Basilica Cistern guided tours

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.

Choose your group size and capture the experience with a 30-minute flight video keepsake!

• Experience your bucket list dream by flying over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings in a hot air balloon!
• Take in the stunning aerial views of Goreme Valley's remarkable terrain against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunrise with a choice of flights between 50 to 75 minutes.
• Kick-start your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup and indulge in warm coffee and breakfast at the launch site.
• Celebrate your flight's end with a non-alcoholic/alcoholic champagne toast, and receive a keepsake flight certificate or a Royal medal before you embark on your return journey.
• Upgrade to a 20-person premium basket ticket and relive the magic with a 30-minute flight video capturing every breathtaking moment.

Inclusions

• 50-75-minute Goreme Valley balloon flight

• Hotel pickup & drop-off

• Transfer to the takeoff area

• Breakfast

• Non-alcoholic champagne

• Champagne toast & flight medal (as per option selected)

• 30-minute flight video (as per option selected)

• Insurance

• After flight certification

• Group of 28 in standard flight (as per option selected)

• Group of 20 in premium flight (as per option selected)

• Group of 20-24 (as per option selected)

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.

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.

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 2/4/9 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

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.

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