Basilica Cistern tickets

4.2(11.3K ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.




Tourist admiring Beautiful Cistern in Istanbul
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Fatih, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Tourist admiring Beautiful Cistern in Istanbul
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Fatih, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Tourist admiring Beautiful Cistern in Istanbul
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Renovated Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns, Sultanahmet District, Fatih, Istanbul.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Tickets
4.3(3.4K)

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

from €34
€29.50

13% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Guided tour
  • Skip the long lines and visit the biggest ancient water cistern with the 2 very famous Medusa heads.
  • 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 and see the Weeping Column of Medusa which continues to weep.
  • Upgrade your ticket to benefit from an in-depth audio guide in 8 languages.
  • Choose to make your experience even better by upgrading your ticket to include Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque guided tour.
  • Skip the long lines and visit the biggest ancient water cistern with the 2 very famous Medusa heads.
  • 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 and see the Weeping Column of Medusa which continues to weep.
  • Upgrade your ticket to benefit from an in-depth audio guide in 8 languages.
  • Choose to make your experience even better by upgrading your ticket to include Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque guided tour.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
  • Multilingual audio guide (optional)
  • Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia English guided tour (optional)
  • Tip: Since the cistern is underground, it can be quite humid, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t make you too hot.
  • Please note that your ticket allows you to skip the ticketing queue but you cannot skip the security check.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.3
3.4K ratings
2.2K
646
160
159
219
What our guests say
reviewer
DEVENDRAN
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

It's covered 3 places with discounted rate.. & I really love It, only one small issue.. There is no line inside basilica cistern and I couldn't play the audio guide completely..

reviewer
MARÍA
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

A fabulous place, one of my favorites in Istanbul, it is the second time I visit it and I still find it spectacular. I went in without waiting or queuing

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Kathrine
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Speed of entry. Less than a minute! We were there when it opened. Apart from this purely practical aspect, the place is magnificent!

View original review in French

reviewer
Cherese
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It is really worth it. I highly suggest getting your tickets online to skip the long wait at Hagia Sophia and the Basilica cistern. Beautiful Mosque and nice structure at the cistern.

reviewer
Joëlle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The tickets were very good. The museum staff was very competent. The audio guide didn't work or didn't work well, especially in Hagia Sophia. Very nice visits and having the queue-cutting tickets is great.

View original review in French

reviewer
Rachel
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Both the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cisterne were well worth a visit. The queues for both were huge even early on a Sunday so I have no idea why people didn't get these! You can just walk on past all those people trying to buy the ticket in person and get in and enjoy the places. I would go early as it is so busy.

reviewer
Richard
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Enjoyed both places and they're both close together. Definitely liked not waiting in line as they ticket line was very long.

reviewer
Holly
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

The cistern alone is astounding and well worth the price of admission. The walkways that have been engineered so people can wander through the entire cistern are impressive. The skip the line ticket process is simple and worth the small extra cost. The audio guide was easy to use and interesting without being overly informative. One thing that I did not enjoy was the pop art style modern sculptures and colorful lighting. I would have preferred simple white or gold lighting. Nevertheless the cistern is a must see and is one of the most interesting places I've ever visited.

reviewer
Nancy
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

We were very disappointed and felt discriminated against that we were separated from the Muslims and only allowed upstairs in the Hagia but not downstairs even after prayer times, in my opinion not worth the money! Sultan ahmet opposite is free.

View original review in German

reviewer
Montluet
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Must-see tours Audioguide on the cell phone, great, it allows us to cut ourselves off from the ambient noise and immerse ourselves totally in the visit to the site.

View original review in French

reviewer
Marcelle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Very picturesque site. Difficult to access my ticket without WIFI. Finally, I was able to listen to the audio guide after the tour.

View original review in French

reviewer
Maruša
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

.All the sights are very nice and the skip the line went smoothly. The only thing that is a minus in my opinion is the price. We are a 4 member familly and the price was very expensive.

reviewer
Donna
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful sight seeing activity Guide could of done more he was only with us for a short time and felt he could of told us more.

reviewer
Lyndel
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Once I worked out the Headout site I was able to download the audios for the 3 sites I was visiting, though the instructions could have been easier to use. I did find the audio did not correspond with the layout of the Palace and the photos on the audio also did not correspond so I gave up listening. It would be helpful if the Headout audio corresponded with the same numbers that the Palace site uses.

reviewer
PEDRO
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

I don't think it's worth the trouble to visit with an audio guide. The only good thing is that you don't have to wait in line. But I think it is more interesting to look for another option that guarantees a personal guide in Spanish.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Barbara
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The fast-track entry worked well, the explanations in the audio guide were easy to understand and not too long, so that you had enough information but were not overloaded.

View original review in German

reviewer
Teresita
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was easy to buy and very good attention when we got there, they also explained it to us clearly by listening to the audio. All good, thank you very much Teresita from Chile

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Sandra
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Highly recommended! We did not queue and having an audio guide in our language made it easier to understand the tour. Safe and fast online purchase. Affordable price

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Ann
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

The Citernes are worth visiting. However, it is recommended that you take an audio guide. Or visit the Citernes with a guide. In just under an hour you can visit the Citernes.

View original review in Dutch

reviewer
Lorenza
Oct 2024Verified booking
3/5

Complicated - it would be easier to be able to have access with the ticket in app, without having to collect it prime and queue.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
ELVIR
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

A very stable way to buy a ticket. I would like to give you a more detailed insight into the history of the hundred years of better life of this unique material.

