Help

Experience only the best of Basilica Cistern Tickets

We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. From hundreds of experiences, we’ve picked only the best, making it easy to book.
4.5/5
35,958 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 11, Tourist exploring the ancient columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.
Tourist exploring the ancient columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.
Explore at your pace
  • Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.

  • Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.

  • Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.

More details
  • Marvel at the cistern's vast underground chambers, supported by 336 marble columns, and learn more about its role as a water reservoir for Constantinople from your guide.

  • Skip the lines and explore Basilica Cistern with a local expert or a multilingual audio guide.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace or join a local guide for expert commentary and insider stories that bring this underground marvel to life.

  • Upgrade your experience to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one seamless visit.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern is home to two upside-down Medusa head statues, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples, adding an air of mystery to the site.

from
€57.49
Slide 1 of 13, Topkapi Palace entrance, Hagia Sophia dome, and visitor in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace entrance, Hagia Sophia dome, and visitor in Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Skip the line at three iconic Istanbul landmarks with a single discounted combo ticket, complete with an included audio guide.

  • Descend into the Basilica Cistern, the city’s ancient underground water system, and catch a glimpse of the mysterious Medusa heads.

  • Admire Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine mosaics, minarets, and layered Ottoman history in the famous Upper Gallery area.

  • For more history, continue to explore Topkapi Palace’s courtyards and Ottoman treasures at your own pace.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern’s Medusa heads remain a mystery. No one knows where they came from or why they are sideways!

More details
  • Skip the line at three iconic Istanbul landmarks with a single discounted combo ticket, complete with an included audio guide.

  • Descend into the Basilica Cistern, the city’s ancient underground water system, and catch a glimpse of the mysterious Medusa heads.

  • Admire Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine mosaics, minarets, and layered Ottoman history in the famous Upper Gallery area.

  • For more history, continue to explore Topkapi Palace’s courtyards and Ottoman treasures at your own pace.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern’s Medusa heads remain a mystery. No one knows where they came from or why they are sideways!

from
€159
Slide 1 of 17, Woman exploring the illuminated columns inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Woman exploring the illuminated columns inside the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Explore at your pace
  • Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.

  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.

  • Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.

  • Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, and an option to choose between an expert guided tour or a multilingual audio guided tour.

More details
  • Begin your experience at the Blue Mosque, where over 20,000 hand-painted tiles and stained-glass windows create a calm, glowing space of worship and design.

  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s Upper Gallery, look up at its golden mosaics, and uncover centuries of imperial history with your audio guide.

  • Explore the hidden terrains of the Basilica Cistern, where rows of ancient columns stand in water and the haunting Medusa heads wait in the shadows.

  • Enjoy the comfort of exploring Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line tickets, and an option to choose between an expert guided tour or a multilingual audio guided tour.

from
€96
Slide 1 of 6, Tourists exploring the illuminated Basilica Cistern in Istanbul during an Old City Walking tour.
Tourists exploring the illuminated Basilica Cistern in Istanbul during an Old City Walking tour.
3 hrs 30 mins
  • Explore four Byzantine cisterns beneath Istanbul and uncover the engineering behind the city's historic water system.

  • Join a licensed professional guide who brings each underground reservoir to life with in-depth historical explanations.

  • Visit the Basilica, Binbirdirek, Şerefiye, and Nakkaş Rug Cisterns, each offering distinct architecture and atmosphere.

More details
  • Explore four Byzantine cisterns beneath Istanbul and uncover the engineering behind the city's historic water system.

  • Join a licensed professional guide who brings each underground reservoir to life with in-depth historical explanations.

  • Visit the Basilica, Binbirdirek, Şerefiye, and Nakkaş Rug Cisterns, each offering distinct architecture and atmosphere.

from
€230
Slide 1 of 11, Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns and aerial view of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns and aerial view of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Get skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single cost-effective combo, including immersive audio guides.

  • Descend into the Basilica Cistern and wander among its eerie marble columns, spotting the mysterious Medusa heads.

  • Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman design, and visit the Upper Gallery for views of its golden mosaics.

  • Explore both sites at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of history to life.

More details
  • Get skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single cost-effective combo, including immersive audio guides.

  • Descend into the Basilica Cistern and wander among its eerie marble columns, spotting the mysterious Medusa heads.

  • Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman design, and visit the Upper Gallery for views of its golden mosaics.

  • Explore both sites at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of history to life.

from
€92.90
Slide 1 of 12, Hagia Sophia with minarets under a blue sky in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia with minarets under a blue sky in Istanbul, Turkey.
2 hrs - 4 hrs
1 more
  • Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern to start your guided tour, valid for 3 days.

  • Reap the benefits of a guided tour included in this ticket which can be availed for 3 museums.

  • Choose to visit the sites on one single day or on separate days with the flexibility of this ticket.

