Combos

Combo (Save 8%): Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Tour group exploring Topkapi Palace courtyard in Istanbul.

Visitors entering Topkapi Palace during a guided tour in Istanbul.

Guided tour group exploring Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with Medusa head column.

Visitors exploring the illuminated columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

Open today

09:00am - 04:45pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.1/5

(7,185)

Alfonsina

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Everything... BUT 1) there is a lack of precise instructions on how to make the visit to the Hagia Sophia (because in some cases access to the lower part is interdicted but you don't understand it until you leave the visit of the upper part and there it is already late, so you lose all the explanations about the lower part) and the audio guide is reportable for everyone (so you have the feeling that you have been cheated; 2) there is a lack of instructions on how to find the audio guide in the Basilica Cistena (at the entrance, which is not well signaled, there is an almost invisible little man who swipes the Q-RCODE on his cell phone ..... UNACCEPTABLE given the human flood of visitors)

Giulia

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Excellent solution for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern tickets. For the palace, there is an escorted entrance up to the Harem: in our case, everything was handled well, we entered at 9:30 so we did not find too much of a line. The visit to the palace, following the audio guide's description, is very nice. The outside gardens are very impressive. For the Cistern basilica we found a bit of a line to get in (12:30): the visit went well, the light effects in the water and between the columns of the cistern are beautiful. Super recommended activity.

Alexandros

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most atmospheric and impressive places to visit in Istanbul. Walking through the forest of columns, with the dim lighting and reflections in the water, feels almost magical. The Medusa heads are especially fascinating and make the visit even more memorable. The only downside is that the entrance fee is on the expensive side compared to other monuments in the city. Still, the experience is unique, and you can really explore and appreciate the history and architecture up close — something that makes it worth the visit despite the price.

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.

Step inside the Harem’s private quarters for a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Ottoman sultans.

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

Skip-the-line entry to Harem Museum

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

Free time to explore

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

4.1
7,185 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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What our guests say
Giulia
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Excellent solution for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern tickets. For the palace, there is an escorted entrance up to the Harem: in our case, everything was handled well, we entered at 9:30 so we did not find too much of a line. The visit to the palace, following the audio guide's description, is very nice. The outside gardens are very impressive. For the Cistern basilica we found a bit of a line to get in (12:30): the visit went well, the light effects in the water and between the columns of the cistern are beautiful. Super recommended activity.
Tina
Oct 2025
Verified booking
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.
Mininder
Oct 2025
Verified booking
3/5
The skip the line part was good. Starting at the harem was. Good choice. Unfortunately, the Audio guide was horrible. It was difficult to navigate, did not follow a sequence. The place itself was poorly organized. Could not tell where we were or what we were seeing throughout. We walked through harem and then saw the diamond and left. Part of this was palace itself and its lack of signage and partly your audio guide not matching what signs there were.
Anna
Oct 2025
Verified booking
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.
Patricia
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I went at 5 pm and did not queue; the audio guide worked very well with her recommendations to have a charged phone battery and wired headphones, and was very clear and entertaining. Wonderful visit, highly recommended, the basilica cistern is impressive, and with very well planned lighting that adds drama to the experience.

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.

Topkapi Palace

Monday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm
Thursday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm
Friday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm
Saturday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm
Sunday	09:00am - 04:45pm	last entry 03:45pm

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, especially in the Harem section.

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 instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

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

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Chimney Bistro.

Address: Cankurtaran, Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Get directions to the meeting point

Important Information

Please download the audio app before your tour.

Do not forget to bring your earphones.

Instructions for Audio Guide

Step 1: Click on the Audio guide link to be redirected to your Audio guide.

Step 2: Press "Start Your Tour" and select your tour language.

Step 3: Tap the points on the map and explore at your own pace.

Once downloaded with an internet connection, you can explore your audio tour offline.