This review is translated. Show original review.

reviewer
Paola
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Very welcome a visit to the Topkape palace that would have deserved extra time. In the afternoon we had planned to visit the Cisterna Basilica and thought we would not arrive in time. Beautiful Cisterna Basilica, but I got the impression that access hours were well after 6:30 pm. I always noticed long lines even after this time A little disappointed with Hagia Sophia. Beautiful building on the outside, less so on the inside

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Veronica
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Flexibility for example: we could not use the tickets for the selected date and they were accepted for the following day! We also skipped very long lines and paid less than the ticket prices sold locally! Excellent service

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Liliana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a surprise to enter such an old and well preserved site, the lighting is perfect and the modern sculptures installed there add a lot of character, we loved not having to wait in line to enter especially because the day was very hot and it is always visited by many people.

View original review in Spanish

review media 0
review media 1
review media 2
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reviewer
marcia
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was very easy and straightforward. I had a phone problem when the time came to show the ticket and the gentleman was very patient in waiting for my phone to restart. Everybody was polite.

Read detailed reviews
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Woman exploring Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, with illuminated columns and arches.
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Hagia Sophia mosaics detail, Istanbul, Turkey.
Basilica Cistern interior with columns, part of Istanbul Combo tour including Blue Mosque and Bosphorus Cruise.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Selfie spot inside Hagia Sophia
Combos
4.0(1K)

Combo (Save 13%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets

from €69.50
€60.80

13% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
  • Avail of a great cost benefit with this combo, giving you skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul’s iconic sites: the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
  • Marvel at the impressive Byzantine architecture of the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century subterranean marvel with 336 massive columns.
  • Soak in the Basilica Cistern experience with an optional multilingual audio guide providing intriguing insights into the history of this unique site.
  • Step into the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest place of worship for over a millennium with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.
  • Enjoy the liberty to explore the magnificent mosaics and paintings at your own pace at the Hagia Sophia’s 2nd-floor Visitors' Center.
  • Avail of a great cost benefit with this combo, giving you skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul’s iconic sites: the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
  • Marvel at the impressive Byzantine architecture of the Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century subterranean marvel with 336 massive columns.
  • Soak in the Basilica Cistern experience with an optional multilingual audio guide providing intriguing insights into the history of this unique site.
  • Step into the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest place of worship for over a millennium with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.
  • Enjoy the liberty to explore the magnificent mosaics and paintings at your own pace at the Hagia Sophia’s 2nd-floor Visitors' Center.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
  • Multilingual audio guide

Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
  • Audio guide in 23 languages

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the ghostly outlines of carp swimming in the water, they make for a great photo backdrop.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Look for the 'weeping column,' it's believed to have healing powers.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.
  • The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
  • Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf.
  • Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.
  • Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction.
  • Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.0
1.0K ratings
474
305
59
78
87
What our guests say
reviewer
DEVENDRAN
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

It's covered 3 places with discounted rate.. & I really love It, only one small issue.. There is no line inside basilica cistern and I couldn't play the audio guide completely..

reviewer
MARÍA
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

A fabulous place, one of my favorites in Istanbul, it is the second time I visit it and I still find it spectacular. I went in without waiting or queuing

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Kathrine
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Speed of entry. Less than a minute! We were there when it opened. Apart from this purely practical aspect, the place is magnificent!

View original review in French

reviewer
Cherese
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It is really worth it. I highly suggest getting your tickets online to skip the long wait at Hagia Sophia and the Basilica cistern. Beautiful Mosque and nice structure at the cistern.

reviewer
Joëlle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The tickets were very good. The museum staff was very competent. The audio guide didn't work or didn't work well, especially in Hagia Sophia. Very nice visits and having the queue-cutting tickets is great.

View original review in French

reviewer
Rachel
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Both the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cisterne were well worth a visit. The queues for both were huge even early on a Sunday so I have no idea why people didn't get these! You can just walk on past all those people trying to buy the ticket in person and get in and enjoy the places. I would go early as it is so busy.

reviewer
Richard
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Enjoyed both places and they're both close together. Definitely liked not waiting in line as they ticket line was very long.

reviewer
Holly
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

The cistern alone is astounding and well worth the price of admission. The walkways that have been engineered so people can wander through the entire cistern are impressive. The skip the line ticket process is simple and worth the small extra cost. The audio guide was easy to use and interesting without being overly informative. One thing that I did not enjoy was the pop art style modern sculptures and colorful lighting. I would have preferred simple white or gold lighting. Nevertheless the cistern is a must see and is one of the most interesting places I've ever visited.

reviewer
Nancy
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

We were very disappointed and felt discriminated against that we were separated from the Muslims and only allowed upstairs in the Hagia but not downstairs even after prayer times, in my opinion not worth the money! Sultan ahmet opposite is free.

View original review in German

reviewer
Montluet
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Must-see tours Audioguide on the cell phone, great, it allows us to cut ourselves off from the ambient noise and immerse ourselves totally in the visit to the site.

View original review in French

reviewer
Marcelle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Very picturesque site. Difficult to access my ticket without WIFI. Finally, I was able to listen to the audio guide after the tour.

View original review in French

reviewer
Maruša
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

.All the sights are very nice and the skip the line went smoothly. The only thing that is a minus in my opinion is the price. We are a 4 member familly and the price was very expensive.

reviewer
Lyndel
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Once I worked out the Headout site I was able to download the audios for the 3 sites I was visiting, though the instructions could have been easier to use. I did find the audio did not correspond with the layout of the Palace and the photos on the audio also did not correspond so I gave up listening. It would be helpful if the Headout audio corresponded with the same numbers that the Palace site uses.

reviewer
PEDRO
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

I don't think it's worth the trouble to visit with an audio guide. The only good thing is that you don't have to wait in line. But I think it is more interesting to look for another option that guarantees a personal guide in Spanish.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Barbara
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The fast-track entry worked well, the explanations in the audio guide were easy to understand and not too long, so that you had enough information but were not overloaded.

