Can I book a Basilica Cistern guided tour?

Yes, you can book <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/" text="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 <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/" text="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?

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 <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/about-basilica-cistern/" text="Basilica Cistern" />, <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.bluemosquetickets.com/" text="Blue Mosque" />, and <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.hagia-sophia-tickets.com/" text="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 <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/about-basilica-cistern/" text="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.

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour | Skip-the-Line Entry

Guided Tours

4.3(0)

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Skip the lines and explore the Basilica Cistern with flexibility to add more landmarks and guides.

Everything you get: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and a 1-hour guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, or opt for a self-guided experience with a multilingual audio app. You can also add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for a deeper dive into Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Why choose this: This tour gives you the flexibility to choose between a guided tour or a self-guided audio app to explore the Basilica Cistern. Skip-the-line access saves time, letting you dive straight into the experience.
Upgrades: Enhance your visit with guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, providing in-depth insights into two of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, all in one seamless experience.

Skip the lines and explore the Basilica Cistern with flexibility to add more landmarks and guides.

Everything you get: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and a 1-hour guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, or opt for a self-guided experience with a multilingual audio app. You can also add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for a deeper dive into Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Why choose this: This tour gives you the flexibility to choose between a guided tour or a self-guided audio app to explore the Basilica Cistern. Skip-the-line access saves time, letting you dive straight into the experience.
Upgrades: Enhance your visit with guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, providing in-depth insights into two of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, all in one seamless experience.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
Guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
Entry to Blue Mosque (based on option selected)
Guided tour of Blue Mosque (based on option selected)
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio app for iOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish
Headset

Basilica Cistern

Tip: The famous Medusa columns are easy to miss if you head out too early; walk all the way to the back.
Your ticket lets you skip the long lines, but you’ll still need to go through the security check.
Mornings and evenings are quieter; avoid midday hours when large tour groups and cruise visitors typically arrive.
The lighting is intentionally dim; use your phone’s night mode for better photos.
The damp floor can be slippery in some areas—wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Be prepared for security checks; expect up to 60 minutes of wait time during the peak season (June to August).
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.
Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from 12pm to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
Dress modestly—cover shoulders, arms, and knees. Women need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

Tip: Dress modestly to avoid delays at the entrance; long pants and covered shoulders are recommended for everyone.
The mosque closes to tourists five times a day for prayers.
You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering. Bring a small bag to carry them easily.

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

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

1 hr. - 4 hr.

Combos

4.3(0)

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Save big with this time-saving combo that covers Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern—two must-sees, one booking, zero hassle.

Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Slip beneath the city into Istanbul’s iconic Basilica Cistern. Skip the lines and explore with a multilingual audio guide app.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Bypass the ticket lines and head straight into Hagia Sophia’s iconic halls. Includes exclusive Upper Gallery access and an audio guide in 5 languages.
Why choose this: Just 110 meters apart, these landmarks are right next to each other. From sunlit mosaics to ancient marble columns, get a crash course in Istanbul’s layered history, and explore at your own pace with full flexibility and zero scheduling stress.

Save big with this time-saving combo that covers Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern—two must-sees, one booking, zero hassle.

Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Slip beneath the city into Istanbul’s iconic Basilica Cistern. Skip the lines and explore with a multilingual audio guide app.
Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Bypass the ticket lines and head straight into Hagia Sophia’s iconic halls. Includes exclusive Upper Gallery access and an audio guide in 5 languages.
Why choose this: Just 110 meters apart, these landmarks are right next to each other. From sunlit mosaics to ancient marble columns, get a crash course in Istanbul’s layered history, and explore at your own pace with full flexibility and zero scheduling stress.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry
Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

Skip-the-line entry
Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Crowds build up fast after mid-morning, especially when cruise ships are in port. Try visiting in the late afternoon or early evening for a quieter experience.
Your ticket lets you skip the long lines, but you’ll still need to go through the security check.
Even in summer, the air inside is cool and damp; bring a light layer to stay comfortable.
Footwear matters; choose shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping on the wet stone floor.
The entrance has a ramp, and a platform lift is available at the exit, but the inside has uneven flooring. Bring along a companion to stroll around with ease.
Bluetooth headphones do not function properly underground, so opt for wired ones if using an audio guide.
Flash photography is not allowed.
The Medusa heads are easy to miss. Follow the full path to the end, and view them from all angles.
Pause in the central section and listen. The soft echoes and dripping water create a surreal ambiance.
Look for reflections in the still water beneath the columns; they make for dramatic, moody photos.
Give your eyes a moment to adjust to the low lighting before snapping pictures.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Be prepared for security checks; expect up to 60 minutes of wait time during the peak season (June to August).
You can bypass the ticket lines, but the security check is mandatory.
Get skip-the-line tickets or arrive early, especially during peak tourist months, to avoid long lines.
The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from 12pm to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
Dress modestly—cover shoulders, arms, and knees. Women need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance.
Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted; use a small bag.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Check availability

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

Combos

4.2(0)

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

Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern with one all-access ticket, complete with audio guides and skip-the-line entry at each.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Walk straight into Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, gaze up at golden mosaics from the Upper Gallery, and hear the echoes of Byzantine and Ottoman empires in every arch.
Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Enter Topkapi Palace without the wait and wander through the Harem’s ornate chambers. See treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and relics once guarded by sultans.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Step into the shadowy Basilica Cistern, where flickering light dances across ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stare beneath the water.
Why choose this: With the 3-in-1 combo, save money and skip the hassle of separate bookings. All three sites are just a five-minute walk apart—no transfers, no stress. Download the audio guides on your phone and dive into the stories in your own time and your preferred language.

Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern with one all-access ticket, complete with audio guides and skip-the-line entry at each.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Walk straight into Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, gaze up at golden mosaics from the Upper Gallery, and hear the echoes of Byzantine and Ottoman empires in every arch.
Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Enter Topkapi Palace without the wait and wander through the Harem’s ornate chambers. See treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and relics once guarded by sultans.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Step into the shadowy Basilica Cistern, where flickering light dances across ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stare beneath the water.
Why choose this: With the 3-in-1 combo, save money and skip the hassle of separate bookings. All three sites are just a five-minute walk apart—no transfers, no stress. Download the audio guides on your phone and dive into the stories in your own time and your preferred language.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry
Audio app for iOS and Android 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 in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry
Access to Topkapi Palace Harem, including Royal Apartments & the Imperial Hall
Access to Topkapi Palace Museum, including the Treasury and Sacred Relics Room
Audio guide in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Make sure to follow the full path before heading to the exit. The Medusa heads are at the far end.
Skip-the-line access saves time, but all guests must still pass through standard security screening.
For a quieter visit, aim for early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the space feels more serene.
Surfaces can be slick in spots. Choose footwear that’s stable and slip-resistant.
The lighting is low to preserve the mood; switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer shots.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Security checks are mandatory for all visitors. During summer, the queue can stretch beyond the courtyard.
Only the upper level is accessible to tourists. The ground floor prayer halls are reserved for worshippers.
You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.
On Fridays, tourist entry is closed from noon to mid-afternoon to accommodate Friday prayers.
Modest attire is a must; scarves are provided at the entrance if you don't bring your own.

Topkapi Palace

Tip: Some of the most beautiful tilework in the palace is housed inside the Harem. Make sure to stop by.
The skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticketing lines. Security checks are mandatory and take about 30 to 40 minutes between June and August.
Security lines can stretch long in the morning. Visit in the late afternoon hours or right when it opens for a smoother entry.
Photography is not allowed in many of the Harem rooms and the Treasury. Check the signs before taking pictures.
The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the palace’s highlights, is often behind glass in a dim room. Look at the reflection on the wall to view it clearly.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Check availability

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

Guided Tours

4.3(0)

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

Want the full Istanbul experience with big savings? This guided combo lets you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all in one seamless tour.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Look up at golden mosaics and take in sweeping views from the Upper Gallery where emperors once stood.
Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Step into a vast prayer hall glowing with stained glass and 20,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: And below the city, explore the 6th-century cistern, where shadowy columns and Medusa heads wait in flickering silence.
Why choose this: With the landmarks just minutes apart, you can walk from one sight to the next; no transfers, no logistics, no hassle. Explore each site with a passionate, English-speaking guide who brings centuries of history to life through stories you won’t find on the signs.

Want the full Istanbul experience with big savings? This guided combo lets you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all in one seamless tour.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Look up at golden mosaics and take in sweeping views from the Upper Gallery where emperors once stood.
Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Step into a vast prayer hall glowing with stained glass and 20,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: And below the city, explore the 6th-century cistern, where shadowy columns and Medusa heads wait in flickering silence.
Why choose this: With the landmarks just minutes apart, you can walk from one sight to the next; no transfers, no logistics, no hassle. Explore each site with a passionate, English-speaking guide who brings centuries of history to life through stories you won’t find on the signs.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque
Entry to the Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking guide

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Don’t exit too quickly. Walk to the far end of the cistern to catch the Medusa heads, which many people overlook.
Skip-the-line tickets help you avoid long queues, but security screening is still mandatory for all visitors.
For fewer crowds and a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the evening.
The lighting inside is low for ambience; switch on night mode or steady your phone for clearer shots.
Some parts of the floor are slick. Sturdy footwear with grip will help you walk safely.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Allow extra time for entry. Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June to August).
The main prayer hall is restricted to tourists. Visitors are welcome to explore the upper floor visiting area instead.
Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
Modest dress is required. Everyone should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Women must keep their heads covered. Scarves are available at the entrance if you forget to carry your own.

Blue Mosque

Tip: The mosque closes to non-worshippers during each of the five daily prayers, so check timings before your visit.
Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
You’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. Carry a small bag to keep them with you.

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.

‌

Check availability

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.

City Cards

4.4(0)

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

Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.

Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.

Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Inclusions

Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/0 depending on your pass tier)
Guided tours: Asian side walking tour & hop-on hop-off bus tour (based on your pass tier)
Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience & Dervish ceremony (based on your pass tier)
Blue Mosque guided tour
Bosphorus dinner cruise
5-ride Istanbul transportation card
Multilingual audio guides for all attractions
Digital guidebook
City, tram, and metro map

Get the list of included attractions here.
All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
Your pass is valid for 7 consecutive days starting from the first time you use it.
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 Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Your selected attraction tickets will be sent via email. If you’ve chosen the Deluxe Pass, you’ll receive tickets for all included experiences.
Show the PDF tickets on your phone, or print a physical copy if you prefer.
You can edit your chosen list of attractions anytime, and cancel your pass free of charge up to one day before your chosen start date.

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

‌

Check availability

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

Audio guide

Guided tour

Combos

4.4(0)

Galata Tower Entry Tickets

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.

‌

Check availability

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Combos

4.2(0)

Combo (Save 10%): Blue Mosque Guided Tour + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Love a good deal? Save more while exploring the Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.

Save 13% with this combo offering a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, then breeze past queues at Basilica Cistern to wander among water-lit columns with an audio guide.
No unnecessary detours! These landmarks are just a few minutes apart, so you can stroll from one to the other without losing time on travel.
Spend 3-4 hours on a guided Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then explore the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or a different day, based on your preference.

Love a good deal? Save more while exploring the Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.

Save 13% with this combo offering a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, then breeze past queues at Basilica Cistern to wander among water-lit columns with an audio guide.
No unnecessary detours! These landmarks are just a few minutes apart, so you can stroll from one to the other without losing time on travel.
Spend 3-4 hours on a guided Blue Mosque and Old Town tour, then explore the Basilica Cistern in about 1 hour on the same day or a different day, based on your preference.

Inclusions Blue Mosque

1-hour guided tour of the Blue Mosque
Entry to Blue Mosque
Expert English-speaking licensed guide
Walking tour around Old Town
Istanbul Old Town map

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

Blue Mosque

Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to visit after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.

Basilica Cistern

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Check availability

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

Guided tour

Guided Tours

4.2(0)

Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace & Harem with Skip-the-Line Tickets

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.