Basilica Cistern guided tours

Access the Basilica Cistern after dark with fast-track entry, giving you a calmer, more intimate experience away from the daytime crowds.

• Everything you get: Enjoy skip-the-line entry, access to the cistern’s chambers, and a multilingual audio guide that brings its Byzantine history to life.
• Why choose this: Experience the cistern at its most peaceful, learn about fascinating legends of the Medusa heads, and explore one of Istanbul’s most mysterious landmarks without the crowds after dark.

Inclusions #

• Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern at night

• Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions #

• Headphones

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.
• Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.
• Carry wired headphones if you plan to use an audio guide app—Bluetooth often struggles underground.
• Have your phone fully charged for photos and the audio guide (there are no charging stations inside).

What's not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.

Accessibility

• The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.
• Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.
• There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.

Additional information

• Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.
• Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.
• Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.
• The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.
• The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos

What to bring

• Download the audio guide application in advance to ensure smooth access, as mobile connectivity at the site may be unreliable.
• Bring your own earphones to enjoy the audio narration clearly and without interruptions.

Additional information

• Entry tickets allow priority access, but all visitors must still go through the mandatory security screening, which may take up to an hour during busy periods.
• The audio guide app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is offered in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
• Children may be required to show valid passports at the museum entrance to confirm eligibility based on age.
• Admission with a digital pass alone is not permitted; entry to the palace is only possible when accompanied by the tour host.
• Wearing a headset during the guided tour is compulsory, so please carry a valid ID card, which will be temporarily held while the equipment is in use and returned after the tour concludes.
• Meeting point: In front of the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III.
• Guide identification: Purple umbrella or white flag with Istanbul Tourist Pass / istanbul.com logo.
• You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.

Inclusions #

• Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace

• Guided tour

• English-speaking guide

• Access to Harem Section

• Audio guide for IOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions here.
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
• The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
• The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros; there is no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
• The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
• Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
• The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
• The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
• Opt for evening Whirling Dervish shows for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and get introduced to the Sufi legacy of Istanbul.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Inclusions #

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

Inclusions #

• Skip the line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace (including Harem section) & guided tour (optional)

• Skip the line entry to Basilica Cistern & guided tour (optional)

• Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)

Exclusions #

• Headsets

• Hotel transfers

• Meal inclusions

Enjoy a gentle flight above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise on a scenic hot air balloon ride over Goreme Valley.

• Starting point: Enjoy convenient hotel pick-up with a mini-bus transfer from anywhere in Cappadocia to the launch site.
• What’s included: 1-hour hot air balloon flight, light breakfast before take-off, onboard drink, hotel transfers, professional pilot, pre-flight safety briefing, flight certificate, and passenger insurance.
• Sights you'll see: Goreme’s valleys, fairy chimneys, rock formations, the plains of Central Anatolia, and the Cappadocian countryside.
• Why choose this: Witness Goreme's hidden valleys from 300 meters above at golden-hour sunrise, enhanced with a light breakfast and in-flight refreshments.
• Upgrades: Enhance your experience with a celebratory post-flight champagne, orange juice, commemorative medal, and extended regional transfers.

Inclusions #

• Hot air balloon ride over Goreme Valley (approximately 1 hour)

• Pick-up and drop-off from hotels within the Cappadocia region, including Nevsehir, Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, Ortahisar, Cavusin, Mustafapasa (as per option selected)

• Light breakfast before flight

• Passenger insurance by Eureko Insurance Company

• Flight certificate post flight

• Drink during flight (as per option selected)

• Champagne celebration or toast on landing (as per option selected)

• Commemorative medal (as per option selected)

• Bottled water and orange juice (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Video recording of the hot air balloon ride

• Photographs of take-off and landing

• Additional beverages

• Souvenirs

What to bring

• Bring a jacket, as early mornings in Cappadocia can be chilly.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at pickup.

What’s not allowed

• Pets, baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.
• Drones are prohibited.
• There is an age and height restriction for child guests. Children under the age of 6 or under 120 cm in height are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The hot air balloon ride lasts about 1 hour.
• The Daylight Premium option flights take off 30-40 minutes after the first balloon flight.
• The Daylight Premium option includes a maximum of 20 passengers.
• To finalize your reservation, provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, gender, and nationality as required by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority.
• Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs within the Cappadocia region are included.
• Pickup time varies based on the time of sunrise and will be between 4:30 and 8 am, depending on the season. Reconfirm your pickup time and flight status with the provider one day prior to your flight via email.
• All passengers are covered by insurance through Eureko Insurance Company.
• If the hot air balloon flight is canceled due to weather conditions, rescheduling is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
• The hot air balloon will be piloted by an experienced pilot, and a safety briefing will be provided before the flight.
• A light breakfast is provided before the flight.
• The experience includes a post-flight ceremony with a commemorative medal or certificate and a champagne toast for selected tours.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Soar above Istanbul’s skyline for panoramic views from Galata Tower and learn its rich history.

• Everything you get: Enjoy flexible entry and elevator access to the top of the Galata Tower anytime during the day. Explore exhibits detailing its roles as a watchtower, prison, and observatory.
• Why choose this: Experience Istanbul’s most legendary views and explore centuries of history in one visit, at your own pace, with tickets valid for a whole day.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide, hosted entry, flexible tickets, or a guided tour of the Old Town and the Blue Mosque.