View original review in German

reviewer
Teresita
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was easy to buy and very good attention when we got there, they also explained it to us clearly by listening to the audio. All good, thank you very much Teresita from Chile

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Sandra
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Highly recommended! We did not queue and having an audio guide in our language made it easier to understand the tour. Safe and fast online purchase. Affordable price

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Lorenza
Oct 2024Verified booking
3/5

Complicated - it would be easier to be able to have access with the ticket in app, without having to collect it prime and queue.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
ELVIR
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

A very stable way to buy a ticket. I would like to give you a more detailed insight into the history of the hundred years of better life of this unique material.

This review is translated. Show original review.

reviewer
Paola
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Very welcome a visit to the Topkape palace that would have deserved extra time. In the afternoon we had planned to visit the Cisterna Basilica and thought we would not arrive in time. Beautiful Cisterna Basilica, but I got the impression that access hours were well after 6:30 pm. I always noticed long lines even after this time A little disappointed with Hagia Sophia. Beautiful building on the outside, less so on the inside

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Veronica
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Flexibility for example: we could not use the tickets for the selected date and they were accepted for the following day! We also skipped very long lines and paid less than the ticket prices sold locally! Excellent service

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Liliana
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was a surprise to enter such an old and well preserved site, the lighting is perfect and the modern sculptures installed there add a lot of character, we loved not having to wait in line to enter especially because the day was very hot and it is always visited by many people.

View original review in Spanish

review media 0
review media 1
review media 2
review media 3
reviewer
marcia
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was very easy and straightforward. I had a phone problem when the time came to show the ticket and the gentleman was very patient in waiting for my phone to restart. Everybody was polite.

reviewer
charles
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

Not really skip the line for hagia sofia - line is so long for either one, you just don't have to go to the ticket booth and buy a ticket first. Basilica was hardly worth it either, but saving 5% is nice.

reviewer
Marlene
Oct 2024Verified booking
3/5

It was annoying to find out that we should have picked up our audio guides at a different location. I felt scammed as I've paid for it but did not use it in the end. Also I felt it was way too expensive for what was offered. The informations given at the sight were really underwhelming - they should hire an information designer to make it more interesting and informative, then maybe it would have been worth the money.

Read detailed reviews
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Entry Tickets
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Harem inside the Topkapi Palace
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Ceiling of Hagia Sophia Sophia
Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.
Statue inside the Basilica cistern
Sultan's quarters of the Topkapi Palace
Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace
Imperial gate of Hagia Sophia with intricate carvings, Istanbul, Turkey.
Combos
4.0(2.9K)

Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

from €123.50
€112.10

9% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
  • This combo lets you skip the lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern all in one go! Perfect for time-conscious travelers and history buffs.
  • Explore the Sultan's lavish chambers at the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, and marvel at the Imperial Treasury's jewels like the Topkapi Dagger.
  • Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and decipher the cryptic Viking runes etched by ancient visitors, alongside Islamic and Christian art.
  • At Basilica Cistern, spot the column that is shaped like the feathers of a peacock, constructed in memory of the slaves who died building it.
  • With multilingual audio guides, unlock the secrets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia's hidden murals, and the Basilica Cistern's haunting Medusa.
  • This combo lets you skip the lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern all in one go! Perfect for time-conscious travelers and history buffs.
  • Explore the Sultan's lavish chambers at the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem, and marvel at the Imperial Treasury's jewels like the Topkapi Dagger.
  • Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and decipher the cryptic Viking runes etched by ancient visitors, alongside Islamic and Christian art.
  • At Basilica Cistern, spot the column that is shaped like the feathers of a peacock, constructed in memory of the slaves who died building it.
  • With multilingual audio guides, unlock the secrets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia's hidden murals, and the Basilica Cistern's haunting Medusa.

Inclusions

Topkapi Palace

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Topkapi Palace
  • Access to Harem Museum and Hagia Irene Museum
  • Audio guide in English, Arabic, French, German, and Spanish

Hagia Sophia

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish

Basilica Cistern

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Basilica Cistern
  • Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish

Topkapi Palace

  • Tip: In the first courtyard, don't miss Hagia Irene, the oldest church in Istanbul and one of the oldest unreconstructed buildings in the world.
  • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Don't miss the Deesis mosaic, a recently uncovered Byzantine treasure depicting Virgin Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist in a scene of intercession.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The prayer area on the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: Look out for exhibitions which combine modern art installations with the cistern's ancient architecture, showcasing Istanbul's evolving character.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.0
2.9K ratings
1.6K
553
257
250
273
What our guests say
reviewer
DEVENDRAN
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

It's covered 3 places with discounted rate.. & I really love It, only one small issue.. There is no line inside basilica cistern and I couldn't play the audio guide completely..

reviewer
MARÍA
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

A fabulous place, one of my favorites in Istanbul, it is the second time I visit it and I still find it spectacular. I went in without waiting or queuing

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Kathrine
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Speed of entry. Less than a minute! We were there when it opened. Apart from this purely practical aspect, the place is magnificent!

