Basilica Cistern Tickets with Fast Track Entry & Audio Guide
Experience ultimate convenience with our all-day valid Basilica Cistern ticket! Skip the long lines, save up to 2 hours with our fast track entry, and enjoy a free audio guide. Make the most of your visit with total flexibility during opening hours.
Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Ticket and Tour
Skip the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern, save valuable time and enjoy the tour with an official Basilica Cistern guide.
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern
Explore the heritage of the Ottoman Empire in the Old City of Istanbul and inside the Blue Mosque with a local expert guide. Afterwards discover relics from the Byzantine era, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, inside the magical Basilica Cistern.
Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tickets & Tours
Save time and money with this combo ticket & tour, and enjoy hassle-free access to the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern & benefit of an Old City highlights tour.
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tickets
Go on an expedition and see Istanbul's most iconic landmarks on this cost-effective combo tour. Explore the Blue Mosque, learn about the Hagia Sophia and discover the mysterious Basilica Cistern.
Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace Tickets & Tours
Enjoy a guided tour to two of Istanbul's must-see attractions: the mysterious Basilica Cistern, as well the glorious Topkapi Palace. Your cost-effective combo tour includes skip the line ticket admissions and 2 audio guides.
Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Combo
Enjoy a combo tour at legendary locations to see the most magnificent monuments in Istanbul with a passionate guide!
Dolmabahe Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern
Save maximum with this 3-in-1 combo valid for 2 days. Discover Istanbul's iconic Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern with an expert guide!
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern Tickets & Tours
Maximize savings with this 4-in-1 combo tickets & tours. Explore Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with an expert guide!
What is the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most visited attractions, was built as a water reservoir in the 6th century AD during the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. With its significant role in Istanbul's history, this majestic underground structure offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's history and mystique. The cistern has become a crucial symbol for understanding the historical fabric of Istanbul.
Having undergone repairs in various periods, the Basilica Cistern stands resilient, surviving through the ages to the present day. The underground , which met the water needs of Istanbul for thousands of years, sheds light on the city's water history. Embark on our Basilica Cistern tour to take a brief Byzantine journey, unraveling the mysteries of history along the way.
Why Visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul?
Visiting the Basilica Cistern is a journey into the deep ancient history of Istanbul. This unique structure holds a significant place in Istanbul's cultural and historical heritage. The mysterious ambiance of the Basilica Cistern has become a center of attraction for anyone who wants to delve into the past by wandering between columns, some of which reveal hidden gems like the famous Medusa Heads.
Join our Basilica Cistern tour to uncover the fascinating mysteries of the underground cistern, gain insights into its lesser-known facets, and immerse yourself in a cultural journey that promises not just discovery but enchantment.
What to Do in the Basilica Cistern?
Meander through the Basilica Cistern for an excellent opportunity to stroll between rows of columns and be enchanted by history. As you traverse the cistern, the play of light beneath the columns and the soothing sound of water create an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
In addition, the Medusa Heads inside Basilica Cistern are an important detail that attracts the attention of visitors. Beyond its role as a museum, the cistern also hosts concerts and visual feasts, such as light shows. Attending a concert event within this magnificent structure offers a dimensional transition, seamlessly bridging the past and the present.
How to Get to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul?
The Basilica Cistern is located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul and is easily accessible from many points of the city. You can easily reach the cistern by public transportation or on foot.
Here is an overview of the different options:
- On Foot: A leisurely walk from the Blue Mosque will take approximately 5 minutes, about 20 minutes from the Grand Bazaar, and just 2 minutes from Hagia Sophia.
- By Tram: The most convenient way to reach the Basilica Cistern is by tram line T1. Disembark at Sultanahmet station. From there, it's a mere 7-minute walk to the cistern.
- By Metro: From Taksim, take Metro M2 towards Yenikapi, travel three stops to Vezneciler station, then walk five minutes to Laleli-Üniversite tram stop. Board T1 tram towards Kabatas for three stations, reaching Sultanahmet stop. A 3-minute walk from there brings you to the entrance of the underground cistern. The total journey time without transition times is also approximately 25 minutes.
