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Basilica Cistern guided tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
Combos
Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
from €71.50
€64.98
9% off
- 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 5 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.
Combos
Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
from €131.40
€121.53
8% off
- 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.
Guided Tours
Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- 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.
- 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.
Combos
Combo (Save 12%): Galata Tower Tickets + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets with Audio Guide
from €57.50
€50.72
12% off
- Ready for an Istanbul adventure? This budget-friendly combo lets you conquer the city's must-sees and marvel at its skyline from land and sea.
- Board a Bosphorus cruise that takes you past ancient giants like Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress, sharing the Bosphorus with the Istanbul Sapphire.
- Don't just see the sights, hear their stories! This 90-minute cruise with an audio guide brings history to life as you sail by.
- Once a watchtower guarding Constantinople, the Galata Tower now boasts spectacular views of old and new Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia.
- Learn the rich history of the Galata Tower, spanning the Byzantine and Ottoman eras to modern Turkey, through a downloadable audio guide.
- Ready for an Istanbul adventure? This budget-friendly combo lets you conquer the city's must-sees and marvel at its skyline from land and sea.
- Board a Bosphorus cruise that takes you past ancient giants like Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress, sharing the Bosphorus with the Istanbul Sapphire.
- Don't just see the sights, hear their stories! This 90-minute cruise with an audio guide brings history to life as you sail by.
- Once a watchtower guarding Constantinople, the Galata Tower now boasts spectacular views of old and new Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia.
- Learn the rich history of the Galata Tower, spanning the Byzantine and Ottoman eras to modern Turkey, through a downloadable audio guide.
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.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Get a magnificent bird’s eye view of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower and enjoy a hassle-free experience with an express elevator to the lookout platform.
- Catch sight of landmarks like the Hagia Sophia Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque, or the Topkapi Palace.
- Be a local in Istanbul as you take to its ancient and vibrant streets between Taksim and Karaköy.
- Ride one of the oldest subways in the world before you explore Istiklal Street.
- Enjoy access to the Galata Tower with an optional audio guide app that shares fun facts about the tower.
- Get a magnificent bird’s eye view of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower and enjoy a hassle-free experience with an express elevator to the lookout platform.
- Catch sight of landmarks like the Hagia Sophia Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque, or the Topkapi Palace.
- Be a local in Istanbul as you take to its ancient and vibrant streets between Taksim and Karaköy.
- Ride one of the oldest subways in the world before you explore Istiklal Street.
- Enjoy access to the Galata Tower with an optional audio guide app that shares fun facts about the tower.
Inclusions
- Entry to Galata Tower
- Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower
- Audio guide app (Optional)
Exclusions
- Meals
- Hotel transfers
- Transport
- Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or a camera with panoramic capabilities to capture the expansive views of Istanbul from the top of the tower.
- Please note that there is mostly no internet or very little signal in the museum. Please download the Audio Guide App on your own smartphone before your visit.
- Remember to bring your earphones.
- Please check your voucher for the audio guide instructions.
- Note: As of Nov 1, 2023, the Observation Terrace on the 8th floor will be closed due to restoration. Other floors can still be visited.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo (Save 13%): Galata Tower Tickets + Basilica Cistern Tickets with Audio Guide
from €85
€73.90
13% off
- Gain entry to Galata Tower and fast-track access to Basilica Cistern, all in one cost-saving combo.
- Ride the elevator up Galata Tower, an ancient watchtower, for panoramic views of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Capture stunning Istanbul views at your own pace, with unlimited time for photography, and enjoy the multilingual audio guide for enhanced insights.
- Jump ahead in line with skip-the-line tickets and be amazed by this sunken palace, which has a huge artificial lake as big as two football fields.
- Learn about the Basilica Cistern's rich history and Byzantine engineering mastery with a multilingual audio guide available in eight languages.
- Gain entry to Galata Tower and fast-track access to Basilica Cistern, all in one cost-saving combo.
- Ride the elevator up Galata Tower, an ancient watchtower, for panoramic views of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Capture stunning Istanbul views at your own pace, with unlimited time for photography, and enjoy the multilingual audio guide for enhanced insights.
- Jump ahead in line with skip-the-line tickets and be amazed by this sunken palace, which has a huge artificial lake as big as two football fields.
- Learn about the Basilica Cistern's rich history and Byzantine engineering mastery with a multilingual audio guide available in eight languages.
Inclusions
Galata Tower
- Entry tickets to Galata Tower
- Multilingual audio guide
- Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower
Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
- Instant mobile ticket
- Multilingual audio guide
Galata Tower
- Tip: Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the panoramic views from the top of the tower.
- Remember to bring your earphones.
Basilica Cistern
- Tip: The ground inside the cistern can be uneven and slippery in some areas, so wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Visit the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, a landmark that served as their home for over 400 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating journey into Turkish history and culture.
- With skip-the-line entry, follow your expert guide to learn about the fascinating history of the palace built as the Ottomans conquered Istanbul and all that you see around you.
- Marvel at the Ottoman Army's weapons, beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art, and discover a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the palace kitchen.
- The Holy Relics Chamber includes items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
- You can also visit the Harem section, once the abode of the Sultan and his family, decorated with beautiful Kutahya and Iznik tiles.
- Visit the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, a landmark that served as their home for over 400 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating journey into Turkish history and culture.
- With skip-the-line entry, follow your expert guide to learn about the fascinating history of the palace built as the Ottomans conquered Istanbul and all that you see around you.
- Marvel at the Ottoman Army's weapons, beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art, and discover a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the palace kitchen.