View original review in French

reviewer
Maria
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Topkapi is a place worth visiting all day because it is huge and has different rooms and exhibitions to see in its 4 gardens. I liked to know the harem and not only the visit that the tour offered me.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Cherese
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It is really worth it. I highly suggest getting your tickets online to skip the long wait at Hagia Sophia and the Basilica cistern. Beautiful Mosque and nice structure at the cistern.

reviewer
Joëlle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The tickets were very good. The museum staff was very competent. The audio guide didn't work or didn't work well, especially in Hagia Sophia. Very nice visits and having the queue-cutting tickets is great.

View original review in French

reviewer
Rachel
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Both the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cisterne were well worth a visit. The queues for both were huge even early on a Sunday so I have no idea why people didn't get these! You can just walk on past all those people trying to buy the ticket in person and get in and enjoy the places. I would go early as it is so busy.

reviewer
Richard
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Enjoyed both places and they're both close together. Definitely liked not waiting in line as they ticket line was very long.

reviewer
Roberto
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

With the "skip the line" ticket, we were forced to wait more than half an hour for the person in charge, while at the ticket office there was no line at all. In essence, instead of "skipping" the line we waited for a long time.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Alejandra
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

The Harem is beautiful, it takes you back to that time. The kitchen is impressive, the utensils and pots are preserved. The clothing room shows the elegance with which they dressed. The gardens are very beautiful, the whole palace is amazing. It is the best museum in Istanbul.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Dominique
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

The audio guide didn't download until 4 hours into the visit... so a bit late.... The download icon moves, but no download would take place. It should be made clearer that you have to download in advance. It should also be made clearer that there are no tickets (no souvenir trace), it's the guide who lets you in, so don't miss the meeting point. For people who don't understand English well, a brochure would be welcome to explain what the guide is saying as he accompanies us. It would be more effective if the numbers on the audio guide map corresponded with the numbers on the physical information terminals on the site.

View original review in French

reviewer
Holly
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

The cistern alone is astounding and well worth the price of admission. The walkways that have been engineered so people can wander through the entire cistern are impressive. The skip the line ticket process is simple and worth the small extra cost. The audio guide was easy to use and interesting without being overly informative. One thing that I did not enjoy was the pop art style modern sculptures and colorful lighting. I would have preferred simple white or gold lighting. Nevertheless the cistern is a must see and is one of the most interesting places I've ever visited.

reviewer
Nancy
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

We were very disappointed and felt discriminated against that we were separated from the Muslims and only allowed upstairs in the Hagia but not downstairs even after prayer times, in my opinion not worth the money! Sultan ahmet opposite is free.

View original review in German

reviewer
Montluet
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Must-see tours Audioguide on the cell phone, great, it allows us to cut ourselves off from the ambient noise and immerse ourselves totally in the visit to the site.

View original review in French

reviewer
Marcelle
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Very picturesque site. Difficult to access my ticket without WIFI. Finally, I was able to listen to the audio guide after the tour.

View original review in French

reviewer
Maruša
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

.All the sights are very nice and the skip the line went smoothly. The only thing that is a minus in my opinion is the price. We are a 4 member familly and the price was very expensive.

reviewer
Lyndel
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

Once I worked out the Headout site I was able to download the audios for the 3 sites I was visiting, though the instructions could have been easier to use. I did find the audio did not correspond with the layout of the Palace and the photos on the audio also did not correspond so I gave up listening. It would be helpful if the Headout audio corresponded with the same numbers that the Palace site uses.

reviewer
PEDRO
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

I don't think it's worth the trouble to visit with an audio guide. The only good thing is that you don't have to wait in line. But I think it is more interesting to look for another option that guarantees a personal guide in Spanish.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Favio
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

The place and the planning of the visit is fine, but nothing is explained about the audio guide which was not possible to download or listen to, so much information is lost in relation to the visit.

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Barbara
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The fast-track entry worked well, the explanations in the audio guide were easy to understand and not too long, so that you had enough information but were not overloaded.

View original review in German

reviewer
Teresita
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

It was easy to buy and very good attention when we got there, they also explained it to us clearly by listening to the audio. All good, thank you very much Teresita from Chile

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Reezwan
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The experience was good. Booking procedure was easy and also location direction was clearly explained. Upon arrival at the meeting point, we were asked wait for a while. The guide came after 10-15 minutes and called the group. He explained everything to us about entry and his length of stay with us and guided us to the entrance and Harem area. Although they say that early morning is the best time to visit however there was literally no queue in the afternoon at 3 pm. We heard from the guide that morning was so crowded. So, I think late afternoon is the best time to go and visit the Topkapi palace.

reviewer
Sandra
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Highly recommended! We did not queue and having an audio guide in our language made it easier to understand the tour. Safe and fast online purchase. Affordable price

View original review in Spanish

reviewer
Lorenza
Oct 2024Verified booking
3/5

Complicated - it would be easier to be able to have access with the ticket in app, without having to collect it prime and queue.

View original review in Italian

reviewer
ELVIR
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

A very stable way to buy a ticket. I would like to give you a more detailed insight into the history of the hundred years of better life of this unique material.

This review is translated. Show original review.