Inclusions #

• Ticket to Galata Tower

• Elevator access to the top

Additional paid upgrades:

• Downloadable multilingual audioguide in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Romanian, Russian, and Chinese

• Timed hosted entry to Galata Tower

• Short guided introduction about the Galata Tower

• 60-min Blue Mosque guided tour with entry

• Istanbul Sultanahmet Square guided tour

• Visit to the Obelisk of Theodosius

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

• Hotel transfers

• Transportation

What to bring

• Bring your ticket (received via booking confirmation email) and keep it with you throughout your visit, as you may be asked to present it at the exit.
• Ensure your smartphone is fully charged and bring your own headphones to use the audio guide.
• Download the audio guide in advance to avoid connectivity issues during your visit.

What’s not allowed

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the tower.
• Pets are not permitted.
• Skipping the security line is not possible; all visitors must wait in this queue.

Accessibility

• The Galata Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The ticket is valid for the entire day within the venue’s operating hours (Monday–Sunday: 8:30am–10pm; Saturday until 11pm).
• During the high season, especially in summer, you may encounter wait times to enter the monument.
• Elevator access is available to the top of the tower.
• This ticket only allows you to bypass the ticket line at the venue; the line may vary by season and crowd levels.
• You must go through the elevator queue, which cannot be skipped with this ticket and may involve an average wait time of 40–45 minutes, especially during peak hours.

Istanbul HOHO

• First Bus: 10am from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
• Last Bus: 4:45pm from Taksim Sqaure/Sultanahmet
• Frequency: every 45 minutes
• Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace

Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Inclusions #

Istanbul HOHO

• 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass

• Audio commentary in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian & Turkish

• Free earphones

Galata Tower

• Entry to Galata Tower (Close to stop #4 Galataport)

• Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower

Istanbul HOHO

• The routes, stops and departure times may change temporarily under uncontrollable circumstances.
• During peak hours, seating cannot be guaranteed on both decks.

Galata Tower

• Tip: Walk around the entire observation deck to experience the city from every angle. Don't miss the views towards the Golden Horn.
• The tower is wheelchair accessible only till the 7th floor.
• Specific details related to the Galata Tower will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Inclusions #

Hagia Sophia

• 1-hour audio guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Self-paced exploration after guided tour

• Audio guide app in 23 languages

Galata Tower

• Entry to Galata Tower

• Downloadable audio guide

• Express elevator to the lookout platform

Exclusions #

Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower

• Headphones

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Look for the intricate Ottoman calligraphy inscriptions throughout the Hagia Sophia, especially the large medallions with verses from the Quran.
• During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
• Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
• Strict dress code: Guests must dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. Women should also partially cover their hair with a scarf.
• Hagia Sophia features ramps and elevators for wheelchair accessibility.

Galata Tower

• Tip: After soaking in the breathtaking views from the Galata Tower, head down to Karaköy for a refreshing Turkish coffee at the Spice Bazaar.
• The Galata Tower's observation deck requires climbing over 200 stairs. This may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Inclusions #

Bosphorus cruise

• 90-minute Bosphorus cruise

• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese

Galata Tower

• Entry to Galata Tower

• Downloadable audio guide

• Express elevator to the lookout platform

Exclusions #

Bosphorus cruise

• Headphones

Bosphorus cruise

• Galata Tower
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Ciragan Palace
• Ortaköy Mosque
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Üsküdar
• Maiden Tower
• Topkapi Palace
• Hagia Sophia
• Seaside Villas

Galata Tower

• Tip: Treat yourself to traditional Turkish delicacies at the Galata Restaurant at the top of the tower.
• The Galata Tower's observation deck requires climbing over 200 stairs. This may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

Bosphorus cruise

• Tip: After the cruise, savor fresh seafood delicacies at Anadolu Kavigi, a fishing village that used to be a checkpoint since Byzantine times.

Save time with skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul's top historical sites: the Galata Tower and the Topkapi Palace.

• Everything you get at Galata Tower: Soar above the Golden Horn with skip-the-line entry to the historic tower. Ride the elevator to the top for 360° panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus, then explore the tower's exhibits at your own pace with a dedicated audio guide.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Explore the former seat of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, with a multilingual audio guide. Get skip-the-line entry led by a host, and tour the First and Second Courtyards, see the Divan, and admire the famous porcelain collection.
• Why choose this combo: Save money and maximise your sightseeing efficiency by avoiding the lines at both attractions, saving hours of waiting time.

Inclusions #

Galata Tower

• Skip-the-line entry to Galata Tower

• Elevator access to the top

• Multilingual audioguide

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line hosted entry to Topkapi Palace

• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem Museum

• Multilingual audioguide

Exclusions #

Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace

• Hotels transfers

• Food and drink

What to bring

Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace

• Ensure your smartphone is fully charged and bring your own headphones to use the audio guide.
• Download the audio guide in advance to avoid connectivity issues during your visit.

Galata Tower

• Bring your ticket (received via booking confirmation email) and keep it with you throughout your visit, as you may be asked to present it at the exit.

What’s not allowed

Galata Tower

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the tower.
• Pets are not permitted at the venues.
• Skipping the security line is not possible; all visitors must wait in this queue.

Accessibility

Galata Tower

• The Galata Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Galata Tower

• The ticket is valid for the entire day within the venue’s operating hours (Monday–Sunday: 8:30am–10pm; Saturday until 11pm).
• During high season, especially in summer, you may encounter wait times to enter the monument.
• Elevator access is available to the top of the tower.

Topkapi Palace

• Note that you will be able to enter the Topkapi Palace only with a representative. Meet your host at the meeting point, who will then take you inside the palace.
• Be sure to arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before your scheduled entry time.
• The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You'll find instructions on how to use the audio guide app in your ticket voucher.
• Please note that there is limited internet at the museum, so download the audio guide app before your visit. The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated).
• Enter the palace and stay as long as you want until its closing time of 5pm.