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

20.7K+ 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, Istanbul, with reflections on the water.
Basilica Cistern column with Medusa head 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.
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
1 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
€32.75
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 with minarets under clear blue sky in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Illuminated sculptures resembling jellyfish in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia with interior view of dome and visitors inside.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.
Visitors on a guided tour inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with historical architecture in view.
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 €66
€62.70

5% off

Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Topkapi Palace courtyard with ornate tile walls and arches, Istanbul.
Tourists with backpacks viewing Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, near a fountain.
Hagia Sophia interior with ornate dome and Islamic calligraphy, Istanbul.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with reflections on the water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Topkapi Palace Harem interior with ornate decorations 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 of dome and visitors inside.
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.
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 €130.90
€126.97

3% off

Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Royal Kiosk interior with intricate tilework inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia with minarets under clear blue sky in Istanbul.
Historian guiding a group inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, pointing at intricate ceiling details.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
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%
Hagia Sophia interior with ornate dome and Islamic calligraphy, Istanbul.
Interior view of Istanbul's Blue Mosque showcasing intricate tilework and grand arches.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Visitors taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate interior details.
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
2 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 examining 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 sculpture during guided tour in Istanbul.
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Upside down Medusa head in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with visitors nearby.
Underground Medusa statue in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with shadow on brick wall.
Basilica Cistern interior with illuminated columns and large hand sculpture in Istanbul.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
1 hr
1 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
€38

14% 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.
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
1 more
  • Choose 2 to 10 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 10 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
Tour guide leading a group at Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, with skip-the-line access.
Topkapi Palace Harem interior with ornate decorations and seating area, Istanbul.
Tour group with guide inside Topkapi Palace Museum Harem, Istanbul.
Armory display at Topkapi Palace's Imperial Treasury in Istanbul, featuring chainmail and helmets.
Topkapi Dagger with emeralds in Imperial Treasury, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace Museum interior with ornate wall tiles and decorative arch.
Tour group with guide at Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, viewing historical artifacts.
Courtyard of the Eunuchs with ornate tiles and archway, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
Tour group exploring Topkapi Palace Museum with guide in Istanbul.
Ornate facade of the Imperial Council at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
Visitors walking towards the Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
2 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
Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape, Turkey.
Aerial view of Galata Tower with visitors on the observation deck in Istanbul.
Tourist taking photo from Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul cityscape.
View of Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus Strait from Galata Tower.
Galata Tower exterior with nearby buildings in Istanbul under a clear blue sky.
Staircase inside Galata Tower, Istanbul, with stone walls and arched ceiling.
Ancient wine jugs displayed inside Galata Tower, Istanbul.
Stone staircase leading to Galata Tower, Istanbul, with plants and ornate architecture.
Young couple walking in a colorful alley in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, with street art and historic buildings.
Galata Tower overlooking Istanbul skyline at sunset, Turkey.
Galata Tower illuminated at night in Beyoglu, Istanbul, surrounded by colorful buildings.
Galata Tower illuminated at night in Beyoglu, Istanbul, with a sunset sky.
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
€36
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia landscape at sunrise, showcasing safety measures in place.
Hot air balloon inflating at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey with rocky landscape.
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia's unique rock formations.
Woman in fedora and shawl gazing at hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Turkish breakfast with fried eggs, olives, bread, and tea.
Hand holding a glass of champagne near a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia's unique rock formations, 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

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

Maria-Anna Segreto
IT

Maria-anna

5/5
Italy
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.
Lynette G Babilonia
US

Lynette

5/5
United States
Ticketing was easy, Blue Mosque was beautiful, and our tour guide was excellent. Cenker was very knowledgeable, fun, lively and very accommodating.
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
Libin Thomas
IE

Libin

5/5
Ireland
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

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!!!!!!
Angelina Purwin
DE

Angelina

5/5
Germany
Both the Hagia Sophia and the sunken palace were beautiful! It is very worthwhile. And especially for the Hagia Sophia, it's worth buying tickets online in advance to avoid the queue at the ticket office. It's also worth it for the Basilica Cistern, as there are 2 different queues here and the one for the e-tickets was quicker in our case.
JUAN LUIS GARCIA ROSADO DOMINGO
ES

Juan

5/5
Spain
The architecture of the basilica cistern is amazingly beautiful, very well lit and with a well organized traffic. It has generously met my expectations. But the number of visitors per shift or hour should be reduced.
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😊
Download app section background

We've served 40 million+ guests and we are here for you

40 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