Read detailed reviews
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
Tourists exploring the stunning Blue Mosque, a highlight of the Combo Tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
Tourists exploring the stunning Blue Mosque, a highlight of the Combo Tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Illuminated columns of The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern's illuminated columns in Istanbul, part of the Istanbul Combo tour.
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, Turkey.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on sunny day
Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Dolmabahce Palace, with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the background, during a Combo Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour in Istanbul
Tourists exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, a unique combo tour offering skip-the-line tickets and a hop-on hop-off bus tour, saving 9%
Tourists exploring the stunning Blue Mosque, a highlight of the Combo Tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Blue Mosque exterior with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Guided Tours
4.0(303)

Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

from €99
€89

10% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
  • Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
  • Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
  • See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
  • Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of 3 of Istanbul’s iconic attractions with this one combo ticket that you can use in 1 day or over a span of 2 days.
  • Skip the lines and enter the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the Byzantine times, with an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Admire the artwork here with raised wooden platforms and aesthetic vaulted ceilings as you to the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
  • Soak up the architectural charm and beauty of the Blue Mosque as you admire the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.
  • See the 5 main domes, 6 minarets, and 8 secondary domes and learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam and Istanbul’s rich heritage from your guide.
  • Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, an important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and admire its architectural beauty.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

  • 30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
  • Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern
  • Expert English-speaking guide

Blue Mosque

  • 60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque
  • Entry to the Blue Mosque
  • English-speaking guide

Hagia Sophia

  • 60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

  • Tip: The underground cistern is dark and damp, which can lead to a drop in temperature. It’s best to carry a light cardigan to keep yourself warm.

Blue Mosque

  • Tip: Look out for decorations and items inside the mosque inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran.
  • This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
  • Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
  • If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).

Hagia Sophia

  • Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish at one of Hagia Sophia’s columns, known as the ‘wishing column.’ Legend has it that if you poke your finger through a hole in the column and your finger emerges wet, your wishes will come true and you’ll be cured of any illness. No harm in trying!
  • This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
  • Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
  • Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head.
  • While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
  • Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
  • These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Reviews
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4.0
303 ratings
152
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What our guests say
reviewer
Niels
Dec 2024Verified booking
4/5

We were blessed with a great guide named Mehmet who provided us with information on the sides and about culture and life in Istanbul. He further took care of everyones personal needs like extended pauses for food and drinks!

reviewer
DANIELA
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Everything was wonderful the views the history of the places, and the guide which he was speaking really good english .

reviewer
Naike
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful and very interesting tour, Ali very kind guide, made us spend 4 hours without ever getting bored and telling us many historical anecdotes of this fantastic city

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Niall
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

The history of the area. Seeing all the attractions. Tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Being guided throughout and skipping the queues.

reviewer
Ioan
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Great introduction to the city history and culture! Seeing this amazing constructions,having Arda as a passionate and so knowledgeable guide helped us made this trip the highlight of the year!

reviewer
Jennifer
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Tour was fantastic with Busa - she was really informative and had a lovely sense of humour. Everything ran on time and the time at each place was perfect.

reviewer
Valentina
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Buse was really nice and knowledgable We skipped all the lines and got to know interesting facts about Istanbul history Good price for what you get

reviewer
Tina
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was so knowledgeable about each of the places we went, and he was very patient with our questions and keeping us all together.

reviewer
Neil
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Ticketing straight forward and we think Arder was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. He was a pleasure to be with.

reviewer
Ilaria
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Very well organised. Good that we managed to see 3 of the most important places in Istanbul with the same guide and within 3/4 hours.

reviewer
Rainer
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

A great and interesting tour which provides you with a fascinating look inside a beautiful, iconic mosque. The tour guide provides lots of background information which makes the tour even more interesting. Highly recommended!

reviewer
Michał
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Besides visiting incredible places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, a real highlight was our guide, Arda. His knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor were outstanding. I highly recommend both Headout and Arda, an excellent combination!

reviewer
Akanksha
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda was absolutely fantastic! He not only explained everything in great detail but also made sure the entire group felt well taken care of throughout the tour. His knowledge of each place we visited was impressive, and he effortlessly combined that with a delightful sense of humor that kept us all entertained. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and informative journey of Istanbul!

reviewer
Jenni
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

guide was dynmanic, tour interesting & covering all 3 in 4 hours was very time effeicent with a short stay. We travelled with 4 children- one 14 yrs and this held his interest salso which is not easy

reviewer
Melissa
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda was an amazing tour guide! Very patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I just wish I had a list of all the books he mentioned. I would recommend this tour to anyone. It's very worth it to skip lines and get more historical context out of your trip.

reviewer
Ross
Sep 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Arda was awesome, knowledgeable, organised, and funny. Skip the queue aspect made the tour even more pleasurable.

reviewer
Franz
Sep 2024Verified booking
4/5

Everything was very punctual. The skip lines worked wonderfully and were also very necessary due to the large crowds of tourists. Guide very competent and experienced

View original review in German

reviewer
Godfrey
Sep 2024Verified booking
4/5

guide was very polite, competent, good spoken english. mexican members of the group only spoke spanish therefore everthing had to be translated

reviewer
Meganrose
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.

reviewer
Marta
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.

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Maruen
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour

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reviewer
Elaguppillai
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

The information passed on by the tour guide can be found on Google. We were expecting something more. Time spent at Basilica Cistern was not enough and didn't have time to take pictures. There was an accident and our group member helped the lady. The guide didn't wait for the doctor to join us nor didn't help him on informing the people concerned at Blue Mosque. There was another lady missing after the Basilica Costern. He didn't do due diligence. I think we spent more time on the first one, second one just hurried through it and last one was an introduction only.

reviewer
Maria-Jeanette
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

The tour are flexible in that you can join when you want at different times. We did the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia on one day and the Basilica Cistern the next day. Made it less rushed. Guide was very knowledgeble.

reviewer
Justin
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

Not specific issues with the audio guide but The headsets where not functioning properly. Unless you where within 10 feet of our guide they where scratching and malfunctioning.

reviewer
Jose
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

We loved it! The tour guide did an excellent job explaining everything, he was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will continue to used them on my next excursions.

