Open today
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
4.2/5
(3,000)
Alfonsina
Alexandros
Mariam
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Get convenient skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace, complete with immersive audio guides.
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Discover the mysterious Basilica Cistern, where you’ll find towering stone columns and the legendary Medusa heads hidden beneath the city streets.
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Walk into Hagia Sophia and head up to the Upper Gallery for a close-up view of its dazzling golden mosaics.
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Basilica Cistern
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Skip-the-line entry
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Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish
Hagia Sophia
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Skip-the-line entry
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Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian & Spanish
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Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area
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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 85 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
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.Jordi
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The purchase of the tickets was very easy and fast. If I have something to comment, it is the little and small i information of where is the entrance/row of the people who bought tickets online. The Cistern Basilica was amazing, we liked it very much.
Alyssa
Aug, 2025Verified booking
I found this combination quite practical. We can access the different sites fairly quickly. It's worth noting that each of these tours is relatively expensive for what they offer. Topkapi Palace is a must-do, but far too expensive for what it offers (note that you have to pick up your ticket before going inside, at a visit checkpoint next to a cafe in front of one of the palace entrances). The queue-cutting cistern is extremely practical, but the visit is not very impressive (allow 30min). The mosque is beautiful, but its history isn't really explained, and it's not at all as impressive as the Blue Mosque opposite, which is free (but more crowded). All in all, I'm glad I did the consisted and saved time, but they're not really worth the detour. For the other two, tickets are available directly from the Apple (Saint Sophie's Mosque + Basilica).
Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic sites with a single, hassle-free combo ticket. Both locations offer downloadable audio guides in 5+ languages, giving you rich context as you explore. Take your time, move at your own pace, and enjoy the experience.
Basilica Cistern
Descend into Istanbul’s undergrounds supported by 336 ancient marble columns, once used to store water for the Great Palace. The famous Medusa heads are tucked away at the far end and are worth viewing, so don’t miss them. Uncover stories and engineering legends that make this space unforgettable, with a multilingual audio guide.
Hagia Sophia
Walk into the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, and head up to the Upper Gallery, which offers stunning close-up views of its mosaics and domes. Once a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a mosque-museum hybrid, this site captures Istanbul’s layered history. The multilingual audio guide shares insights into emperors, architecture, and spiritual life.
What to bring
Basilica Cistern
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Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
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The skip-the-line ticket helps you avoid long queues, but you'll still need to go through a security check. Have your tickets ready on your device to speed up entry.
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Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
Hagia Sophia
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Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
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Women are required to cover their heads inside, so bring along a scarf. There are scarves available at the entrance as well.
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Use wired headphones if you plan to use a self-guided audio tour.
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Make sure your phone is fully charged for tickets, audio guides, and taking photos.
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Sunglasses or a hat will help if you’re waiting outside in the sun during busy hours.
What's not allowed
Basilica Cistern
- Flash photography is not allowed.
Hagia Sophia
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Visitors are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall on the ground floor.
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Flash photography is not allowed.
Accessibility
Basilica Cistern
- For people with mobility difficulties, it’s best to have someone to help you around the place as the flooring inside is uneven.
Hagia Sophia
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The site is not wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.
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Some areas may be closed due to ongoing renovations.
Additional information
Basilica Cistern
- Tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled
Hagia Sophia
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Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after prayer hours.
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The Deësis mosaic in the Upper Gallery is a must-see and easily missed without a guide.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.
Ticket redemption points
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern
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Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.
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Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
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Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.
Get directions to the redemption point
Hagia Sophia Admission Tickets
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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