Sightseeing Cruises

Cruise Combo: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket + Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.

Upside down Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.

Couple on Bosphorus cruise pointing at Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul.

Ortaky Mosque with white stone architecture and twin minarets by the Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul.

Open today

9:00am - 10:00pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.2/5

(3,227)

Rebecca

Feb 2026

Verified booking

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!

Carolina

Feb 2026

Verified booking

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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elena

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Visiting Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace with a combo ticket was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff at each site were incredibly helpful and attentive, making the visit smooth and enjoyable. Each place is stunning in its own way, and together they tell an extraordinary story of Istanbul’s layered history. The architecture, atmosphere, and historical depth were absolutely breathtaking—these landmarks truly bring history to life. A must-do experience when visiting the city.

Walk through the quiet underground of the Basilica Cistern and see ancient columns and Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa heads.

Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus strait with views of the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

Skip entry lines at both landmarks, and use the 5+ language audio guide to learn interesting facts and stories as you explore.

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry

Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Turkish

Headset

Bosphorus cruise

Skip-the-line entry at the pier

90-minute cruise along the strait

Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Italian, Polish, and Chinese

Meet & greet with a marine officer

Bosphorus cruise map

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

3,227 reviews
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What our guests say
Bellamy
Mar 2026
Verified booking
We left on time, the staff were friendly, and the boat tour was the perfect length. What's more, the office is small, which makes it more welcoming.
Alberico
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Wonderful, really very beautiful... It's worth going to see.
Stefan
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Smooth entry :) and beautifull place
Virginia
Feb 2026
Verified booking
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.
Nikitas
Feb 2026
Verified booking
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.

Cover the undergrounds and the waters of Istanbul with a single combo ticket that grants you skip-the-line access at both locations, and multilingual audio guides.

Getting started

Have your tickets ready—either printed or on your device—and make sure to download the audio guides in advance. Wear a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and bring water bottles as both experiences involve walking around.

Basilica Cistern

Spend some time walking into Istanbul’s underground world with skip-the-line entry amidst its stone columns, reused from Roman temples. Look out for the iconic Medusa heads tucked away at the far end and learn their mythological significance from your audio guide.

Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

Explore the highlights between Europe and Asia on a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Skip the lines at the pier, meet your marine officer, and head straight to the upper deck for the best views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks—including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

Basilica Cistern

Monday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Tuesday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Wednesday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Thursday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Friday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Saturday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm
Sunday	9:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 6:30pm

What to bring

Basilica Cistern:

Old-school, wired earphones work best in the Basilica Cistern.

Dress snugly in warm layers. The underground can get very cold at times, so make sure you bring along a light jacket or sweater.

Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.

Bosphorus cruise:

The cruise is held in all weather conditions and can get windy on the water. Make sure you bring a light jacket or sweater.

What’s not allowed

Basilica Cistern

Flash photography is not allowed, as it disrupts the lighting and other visitors.

Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited due to space and safety concerns.

Bosphorus cruise

Large bags are not allowed on the boat, so it’s best to bring only what you can comfortably carry.

Selfie sticks are prohibited due to limited space and safety concerns.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

The entrance has a ramp, and a wheelchair platform lift is available at the exit on Alemdar Street.

Some parts of the Basilica Cistern have uneven floors. Keep this in mind if you are a visitor with mobility difficulties.

Bosphorus cruise

The cruise is partially wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to contact in advance for special arrangements, as there may be limitations due to the boat’s design.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check. During the peak summer season (June to August), this can take up to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Ensure your device has Android version 10 or later to use the audio guide.

Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.

Bosphorus cruise

The cruise departs near tram line no. 1 and the funicular, just steps from Dolmabahce Palace. Look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window behind the red petrol station.

The Bosphorus cruise boats depart every hour. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to avoid rushing and settle in comfortably.

Ensure your device has Android 10 or later and download the audio guide before arriving at the Bosphorus pier to save time.

For the best views, head to the upper deck for an unobstructed look at Istanbul’s landmarks.

Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos along the Bosphorus.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption points.

Ticket redemption points

Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.