Read detailed reviews
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Cruise ship on the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul
Busforus at Tophane Clock tower, Istanbul
Interior of dome of Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque exterior with tourists, Istanbul Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Bosphorus Cruise.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Cruise ship on the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul
Busforus at Tophane Clock tower, Istanbul
Interior of dome of Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque exterior with tourists, Istanbul Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Bosphorus Cruise.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
Hagia Sophia interior with visitors, part of Istanbul MegaPass attractions.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque view with Istanbul MegaPass access.
Cruise ship on the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul
Busforus at Tophane Clock tower, Istanbul
Interior of dome of Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque exterior with tourists, Istanbul Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Bosphorus Cruise.
Exterior of the Topkapi palace
City Cards
4.3(47)

Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

from
€98
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Transfers included
  • With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
  • Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
  • What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
  • Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
  • Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!
  • With the Istanbul MegaPass, access 2 to 9 attractions in 7 days with Classic, Premium, or Deluxe passes, saving up to 34% on individual ticket costs.
  • Head to 2 attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Turkish Hammam, Dolmabahce Palace, and more with the Classic pass.
  • What's more? Every pass comes with a free Bosphorus cruise, Blue Mosque tour, transportation card, route maps, and audio guides for all attractions.
  • Emails with all tickets to the selected attraction will be delivered straight to your inbox so you can rest assured and plan your adventure.
  • Choose the Premium or the all-inclusive Deluxe pass to visit 4 or 9 attractions. More exploration at a great deal!

Inclusions

  • Choice of 2/4/9 of Istanbul's top attractions
  • Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace
  • Cruises: Bosphorus cruise, Dinner cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish drinks and food
  • Tours: Asian side walking tour, Blue Mosque tour,
  • Access to hop on hop off bus tour
  • Activities: Dervish Ceremony, Turkish bath & Hamam
  • 5-ride transportation card
  • Digital guide book
  • City, tram & metro map
  • Get the list of included attractions here.
  • No reservation is needed for any activity except the Bosphorus Dinner cruise.
  • Each pass is valid for 7 consecutive days including the first day of use.
  • You can visit multiple attractions in a day but you can only visit each attraction once with this pass.
  • You do have skip-the-line access but you will still need to go through security.
  • You'll receive tickets for all attractions you have selected in an email, and you'll receive tickets for all attractions if you've chosen the Deluxe pass.
  • You can show the PDF digitally on your phone, or get a physical pass printed if you like.
  • You can change the chosen attractions as many times as you want, or you can cancel the pass free of charge up to 1 day before the service date.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.3
47 ratings
29
10
3
3
2
What our guests say
reviewer
KARMANN
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

The fike-cutters are very practical for St Sophia and the Cistern Basilica, but not very efficient for Topkapi. The cruise is very pleasant and the sightseeing buses always interesting for a first visit to the city.

View original review in French

reviewer
Clemencia
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Very convenient. The customer service is superb and very helpful!

reviewer
Ashley
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Loved how you could choose which attractions to visit and loved how you could visit on your own schedule!!

reviewer
Kőrösi
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Skip the line really did work! Great!

reviewer
Pierre
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

Buying the megacard was a god proposition

View original review in Dutch

reviewer
SHAMIDAH
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

Very convenient, well organised and a lot of time saved by booking events online

reviewer
Edis
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Everything is fine, you just have to make sure that you read your emails! It took us a while to find the checkpoint!

View original review in German

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reviewer
Deep
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Value and customer service was great!

reviewer
TANJIL
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Well organized, everything went Very smooth. Highly recommend. Customer service(whats app) is excellent.

reviewer
Oana
Nov 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Nathalie
Nov 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Corentin
Nov 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Clare
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Henchel
Oct 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Mehdi
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Kourtesi
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Saba
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Aleksandar
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
MARINA
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Hritcu
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Read detailed reviews

Visiting Basilica Cistern, Istanbul | An underground relic in Istanbul 

The Basilica Cistern, constructed in the 6th century under the directive of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, originally served as a water source for the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding areas. Today, this renowned historical site, known for its notable features like the Weeping Column and Medusa's Heads, attracts approximately two million visitors each year. Read on to find out more about the attraction, how to book Basilica Cistern tickets, its timings, and other information to plan your visit.

Things to know before visiting the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

  • Consider booking guided tours with an audio guide or an expert tour guide to learn more about the construction process and cultural relevance of the Cistern. The guided tours of Basilica Cistern are available in around 8 languages for your convenience.
  • The Basilica Cistern is partly wheelchair accessible: There is a lift that takes visitors in wheelchairs down to the columns, however, the ramp to enter the lift is quite steep. It is a little difficult to navigate alone. 
  • Opt for combo tickets if you want to explore more beyond the basilica: The Basilica Cistern is located in the historic Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, close to other major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. You can save money on individual tickets and transport fares by purchasing combo tickets.
  • Book your tickets in advance if you are planning a visit during the peak season, between March to May and September and October, to ensure guaranteed access. 
  • Wear non-slippery footwear: The Basilica Cistern has a walkway with wooden platforms and the floor is quite damp and slippery, so wear comfortable footwear when visiting the Cistern.

Why visit the Basilica Cistern, Turkey?

Why Visit the Basilica Cistern?

Which Basilica Cistern ticket is best for you?

Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Tickets

If you are short on time

Go for: skip-the-line tickets
Duration: around 1 hour
Guide: Multilingual audio guide

  • With these Basilica Cistern skip the line tickets, you can bypass long lines at the Basilica Cistern and spend more time exploring the beauty and history of the underground cistern.
  • You can also upgrade your ticket to include a multilingual audio guide or avail of a combo offer that includes access to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Recommended tours:

Basilica Cistern Combo Tickets

If you are a history enthusiast

Go for: guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Expert English-speaking tour guide and an audio guide in over 8 languages

  • This guided tour includes a professional tour guide to acquaint you with the construction process and cultural significance of the Basilica Cistern. 
  • Take advantage of skip the line access and a multilingual audio guide to learn about the Basilica Cistern museum in any language of your choice.

Recommended tours:

Istanbul City Cards & Passes

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: combo tickets and Istanbul passes
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Expert English-speaking tour guide or an audio guide, depending on the ticket option

  • Visit a variety of attractions like the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque with a single combo ticket. 
  • Enjoy discounts on combo tickets or get the Headout Saver Pass with 3 days skip the line acsess to Istanbul's top attractions.

Recommended tours:

What to see at the Basilica Cistern?

Basilica Cistern Tickets

Stone columns

The ceiling of the Basilica Cistern is supported by 336 tall marble columns, each 9 meters high. Check out the interesting designs and strange patterns on these pillars, which are even older than the Basilica itself.

Basilica Cistern Tickets

Medusa’s Heads

The Basilica Cistern has two Medusa heads at the base of two columns, with one positioned horizontally and the other inverted. These ancient artifacts capture attention with their unsettling aura and unclear historical background.

Basilica Cistern Tickets

Weeping Pillar

To commemorate the sacrifice of 7000 slaves during the construction of the 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.

Basilica cistern

Water reflections

Nowadays, the Basilica Cistern only has a shallow water level, letting visitors see the old structures that used to be underwater. The calm water creates beautiful reflections of the dimly-lit structures.

Plan your visit to the Basilica Cistern

Timings
Location
Facilities
Visitor tips
Stay
Basilica Cistern Tickets
Basilica Cistern Tickets
Basilica Cistern Tickets
  • Accessibility: There are elevators and ramps at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern to help visitors with limited mobility in navigating the space. You have to bring your own wheelchair or stroller. 
  • Multimedia guide: Basilica Cistern guided tours and audio guides are available 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. 
Basilica Cistern Tickets
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The floor of the cistern is quite slippery, so make sure to wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to explore the interiors. 
  • Wear a cardigan: Since the Cistern is a damp place, there is a significant drop in temperature underground. Carry a light cardigan on your visit there. 
  • Mind the stairs: You have to descend around 52 stairs to reach the colonnades in the cistern. Mind your step when descending them.  
  • Arrive early: Early mornings are cool and pleasant and are the best time to avoid crowds.
  • Book guided tours: The most structured way to explore the long colonnades of the Basilica Cistern is to book guided tours. An expert tour guide will take you through the rich history and cultural significance of the cistern. You can also opt for an audio-guided tour and explore the cistern at your own pace.

Beyond the Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Blue Mosque
Dolmabahce Palace

Frequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern tickets

Where can I buy Basilica Cistern tickets?

Purchase Basilica Cistern tickets online because it is less time-consuming, saves money, and secures your spot in advance. You can also chance upon great deals and discounts when booking Basilica Cistern online tickets.

What is the cost of Basilica Cistern tickets?

You can avail of Basilica Cistern skip the line tickets at €24. The Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets are around €26. These tickets also allow you to skip ahead of long lines at the cistern.

What are the different types of Basilica Cistern tours available?

There are 3 kinds of Basilica Cistern tours and tickets available for you to choose from- skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets. Basilica Cistern guided tours are perfect for exploring the cistern in depth while the combo tickets are perfect for visitors who want to plan a day trip in and around Sultanahmet. You can explore the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace along with the cistern.

Do my Basilica Cistern tickets include skip-the-line access?

Yes, you can avoid crowds and skip ahead of long lines with your Basilica Cistern tickets. Depending on the ticket you purchase, you can avail of an audio guide in over 8 languages with your skip-the-line tickets.

Are Basilica Cistern guided tours available?

Yes, Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets are available for purchase. You can choose between an English or Spanish-speaking tour guide. You can also enjoy priority access to the attraction with these guided tour tickets.

What is Basilica Cistern?

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, is an underground water storage system built during the 6th century. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this underground cistern provided water to the nearby Great Palace of Constantinople and other important buildings in the city. It is an engineering marvel of the yesteryears that offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul's past.

What are some of the highlights of the Basilica Cistern?

The long colonnades, dimly-lit interiors, the Medusa Heads, and the Weeping Column are some of the most interesting highlights of the Basilica Cistern. Each of these features has legends and anecdotes surrounding them.

Where is Basilica Cistern located?

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is located on Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih in Turkey.

What are the timings of the Basilica Cistern?

The Basilica Cistern is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day throughout the year.

What facilities are available in the Basilica Cistern?

The Basilica Cistern has ramps and elevators to accommodate visitors with limited mobility. You can also bring prams and strollers inside the cistern.

Is the Basilica Cistern wheelchair-accessible?

While the cistern offers ramps and elevators for visitors on wheelchairs, you have to be very careful inside the underground cavern. Although the water has been drained during the restoration, the inside is still quite damp and slippery.

Is photography allowed in the Basilica Cistern?

Yes, you can click pictures inside the Basilica Cistern. Try to avoid using tripods and other commercial equipment that may disturb other visitors.

Should I buy Basilica Cistern tickets in advance?

Yes, since its restoration in the 20th century, the Basilica Cistern has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. So booking tickets in advance to secure your spot is a smart choice.

