Basilica Cistern Tickets

4.4(25.1K Ratings)

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

Basilica Cistern Tickets






From the happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Mariagrazia Collini
IT

Mariagrazia

Italy
Apr 2025
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+1 more

The guide arrived just 3 minutes before the starting time so don't panic if you don't see him 15 minutes before as recommended meeting time. He gave us a very interesting introduction on the water system throughout the history of the city and then we headed to the entrance. We skipped the queue but there were still several hours ahead of us and several visitors. Once downstairs we had a 25 minutes explanation and then we had time for photos and walk around the cystern following the platform path. The guide was good and we extracted the most of it in this hour tour. The cystern is simply fantastic
Donna Deans
GB

Donna

United Kingdom
Nov 2024
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+1 more

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.
José Manuel López Vega
ES

José

Spain
Apr 2025
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The place is impressive (perhaps the most beautiful cistern in the world), but access is a bit slow. In the end, carrying a pre-paid ticket hardly saves you any time.
Verena Mohr
DE

Verena

Germany
Mar 2025
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Buying tickets was easy. The entrance is not so easy to find, but you always get information. The interior is simply beautiful 🤩 Definitely take a look!!!
Ferri Francesco
IT

Ferri

Italy
Feb 2025
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Experience to be had here in Istanbul especially with the guide who took us through all the explanation necessary to understand the whole history up to the present day. Skip the line is essential to avoid long waits.
Javier De Gracia
PA

Javier

Panama
Dec 2024
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Recommended!! It was very easy to find the tour guide and he knew how to explain about the history of the Mosques. They provided us with headphones to hear better what he was talking. Very patient and attentive. Also with no cues! Fantastic
URNEY MAHESH MANORANJAN
IN

Urney

India
Nov 2024
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This ride was the highlight of our trip to Turkey. The view of the sky filled with colourful balloons, and the mesmerising view of the city and the valley from above, was breathtaking. It was an experience that we will cherish forever.
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

Top things to do in Istanbul

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

  • The Basilica Cistern sees heavy foot traffic, especially from June to August, when millions of tourists flock to Istanbul for the summer holidays. Bypass the crowds with skip-the-line tickets and head straight inside. 
  • Please note that these priority entry tickets only allow you to skip the ticketing lines; you will still need to go through a security check before entering.
  • Explore independently with a multilingual audio guide or join a Basilica Cistern guided tour to learn about its role as an ancient water reservoir in Constantinople.
  • The Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet area, making it easy to pair with other nearby attractions like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. Save big with the ​all-in-one combo tickets that allow you to experience multiple sites across Istanbul in one go.
  • Curate your dream itinerary with the ​Istanbul Mega Pass, offering access to 2 to 9 must-visit attractions, guided tours, a free transport card, and incredible savings, all in one easy-to-use pass.
  • The site is partially accessible with a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street, but the walking path inside is uneven and slippery. Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or in low-light areas.
  • The exit from the Basilica Cistern leads to Alemdar Caddesi, a different street from the entrance on Yerebatan Caddesi. Retrace your steps along Alemdar Caddesi to return to Yerebatan Caddesi and the Hagia Sophia area.

Which Basilica Cistern ticket is best for you?

Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Tickets

Audio-guided tours

Best for: Solo explorers who prefer flexible, self-paced sightseeing
Guide: Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German, & Italian

  • Skip ahead of long ticketing lines and enjoy touring the Basilica Cistern with a detailed, multilingual audio guide.

Recommended tours:

Basilica Cistern Guided Tours

Expert-guided tours

Best for: Those who want expert insights and a structured experience
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide and audio app for iOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

  • Get priority entry to the Basilica Cistern and learn about its role as a water storage system for the Byzantine Empire.

Recommended tours:

Istanbul City Cards & Passes

Combo tickets

Best for: Travelers looking to experience multiple attractions in one convenient package
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide and audio app for iOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

  • Experience the best of Istanbul and maximize your savings with all-in-one tickets, including the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more.

Recommended tours:

Why visit the Basilica Cistern?

