Book Cistern Basilica Tickets and Tours
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern with Audio Guide
- Meet your guide and say goodbye to long lines through the fast track entry into the Basilica Cistern.
- Appreciate the cathedral-sized cistern better with an English-speaking guide.
- Marvel at this sunken palace and discover an artificial freshwater lake the size of two football fields.
- Witness facets of the cistern which were featured in popular Bond movies.
- Enjoy an immersive experience with an informative audio guide.
- Upgrade your ticket and avail the Highlights Tour to explore further.
- Choose to make your experience even better by upgrading your ticket to a combo including Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets and Hagia Sophia tour along with the Highlights Tour.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
- Highlights tour with English-speaking guide (optional)
- Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets (optional)
- Hagia Sophia historian guided tour (optional)
- Audio App for all 3 attractions in 9 languages for IOS and Android (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)
Exclusions
- Meals
- Hotel transfers
- Transport
- Audio App for all 3 attractions is available in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese and Turkish.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Skip-the-Line Ticket to Basilica Cistern with Guided Tour
- Avoid waiting in line outside the ancient Basilica Cistern with these skip-the-line tickets.
- Meet your expert English-speaking guide at the designated meeting point and enter the monument.
- The Basilica Cistern was built back in 532 AD and is one of Istanbul’s many hidden underground water reservoirs.
- According to Greek mythology, Medusa used to guard this building herself - you can even see two Medusa heads at the base of columns here.
- See the illuminated marble and granite columns and learn about how different eras used different materials to build them.
Inclusions
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: Ensure your shoes have a good grip as the floors can become very slippery and safeguard your camera from water droplets falling from the ceiling.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Best of Istanbul: Combo Guided Tour
- Save with this VIP Combo Ticket time and money, and enjoy hassle-free access to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern (Hagia Sophia does not have fast-track entry tickets) and enter all the 3 museums to start your guided tour.
- Get the most important information and orientation tips from an official tour guide and benefit from an audio guide app available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in 9 languages.
- Combo Ticket Istanbul is valid for 3 Days: Your name will be on our list for 3 days. You may come at the available times, to the meeting points and visit these with your Istanbul Welcome Card guide. You can visit all 3 museums in 1 day or on different days.
- The guided tour in each of the museums lasts for 30-45 minutes.
- Following this, feel free to explore the museums at your own pace and listen to the interesting commentary on your audio guides.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace & guided tour (optional)
- Skip the line entry to Basilica Cistern & guided tour (optional)
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)
Exclusions
- Harem section in Topkapi Palace
- Headsets
- Hotel transfers
- Meal inclusions
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern
- Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern
- Entry to Hagia Sophia is free. This experience offers a guided tour of Hagia Sophia.
- Please download the audioguide app in your smartphone prior to your tour.
- The audio guide is available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in the following languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Welcome Card with Access to Top Attractions
- Explore the Turkish metropolis with an Istanbul Welcome Card valid for 7 days. Save time with skip-the-line entry to key attractions and free hotel delivery of your cards.
- Get up to 10 free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul including metro, tram, ferry, funicular, bus, and Metrobus.
- Set sail on the Bosphorus strait on a 90 min cruise. Get a 20% discount on Turkish baths, luxury yacht tours, the Whirling Dervish show, and more!
- Enjoy English-guided/audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Experience the lively local culture of Istanbul with 2 guided walking tours and to explore the renowned Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line access and entry tickets to attractions
- 10 rides with public transportation
- 60 min Blue Mosque tour with an English-speaking guide
- 30 min Hagia Sophia highlights tour
- 30 min Topkapi Palace highlights tour
- 30 min Basilica Cistern highlights tour
- Unlimited stay inside each museum
- 90 min Bosphorus Cruise
- 2 Istanbul walking tours
- Audio guide app in 9 languages
- Digital guide book & map
Exclusions
- Skip-the-line service for Hagia Sophia
- Entrance into Harem of Topkapi
- Tip: Research and plan out your itinerary beforehand so that you can make the best use of your Istanbul Welcome Card!
- Your card will be valid for 7 days (in hours) after first use.
- The Museum Pass included with the card is valid for 5 days from first use. Only one-time entry is allowed at each museum.
- Audio Guide App is available in the following 9 Languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. The app can be downloaded on your smartphone prior to the visit.
