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Hagia Sophia

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Dolmabahce Palace

Grand Bazaar

Galata Tower

Vialand

Maiden's Tower

Taksim Square

Camlica Tower

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Museums & exhibitions

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Churches & cathedrals

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Shore excursions

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Bus & minivan tours

Markets, bazaars, & souks

Dinner & lunch cruises

Water taxis & ferry tickets

Shopping tours

Thermal, Turkish, & hammam spas

Street food

Cable car tours

Concerts & operas

City cards

Quad & ATV tours

Aquariums

Explore more things to do in Istanbul

Food & drinks

Nature & adventure

Rainy-day activities

Water sports

Nightlife & bars

Music activities

Shows & musicals

Hidden gems

Driving experiences

Outdoor sports

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Fitness & health

Explore more things to do in Istanbul

Good for groups

Wheelchair accessible

Family-friendly activities

For adults

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Explore more things to do in Istanbul

  • Articles

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Istanbul travel guide

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour & Skip the Line Ticket

4.3132715 out of 5 stars
4.3
4.3132715 out of 5 stars
1296 reviews
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Basilica Cistern Guided Tour & Skip the Line Ticket
4.3132715 out of 5 stars
4.3
4.3132715 out of 5 stars
1296 reviews

Discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul with a guided tour. Skip the long queues and wonder at the ancient site as you admire the architecture and Medusa heads.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1 day
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the line through express security check
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

C
Chris – United Kingdom

Bigger than expected but dramatic lighting was great. We went at the start of the tourist season and it wasn’t too busy. Well laid out and easy to access.

K
Kathleen – United States

The guide gave us a good half-hour overview of the Cisterns and their history. It was helpful. We then had unlimited time to explore the Cisterns on our own. I think this tour was a perfect combination of a self-guided tour that included a guided component.

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • In-Depth History: Learn the cistern's full story from a knowledgeable guide.
  • Hidden Details: Discover secrets and symbols you might miss on your own.
  • Medusa Myths: Hear intriguing legends behind the mysterious Medusa heads.
  • Enhanced Experience: Enjoy insights that make the cistern come alive.
  • Stay inside the Basilica Cistern after the tour as long as you want

Full description

Get insights from local guide that bring this hidden marvel to life and transforms your visit into a truly memorable experience.

Built in Byzantine times as a grand water reservoir, the cistern’s vast underground space is filled with hundreds of towering marble columns, their reflections shimmering on the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Your guide willl share the cistern’s fascinating history, from its engineering feats to its vital role in Istanbul’s development, revealing details most visitors miss—such as the mysterious Medusa head columns with their intriguing legends.

With your guide, you’ll understand not only the cistern’s function but its importance in both Byzantine and Ottoman times. The architectural brilliance and ancient stories woven into this space become clear, adding layers of depth to the experience. Guided insights elevate your visit, allowing you to truly appreciate the Basilica Cistern as more than an ancient structure—it becomes a doorway into Istanbul’s rich, storied past.

Includes

  • Guide
  • Skip-the-line entry
  • Unlimited stay inside after the tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the exit gate of Basilica Cistern. Look for the MegaPass flag. Entry is not possible without a guide.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Know before you go

  • You will skip the ticket lines, but you cannot skip the security line
  • During high season the security check can take up to 30 minutes

From $41 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 1296 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.1/5
  • Value for money
    4/5

Customer photos

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C
Chris – United KingdomMay 28, 2025 – Verified booking
Bigger than expected but dramatic lighting was great. We went at the start of the tourist season and it wasn’t too busy. Well laid out and easy to access.
K
Kathleen – United StatesMay 3, 2025 – Verified booking
The guide gave us a good half-hour overview of the Cisterns and their history. It was helpful. We then had unlimited time to explore the Cisterns on our own. I think this tour was a perfect combination of a self-guided tour that included a guided component.
A
Allyala – United StatesApril 21, 2025 – Verified booking
It was good. The guide spent about ten to fifteen minutes giving us an overview and then we had time to explore on our own

Product ID: 427059

Activity provider:Travelgroup
  • Turkey
  • Istanbul Province
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  • Basilica Cistern

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