Combos

Combo (Save 7%): Basilica Cistern Tickets + Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Guided tour group exploring Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with Medusa head column.

Basilica Cistern statue and columns, Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Tourists enjoying views of Istanbul from a hop-on hop-off bus near the Bosphorus.

Tourists on Istanbul hop-on hop-off bus with Bosphorus Bridge in background.

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

Score big savings on your Istanbul tour with this combo! Visit the Basilica Cistern and cruise the city's sites on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.

4.5/5

(5,634)

Sanja

Feb 2026

Verified booking

Amazing atmosphere: The place is dark with lots of tall columns, and the water reflects the lights, which feels magical. Old history: It was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I to store water for the city. Medusa heads: There are two stone Medusa heads used as column bases. They are famous and very interesting to see. Reflections and sounds: The water and the high ceiling make beautiful reflections and echoing sounds, which makes it feel unique.

Sherry

Mar 2026

Verified booking

It makes it so messier to purchase tickets online so when you arrive at the venue you are ready to enter. Booking is simple and easy . The Basilica Cistern was so impressive, there is a magical feel to the place and ands incredibly beautiful. A friend of mine from Istanbul told me that years ago you could rent boats and paddle through there. I love the picture my mind sees of that

Carla

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The Cistern is an experience not to be missed. It is also accessible to people with disabilities. You can breathe in history, with beautiful lighting and an almost surreal atmosphere. It is an example of ancient Roman engineering that is still functioning, rarely so well maintained. The visit lasts about half an hour, and it is definitely advisable to buy tickets online to avoid the queue.

Lindy

Dec 2025

Verified booking

Buying skip the line tickets was a great way to get into Basilica Cistern quickly. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and this ancient cistern that was built as a necessity and not a tourist attraction is literally beautiful to see. The site is well maintained and worth the time and money!!

Alexa

Oct 2025

Verified booking

I really loved visiting the Basilica Cistern — it’s one of the most magical places in Istanbul. The underground atmosphere, soft lights, and reflections on the water make it feel mysterious and peaceful at the same time. The Medusa heads are fascinating and definitely worth seeing up close. It’s also a great spot for beautiful photos and a nice break from the heat outside. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Julian

Sep 2025

Verified booking

We got to Andi Location very well and very quickly. Our admission and the security check took no longer than 2-3 minutes in total and to see the sunken palace. It was very interesting, informative and wonderful at the same time. It was still quite crowded, so certain photos were quite difficult to take because of the other visitors.

Descend into Basilica Cistern's ancient marvel holding 80,000 cubic meters of water and whispering tales of Roman engineering.

For 1500 years, 336 marble pillars and twin Medusa heads have guarded the Cistern, inviting tourists to unlock the mysteries of its underground oasis.

Zip between 11 key spots on a hop-on hop-off bus tour running every half hour, from the aromatic Spice Bazaar to Hagia Sophia's grandeur.

Let Istanbul's skyline unfold from an open-top deck as you listen to centuries of stories with an audio guide, turning sightseeing into time travel.

Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern has appeared in various films and books, including Dan Brown's "Inferno".

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern (Close to stop #1 Sultanahmet)

Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish

Istanbul HOHO

1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass

Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish

Free earphones

Istanbul HOHO

Entry to attractions

Guided visits inside attractions

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

5,634 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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Guests from Italy, United States, Spain and over 77 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sherry
Mar 2026
Verified booking
It makes it so messier to purchase tickets online so when you arrive at the venue you are ready to enter. Booking is simple and easy . The Basilica Cistern was so impressive, there is a magical feel to the place and ands incredibly beautiful. A friend of mine from Istanbul told me that years ago you could rent boats and paddle through there. I love the picture my mind sees of that
Jan
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Due to heavy rain and wind, the tour was a great alternative for getting a first impression of this city! Multiple languages available for the audio guide!
Băluță
Mar 2026
Verified booking
The experience was excellent! Purchasing tickets was quick and easy, access was hassle-free, and everything that followed was a dream come true.
Alice
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Smooth entry, well organized, perfect digital guide! The Basilica Cistern is a must-see if you're in Istanbul, you can't miss it!
Sharon
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Actually seeing it. Especially as I enjoy history . Also say it in the film Inferno Enjoyed the Medusa heads

See Istanbul's engineering Marvel Basilica Cistern and hop between 11 prime Istanbul sights at your own pace, all with this super budget-friendly combo that'll save you some kaching!

Basilica Cistern

Step into the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece hiding beneath Istanbul's bustling streets. Once providing water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, this underground marvel spans nearly 10,000 square meters, supported by 336 intricately designed marble columns. Its atmospheric lighting, tranquil water, and columns create an almost dreamlike ambiance. You can wander along raised wooden platforms, hearing the soft echo of water droplets while spotting fish swimming through the shallow reservoir. Adding to the intrigue are the two mysterious Medusa head pillars, inviting countless theories about their symbolism. The Basilica has even been featured in pop culture, from Dan Brown’s Inferno to James Bond’s From Russia With Love. The hauntingly beautiful blend of architecture, history, and mystery makes the Basilica Cistern an unforgettable stop for any traveler exploring Istanbul.

Istanbul HOHO

Discover Istanbul’s iconic European-Asian blend on this hop-on hop-off journey aboard a comfy double-decker bus. Board from any of the 11 stops and hop off wherever your heart takes you! At Sultanahmet, see the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia catch your eye. In Eminönü, grilled fish aromas fill the air along the lively waterfront. Pass through Galataport’s sleek vibe, ending at Dolmabahçe Palace, where glittering chandeliers and lush gardens await.

Schedule

First Bus: 10am from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet

Last Bus: 4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet

Frequency: every 45 minutes

Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace

Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

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

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Specific details related to Basilica Cistern will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Istanbul HOHO

-The routes, stops and departure times may change temporarily under uncontrollable circumstances.

During peak hours, seating cannot be guaranteed on both decks.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket Redemption Points

Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul

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

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card tour guide that has red flag in front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica Cistern.

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point