Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
#1 out of 41 in Istanbul

Experience only the best of Basilica Cistern Tickets

We’ve done the hard work - Find only the best 9 experiences from hundreds of them so you can choose easily.

4.3/5

28.1K+ travellers love this

See what they have to say

Visitor's guide

Must-see highlights & key info

Basilica Cistern Tickets
Tourist exploring the ancient columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.
Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, part of Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern tour.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.
Basilica Cistern column with Medusa carvings, Istanbul.
Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Istanbul.
Illuminated sculptures resembling jellyfish in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Tourist admiring the interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • 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
€33.50
Basilica Cistern columns and Hagia Sophia interior with chandeliers, Istanbul.
Woman exploring the illuminated columns inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Upside-down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia with minarets under clear blue sky in Istanbul.
Mosaic of Virgin Mary and Christ Child with emperors in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern interior with illuminated columns and statues, Istanbul tour.
Illuminated sculptures resembling jellyfish in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Sculpture in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, surrounded by ancient columns and water reflections.
Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.
Visitors on a guided tour inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • 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 €68
€64.60

5% off

Topkapi Palace entrance, Hagia Sophia dome, and visitor in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace exterior with tower and arches, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace courtyard with ornate tile walls and arched walkway, Istanbul.
Tourists with backpacks viewing Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, near a fountain.
Interior view of Hagia Sophia's dome and arches in Istanbul, showcasing intricate mosaics and calligraphy.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.
Sculpture in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, surrounded by ancient columns and water reflections.
Topkapi Palace Harem interior with ornate decor and seating area, Istanbul.
Tour group with guide at Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, near ornate tiled wall.
Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view, Istanbul, Turkey.
Tour guide explaining mosaics to visitors inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, part of Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern tour.
Illuminated sculptures resembling jellyfish in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • 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 €133
€124.02

7% off

Woman exploring the illuminated columns inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of Combo Tour with Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets and domes, Istanbul skyline in background.
Royal Kiosk interior with ornate columns and stained glass in the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia with minarets under clear blue sky in Istanbul.
Tour group with guide inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, discussing historical details.
Upside-down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern statue and columns, Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Interior view of Hagia Sophia's dome and arches in Istanbul, showcasing intricate mosaics and calligraphy.
Interior view of Blue Mosque with ornate chandeliers and stained glass windows, Istanbul, Turkey.
Interior of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing intricate domed ceiling and ornate designs.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Extended validity
1 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

Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Visitors observing ancient columns at Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Upside down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Boy observing illuminated columns in Istanbul's Basilica Cistern.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns and reflective water during guided tour in Istanbul.
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Upside down Medusa head at Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with visitors nearby.
Underground Medusa head statue in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern interior with illuminated columns and submerged hand sculpture, Istanbul.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • 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
€38

14% off

Hagia Sophia and gardens in Istanbul, view from above, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Topkapi Palace Gate of Salutation with list of top attractions in Istanbul.
Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with visitors walking nearby.
Hagia Sophia Museum with minarets in Eminonu, Istanbul, under a blue sky.
Basilica Cistern pillars and arches in Istanbul, Turkey.
Dolmabahce Palace entrance with ornate architecture in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hop-on hop-off bus near Istanbul clock tower.
Cruise ship on Bosphorus strait during evening, Istanbul skyline in background.
Istanbul ferry near Haydarpasa railway station on Asian Side walking tour.
Woman relaxing in a Turkish bath with rose petals.
Sufi whirling dervish performing in traditional attire.
Bosphorus yacht cruising past Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, aerial view.
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Choose 2 to 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.

  • This pass guarantees a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides, and two optional other landmarks or experiences.

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

  • Enjoy added experiences like a visit to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, dinner cruises and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.

  • 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 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.

  • This pass guarantees a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides, and two optional other landmarks or experiences.

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

  • Enjoy added experiences like a visit to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, dinner cruises and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.

  • 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
Hagia Sophia with minarets under a blue sky in Istanbul, Turkey.
Tour guide explaining mosaics to visitors inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with gardens and visitors.
Visitors exploring ornate tilework in Topkapi Palace Museum's Harem, Istanbul.
Woman exploring the illuminated columns inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern interior with illuminated columns and statues, Istanbul tour.
Interior view of Hagia Sophia's dome and arches in Istanbul, showcasing intricate mosaics and calligraphy.
Tour group with guide inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, discussing historical details.
Tour group exploring Topkapi Palace courtyard in Istanbul.
Tour group with guide at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, viewing historical artifacts.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns and reflective water during guided tour in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns and arches in Istanbul.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
1 more
  • Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern to start your guided tour, valid for 3 days.

  • Reap the benefits of a guided tour included in this ticket which can be availed for 3 museums.

