughly 800 employees worked making this the largest kitchen in the Ottoman Empire at the time.

from
€69.90

Pro tips to help you make a pick

About Basilica Cistern

Explore the Basilica Cistern, a massive 6th-century Byzantine water reservoir. Emperor Justinian I initiated its construction to ensure water supply to the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its intriguing features, like the Weeping Column and Medusa's Heads, echo Istanbul’s centuries-old history.


Address
Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Also known as
Yerebatan Sarnıcı, Sunken Palace, Subterranean Palace
Year opened
532
Founded by
Emperor Justinian
Visitors per year
2200000
Expected wait time - Standard
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?

Why visit Basilica Cistern?

Highlights

Plan your visit

Travel guides and tips

Millions love heading out with us

Kazic Admir
CH

Kazic

5/5
Switzerland
It's just a complete fascinating cisterna and we are glad that we visited it. I can recommend it to everyone.
Ashokkumar Parbhubhai Kushal
GB

Ashokkumar

5/5
United Kingdom
Tickets were easy to book, great instructions and saved a lot if time by not queuing. In terms of the sites they were really good to see and understand the history behind it. Great addition to our Istanbul trip.
Rodolfo Malberti
IT

Rodolfo

4/5
Italy
All beautiful, especially Cistern and St. Sophia Mosque which, however, due to earthquake ilb23 April, we could see today 24 April. Courtesy and professionalism of the Guide. Thank you
Stan-Filimon Florina-Ioana
RO

Stan-filimon

5/5
Romania
The guide was very knowledgeable and nice. We didn't have to stay in line and that was a relief as there were hundreds of people waiting. I would definitely recommend and do it again.
Janeen Toia Henare
NZ

Janeen

5/5
New Zealand
Our guide Daphne was awesome! She knew her history of the Palace, she had a Gsoh to, loved the 1 hour tour with her😊
Rocío Sánchez Montilla
ES

Rocío

5/5
Spain
Absolutely the whole experience was excellent. The pilot in charge of our flight explained everything in detail and made the trip truly enjoyable. A dream come true. Thank you!!!!!!
Joliann Ninham
US

Joliann

5/5
United States
This skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide to Galata Tower was absolutely worth it! The audio guide was packed with fascinating history and fun facts. The panoramic views of Istanbul from the top were breathtaking! A must-do experience for anyone visiting the city. Highly recommended!
Mohammad Tariq

Mohammad

4/5
Hagia sofya and topkapi palace were good. However Turkish and Islamic museum guide didn't accompany us in the tour today and no tour guide is here in Dolmabachi palace. We were told 1:30 pm but no body showed up till now. Now is 2:26 pm.
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