Combos

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets + Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul

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Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

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.

Ratings & Reviews

4.5

3.3K Ratings

5/5

2.6K

4/5

356

3/5

109

2/5

126

1/5

167

Edgars

5/5

Apr, 2024

Visiting the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul was way cooler than I expected. They call it the "Sunken Palace," and it really feels like stepping into a different world. The lighting down there is just perfect— it creates this mysterious vibe that makes the whole place feel magical. It's actually a lot bigger than it looks in pictures, which was a nice surprise. Walking among those ancient columns with the soft echo of water drops around you is something else. If you're in Istanbul, you've got to check it out. It's not just another tourist spot; it's a whole mood on its own.

Tari

5/5

Apr, 2024

This underground basilica, built as a reservoir, is fantastic!!!!! Incredible, but really incredible in size! There is also an interesting light show . What could be improved is to have more language and better visible signs. It was very easy to get in without queuing! It's also very nice that if you open the ticket during the internet, it opens later without internet. I recommend it to everyone!

This review is translated. Show original review.

Jahangir

5/5

Apr, 2024

Ticketing experience with headout was great indeed) it is very easy to but a ticket, interface is very user friendly. It is recommended to buy Skip-the-Line Tickets via headout to avoid any line, because there are a lot of visitors. Basilica Cistern is a great place! Very interesting and handsome place

Milena

5/5

Apr, 2024

Basilica Cistern is amazing! Skip line tickets help us a lot to save time. It is easy to find your line . We loved this attraction!

Paul

4/5

Apr, 2024

The cistern was very interesting but the ticket QR code did not come through. Staff were able to verify with ticket purchase proff

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	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Sunday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 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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