Explore the striking Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth's surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to an audio guide that will give you insights into the history of this place. Journey back in time and discover the ancient Byzantine Empire. Make your way down the stairs and discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. Wander through the ancient structure and admire the architecture and ornamentation, including Medusa heads from Greek mythology. As you listen to the audio guide, learn more about the Basilica Cistern's fascinating history. Stay inside for as long as you want and take some great photos of one of the top attractions in Istanbul.

Brilliant excursion, the guide was very knowledgeable and the Basilica Cistern were fantastic

In perfetto orario si è presentata la nostra guida una ragazza molto preparata, simpatica che ha spiegato nel dettaglio la visita a persone di diversa nazionalità, facendosi capire perfettamente per quanto riguarda la cisterna semplicemente magnifica

Haben wir die Führung in deutsch gebucht, würde aber englisch gesprochen. Und die App hat auch nicht funktioniert.

Ovale la prna por evitar colas pero el precio es mas caro

Buse was een heel toffe en aangename gids. Ze gaf duidelijke uitleg en was een leuke dame. Ze gaf ons ook nog veel bijkomende uitleg en tips. Grtjs Roselien en Jan

Mancavano chiari istruzioni per il punto di ritrovo che era piuttosto imbucato. Nessuno a cui chiedere informazioni e il call center non rispondeva. Così abbiamo perso la prima gita ad Aya Sofia, per fortuna il personale che per la Basilica Ciaterna è stato più facile identificare ci ha fatto recupe

Why you’ll love this…

Use the online ticket line and jump the ticket queue
Save at least 2 hours by not standing in the ticket line
Ticket is valid all day long, come whenever you want

Important to know

Know in advance:

With your guide, you will skip the ticket lines, but note that you can not skip the security line. During high season the security check can take up to 30 minutes
The 20-minutes guided tour will be in English
After the tour, you can stay inside the Basilica Cistern as long as you wish to explore at your leisure

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What’s included

Fast track entrance ticket

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Dsign Cafe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Meeting point:

Meet your guide in front of Dsign Cafe in front of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located on the Hippodrome, right next to the Egyptian Obelisk. Look for a guide with the white MegaPass white flag.

Provider

MEGA TRAVEL & PASS

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 6 reviews

Review categories

Staff

4.2/5

Value for money

4/5

Safety

4.2/5

Service

4.2/5

All ratings (6)

5 stars (3)

50%

4 stars (2)

33%

3 stars (1)

17%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

S
Sharon
Travelled as a couple
7 June 2025
5
United Kingdom
Brilliant excursion, the guide was very knowledgeable and the Basilica Cistern were fantastic
T
TUI Musement Traveler
14 September 2025
5
Italy
In perfetto orario si è presentata la nostra guida una ragazza molto preparata, simpatica che ha spiegato nel dettaglio la visita a persone di diversa nazionalità, facendosi capire perfettamente per quanto riguarda la cisterna semplicemente magnifica
N
N. A.
Travelled as a couple
23 November 2024
4.2
Germany
Haben wir die Führung in deutsch gebucht, würde aber englisch gesprochen. Und die App hat auch nicht funktioniert.
T
TUI Musement Traveler
20 July 2024
4
Spain
Ovale la prna por evitar colas pero el precio es mas caro
T
TUI Musement Traveler
2 October 2023
5
Netherlands
Buse was een heel toffe en aangename gids. Ze gaf duidelijke uitleg en was een leuke dame. Ze gaf ons ook nog veel bijkomende uitleg en tips. Grtjs Roselien en Jan
T
TUI Musement Traveler
21 May 2023
3
Italy
Mancavano chiari istruzioni per il punto di ritrovo che era piuttosto imbucato. Nessuno a cui chiedere informazioni e il call center non rispondeva. Così abbiamo perso la prima gita ad Aya Sofia, per fortuna il personale che per la Basilica Ciaterna è stato più facile identificare ci ha fatto recupe