Combos

Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Basilica Cistern Ticket with Audio Guide

Whirling Dervishes performing in a ceremony with an audience in Istanbul.

Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul with musicians in the background.

Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with reflections on the water.

Medusa head column in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, part of Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern tour.

Open today

09:00am - 10:00pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Guided tour

4.2/5

(3,420)

Elena

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Visiting Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace with a combo ticket was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff at each site were incredibly helpful and attentive, making the visit smooth and enjoyable. Each place is stunning in its own way, and together they tell an extraordinary story of Istanbul’s layered history. The architecture, atmosphere, and historical depth were absolutely breathtaking—these landmarks truly bring history to life. A must-do experience when visiting the city.

Amna

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Visiting the Basilica Cistern was the highlight of my trip to Istanbul. Walking among the 300+ ancient columns with the soft, shifting lights reflecting off the water is incredibly atmospheric. The Medusa heads at the back are a must-see, and the 2022 renovations have made the walkways much easier to navigate. Top Tip: Definitely book your tickets online in advance. The line for on-site tickets was massive

Tatiana

Dec 2025

Verified booking

Thanks to the skip-the-line ticket, I got into the security check immediately. Be careful, however, make sure you have downloaded the QR code of the ticket that you download from links in the app (go into download tickets, open pdf and click on each individual link)

Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo—skip the lines and dive deep.

Enter a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet and witness the Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, prayer citations, and insights into Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.

Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and hidden depths in a single booking—save time, avoid queues, and pay less than purchasing both tickets separately.

Whirling Dervishes

Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia

Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian

Instant mobile ticket

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

3,420 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
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
Amna
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Visiting the Basilica Cistern was the highlight of my trip to Istanbul. Walking among the 300+ ancient columns with the soft, shifting lights reflecting off the water is incredibly atmospheric. The Medusa heads at the back are a must-see, and the 2022 renovations have made the walkways much easier to navigate. Top Tip: Definitely book your tickets online in advance. The line for on-site tickets was massive
Céline
Jan 2026
Verified booking
It is an amazing ceremony to see. A QR code provides access to explanations in different languages, but the oral presentation is in English. Located in old Istanbul, right next to Hagia Sophia.
Patrick
Jan 2026
Verified booking
I was speechless from the moment I entered the cistern. It's simply incredible what was achieved back then. The visit was at the top of my bucket list, and I was not disappointed.
Barbusca
Jan 2026
Verified booking
It was a performance of the Sema. 4 Musicians and 4 rotating Dervishes. For those who have never attended a Sema, it is also a good approach because there is a short presentation that anticipates the ceremony.
Everson
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Buying tickets was very easy. However, there was no audio guide in Portuguese. But inside the Basilica, there are QR codes with audio guides in Brazilian Portuguese.

Whirling Dervish

Step into a serene 550-year-old cultural venue in the heart of Sultanahmet to witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony, performed by the Whirling Dervishes. This spiritual performance, recognized by UNESCO, is rooted in the teachings of Rumi and offers a deeply moving insight into Sufi mysticism. As the dervishes whirl in flowing white robes, accompanied by traditional instruments like the ney (reed flute) and kudüm (drum), feel a sense of stillness and connection. The meditative atmosphere invites you to reflect on the themes of unity, love, and devotion that define this centuries-old practice.

Basilica Cistern

Discover one of Istanbul’s most intriguing historical sites with fast-track access to the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel built in the 6th century during Emperor Justinian’s reign. Skip the long queues and step straight into this atmospheric structure, supported by hundreds of ancient columns and mysterious Medusa heads that capture the imagination.The included audio guide app, available in multiple languages, provides fascinating insights into the cistern’s engineering feats and its vital role in the ancient city’s water supply system. Explore at your own pace as you walk over wooden platforms suspended above still waters, soaking in the dimly lit, almost cinematic ambience.

Basilica Cistern

Monday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Tuesday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Wednesday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Thursday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Friday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Saturday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm
Sunday	09:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 06:30pm

What to bring

Whirling Dervish

It is allowed to bring baggage to the venue.

Basilica Cistern

Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.

Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.

What’s not allowed

Basilica Cistern

Flash photography is not permitted.

Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.

Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Basilica Cistern

The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.

Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.

There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.

Additional information

Whirling Dervish

It is allowed to take photographs at the venue without flash or tripods.

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.

Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.

The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.

The lighting is intentionally dim here. Give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

Ticket redemption point

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