Open today
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
This cost-saving combo gives a bird’s eye view of Istanbul on Galata Tower and get skip-the-line tickets to the 6th-century Basilica Cistern.
4.2/5
(2,733)
Alfonsina
Alexandros
Mariam
-
Experience Istanbul from a different perspective atop the Galata Tower, where an express elevator ride takes you to the lookout platform for a hassle-free view.
-
Spot iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Topkapi Palace while benefiting from an informative audio guide detailing tower facts.
-
Tour the expansive Basilica Cistern, the largest ancient water reservoir, and enrich your experience with a multilingual audio guide available in 8 languages.
-
See the renowned Hen’s Eye Column and Medusa Pillar Bases, immortalized in numerous Hollywood films for their iconic presence.
-
Fun fact: The cistern is has the capacity to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cubic feet) of water.
-
Galata Tower
-
Entry tickets to Galata Tower
-
Multilingual audio guide
-
Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower
Basilica Cistern
-
Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
-
Instant mobile ticket
-
Multilingual audio guide
-
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from Spain, Italy, United States and over 85 countries have loved this experience
Luca
Aug, 2025Verified booking
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
Fabio
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The Cistern is fascinating, distinctive and well maintained. The line hopping was a boon. The audio guide from the iphone was excellent. Very positive experience
Brett
Aug, 2025Verified booking
We had heard about this from a friend in Australia, who told us this was a must-see tourist attraction in Istanbul, and he was right. Wonderful, informative, enjoyable experience. Bought tickets online to skip the line and it was worth it. Took some great photos. Highly recommend it to anyone considering going.Jordi
Aug, 2025Verified booking
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.
Alyssa
Aug, 2025Verified booking
I found this combination quite practical. We can access the different sites fairly quickly. It's worth noting that each of these tours is relatively expensive for what they offer. Topkapi Palace is a must-do, but far too expensive for what it offers (note that you have to pick up your ticket before going inside, at a visit checkpoint next to a cafe in front of one of the palace entrances). The queue-cutting cistern is extremely practical, but the visit is not very impressive (allow 30min). The mosque is beautiful, but its history isn't really explained, and it's not at all as impressive as the Blue Mosque opposite, which is free (but more crowded). All in all, I'm glad I did the consisted and saved time, but they're not really worth the detour. For the other two, tickets are available directly from the Apple (Saint Sophie's Mosque + Basilica).
Galata Tower
Experience the magnificence of Istanbul's skyline with entry to the legendary Galata Tower. Standing tall for over six centuries at its prominent location, this towering landmark has etched itself as an enduring symbol of the city. Ascend to its terrace and see a panoramic vista that captures the essence of Istanbul's beauty: the historic peninsula, the majestic silhouette of the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, the meandering Bosphorus Strait, the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, the tranquil waters of the Marmara Sea, and the juxtaposition of the European and Asian quarters. Let the multilingual audio guide share fun tower facts, enlightening your visit with engaging narration and interesting tidbits.
Basilica Cistern
From Dan Brown's widely acclaimed novel "Inferno" to the iconic 1963 James Bond film "From Russia With Love," the Basilica Cistern has long been embedded in popular culture. Gain skip-the-line access to this vast subterranean wonder, where you'll be welcomed by a subdued golden radiance reflecting off the water's surface. As you traverse the elevated wooden walkways amidst the 336 imposing columns upholding the structure, brace yourself to be mesmerized by the soft pattern of water droplets trickling from the arched ceiling and the ethereal silhouettes of carp gliding through the water. Utilize the multilingual audio guide for an enriched experience.
What to bring
Galata Tower
- Remember to bring your earphones.
Basilica Cistern
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Additional information
Galata Tower
-
Please note that there is mostly no internet or very little signal in the museum. Please download the Audio Guide App on your own smartphone before your visit.
-
Please check your voucher for the audio guide instructions.
-
Final confirmation and vouchers will be sent to you 1 day before the visit.
-
Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.
-
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Ticket Redemption Points
- Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
-
Top things to do in Istanbul
Nearby cities to explore
