Landmarks

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets

Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, part of Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern tour.

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

Basilica Cistern column with Medusa carvings, Istanbul.

Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Istanbul.

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09:00 - 22:00

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4.4/5

(9,159)

Tina

Oct 2025

予約確認済み

4/5

Istanbul is an amazing city. So much to experience you get sensation overload! The Cistern is breathtaking and I wouldn't miss going to experience this. Lineups are quick and efficient so don't let that dissuade you. Haigia Sofia is beautiful however please note the audio tour is confusing. The flow of walking through does not align with how each landmark is noted in audio. I would get the audio ready and simply listen to each station as you approach it.

Alexa

Oct 2025

予約確認済み

5/5

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.

Anna

Oct 2025

予約確認済み

5/5

When we arrived at Basilica there was a really long queue... I'm very impatient so I decided to check if there is a fast track and we bought it. We skipped the line very fast, in 4 minutes we were inside basilica cistern. It was amazing! Beautiful, good audio guide. The most important fact is that a minute after we entered the rain started, so if we were in the line we wouldn't make it, so I really reccomend this fast track.

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.

Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.

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.

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.

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.

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

Instant mobile tickets with all-day validity

1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

Self-guided audio tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)

Expert English-speaking local guide (based on option selected)

Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian

このチケットはキャンセルも変更もできません。

4.4
9,159 口コミ
口コミの収集方法
これらの評価には、ヘッドアウトのゲストと、この体験を現地で運営している信頼できるパートナーの両方からの検証済みの口コミが含まれています。すべての口コミは、実際にこの体験をした旅行者からのものです。
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Spain, Italy, United States と10 以上の国からのゲストがこの体験を気に入っている。
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Nerea
Dec 2025
予約確認済み
5/5
It was amazing, the audioguide as well as the views were amazing. It was raining, and going straight in, without waiting any line was a blessing. The basilica is also a really centric place, so you can easily move to any other historic building. 100% recommended
Koen
Dec 2025
予約確認済み
5/5
When visiting Istanbul, this museum is definitely one to go to. Spectacular lights iluminate the pilars underneath this beautiful city. Also featuring in various movies, but the whole story and why it's so well preserved is very interesting.
Aleksandar
Dec 2025
予約確認済み
5/5
No waiting in line, I bought tickets online. Lights inside are fantastic. It reminded me on a movie that was recorded there Inferno... I am definitely gona come again when ever I visit Istanbul again.
Roberta
Dec 2025
予約確認済み
4/5
Peccato che all'interno ci fossero grossi lavori di restauro quindi abbiamo visto solo la parte superiore. Magari avvisare o fare ulteriore sconto.
Alejandra
Dec 2025
予約確認済み
5/5
Muy fácil entrar. La audioguia muy útil

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.

Basilica Cistern

月曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
火曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
水曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
木曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
金曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
土曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30
日曜日	09:00 - 22:00	最終エントリ 18:30

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.

Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.

Carry wired headphones if you plan to use an audio guide app—Bluetooth often struggles underground.

Have your phone fully charged for photos and the audio guide (there are no charging stations inside).

What's not allowed

Flash photography is not permitted.

Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.

Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.

Accessibility

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.

Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.

There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.

Additional information

Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.

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

Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.

The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.

The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.