Basilica Cistern

Explore the striking Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth's surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to an audio guide that will give you insights into the history of this place. Journey back in time and discover the ancient Byzantine Empire. Make your way down the stairs and discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. Wander through the ancient structure and admire the architecture and ornamentation including Medusa heads from Greek mythology. As you listen to the audio guide, learn more about the Basilica Cistern's fascinating history. Stay inside for as long as you want and take some great photos of one of the top attractions in Istanbul.

A captivating exploration of Istanbul's rich heritage with our exclusive combo ticket, providing access to both the iconic Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Roam freely through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a living testament to centuries of history, and marvel at the intricate details of Byzantine craftsmanship. Our combo ticket grants you flexibility, remaining valid for an impressive 3 days from the date of your first use. Explore Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern at your pace, spanning multiple days for a comprehensive Istanbul experience.

Admire the architecture and delve deeper into the history of this remarkable structure as you navigate through its intriguing spaces. Delve into the enigmatic depths of this subterranean marvel, once a vital lifeline for the inhabitants of Constantinople. Traverse softly illuminated chambers and be captivated by the spectacle of 336 grand columns, some adorned with the entrancing gaze of the legendary Medusa. Embark on a subterranean journey beneath the streets of Istanbul to uncover one of its foremost attractions.

Discover the hidden gem of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering, with a skip-the-line entry ticket and digital audio guide. Learn how this underground marvel was designed to sustain Constantinople's water needs, showcasing ancient ingenuity. Wander through its vast, shadowy expanse, lit by soft lights that dance off the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Take a captivating journey into the depths of history with detailed narratives and historical context from your digital guide. Marvel at the 336 marble columns rising from the depths, each telling a story of civilizations past. Among these, admire the enigmatic Medusa heads whose origins are shrouded in mystery and myth. As you step into a world where history, architecture, and legend, soak in the tranquility of this underground wonder, away from the city's hustle. Let the cool, echoing chambers enthrall you, as you explore one of Istanbul's most unforgettable sights. At night, enjoy musical delights with surprise concerts on select evenings from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Amidst ancient wonders, you might stumble upon a concert, blending the allure of history with the beauty of art in a mesmerizing experience.

A captivating exploration of Istanbul's rich heritage with our exclusive combo ticket, providing access to both the iconic Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern. Roam freely through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a living testament to centuries of history, and marvel at the intricate details of Byzantine craftsmanship. Our combo ticket grants you flexibility, remaining valid for an impressive 3 days from the date of your first use. Explore Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern at your pace, spanning multiple days for a comprehensive Istanbul experience. For Topkapi Palace, you are eligible to join one of the following timed entry slots for your chosen date at Topkapi Palace: 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:00AM ,11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:00PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:00PM, 3:30PM, 4:00PM. After meeting your host, you will enter the Topkapi Palace and Harem together. This is for the Topkapi Palace only. The Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern tickets will be sent to you by e-mail 1 day before the tour date you have chosen. You can use your tickets for the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern at any time between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, but it is mandatory to meet with the host for Topkapi Palace.

Meet your guide in the heart of the Old City for a stress-free sightseeing experience on this tour of 3 of Istanbul's most emblematic landmarks. Step inside the Blue Mosque to admire its architecture and renowned blue Iznik tiles while learning about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul's rich history. Next, at the Basilica Cistern, skip the ticket lines and uncover the subterranean marvels beneath Istanbul's streets. Wander through the ancient water cistern, checking out its architecture and the Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Then explore Istanbul's Old City, seeing treasures such as the Million Stone and the Hippodrome, a circus that once served as the social and sporting center of Constantinople. Admire the exterior of the Hagia Sophia and gain fascinating insights into this 2,000-year-old landmark. Before concluding the tour, your guide will provide you with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide for Hagia Sophia, allowing you to explore the interior of this world-famous structure at your own pace.

Start your adventure in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City at Sultanahmet Square, where history comes alive. First, visit the ancient Hippodrome, where people once gathered to watch thrilling chariot races. Stroll by the beautiful German Fountain and take in the unique charm and vibrant energy of this historic area. Next, step inside the breathtaking Blue Mosque, named for the stunning blue tiles that fill its walls with a peaceful glow. Look up at its towering dome and six tall minarets, and hear stories of its long and fascinating past that make this mosque one of Istanbul’s greatest treasures. Your journey then takes you underground to the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water storage area from the Byzantine era. Walk among rows of towering marble columns reflected in the water below, creating a magical scene. Don’t miss the famous Medusa head columns, which add a touch of mystery to this hidden gem. Then, explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a grand building that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum over the centuries. Inside, marvel at the huge domes, detailed mosaics, and the mix of Christian and Islamic art that makes this place so unique. Learn about the many changes Hagia Sophia has gone through and how it remains a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s history. As you end your tour, you’ll carry with you the unforgettable stories and beauty of Istanbul’s Old City, with its rich past still shining through every corner. (Entry fee for Hagia Sophia not included in the price. The entry fee is 30 Euro).

Immerse yourself in the ancient ambience of Istanbul's Acemoglu Hammam, a 15th-century Turkish bath built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed. Choose between public, semi-private, and private baths, then indulge in clay mask, body scrub, and foam treatments. Treat yourself to an optional massage afterward. Make your own way to the Turkish baths, which are conveniently located in Istanbul's Old City, just a short distance from famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at Acemoglu Hammam, take advantage of one of the rare mixed-gender baths in Turkey for couples, families and friends to enjoy together. Step back in time to the days of the Ottoman Empire, where you can feel like royalty in public, semi-private, or private baths. Then, rejuvenate yourself with a historical tradition of bathing combined with a clay mask, foaming, and body scrub (kese). The clay mask will be applied because it has many benefits, especially for the skin, due to its abundance of natural minerals. Once the clay mask has been applied, feel the relief using as the kese scrubs away the toxic substances accumulated in your skin. After the kese treatment, enjoy a traditional bubble wash ritual and relaxing full-body foaming. For the full indulgent package, include a massage after your spa treatments. Sense your body and soul completely relax as you are massaged for 30 minutes before your hammam experience ends.

Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from skip the line tickets and priority admission at the museum ticket offices led by your efficient guide. There will be a maximum of 12 people in your small group tour. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with skip the line tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with skip the line tickets and priority admission. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Choose to visit the Harem with your included tickets at your leisure. Starting From Galataport Option for Cruise Guests If you are on a cruise holiday with a stop in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning city. Choose the Galataport cruise port as your meeting point, where your guide will greet you upon arrival. From Galataport, travel via tram to the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood with your guide. Discover Istanbul’s major highlights, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, with priority entry tickets for a seamless experience.

Journey into the mysterious depths of Istanbul’s largest ancient cistern and uncover the secrets beneath the city. Our guided tour will take you through shadowy columns, tranquil waters, and echoing chambers, immersing you in the cistern’s eerie beauty. Learn about the legendary Medusa heads and the fascinating engineering feats that preserved this underground marvel. Led by an expert guide, this experience brings the Basilica Cistern’s hidden world to life, creating an unforgettable encounter with Istanbul’s ancient past. ✅ Skip-the-Line Access: Bypass the crowds and step directly into the Basilica Cistern for an exclusive experience. ✅ Unravel the Mystery of Medusa: Discover the myth and mystery behind the famous Medusa heads in the cistern’s depths. ✅ Expert Local Guide: Gain insight from a knowledgeable guide passionate about Istanbul’s hidden history. ✅ Explore a Hidden World Beneath Istanbul: Wander among towering columns, glistening waters, and atmospheric lighting that bring the cistern to life. ✅ Ancient Engineering Feats: Learn about the fascinating Roman techniques used to create this extraordinary underground structure. ⏱️ Duration: +30 Minutes ✨ English