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Explore at your pace
Audio guide
4.2/5
(3,611)
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Get skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single cost-effective combo, including immersive audio guides.
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Descend into the Basilica Cistern and wander among its eerie marble columns, spotting the mysterious Medusa heads.
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Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman design, and visit the Upper Gallery for views of its golden mosaics.
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Explore both sites at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of history to life.
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Basilica Cistern
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Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
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Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish
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Option to explore with a live guide
Hagia Sophia
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Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
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Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish
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Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area
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Option to explore with a live guide
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 3,611 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Save time and money with this combo ticket to two of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, both enhanced with multilingual audio guides.
Getting started
Begin your journey at the Basilica Cistern, downloading the audio guide beforehand to avoid network issues. Once you’ve explored, continue to Hagia Sophia, just a few minutes away.
What to expect
Basilica Cistern
Step into the atmospheric depths of Istanbul and explore the ancient Basilica Cistern, once used to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
Features:
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336 marble columns: Wander through rows of towering columns reflected in still waters with soft lighting that highlights their grandeur.
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Medusa heads: Don’t miss the mysterious Medusa sculptures tucked at the back. Their origins and positioning remain a fascinating mystery.
Hagia Sophia
Admire the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum across centuries of history.
Features:
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Upper gallery access: Enjoy panoramic views of the vast interior, including intricate mosaics and colossal domes.
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Historic layers: Discover how Hagia Sophia reflects the blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences.
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What to bring
Hagia Sophia
- Bring along a scarf to use as a cover before entering the mosque
What's not allowed
Basilica Cistern
- Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
Hagia Sophia
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Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
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Large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
Accessibility
Basilica Cistern
- Basilica Cistern is not entirely wheelchair accessible, as some areas may have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways, despite the main stairs having ramps.
Hagia Sophia
- Hagia Sophia is not entirely wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.
Additional information
Basilica Cistern
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Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon (post 4pm) or early evening.
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Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
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Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
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The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.
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Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end and worth viewing from every angle!
Hagia Sophia
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Tip: Security checks are mandatory even with your skip-the-line tickets, and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
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Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
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Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
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The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
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During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
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Please dress modestly—both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and women are required to cover their heads inside. Bring a scarf or use one provided at the entrance.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.
Ticket redemption points
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern
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Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.
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Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
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Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.
Get directions to the redemption point
Hagia Sophia Admission Tickets
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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