Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Tickets

Highlights

Inclusions

Cancellation Policy

Your experience

Skip the lines and explore the Basilica Cistern with expert-led tours or audio guides.

Getting started

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time and keep your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID ready. A staff member will meet you at the entrance and help you check in. You’ll breeze past the ticket queue, but do note that all visitors must go through a security check.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric spots—a vast, ancient underground reservoir built in the 6th century. It’s best known for its forest of marble columns, the serene reflections in the water, and, of course, the mysterious Medusa heads hidden at the far end.

Depending on the ticket you choose, an expert guide will accompany you through the cistern. You’ll get the backstory behind the Medusa heads, learn how this shadowy space once supplied water to emperors, and hear quirky details you’d probably miss on your own.

Prefer to explore at your own pace? You can use the included audio app, available in five languages, to guide you through the cistern. If you want to see more of Istanbul, upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece known for its massive dome and golden mosaics.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.

• Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.

• Carry wired headphones if you plan to use an audio guide app—Bluetooth often struggles underground.

• Have your phone fully charged for photos and the audio guide (there are no charging stations inside).

What's not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted.

• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.

• Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.

Accessibility

• The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.

• Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.

• There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.

Additional information

• Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.

• Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.

• Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.

• The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.

• The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos

My Tickets