Combos

Combo: Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

4.3/5(7,591)

Beverly R

Solo

Verified booking

Jun 2026

It was an easy process from the meet up near the palace to the tour itself. I also appreciated that the tour gave quite a lot of time for just seeing things on my own. It was the perfect mix of being led and venturing out alone. I would definitely book this tour again and recommend it to friends and family.

Mohammad C

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

1. Easy to book 2. Headout uses intermediary 3rd party and there is no refund. 3. No tickets arrived. Just a note via email to say I would need to meet a man holding a white flag outside the venue. 4. Thankfully Headout was contactable by WhatApp and they responded to my message 5. The man was present on the day and provided my tickets 6. Entry was smooth 7. The visit was amazing

Rafael G

Solo

Verified booking

Jun 2026

The ticket provided by the app must be redeemed at another location—which isn't easy to find—and that's where you'll meet up with a guide. Make sure you receive both the QR code for admission and the QR code for the audio guide. It’s a good idea to visit the site and also take your time there; otherwise, you’ll miss a lot of what there is to see.

Save time and money with skip-the-line entry to both Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern in one easy, money-saving combo.

Dive into history with detailed audio guides available in multiple languages that bring Istanbul’s treasures vividly to life.

Descend into the Basilica Cistern’s underground chamber to admire ancient columns and mysterious Medusa heads.

Enjoy a hassle-free visit with seamless access and the freedom to explore both sites at your own pace.

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian

Free time to explore

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry

Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish

Free time to explore

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

7,591 reviews
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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 Spain, Italy, United States and over 78 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Christine W
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
Perfectly pleasant experience, and a bit different. Skip the line well worth having since there was a significant queue at 3.30pm when we went.
Kollath P
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Quick and easy to get inside. There was huge row, but we skip the line with our tickets. The building inside was beautifull! Must see!
Marianne G
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Such an easy, quick and smooth entry with our prepaid skip the line tickets. Very easy to follow the track inside, not crowded.
Cyriac B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Amazing place The location for the entrance in the Headout app is incorrect; it points to the exit of the cistern
Mahir A
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
From the meeting point area to the agents dealing with the tour everything was perfectly coordinated and explained

Pick this unbeatable combo for easy access to two of Istanbul’s top must-see attractions, saving you time and money.

Basilica Cistern

Begin your 30-minute journey into the mysterious world beneath Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also called Yerebatan Sarnıcı. Descend 52 steps into this ancient underground reservoir, where 336 marble columns stand in 12 perfectly arranged rows. Built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century to supply water to Constantinople, the cistern stretches across an area the size of two football fields. As you explore, spot the famous 'Hen’s Eye' column and hear the captivating myth of the Medusa heads from Greek legend. Fun fact: parts of the first James Bond movie, From Russia with Love, were filmed right here. With the included audio guide, you’ll get detailed explanations about each column’s significance, the story behind the Medusa heads, and the exact filming locations, enriching your self-paced exploration.

Topkapi Palace

With your skip-the-line tickets, avoid the crowds and head straight to the entrance of the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Once home to Ottoman sultans, this sprawling complex is now a museum showcasing imperial treasures and stories. Your guide will bring the palace’s vibrant history to life, sharing tales behind its 30,000 archived documents, the sacred relics it houses, and the sprawling imperial kitchens. Admire exquisite Chinese porcelain and step out onto the palace terraces for breathtaking views of the Golden Horn. The included audio guide lets you dive even deeper, offering detailed stories about the Ottoman relics, palace architecture, and daily life in the sultan’s court.

What to bring

Basilica Cistern

Carry a light jacket, especially in summer, as the underground cistern remains cool.

Wear comfortable, closed shoes with a grip as the site can be slippery or uneven.

Wired headphones are best for audio guides; Bluetooth often doesn’t work well underground.

Topkapi Palace

Wear comfortable walking shoes; there’s a lot of ground to cover, including cobblestone areas.

Carry a bottle of water, especially in warmer months, as much of the site is outdoors.

Use wired headphones for audio tours, signal can be weak inside thick-walled sections.

Bring sunscreen or a hat, as many courtyards and waiting areas are exposed to the sun.

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

Flash photography is not permitted due to the sensitive lighting design.

Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited for safety and space concerns.

You cannot eat or drink inside the cistern.

Topkapi Palace

Flash photography is prohibited in areas like the Treasury and Sacred Relics Room.

Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the palace buildings.

Touching exhibits or artifacts is strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

The entrance has a ramp, and a wheelchair platform lift is available at the exit on Alemdar Street.

Inside, the walking path is mostly flat but can be uneven or damp in some areas, which may require assistance.

Topkapi Palace

While some outdoor areas and courtyards are accessible, full wheelchair accessibility is limited due to cobblestone paths, stairs, and narrow corridors.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

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.

Topkapi Palace

Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the courtyards and inside highlights properly.

The Treasury and Sacred Relics Room are often crowded. Arrive early in the day or in the late afternoon hours to enjoy a quieter ambiance.

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.