What is the average wait time at the Basilica Cistern entrance?

It can take anywhere between 30-45 minutes during rush hours and 10-15 minutes on a regular day at the Basilica Cistern entrance.

Which Basilica Cistern entrance do skip-the-line ticket holders use?

Basilica Cistern has a single main entrance used for all kinds of ticket holders.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Basilica Cistern?

You can avoid waiting in lines at Basilica Cistern by buying the <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/skip-the-line/" id="uKsuJnHU" shortCodeType="link" text="skip-the-line tickets" /> online.

What are the Basilica Cistern timings?

The Basilica Cistern is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

What time should I visit the Basilica Cistern to avoid waiting in line?

You should visit the Basilica Cistern early in the morning as soon as it opens or late in the afternoon to avoid waiting in line. You can also avoid waiting in line by visiting the attraction on a weekday.

Basilica Cistern Entrance | Tips, Location & What to Expect

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most important cultural landmarks of Istanbul. It is a testament to the impressive engineering mastery and architectural prowess of the Byzantine era. Read on to learn all about entering this stunning underground cistern in Istanbul.

Where is the Basilica Cistern?

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Find on Maps

The Basilica Cistern is located just across the iconic Hagia Sophia. It is easily accessible by bus, tram, and taxi.

Basilica Cistern entrance

The Basilica Cistern has one main entrance. It is located near the famous Hagia Sophia on Yerebatan Caddesi street.

Basilica Cistern entrance explained: Location and getting there

Where is it? Yerebatan Caddesi Street across Hagia Sophia

This entrance on Yerebatan Street provides seamless access to the Basilica Cistern. It is generally quite busy.

How to reach?

Visitors can reach the entrance using public transport including tram and bus. You can also take a taxi or park your vehicle at one of the parking lots located close by.

Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM

Average wait time: 25-30 minutes during peak hours and holidays and around 10-15 minutes during non-peak hours. Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid large crowds and have a hassle-free experience.

Facilities: ATM, ticket counter

Accessibility: Yes

Plan your visit to the Basilica Cistern

Disabled access

Disabled guests can enter the Basilica Cistern via the main entrance located near Hagia Sophia.
While the entrance is wheelchair friendly, it is worth noting that there is only a single lift that can accommodate only one wheelchair at a time. You may have to wait for around 25-30 minutes to enter the Basilica Cistern in case there are other disabled guests in the queue before you.
Additionally, there are no wheelchair services available inside the cistern, so you will have to bring your own wheelchair.

Queues at Basilica Cistern

Expect long queues at the entrance, especially during peak hours, weekends, and public holidays.
You may need to stand in the queue for around 30 to 45 minutes, so it is best to buy the Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets online.