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
  • Historical significance: Delve into history as you wander through this Byzantine wonder. Learn about the cistern's role in ancient Constantinople's water supply system and its intriguing past, including its transformation into a popular tourist attraction.
  • Subterranean serenity: Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Basilica Cistern's subterranean world. The dimly lit pathways, coupled with the gentle sound of water, create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city above.
  • Marvel at ancient engineering: See the stunning architecture of the underground Basilica Cistern, with large corridors and 336 marble columns highlighting the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering.
  • Experience a visual spectacle: The grand architecture of the underground cistern, highlighted by the soft glow of strategically placed lights, turns your visit into a visual spectacle.
  • Sculpture art: The two columns at the northwestern part of the Basilica Cistern display some of the most beautiful sculpture art, including its famous Medusa Heads. It was believed that Medusa, one of the Gorgon monsters, would guard the Basilica.

Must-see features

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.

Know before you go

Basilica Cistern Tickets

Open: every day of the year

Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM

Duration of visit: 30 mins to 1 hour

Best time to visit Basilica Cistern: April to May and September to October to enjoy pleasant temperatures in Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern opening hours
Basilica Cistern Tickets

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey.
Find on maps

  • By bus: BN1, TB2
    Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square
  • By train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) and Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
    Nearest stop: Marmaray Square or Sultanahmet Square
  • By tram: T1
    Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square
  • By metro: M2
    Nearest stop: Sultanahmet Square
  • By car: The distance from the Istanbul Airport to the Basilica Cistern is 45.4 km.
    Nearest parking: Dalbasti Parking, Ispark 540, and Kabasakal Medrese Onu
Basilica Cistern location
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.
Plan your visit to the Basilica Cistern
hotels near Basilica Cistern
  • Budget stays: 
  • Sultanahmet Hotel Han (500m away)
  • Sultanahmet Nu Hotel (600m away)
  • The Print House Hotel (700m away)
  • Mid-range hotels: 
  • The Million Stone Hotel (400m away)
  • Anthemis Hotel (500m away)
  • Great Fortune Hotel (600m away)
  • Luxury stays: 
  • The And Hotel (600m away)
  • Suadhan Hotel (700m away)
  • Lapis Inn & Spa In Historical Centre (800m away)

Beyond the Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a standing testament to the changing dynasties in Istanbul. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox Church, the Hagia Sophia is now a grand mosque.

Hagia Sophia tickets
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was built in the mid-15th century and was the royal residence and administrative center for the Ottoman Sultans for more than four centuries.

Topkapi Palace tickets
Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque is known for its interior ceramic art, central dome, minarets, marble structures, and landscape art.

Blue Mosque tickets
Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace boasts a fusion of European and Ottoman influences, with enormous chandeliers, well-maintained gardens, and lavish interiors.

Dolmabahce Palace tickets

Frequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern tickets

How much do Basilica Cistern tickets cost?

You can avail of Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets from $32.90. The ​Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets start from €41.80. These tickets also allow you to skip ahead of long lines at the cistern.

What are the different types of Basilica Cistern tours available?

Choose from three types of Basilica Cistern tickets: skip-the-line, guided tours, and combo tickets. Guided tours offer an in-depth experience, while ​combo tickets are ideal for visitors looking to explore nearby attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace in one day.

Do my tickets include skip-the-line access?

Yes, with your Basilica Cistern priority entry tickets, you can skip the long lines and avoid the crowds. Plus, enjoy an audio guide available in over 8 languages for a more informative experience.

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.

Is the Basilica Cistern wheelchair-accessible?

The Basilica Cistern is partially accessible. While there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street, the walking path inside can be uneven and slippery. Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or in low-light areas. Please note, there are no elevators inside, and seating is very limited.

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?

The Basilica Cistern attracts over 2.2 million visitors every year, and during the busy months of June to August, the site can get very crowded. Purchasing tickets ahead of time, especially skip-the-line tickets, will save you time and help you avoid long ticket lines. Online tickets also guarantee entry during your preferred time slot, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit.

More reads

Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Tickets

Basilica Cistern skip the line tickets

Basilica Cistern Guided Tours

Basilica Cistern guided tours

Basilica Cistern History

Basilica Cistern history

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