  • Feel free to explore the museums after the guided tour and learn interesting facts about them with the help of the audio guides available in 9 different languages.

More details
  • Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern to start your guided tour, valid for 3 days.

  • Reap the benefits of a guided tour included in this ticket which can be availed for 3 museums.

  • Choose to visit the sites on one single day or on separate days with the flexibility of this ticket.

  • Feel free to explore the museums after the guided tour and learn interesting facts about them with the help of the audio guides available in 9 different languages.

from
€99
Slide 1 of 13, Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
1 hr - 3 hrs 30 mins
  • This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.

  • Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.

  • Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.

More details
  • This ticket offers skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, plus the option to add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

  • Choose a self-guided audio tour for a flexible experience, or join a local guide to explore the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water reservoir in ancient Constantinople.

  • Upgrade to a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, where an expert guide reveals the history behind its stunning mosaics, grand dome, and transition from church to mosque.

  • Add a guided tour of the Blue Mosque to explore its six minarets, grand prayer hall, and intricate Iznik tiles, with insights from an expert guide.

  • Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern features 336 marble columns, some dating back to Roman times, creating a stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.

from
€64.90
Slide 1 of 11, Hot air balloons floating over rock formations in Gerome Valley, Cappadocia.
Hot air balloons floating over rock formations in Gerome Valley, Cappadocia.
1 hr - 4 hrs
Transfers available
1 more
  • Tick off a bucket-list adventure with a 1-hour hot air balloon flight over Göreme Valley’s fairy chimneys and rock formations at sunrise.

  • Enjoy hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off from anywhere in the Cappadocia region for a convenient start to your experience.

  • Fuel up with a light breakfast before take-off, then take in views from 300 meters above the ground in a balloon basket, with a drink in hand.

  • Fly safely with licensed, experienced pilots, with a pre-flight safety briefing and full passenger insurance.

  • Upgrade your experience with a champagne toast and a celebratory post-flight ceremony, complete with a flight certificate or medal to remember your journey.

More details
  • Tick off a bucket-list adventure with a 1-hour hot air balloon flight over Göreme Valley’s fairy chimneys and rock formations at sunrise.

  • Enjoy hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off from anywhere in the Cappadocia region for a convenient start to your experience.

  • Fuel up with a light breakfast before take-off, then take in views from 300 meters above the ground in a balloon basket, with a drink in hand.

  • Fly safely with licensed, experienced pilots, with a pre-flight safety briefing and full passenger insurance.

  • Upgrade your experience with a champagne toast and a celebratory post-flight ceremony, complete with a flight certificate or medal to remember your journey.

from
€77
Slide 1 of 9, Basilica Cistern interior and boat on Bosphorus near Istanbul landmark.
Basilica Cistern interior and boat on Bosphorus near Istanbul landmark.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Walk through the quiet underground of the Basilica Cistern and see ancient columns and Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa heads.

  • Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus strait with views of the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

  • Skip entry lines at both landmarks, and use the 5+ language audio guide to learn interesting facts and stories as you explore.

More details
  • Walk through the quiet underground of the Basilica Cistern and see ancient columns and Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa heads.

  • Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus strait with views of the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.

  • Skip entry lines at both landmarks, and use the 5+ language audio guide to learn interesting facts and stories as you explore.

from Original price€68.99
€65.54

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Skip the line to save time: Booking skip-the-line tickets online for Basilica Cistern will help you save time by avoiding long queues and give you priority access to the venue.

Similar things to do in Istanbul

About Basilica Cistern

Explore the Basilica Cistern, a massive 6th-century Byzantine water reservoir. Emperor Justinian I initiated its construction to ensure water supply to the Great Palace of Constantinople. Its intriguing features, like the Weeping Column and Medusa's Heads, echo Istanbul’s centuries-old history.


AddressAlemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Also known asYerebatan Sarnıcı, Sunken Palace, Subterranean Palace
Year opened532
Founded byEmperor Justinian
Visitors per year2200000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The Basilica Cistern is named after the large public square called Stoa Basilica, which was located above it at the surface level.

Why visit Basilica Cistern?

1,500 years of history

The Basilica Cistern was constructed in 532 AD. This ancient water reservoir played a pivotal role during the Byzantine period, serving as a major water storage facility. Istanbul has borne witness to the rise and fall of two mighty empires, having served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Highlights

Plan your visit

Main Entrance (Yerebatan Caddesi)

Main Entrance (Yerebatan Caddesi)

The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is located on Yerebatan Caddesi (street), on the southwest side of Hagia Sophia. On average, the wait time at this entrance is around 10-15 minutes if you don’t have a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket.

Travel guides and tips

Browse by themes

What our guests say

Robert C

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago

+2 more

Goreme Cappadocia is the best place in the world for a hot air balloon ride due to the amazing scenery and the hundred of other balloons in the air at the same time! Royal Balloons is a great company!

Goreme Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour with Breakfast & Transfers

Nearby cities to explore