Combo (Save 13%): Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Optional Audio Guide + Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Not such a smooth entry, because I had no wifi /data so couldn't show my ticket.... very helpful women on the gate sorted it out. I'd also downloaded the audioguide which again didn't work for me until they helped .... But my oh my, it really was BREATHTAKING, totally awesome!!! (I found the audioguide a little distracting, so wanted to walk around without it, but once I'd reached the end of the circuit, it was hard to go against the flow and start again) Feb visit - still quite busy! An amazing place, incredible atmosphere, I'm in awe of the brick/tile vaulting. Medusa heads are superb. Modern art installations are a nice touch. Later, I watched videos from the film 'Inferno' - which incldes a copy of the cistern for their set!

Booking skip-the-line tickets was the best decision. We arrived and entered quickly, avoiding a huge line outside. The Basilica Cistern totally exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere is almost cinematic: lights reflecting on the water, rows of ancient columns, and a mysterious atmosphere that makes you imagine the nearly 1,500-year history of that place. The Medusa heads are a fascinating and unique detail. It was undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Istanbul. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Entry was okay, a little delayed as I had booked 5 tickets which all had to be located on my phone with PDF individually. This may be something to consider streamlining to reduce queues. I booked the audio tour which was a bit of a hassle to get on to 5 phones. The staff member was excellent and very patient with us, so a big thumbs up. The Basilica was awesome and we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit and took time to walk around at our own pace. I would consider it quite expensive particularly if added to the other paid for attractions in Istanbul.

The ease of purchasing tickets online, the faster admission process, and the audio guide on my cell phone, to start with. The girls at the entrance are really wonderful, they are very helpful. Upon entering, the lighting of the cistern makes the work stand out. The path marked above the water allows you to admire the entire structure. Although there were many people, you could look around and stop freely. It is a very interesting experience to also understand a little history and stop to admire the architecture.

Visiting the Basilica Cistern was the highlight of my trip to Istanbul. Walking among the 300+ ancient columns with the soft, shifting lights reflecting off the water is incredibly atmospheric. The Medusa heads at the back are a must-see, and the 2022 renovations have made the walkways much easier to navigate. Top Tip: Definitely book your tickets online in advance. The line for on-site tickets was massive

It was a really amazing and educational tour with wonderful information about the usage of Basilica Cistern over the years. As a greek visitor it had an extra depth beacause many things from hour histroy were displayed there and believed by the people of 7 centuries ago. I definitely suggest the audio tour and everything to do with it.