Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets

Bypass the long ticket lines and explore Basilica Cistern with an expert guide or a self-guided audio tour.

• Everything you get: Choose between a 1-hour guided tour with a local expert or a self-guided experience using a multilingual audio app. Enjoy skip-the-line access and in-depth commentary that brings the history of this underground marvel to life.
• Why choose this: This tour reveals the history and hidden secrets of the Basilica Cistern, offering a unique look at the ancient water reservoir that once supplied water to Constantinople. Whether you choose to explore with an expert guide or at your own pace, this experience will leave you with a greater appreciation of Istanbul's rich past.
• Upgrades: Make your visit even more memorable by adding a guided tour of Hagia Sophia. This option includes skip-the-line access and expert commentary, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks in one seamless experience!

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

• Self-guided audio tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)

• 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)

• Expert English-speaking local guide (based on option selected)

• Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian

• Headset

Explore 2 of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks with a single ticket & skip the crowds.

Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Get a quick entry to the Basilica Cistern with the skip-the-line tickets to explore at your own pace, with insights from an audio guide available in 7 languages.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Get a fast-track entry to Hagia Sophia. Access the Upper Gallery and explore key highlights with an included audio guide.

Why choose this combo: See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with one discounted combo ticket—two iconic sites, one great deal, just 110 meters apart.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian & Spanish
• Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon or early evening.

• The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.

• Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end, and worth viewing from every angle!

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are mandatory and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
• 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 noon to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Please dress modestly—your shoulders, arms, and knees should be covered. Women will also need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance if you forget to bring yours.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
• Large bags, backpacks, food or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
• Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.

Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with one flexible, skip-the-line combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Explore the mosaics, domes, and quiet of the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia with ease. The included audio guide takes you through it all, from emperor coronations to the rich history of the place.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Skip long wait lines and enter the Harem's ornate chambers at the Topkapi Palace. Catch the jewel-covered Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, all with your personal audio storyteller in tow.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Descend under Istanbul's grounds and marvel at ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stares. Take in this experience with an added bonus of skipping long ticket lines and a 7+ language audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: 1 ticket, no transfers, no commute, no stress. All three landmarks are just minutes apart. Perfect combo if you want to save money and enjoy quick skip-the-line access at every stop.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio guide downloadable 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 downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem (Royal Apartments & Imperial Hall)
• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)
• Audio guide downloadable in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Follow the full loop before heading out—the Medusa heads are tucked away at the far end and worth a close look from every angle.

• Skip-the-line tickets are very helpful, but all visitors must go through standard security screening.

• For a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s less crowded. The space feels a lot more serene then!

• The lighting is kept low to preserve the atmosphere. Switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer photos.

• Make sure you wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping in some areas.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are a must at the venue. During summer months, checks can take extra time with queues stretching into the courtyard.

• Only the Upper Gallery area is open to visitors, while the main floor is reserved for worshippers.

• You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.

• The Hagia Sophia is closed to tourists on Fridays from noon to mid-afternoon for prayer.

• Modest dress is mandatory for all, so make sure you wear clothes that cover your head, shoulders and knees. Headscarves are available at the entrance for women.

Topkapi Palace

• Tip: Don’t miss the Harem—it holds the palace’s most intricate art and architecture.
• Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon hours to avoid long security lines.
• Skip-the-line tickets bypass ticket queues but not security checks. Checks normally take 30–40 minutes from June to August.
• Some rooms in the Harem do not allow photography, so keep an eye out for signs.
• The Spoonmaker’s Diamond is dimly lit. Pro tip: catch the reflections on the wall to view it clearly.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breath-taking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.

Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.

Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
• Skip-the-line entry
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
• Skip-the-line entry
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

• Entry and 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Skip-the-line entry

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.

• Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with good grip.

• For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.

• Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.

• Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visit.

• 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.

• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

• Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
• Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

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