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Plan Your Visit to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul | Opening Hours, Location, Visitor Tips & More
Basilica CisternPlan Your Visit
Basilica Cistern at a glance
- What are the Basilica Cistern’s opening hours?
You can visit the Basilica Cistern from 9 AM to 10 PM every day of the year. - Where is the Basilica Cistern located?
The Basilica Cistern is situated on Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey. - How many entrances does the Basilica Cistern have?
The Basilica Cistern has one main entrance located near the Hagia Sophia on Yerebatan Caddesi street. - How many visitors does the Basilica Cistern get per year?
Around 2.2 million tourists visit the Basilica Cistern annually.
Book Basilica Cistern tickets
What are the Basilica Cistern’s opening hours?
Open: every day of the year
Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
Duration of Visit: 30 mins to 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to October to enjoy the pleasant autumn temperatures in Istanbul
Basilica Cistern opening hoursWhere is Basilica Cistern located?
Basilica Cistern address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey
Find on Maps
The Basilica Cistern is in the heart of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. It is a bustling area with mosques, buildings, restaurants, and cafes. The Square is known for its rich culture and history. If you want to make the most of your visit, arrive at Sultanahmet Square and plan a day trip to visit its famous attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. This district is also characterized by its narrow, winding streets, lined with vibrant bazaars and Ottoman-style buildings.
Nearest landmarks: Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern locationGetting to the Basilica Cistern
By public transport
- By train: Marmaray train
Nearest station: Sirkeci station - By tram: T1 line at Kabataş metro station
Nearest station: Sultanahmet station - By bus: HAVAIST bus
Nearest stop: Sultanahmet bus stop - By metro: M11 metro line and M1A
Nearest station: Yenikapı Station
By car
The distance from the Istanbul Airport to the Basilica Cistern is 45.4 km.
Parking facilities:
- Günaydın Otopark Sultanahmet (300 m)
- Dalbasti parking (350 m)
- İspark 540 (350 m)
- Kabasakal Medrese Önu (400 m)
Know before you go
Facilities
Tips
Dine
Stay
Nearby
- Accessibility: There are elevators and ramps at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern to help visitors with limited mobility navigate the space. You have to bring your own wheelchair or stroller.
- Photography: Yes, you can click pictures inside the Basilica Cistern. However, you must be mindful of your surroundings as the floor is wet and slippery. Try to avoid setting up tripods or other commercial equipment as they may disturb other visitors.
- ATM: An ATM is available near the entrance of Basilica Cistern.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The floor of the cistern is quite slippery, so make sure to wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to explore the interiors.
- Mind the stairs: You have to descend around 52 stairs to reach the colonnades in the cistern. Mind your step when descending them.
- Carry a cardigan: The Basilica Cistern is underneath the surface, where it is cold, damp, and musty. It is best to carry a light cardigan when visiting the cistern.
- Follow the photography guidelines: Avoid using tripods and other commercial photography equipment to click pictures as they may disturb other visitors.
- Reach Early: The Basilica Cistern is a popular attraction and attracts tons of visitors throughout the year. Make sure to reach early in the morning or book your tickets online in advance to reserve your spot.
- Basilica Restaurant: Situated right across the Basilica Cistern, this restaurant offers delectable food including kebabs and shisha to their guests. (14 m)
- Omar Restaurant: This establishment near the cistern is known for its Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, and Turkish cuisine. Their menu is also vegetarian-friendly. (9 m)
- Nars Brasserie: They have a delectable range of steaks, Spanish, and Middle-Eastern dishes. You can also find vegan, halal, and vegetarian food in this restaurant. (9 m)
- Sebil Cafe: If you are looking for a wheelchair-accessible cafe that serves Turkish cuisine, head to the Sebil Cafe near the Basilica Cistern. (3.4 km)
- Adella Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes for its guests. They also have a wine bar. (1.4 km)
- Cafe Lokum: This is a vegetarian-friendly cafe that serves breakfast, brunch, as well after-hours meals. It also has a bar for its guests. (9 m)
- Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul is a monument, known for its grand dome and blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. Once a church, it has later functioned as a mosque, and a museum, and is now a mosque again.
- Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace is a testament to the splendor and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Once the residence of Sultans, it now houses a museum showcasing exquisite artifacts, including precious jewels, ceramics, and manuscripts.
- Dolmabahce Palace: Constructed in the 19th century, the Dolmabahce Palace served as the administrative center and residence of Ottoman sultans. Its ornate interiors, stunning crystal chandeliers, and waterfront location make it a captivating attraction for visitors.
- Blue Mosque: Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque, is adorned with exquisite blue tiles and 6 minarets. Its spacious interior, adorned with intricate calligraphy and stunning domes, offers a serene atmosphere for prayer and contemplation.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
How do I book tickets to the Basilica Cistern?
You can book your Basilica Cistern tickets online to save time and money. Booking tickets online is convenient as you can do so with just a few clicks from the comfort of your home.
How much does it cost to visit the Basilica Cistern?
Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets are around €24. If you are interested in Byzantine architecture and history, you may also choose the Basilica Cistern guided tour for €26.
What are the Basilica Cistern’s opening hours?
The Basilica Cistern is open from 9 AM to 10 PM every day of the year.
What is the best time to visit Basilica Cistern?
The months of March to May and September to October are the best months to visit the Basilica Cistern. The weather is comfortable and pleasant, ideal for strolling around the streets of Istanbul. However, these months also attract the highest number of tourists to the city, so make sure to book your Basilica Cistern tickets in advance.
How much time does it take to visit Basilica Cistern?
You can stroll around the long colonnades, look at the Medusa Heads, observe the Weeping Column, and take in the architectural splendor of the Basilica Cistern within around 30 minutes to an hour.
Where is the Basilica Cistern located?
The Basilica Cistern is located in Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey.
How many entrances are there at the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern has one main entrance near the Hagia Sophia.
Is the Basilica Cistern wheelchair accessible?
Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible. The entrance has an elevator, from where you can enter the premises. However, please note that the Basilica Cistern has slippery surfaces owing to the water accumulated there, hence it is quite difficult to navigate through the area on wheelchairs.
Is there a dress code to be followed at the Basilica Cistern?
While there is no Basilica Cistern dress code to be followed at the Basilica Cistern, you must wear comfortable, closed shoes when visiting the cistern. The floor is wet and slippery, so you should wear footwear with a good grip.
Are prams allowed in the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, prams and strollers are allowed in the Basilica Cistern.
Is photography permitted inside the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, you can click pictures inside the Basilica Cistern, however, make sure to not use tripods or other commercial equipment that may disturb other visitors.
Is there a cloakroom at the Basilica Cistern?
If you have a large trolley, backpack, or extra belongings that you want to drop off before entering the Basilica Cistern, drop them off at Sultanahmet Square or the Sirkeci station. You will find luggage storage spots in these areas.
Are strollers or wheelchairs available at the Basilica Cistern?
No, you cannot avail of strollers and wheelchairs from the Basilica Cistern. You have to bring your own wheelchair when visiting the cistern.
