Open today
Explore at your pace
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Audio guide
Guided tour
4.4/5
(8,492)
Alfonsina
Alexandros
Michael
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Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.
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Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.
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Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.
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Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.
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Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
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Instant mobile tickets with all-day validity
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1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)
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Self-guided audio tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)
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1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
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Expert English-speaking local guide (based on option selected)
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Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from Spain, Italy, United States and over 90 countries have loved this experience
Luca
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Online ticket cut the queue time and let me enjoy the tour which was awesome. The mobile voice guide was exhaustive and easy to use
Fabio
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The Cistern is fascinating, distinctive and well maintained. The line hopping was a boon. The audio guide from the iphone was excellent. Very positive experience
Humberto
Aug, 2025Verified booking
It was really easy to buy the tickets and fast. Less than 5 minutes and I had my tickets to the basilica cistern. Thank you very much. Would definitely buy more from your website
Brett
Aug, 2025Verified booking
We had heard about this from a friend in Australia, who told us this was a must-see tourist attraction in Istanbul, and he was right. Wonderful, informative, enjoyable experience. Bought tickets online to skip the line and it was worth it. Took some great photos. Highly recommend it to anyone considering going.
Christos
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Amazing experience especially when combined with the different lights. Definitely worth it to pre-book tickets online and jump the queue
Skip the lines and explore the Basilica Cistern with expert-led tours or audio guides.
Getting started
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time and keep your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID ready. A staff member will meet you at the entrance and help you check in. You’ll breeze past the ticket queue, but do note that all visitors must go through a security check.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric spots—a vast, ancient underground reservoir built in the 6th century. It’s best known for its forest of marble columns, the serene reflections in the water, and, of course, the mysterious Medusa heads hidden at the far end.
Depending on the ticket you choose, an expert guide will accompany you through the cistern. You’ll get the backstory behind the Medusa heads, learn how this shadowy space once supplied water to emperors, and hear quirky details you’d probably miss on your own.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? You can use the included audio app, available in five languages, to guide you through the cistern. If you want to see more of Istanbul, upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece known for its massive dome and golden mosaics.
What to bring
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Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.
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Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.
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Carry wired headphones if you plan to use an audio guide app—Bluetooth often struggles underground.
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Have your phone fully charged for photos and the audio guide (there are no charging stations inside).
What's not allowed
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Flash photography is not permitted.
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Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.
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Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.
Accessibility
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The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.
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Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.
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There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.
Additional information
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Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.
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Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.
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Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.
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The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.
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The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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