  • Choose to visit the sites on one single day or on separate days with the flexibility of this ticket.

  • Feel free to explore the museums after the guided tour and learn interesting facts about them with the help of the audio guides available in 9 different languages.

More details

  • Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern to start your guided tour, valid for 3 days.

  • Reap the benefits of a guided tour included in this ticket which can be availed for 3 museums.

  • Choose to visit the sites on one single day or on separate days with the flexibility of this ticket.

  • Feel free to explore the museums after the guided tour and learn interesting facts about them with the help of the audio guides available in 9 different languages.

from
€89
Basilica Cistern interior and boat on Bosphorus near Istanbul landmark.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.
Upside down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Couple on Bosphorus cruise pointing at Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul.
Ortaky Mosque with white stone architecture and twin minarets by the Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul.
Underground Medusa head statue in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Couple on Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, pointing at Galata Tower.
Ciragan Palace along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

from €47
€44.64

5% off

Hop-on hop-off bus near Istanbul's Blue Mosque and Galata Tower.
Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Istanbul with passengers boarding.
Tourists on a bus tour in Istanbul with the Blue Mosque in the background.
Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus.
Person overlooking Istanbul skyline near Galata Tower, arms raised in excitement.
Open-top bus tour with passengers viewing Istanbul's historic architecture along the Bosphorus.
Visitors in front of Galata Tower, Istanbul, with colorful buildings nearby.
Flexible duration
  • Glide along Istanbul’s gems, including Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with 11 stops and buses every 30 minutes.

  • Enjoy the best skyline views from the top deck while an 8-language audio guide fills your ears with tales of Istanbul’s rich history at every unique stop.

  • Visit the ancient Galata Tower, after hopping off a convenient bus, and see the tower's evolution from a lookout post to a brilliant museum.

  • Enjoy rotating exhibitions after taking the elevator to the tower's top and marvel at the skyline against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait.

  • Fun fact: During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Süleyiman the Magnificent, the Galata Tower served as a high-security prison for important figures.

More details

  • Glide along Istanbul’s gems, including Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with 11 stops and buses every 30 minutes.

  • Enjoy the best skyline views from the top deck while an 8-language audio guide fills your ears with tales of Istanbul’s rich history at every unique stop.

  • Visit the ancient Galata Tower, after hopping off a convenient bus, and see the tower's evolution from a lookout post to a brilliant museum.

  • Enjoy rotating exhibitions after taking the elevator to the tower's top and marvel at the skyline against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait.

  • Fun fact: During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Süleyiman the Magnificent, the Galata Tower served as a high-security prison for important figures.

from €82
€77.90

5% off

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

Luca Giovanni Bugini
IT

Luca

Italy
Aug 2025
5/5
review-image
review-image
Online ticket cut the queue time and let me enjoy the tour which was awesome. The mobile voice guide was exhaustive and easy to use
Jordi Fuentes Narro
ES

Jordi

Spain
Aug 2025
5/5
review-image
review-image
The purchase of the tickets was very easy and fast. If I have something to comment, it is the little and small i information of where is the entrance/row of the people who bought tickets online. The Cistern Basilica was amazing, we liked it very much.
Mateja Logar

Mateja

Aug 2025
5/5
review-image
review-image
review-image
It was a very interesting and entertaining vist to all thre monuments Our guide (Arthur) was very knowlagable, he gave us a lot of information, and was able to navigate us quickly inside all the attractions
Lynette G Babilonia
US

Lynette

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
review-image
review-image
review-image

+1 more

Ticketing was easy, Blue Mosque was beautiful, and our tour guide was excellent. Cenker was very knowledgeable, fun, lively and very accommodating.
Maria-Anna Segreto
IT

Maria-anna

Italy
Jul 2025
5/5
review-image
review-image
The visit was something spectacular. Beautiful environment, news told in wonderful amniera by our guide (very friendly and nice). After the visit with the guide you can stay as long as you want to continue the visit on your own and take photos.
Libin Thomas
IE

Libin

Ireland
Jun 2025
5/5
review-image
Absolutely magical experience! Floating above the fairy chimneys and surreal landscapes of Cappadocia at sunrise felt like stepping into a dream. The views were breathtaking, the ride was smooth, and the crew was professional and friendly throughout. A bucket-list adventure that lived up to the hype — highly recommended!
Rocío Sánchez Montilla
ES

Rocío

Spain
Apr 2025
5/5
review-image
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!!!!!!
Janeen Toia Henare
NZ

Janeen

New Zealand
Apr 2025
5/5
review-image
Our guide Daphne was awesome! She knew her history of the Palace, she had a Gsoh to, loved the 1 hour tour with her😊
Download app section background

We've served 42 million+ guests and we are here for you

42 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime