Basilica Cistern guided tours

Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with a single flexible combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Skip-the-line entry and the chance to explore the calm of the Upper Gallery at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Gain fast-track entry and explore Istanbul’s underground chamber and the mysterious Medusa heads, with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Fast-track entry to the Harem’s and museum's ornate chambers, accompanied by your audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: With just a single ticket, explore three of Istanbul’s top landmarks, with no long waits, all located just minutes apart, while saving money.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem (Royal Apartments & Imperial Hall)

• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)

• Audio guide downloadable in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

• Bring a scarf to cover your head when entering the mosque.

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

• Do not bring large bags, filming equipment, or tripods inside the Basilica Cistern.

Hagia Sophia

• Do not bring large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks inside.

Topkapi Palace

• Follow photography rules in the Harem, as some rooms restrict photos. Do not bring food or large bags into certain areas.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

• The Basilica Cistern is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some areas have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways.

Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas have steps without ramps, which can be difficult for people using wheelchairs.

Topkapi Palace

• Topkapi Palace is partially wheelchair accessible. Some rooms, especially in the Harem, have limited access.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

• Walk the full loop to see the Medusa heads at the far end. They are worth examining closely.
• Skip-the-line tickets help, but all visitors must pass standard security screening.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a calmer experience.
• The lighting is low to preserve the atmosphere. Use night mode or steady your camera for better photos.

Hagia Sophia

• Prepare for security checks, which can take time during the summer months.
• Visit the Upper Gallery; the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
• Plan your visit around prayer times to avoid restricted areas.
• The mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.

Topkapi Palace

• Explore the Harem to see the palace’s most intricate art and architecture.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid long security lines.
• Skip-the-line tickets bypass ticket queues but not security checks, which usually take 30 to 40 minutes from June to August.
• View the Spoonmaker’s Diamond using the reflections on the wall, as the room is dimly lit.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single combo ticket and skip the crowds.

• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Get quick entry to the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets and explore at your own pace with insights from an audio guide available in 10+ languages.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Get fast-track entry to Hagia Sophia, access the Upper Gallery and explore key highlights with an included audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with one discounted combo ticket—two iconic sites, one great deal, just 110 meters apart.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish

• Option to explore with a live guide

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish

• Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area

• Option to explore with a live guide

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

• Bring along a scarf to use as a cover before entering the mosque

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.

Hagia Sophia

• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
• Large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

• Basilica Cistern is not entirely wheelchair accessible, as some areas may have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways, despite the main stairs having ramps.

Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is not entirely wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon (post 4pm) or early evening.
• Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
• Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
• The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.
• Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end and are worth viewing from every angle!

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are mandatory even with your skip-the-line tickets, and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
• Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
• Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Please dress modestly—both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and women are required to cover their heads inside. Bring a scarf, or use one provided at the entrance.

Traverse Istanbul’s dark underground and cruise the Bosphorus with skip-the-line entry and a multilingual audio guide—all in one day.

• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Skip long lines and see 336 ancient columns, the haunting Medusa heads and the tear-carved ‘Weeping Column’, with a 5+ language audio guide in Istanbul’s largest underground cistern.
• Everything you get on Bosphorus Cruise: Cruise the Bosphorus for 90 minutes with skip-the-line entry at the pier. Meet a marine officer before boarding, get a detailed route map, and enjoy stories via a multilingual audio guide, while enjoying views of Istanbul’s top landmarks.
• Why choose this combo: Unlike other tours, this combo offers a seamless, immersive way to experience two of Istanbul’s most iconic and contrasting landmarks—with skip-the-line access and engaging stories throughout.

Inclusions #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Turkish

• Headset

Bosphorus cruise

• Skip-the-line entry at the pier

• 90-minute cruise along the strait

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

• Meet & greet with a marine officer

• Bosphorus cruise map

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line tickets cut wait time, but you will still be required to go through a security check. This can take up to 30 minutes in peak season (June to August).
• The Medusa heads are at the highlight of the visit and are at the far end— make sure you don’t miss them.
• The floors are damp and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes with a good grip.
• The downloadable audio guide works best with Android 10 or later models.

Bosphorus cruise

• The cruise departs near tram line no.1 and the funicular at Dolmabahce Palace, behind the red petrol station. Boats depart every hour, so be sure to arrive 15–20 minutes early.
• The upper deck offers the best views for photos and fills up quickly. Make sure you come early to grab a seat.
• Download the audio guide before arriving to save time.

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

• 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—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 (choose 2/4/10 depending on your pass tier)

  • 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

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.

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 #

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern (Close to stop #1 Sultanahmet)

• Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish

Istanbul HOHO

• 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass

• Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic & Turkish

• Free earphones

Exclusions #

Istanbul HOHO

• Entry to attractions

• Guided visits inside attractions

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Observe the carp swimming in the water. The fish add a dynamic element to the cistern, often visible from the raised platforms.
• It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• Specific details related to Basilica Cistern will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Istanbul HOHO

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

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.