Combos

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets + Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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Opt for this cost-saving combo to experience the ancient wonder of the Basilica Cistern & take advantage of a 1-day hop-on hop-off tour in Istanbul.

Highlights

Explore Istanbul's renowned Basilica Cistern, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD, with an audio guide in 8 languages.
See the famous Medusa Heads – two Medusa heads used as column bases. One is upside down, and the other is on its side.
Explore Istanbul with a 1-day hop-on-hop-off pass, discovering iconic spots like Galata Bridge, Eminönü, and Dolmabahçe Palace at your own pace.
With over 11 stops, covering the city's iconic sites, enjoy an audio guide in 8 languages, WiFi, and charging stations on the bus.
Fun Fact: Basilica Cistern boasts 336 recycled marble columns in 12 rows, creating an eclectic appearance with elements repurposed from earlier structures.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
Multilingual audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic, and Turkish

Hop-On Hop-Off

1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic, and Turkish
Onboard Wi-Fi & charging points

Exclusions

Hop-On Hop-Off

Entry tickets to attractions
Guided visits inside attractions
Headset for smartphone

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

4.4

4K reviews

5/5

2.9K

4/5

495

3/5

166

2/5

174

1/5

233

Marina

5/5

Jul, 2024

We arrived early, few people, zero line. Tickets ok (a little expensive) The Cistern is beautiful and I gladly saw it again years later, they have maintained it well--and there are no more carp

View original review in Italian

Maaz

5/5

Jul, 2024

A glimpse into the workings of a historical city, the Basilica Cistern takes the prize for one of the most immersive experiences Istanbul has to offer.

Lisa

4/5

Jul, 2024

The staff were helpful. Information clear including timetables. The route covered all the areas we wanted to see. Only comment is that when the bus is full you cant always get to plug in for the commentary which is a big part of why we did the tour so that we can learn the history.

Hans

3/5

Jul, 2024

the tour went to places that were not very exciting. waited a long time until bus started > 30 min. + tour as such was good organized

Brent

5/5

Jul, 2024

Value for money as the bus travelled quite a distance on the full route. Easy to buy tickets online too. Audio commentary was great, giving a snippet of each location.

Your experience

Basilica Cistern

From Dan Brown's popular book "Inferno" to the 1963 James Bond movie "From Russia With Love," the Basilica Cistern is a part of popular culture. Built during Justinian I's reign, it's a 6th-century marvel of Byzantine architecture. Upon stepping into this vast underground marvel, a soft golden glow will welcome you, shimmering on the water's surface. As you stroll on elevated wooden platforms amid 336 grand columns supporting the structure, brace yourself for the enchanting melody of water droplets falling from the vaulted ceiling and the elusive silhouettes of carp gliding through the water. Enhance your experience with the multilingual audio guide, available in 8 languages, to uncover interesting anecdotes of this iconic site.

Hop-On Hop-Off

Disembark at any of the 11 stops along this bus route! Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Istanbul through audio commentary, available in 8 languages.

Schedule

First Bus: 10am from stop #1 (Sultanahmet Square)
Last Bus: 5pm from stop #1 (Sultanahmet Square)
Frequency: Approx. every 60 mins
Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace
Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

Operating hours

Basilica Cistern

Monday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Tuesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM

Know before you go

What to bring

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Accessibility

Hop-On Hop-Off

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Charging station, Recorded commentary.

Additional note

Hop-On Hop-Off

The departure times and timetables might change due to traffic, road work, or weather conditions.

My tickets

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

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