Millions love heading out with us

Liliana Lopez

Liliana

Oct, 2024
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+ 1 more

It was a surprise to enter such an old and well preserved site, the lighting is perfect and the modern sculptures installed there add a lot of character, we loved not having to wait in line to enter especially because the day was very hot and it is always visited by many people.
View original review in Spanish
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern
Jose z Rivera Flores
MX

Jose

Mexico
Oct, 2024
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It is a wonderful place that we enjoyed very much. It was very crowded to get in but with our e-ticket we got in right away.
View original review in Spanish
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern
Paola Brandi
IT

Paola

Italy
Sep, 2024
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I highly recommend buying headout tickets to skip the ticket buying stuff. For the galata tower you have to wait in line a bit even though you have the ticket already purchased, but it is the line needed to take the elevator . . And it is really worth it. Fantastic scenery..instambul was for me the most intense trip so far with a thousand emotions.
View original review in Italian
Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Audio Guide
Elbesth Maria Paulina Dam Guerrero
CR

Elbesth

Costa Rica
Aug, 2024
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Buying the tickets with Headout was very easy, and practical, we did the visit to the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus cruise without wasting time, showing the tickets through the app and we were done ✅️ Super recommended 👌
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Entry Tickets to Galata Tower with Audio Guide
Barbara Wellington
US

Barbara

United States
Sep, 2024
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I loved how I didn't have to wait in the long line! We had a guide breifly that escorted our group in and gave us an overview of what the cisterns were about. Perfect for us!
Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Clarence Louis Bouchier
AU

Clarence

Australia
Jul, 2024
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Incredible engineering and scope of the cistern. Deniz is a well informed tour guide and really made our experience as enjoyable as possible!
Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Marta Agnieszka Maniak

Marta

Aug, 2024
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+ 2 more

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Maruen laassiri
IT

Maruen

Italy
Aug, 2024
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Arda, our guide, was awesome even tho it was sometimes hard to hear every word he said (to be fair every place we saw was quite crowded). Also the skip the line feature is super useful! There is enough time to take pics and buy water or food during the tour
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Borhene Boulabiar

Borhene

Nov, 2021
Great experience with great guides. I asked the support team for a help with whatsApp and they were so reactive. appreciated
Istanbul Museum Pass: Guided Tour + Skip the Line
Tsvetelina Dobreva

Tsvetelina

Jul, 2022
Our tour guide Hakan was awesome! The service was great, the balance of guided tours excellent for the price we paid. The best information packet and cards were delivered on time and gave ample instructions on redemption. Smooth, simple and god value! Will highly recommend to friends
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Jo Walsh
AU

Jo

Australia
Oct, 2024
Skipping the queue was really handy and having the guide was great. Just to manage expectations he got us through the security areas and then told us a bit about the history of the palace and surrounds. That was great. He pointed out significant collections to go to but didn't take us there himself. That makes sense given it's only a one hour tour. It's a big complex and a lot to see. There were no audio headsets either so you really had to get close to listen which was a bit difficult in a big group.
Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Fulvio Zanolla

Fulvio

Oct, 2024
Among the greatest experiences I've ever witnessed! Nice contribute from the guide with helpful informations about the complex and insights!
Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
francesca bergamini

Francesca

Jun, 2024
The celerity in entering the attractions by skipping the line . The audio guide for Topkapi Palace did not work, only the one for Saint Sophia
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Combo Guided Tours with Entry Tickets: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern
Sara Taddei

Sara

May, 2024
Bene: Headout ha fornito le entrate e ha permesso di saltare la fila, come descritto nell'offerta di acquisto. Male: nella descrizione dell'offerta si parlava di audioguida compresa sia per Aya Sofia che per Topkapi, mentre ho ricevuto l'audioguida solo per Aya Sofia. Organizzazione migliorabile: era chiaro solo il punto di incontro del primo giorno, dove da descrizione sembrava ti dessero i biglietti per entrare in autonomia e alle ore desiderate nelle 3 attrazioni acquistate. Invece ogni entrata doveva essere fissata con una guida, con punti di incontro e orari specifici, ma non ben descritti dalle guide stesse. Nel dubbio di perdersi in questa organizzazione non chiara, anche se avevamo acquistato la possibilità di usufruire delle entrate in 3 giorni, abbiamo preferito visitarle tutte e tre in un giorno, e quindi purtroppo più di fretta di quanto avremmo desiderato.
Combo Guided Tours with Entry Tickets: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern
Oliver Goette
CH

Oliver

Switzerland
Jun, 2024
The 3 guides for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque, Sunken Palace were excellent: there was helpful information and comments that are not in the guidebook and they were very helpful!
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Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise
Ignacio Pacheco Delgado

Ignacio

Dec, 2023
Everything was great, very well organized, the guides were fantastic... only one drawback, it's a pity that there are no guides who speak Spanish. 100% recommendable
View original review in Spanish
Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise
Laura Serrano Esteban

Laura

Oct, 2023
Very good organization. We have been with the guide Seda and she has explained everything very well, very well explained. By taking this experience we got rid of the huge queue we had to enter. For future trips I will check this website
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern with Guided Tour in Spanish
Sergio Velasquez Betancur
CO

Sergio

Colombia
Oct, 2023
Fantastic place! Tour Guide very kind! Its a short Visit. About HEadout app, I think Will be better I we can find more information how to go to other cisterns of Istanbul.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern with Guided Tour in Spanish
Dr Szeszler Györgyi
HU

Dr

Hungary
Mar, 2024
The guided tour was good. It was not clear from the material that the 3 sites are not consecutive, but can be switched. But otherwise it was good.
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Combo: Dolmabahce Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Guided Tour