- The Holy Relics Chamber includes items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
- You can also visit the Harem section, once the abode of the Sultan and his family, decorated with beautiful Kutahya and Iznik tiles.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour
- English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Topkapi Palace
- Access to Harem Section
- Audio App for IOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish
- Tip: Monday mornings and the winter are the best times to experience the beauty of the palace in peace as it is the least crowded.
- Audio App for IOS and Android is available in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
- Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums to validate their age.
- This attraction cannot be accessed directly by presenting the digital Pass at the museum. You need to enter with the tour guide.
- It is mandatory for guests to use a headset during the tour. For this reason, be sure to bring your ID card with you when you come to the Topkapi Palace Tour. ID cards will be taken during the use of the headset and will be returned at the end of the tour.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Basilica CisternGuided Tours
Top things to do in Istanbul
Which Basilica Cistern guided tour is best for you?
Guided tour with skip-the-line access
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Suited for: History enthusiasts who are short on time.
Ticket price: €26
Why go for it?
- Skip the long queues and maximize your time exploring the cistern's wonders.
- Gain insights from knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the cistern to life.
- Enjoy access to an audio guide available in 8 languages.
Recommended ticket: Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Combo guided tour
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Suited for: Travelers interested in exploring multiple landmarks of Istanbul.
Ticket price: €79
Why go for it?
- Explore multiple iconic landmarks without the hassle of separate bookings.
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, saving time and avoiding queues.
- Benefit from informative commentary from expert guides, providing deeper insights into the city's rich history and culture.
Recommended ticket: Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Headout Saver Pass
Duration: 3 days
Suited for: Travelers seeking flexibility and convenience while exploring Istanbul's top attractions.
Ticket price: €134
Why go for it?
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to multiple attractions, including the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more.
- Explore Istanbul at your own pace over three days and enjoy a 25% discount on this ticket.
- Benefit from the services of English-speaking guides who provide informative commentary and assistance throughout your tour.
Recommended ticket: Headout Saver: 3-Day Skip-the-Line Tickets to Top Istanbul Attractions
Why take a Basilica Cistern guided tour?
- Enjoy skip-the-line benefits: Basilica Cistern guided tours not only help you avail of an expert tour guide but also offer skip-the-line privileges. You can save time by avoiding the long lines and make the most of your visit to the cistern with guided tour tickets.
- Understand the history in depth: Booking a guided tour is the best way to acquaint yourself with the history, legends, anecdotes, and stories associated with the byzantine cistern and its construction. Knowing these narratives will help you appreciate Istanbul’s multi-faceted history.
- Explore hidden gems: A tour guide will take you on an organized journey inside the Basilica Cistern. You may also get to see unexplored highlights, that you would not have seen otherwise. Tour guides will also help you navigate language and cultural barriers.
- Get a local's perspective: Tour guides often share local customs, old beliefs, and contemporary reiterations that will help you form a comprehensive idea of the Basilica Cistern. You can also learn about their customs and traditions.
Highlights covered on Basilica Cistern tours
Medusa Heads
One of the most iconic highlights of the cistern is the Medusa Heads, one placed sideways and one situated upside down beneath a column. It is believed that they had been removed from an ancient Roman building.
Long Colonnades
As you enter the cistern, you will notice long marble columns supporting the roof. They cast long and winding reflections on the tranquil water surface, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the cistern.
Weeping Column
Around 7000 slaves had labored to build the Basilica Cistern. Several of them died during the 38-year construction period. The cistern has a column, engraved with branches and peacocks to honor their memory.
Frequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern guided tours
Can I book a Basilica Cistern guided tour?
Yes, you can book Basilica Cistern guided tours and learn more about its unique architecture and Byzantine history. An expert tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
How can I book a Basilica Cistern guided tour?
It is best to book Basilica Cistern guided tours online to save time and money. You may also chance upon great deals and discounts when booking tours online.
How much does a Basilica Cistern guided tour cost?
Basilica Cistern guided tours price starts from €26. This includes an English or Spanish-speaking tour guide taking you around the attraction. You will also enjoy skip-the-line access and an audio guide app in over 8 languages.
What are the different types of Basilica Cistern guided tours?
You can choose between 3 types of Basilica Cistern guided. Either pick a guided tour with skip the line access to Basilica Cistern or a combo guided tour that includes access to the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, or a Headout Saver Pass providing skip-the-line tickets to top Istanbul attractions with an English-speaking guide for 3 days.
What is included in Basilica Cistern guided tour tickets?
When you book Basilica Cistern guided tours, you can enjoy skip-the-line benefits, get an expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide, and also avail of an audio app in over 8 languages to delve deeper into the cistern’s history.
Is booking a Basilica Cistern guided tour worth it?
Yes, if you are interested in Byzantine history and architecture, the Basilica Cistern is a must-visit. The marble columns and waterways take you on a journey through the yesteryears when the ancient underground cistern supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and its surrounding areas.
What does the Basilica Cistern guided tour cover?
An expert English or Spanish-speaking tour guide will accompany you on a journey through the Sunken Water Palace aka the Basilica Cistern. You will get up close with the marble columns along the roof, the Medusa Heads, the Weeping Column, and the pristine water surface.
Do the Basilica Cistern guided tours include skip-the-line access?
Yes, you can enjoy skip-the-line benefits with your Basilica Cistern guided tours.
Can I cancel a booked Basilica Cistern guided tour?
Yes, if you have booked your Basilica Cistern guided tours online, you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
How long is the Basilica Cistern guided tour?
A Basilica Cistern guided tour lasts for around an hour.
