Basilica Cistern guided tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Inclusions

• Entry to Galata Tower
• Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower
• Audio guide app (Optional)

Exclusions

• Meals
  • Hotel transfers
  • Transport

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

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.