- By Train: For visitors arriving from the Asian side, arriving by train is recommended. The nearest train station to Basilica Cistern is Sirkeci Station on the Marmaray Line Marmaray Istanbul. Conveniently situated opposite the train station is the Sirkeci tram stop. You can hop on the T1 tram towards Bagcilar and comfortably reach Sultanahmet stop. This option proves to be much more comfortable than a 15-minute uphill walk.
- By Bus: Numerous bus lines have stops in close proximity to the Basilica Cistern. Opt for buses 28T, 30D, 46Ç, 47E, 99A, BN1, EM1, and alight at either Sarayburnu or Akbiyik Station. From Sarayburnu station, it's an 18-minute walk to the Basilica Cistern, and from Akbiyik, it's an 11-minute walk.
Basilica Cistern Opening Hours
Basilica Cistern is open from 09.00 to 22.00 every day of the week. However, it is useful to check the current opening hours before visiting.
Basilica Cistern Concerts
Night Shift at the Basilica Cistern is a one-of-a-kind program featuring surprise concerts and unexpected musical performances, adding a special touch to your visit in the atmospheric surroundings of the cistern.
"Night Shift" surprise concerts occurs on specific days of the week, between 19:30 and 10 22:00.
Plan Your Visit to the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
When planning your visit to Basilica Cistern, it is important to first set a time to experience the unique atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern. We recommend you make an online reservation before joining our Basilica Cistern tour. The museum is at its quietest in the early morning and at sunset.
It may be more enjoyable to visit early in the morning, especially during the summer months when temperatures rise. It is important to dress comfortably for a visit because it is a cool and humid environment. Comfortable walking shoes will make it easier to navigate the narrow and sometimes slippery stone floor.
What Else Can You Do at Basilica Cistern?
After visiting the Basilica Cistern, you can take time to for the outside of Basilica Cistern and explore the surrounding historical sites. Top attractions, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace are just a few minutes walk away.
Average Time to Spend in Basilica Cistern
On average, 1 or 1.5 hours is enough to explore the Basilica Cistern.
FAQ's for Basilica Cistern Tickets
The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is not free; there is an admission fee for visitors. However, it's important to note that admission is free for visitors with physical disabilities and an accompanying person, who must be a first-degree relative, upon presentation of appropriate ID.
The duration of our Basilica Cistern Tour is 30 minutes. Immediately after your 30-minute guided tour, you can stay inside for as long as you wish and continue to explore the Basilica Cistern individually.
During the Basilica Cistern Tour, you can see the architectural structure, columns, and historical details of the impressive underground museum. You will also get information about how the cistern was built, and other fascinating facts.
Yes, you can take pictures during our Basilica Cistern Tour. However, the use of flash may be prohibited in some areas. Please pay attention to the warnings from your guide.
Given the popularity of the Basilica Cistern as one of the key attractions in Istanbul, it is strongly advised to make a reservation for the Basilica Cistern Tour. By doing so, you can select your preferred tour times on your chosen date and avoid any waiting times.
Yes, our Basilica Cistern Tour is suitable for families with children.
Within 24 hours you have the right to free cancellation and refund.
There is no dress code when visiting the Basilica Cistern. However, we recommend you wear comfortable and appropriate clothes for the cool and humid environment of the underground cistern. Especially pay attention to your choice of shoes. The floor may be slippery in some sections.
It is important to pay attention to your guide's instructions during the Basilica Cistern tour. You should be especially careful in the corridors and on the stairs.
There is no limit to the number of participants for the Basilica Cistern Tour.
Certainly, the Basilica Cistern is a must-visit historical site in Istanbul, featuring remarkable architecture and rich cultural importance. The captivating attractions, including the Medusa Heads and the exhibition, along with its mysterious ambiance, make it truly worthwhile. Notably, it served as the filming location for Hollywood movies like "Inferno." Consider joining our concise and insightful Basilica Cistern Tour for a deeper understanding of its historical significance and the discovery of hidden gems.
During our Basilica Cistern tour, you will learn about the history, architecture, and historical use of the Basilica Cistern and much more. You will also discover the importance of the cistern during the Byzantine Empire and its impact on the present day.
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