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Score big savings on your Istanbul tour with this combo! Visit the Basilica Cistern and cruise the city's sites on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.
4.5/5
(5,301)
Michael
Steve
Rabih
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Descend into Basilica Cistern's ancient marvel holding 80,000 cubic meters of water and whispering tales of Roman engineering.
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For 1500 years, 336 marble pillars and twin Medusa heads have guarded the Cistern, inviting tourists to unlock the mysteries of its underground oasis.
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Zip between 11 key spots on a hop-on hop-off bus tour running every half hour, from the aromatic Spice Bazaar to Hagia Sophia's grandeur.
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Let Istanbul's skyline unfold from an open-top deck as you listen to centuries of stories with an audio guide, turning sightseeing into time travel.
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Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern has appeared in various films and books, including Dan Brown's "Inferno".
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Basilica Cistern
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Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern (Close to stop #1 Sultanahmet)
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Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish
Istanbul HOHO
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1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
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Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish
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Free earphones
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Istanbul HOHO
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Entry to attractions
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Guided visits inside attractions
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from Italy, United States, Spain and over 78 countries have loved this experience
Chloe
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The trip was amazing, we got a perfect view of all the attractions and our team had the privilege of learning so much about the city through the audio. My favorite was definitely when we crossed the bridge to the Asian side of Turkey. The views were beautiful!!😍
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
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
Bruno
Jul, 2025Verified booking
It was really magnificent, I loved it. It was like being transported back in time, it was really incredible to see, with the lighting, the atmosphere, the pillars, everything!
Alberto
Aug, 2025Verified booking
It's a real barbarity! The ticket arrived instantly and we avoided the huge queue.
See Istanbul's engineering Marvel Basilica Cistern and hop between 11 prime Istanbul sights at your own pace, all with this super budget-friendly combo that'll save you some kaching!
Basilica Cistern
Step into the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece hiding beneath Istanbul's bustling streets. Once providing water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, this underground marvel spans nearly 10,000 square meters, supported by 336 intricately designed marble columns. Its atmospheric lighting, tranquil water, and columns create an almost dreamlike ambiance. You can wander along raised wooden platforms, hearing the soft echo of water droplets while spotting fish swimming through the shallow reservoir. Adding to the intrigue are the two mysterious Medusa head pillars, inviting countless theories about their symbolism. The Basilica has even been featured in pop culture, from Dan Brown’s Inferno to James Bond’s From Russia With Love. The hauntingly beautiful blend of architecture, history, and mystery makes the Basilica Cistern an unforgettable stop for any traveler exploring Istanbul.
Istanbul HOHO
Discover Istanbul’s iconic European-Asian blend on this hop-on hop-off journey aboard a comfy double-decker bus. Board from any of the 11 stops and hop off wherever your heart takes you! At Sultanahmet, see the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia catch your eye. In Eminönü, grilled fish aromas fill the air along the lively waterfront. Pass through Galataport’s sleek vibe, ending at Dolmabahçe Palace, where glittering chandeliers and lush gardens await.
Schedule
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First Bus: 10am from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
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Last Bus: 4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
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Frequency: every 45 minutes
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Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace
Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
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Additional information
Basilica Cistern
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It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
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Specific details related to Basilica Cistern will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
Istanbul HOHO
-The routes, stops and departure times may change temporarily under uncontrollable circumstances.
- During peak hours, seating cannot be guaranteed on both decks.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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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
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Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card tour guide that has red flag in front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica Cistern.
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Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul.
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