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Combo (Save 12%): Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Optional Audio Guide + Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Father and son with backpacks facing Galata Tower in Istanbul.
Galata Tower exterior with nearby buildings in Istanbul under a clear blue sky.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.
Illuminated sculptures resembling jellyfish in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.

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4.2/5

(2,752)

Alfonsina Pantalena

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)
Alexandros  Kanellopoulos

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.
Mariam Tanboura

Mariam

Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The room is magical. I had goose bumps as soon as I saw it. The darkened light makes it look mysterious. The many pillars make the room so incredibly beautiful. The changing green and orange light makes the room breathtaking. When you walk through the room and look at the high ceilings, bearing in mind that it was all filled with water, you can't help but be amazed. An absolute must-see when you are in Istanbul.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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    4.2
    2,752 ratings
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    Guests from Spain, Italy, United States and over 85 countries have loved this experience

    Luca Giovanni Bugini

    Luca

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    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 Salemi

    Fabio

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    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 William Keeble

    Brett

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    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 Fuentes Narro

    Jordi

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    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 PUILLET

    Alyssa

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    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).
  • Basilica Cistern

    Monday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm

    Galata Tower

    Monday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Tuesday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Wednesday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Thursday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Friday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Sunday08:30am - 06:15pmlast entry 06:00pm
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you 1 day before the visit.

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

    Ticket redemption points

    Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Optional Audio Guide

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

    Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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