- Skip-the-line line tickets let you skip ticket lines, not the security line.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Get high-quality internet access across Turkey with this convenient, prepaid 4G eSIM card.
- Stay connected and share treasured memories with loved ones through this reliable, high-speed network service.
- Receive a QR code on WhatsApp, scan it to install and you are good to go!
- Choose from 3GB, 5GB, and 8GB high-speed data options – valid for 14 days – and get exploring.
Inclusions
- 4G data-only eSIM Card
Exclusions
- SMS and phone calls
- Tip: Refrain from extensive video streaming and/or processing a huge amount of data in a short time to make the most of your eSIM.
- An internet connection is required to install the eSIM.
- The QR code is valid for one-time use and for one device only.
- Data plan validity starts immediately when eSIM is installed.
- Calls and texts are not available with this eSIM.
- An eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked device is required for the installation.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Why Visit the Basilica Cistern?
Historical Importance
The Basilica Cistern embodies the essence of Istanbul in its use of modern technology to illuminate the decades-old smoothened columns. It is stunning proof of the advanced water system of the Byzantine Empire.
Architecture
Inside the Basilica Cistern, one of the columns is separated by carvings of trees, branches, and peacocks in memory of the 7000 slaves who sacrificed themselves during its construction period of almost 38 years. Resembling falling tears, this column is called the ‘Weeping Column.’
Sculpture Art
The two columns at the north-western part of the Basilica Cistern display some of the most beautiful sculpture art. This historical building also features two Medusa heads beneath the base of the Basilica Cistern. It was believed that Medusa, one of the Gorgon monsters in Greek mythology, would guard the Basilica.
Your Basilica Cistern Tickets Explained
Basilica Cistern Skip the line Tickets
- With your Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets, you can avoid long queues and spend more time marveling at the majestic columns and stunning sculptures.
- Book the Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets for a delightful touring experience. The tour offers guides in many languages- English, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and German.
- You can also upgrade your Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets to a Combo tour of Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace Museum.
- With mobile tickets and instant confirmation, the Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern tickets are sure to make your tour a seamless experience.
Basilica Cistern Combo Tickets
- With the Basilica Cistern Combo Tickets, you can enjoy the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern at a much more affordable price. You can save almost 20% of the fares it will cost you to book these three experiences separately.
- The Combo ticket saves a lot of time as you do not have to queue up in front of these museums.
- Avail the audio guide option that is available in 9 different languages- English, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese, and Turkish for a more personalized experience.
- The flexibility of this Basilica Cistern Combo Ticket is that it allows you to visit them on a single day or on different days as per your choice.
Istanbul City Cards and Pass
- Book the gorgeous Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Old City to experience the most important water boundary that separates Europe and Asia.
- Avail the audio guide options available in 10 languages for a more personalized experience as you cruise through important landmarks on the Bosphorus Cruise.
- Book the Istanbul Welcome Pass to explore the land like a local. Get free public transport, avail the Museum Pass, and ride on the Bosphorus Cruise.
- Get the Istanbul Museum Pass to skip the line and explore the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace with a five-day validity.
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy
Enjoy a Super Flexible Cancellation Policy with your Basilica Cistern tickets by booking them online. You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hrs before the experience begins and get a full refund. For more information, make sure to check your details before purchasing.
Basilica Cistern Highlights
Long Colonnades
The spectacular stone architecture of the Basilica Cistern makes for an unforgettable tourist experience. The colonnades are reminiscent of their Roman roots and are a standing testament to the multicultural history of Istanbul. The subtle lights illuminate the underground cavern and create an eerie atmosphere.
Medusa’s Heads
Once upon a time, the cavern used to hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. After the water receded, two Medusa’s heads emerged from the base of the cavern. The two Medusa heads form the base for the 336 columns situated on the northwest side of the Basilica Cistern. The Gorgon monster’s head is still shrouded in mystery.
Weeping Pillar
To commemorate the sacrifice of 7000 slaves during the construction of the Basilica Cistern, a standalone pillar had been carved. Named the ‘Weeping Pillar’, it has trees, branches, and peacocks carved on its surface. It also resembles a hen’s eye with tears and angled branches. An interesting lore suggests that if you put your thumb in the swirling patterns of this pillar and complete a 360 turn inside without taking out your finger, you will come into some good fortune. Give it a try while you are there!
