Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Visit one of the largest surviving ancient cisterns in Istanbul

Legend has it that Medusa once used to protect this great building. In fact, you will still see two Medusa heads at the base of the columns here. Even today, the Basilica Cistern comes across as one of the most magical buildings in all of Istanbul.

Interestingly, this large underground water reservoir (one of several hundred hidden ones in the city) has been a filming location for several Hollywood blockbusters. Tom Hanks was here while filming Dan Brown's thriller Inferno in 2016, James Bond's From Russia with Love was also shot here. Clearly, Hollywood producers loved the intriguing atmosphere of the place, and you will too when you experience it for yourself.

Admire the 336 illuminated marble and granite columns, and get transported back to another era. Opt for your preferred language from the ticket options and listen to your local guide as they tell you about the different building materials used across different eras. You'll also get to see the carp that thrive in the shallow waters of the reservoir!

Enhance your experience with a guided tour of Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia

Upgrade your ticket to discover over 20,000 handcrafted blue ceramic tiles at the Blue Mosque, featuring a blend of traditional Islamic design and Byzantine elements. Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia with your English-speaking guide. Marvel at its massive dome, which was an engineering feat in its time. The vast interior space and the intricate design elements showcase a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles.