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Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide

4.614217 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.614217 out of 5 stars
1449 reviews
Activity provider:Herms
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide
4.614217 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.614217 out of 5 stars
1449 reviews

Visit Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir with a mysterious ambiance. Skip the ticket line to explore Medusa heads, marble columns, and serene waters with a digital audio guide.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 1 day
Check availability to see starting times
Audio guide included
English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Turkish
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Sharon – United Kingdom

really enjoyed the visit, it was quite eerie and definitely a must see in istanbul.

L
Lynn – United States

Easy to receive tickets, tour as described. Loved it!

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Uncover the mysteries lying beneath Istanbul as you visit the Basilica Cistern
  • Learn the stories behind its construction and history with a digital audio guide
  • Experience serene concerts amidst this majestic underground water reservoir
  • Explore the eerie beauty of ancient, submerged columns crafted from marble
  • Marvel at the mysterious and beautifully carved upside-down Medusa heads

Full description

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.

Includes

  • Basilica Cistern entry ticket
  • Skip-the-ticket-line
  • Complimentary digital audio guide app
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Live guide

Meeting point

This is not a guided tour. Please go to Basilica Cistern and enter the attraction on your own with your tickets. When you visit the Basilica Cistern, be sure to queue on the right line mentioned as "ONLINE TICKET QUEUE". Your tickets with a QR Code will be sent one day before your tour date via e-mail and WhatsApp application (if used). You will receive a message from your activity provider as shown below. "Cityzore via GetYourGuide message@reply.getyourguide.com Your activity provider sent you a message" During peak seasons, expect lines at security checkpoints. Please note that your ticket does not provide priority access. In the busiest periods, entry may take longer than usual.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • High-heeled shoes
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Smoking
  • Food and drinks
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • This is not a guided tour. You will receive a mail and WhatsApp message including your tickets with QR codes and the audio guide link from your activity provider. The digital audio guide will be provided through a separate app and the link will also be visible in your voucher.
  • Basilica is closed to visitors 6:30 PM-7:30 PM for event preparations, requiring an extra entry ticket
  • Kids under 5 may enter the basilica for free with a valid ID but must have an adult accompanying them
  • For safety reasons, kids under 15 are not allowed to enter without their parents
  • The humidity inside the cistern is 96%, causing water to drip from the ceiling and potentially damage electronic devices
  • Visitors sensitive to high humidity or low light levels should be cautious of potential health issues
  • Leaning or sitting on the railings is dangerous and prohibited
  • Entering the water in the cistern, touching or taking the wish coins inside is prohibited

From $57 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 1449 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.1/5

Customer photos

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S
Sharon – United KingdomMay 29, 2025 – Verified booking
really enjoyed the visit, it was quite eerie and definitely a must see in istanbul.
L
Lynn – United StatesMay 11, 2025 – Verified booking
Easy to receive tickets, tour as described. Loved it!
S
Stephen – United KingdomMarch 25, 2025 – Verified booking
The whole experience was really good, no waiting and the audio tour was excellent

Product ID: 618462

Activity provider:Herms
  • Turkey
  • Istanbul Province
  • Things to do in Istanbul
  • Tours in Istanbul
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Turkey
  • Istanbul Province
  • Things to do in Istanbul
  • Tours in Istanbul
  • Basilica Cistern
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