An Underground Relic
The Basilica Cistern is one of the best-preserved marvels of Byzantine architecture. You have to descend down a flight of 52 stairs to take a walk through the shadowy depths of the Cistern. Although the water was drained during its restoration, you will find a few carp swimming lazily in shallow pools. The Yerebatan Palace, as the locals fondly call it, is well-lit and stands splendidly as a historical marvel of the yesteryears.
Plan your Visit to the Basilica Cistern
Mon to Sun: 9 am to 7pm.
April to October: 9 am to 6:30 pm.
November to March: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Opening Hours on National holidays: 1 pm
- Duration Of Visit: It is recommended that you spend at least one hour and 30 minutes in the Basilica Cistern.
- Best Time to Visit: It is recommended that you visit the Basilica Cistern in the morning hours from 9 am to 10 am in the summertime as the day hours are mostly crowded. November to March are the ideal months to visit Istanbul as the winter sun makes walking around the city a pleasant experience.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
- By Train: A direct train operates from Istanbul to Basilica Cistern. It departs from Aksaray and reaches Sultanahmet.
Nearest Stop: Sultanahmet - By Tram: The Taksim Square Tram T1 operates from Kabatas to Sultanahmet.
Nearest Stop: Sultanahmet - By Car: Grab a taxi from Taksim Square or from your location to reach the Cistern.
Nearest Stop: Entrance gate of the Basilica Cistern - From the Airport: Take a shuttle taxi or a town car to reach the Basilica Cistern from the Istanbul airport.
Nearest Stop: Entrance gate of the Basilica Cistern
- Near the tram line of Alemdar Street, there is a lift that helps guests in wheelchairs to visit the attraction. After getting down at Alemdar Street, proceed downhill towards the exit to find this entrance.
- Please note that the entrance stairs are not accessible for wheelchairs. The cistern is very damp and slippery, so it is not the most comfortable place to visit on wheelchairs.
- Multimedia Guide: There are guided tours and audio guides available coupled with your Basilica Cistern tickets to make your visit a memorable one.
- Photography: You are allowed to take pictures with a mobile phone or camera inside the Basilica Cistern. However, you are not allowed to enter inside with a tripod.
- Gift Shops: Located at the hub of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern has several gift shops nearby. You will find many trinkets and souvenirs in these shops.
- Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a standing testament to the changing dynasties in Istanbul. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox Church, the Hagia Sophia is now a grand mosque and a museum.
- Topkapi Palace: The Imperial Harem, where the Ottoman emperors housed their multiple concubines is an unmissable part of the Topkapi Palace. The world-famous Spoonmaker’s diamond and the Topkapi dagger also carry major historical significance that is housed in the museum section of this palace.
- Blue Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque is known for its interior ceramic art, central dome, minarets, marble structures, and landscape art.
- Taksim Square: Known for its luxury hotels, little red trams called trolleys, and authentic Turkish restaurants, Taksim Square is an ideal place to get friendly with the locals. The street art in Taksim Square complements the mosques and museums in a curious blend of modernity and historicity.
- The cavern is a wet and slippery place given the water accumulated there for centuries. Wear comfortable shoes when you come here.
- Since the Cistern is a damp place, there is a significant drop in temperature underground. Carry a light cardigan on your visit there.
- Try to arrive early. Early mornings are cool and pleasant and is the best time to avoid crowds.
- Audio guides are available in 9 different languages- English, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese, and Turkish for a more personalized experience.
All Your Questions About The Basilica Cistern Answered
A. Yes, you need to buy Basilica Cistern tickets to visit the attraction.
A. Get your Basilica Cistern tickets online for a hassle-free touring experience.
A. The Basilica Cistern combo tickets providing access to the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace are a great steal for their price.
A. A guide will familiarize you with the history of the place. However, you can visit the Cistern alone as well.
A. The Basilica Cistern remains open from 9 am to 6:30 pm on all days of the week for public viewing.
A. The Basilica Cistern has a life near its exit gate to take in wheelchair guests, however, the slippery interiors are the least ideal conditions to visit in a wheelchair.
A. The Basilica Cistern stored almost 80,000 cubic meters of water during the Byzantine reign.
A. Reserve at least an hour and 30 minutes when you visit the Basilica Cistern.
A. The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century AD by Byzantine Emperors.
A. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and renovations, the Cistern had been closed. It was reopened on 23rd July 2022.
A. You can click pictures with a mobile phone or camera inside the Basilica Cistern, but tripods are prohibited.