Basilica Cistern fast-track entry ticket and optional audio guide
Monuments

Basilica Cistern fast-track entry ticket and optional audio guide

3.4/5

Great
4 reviews
from
£30.00
Language: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian
Mobile voucher accepted
Validity: 24 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • You'll enjoy fast-track entry to the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, bypassing the regular queues
  • You can choose a ticket with audio guide included to learn more about this Byzantine marvel
  • During the self-guided tour, you have the chance to see the mysterious Medusa head columns
  • You can admire 336 marble columns and arched ceilings in this ancient water storage facility
  • You'll experience the cistern's atmosphere of dimly lit passageways reflected in the still waters
What to expect

Experience the underground marvel of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, with a fast-track entry ticket. Upgrade your experience by adding an informative audio guide. Delve into a 6th-century Byzantine water storage facility, constructed by Emperor Justinian I to provide water to the Grand Palace of Constantinople. Marvel at the 336 marble columns, arched ceilings, and the mysterious Medusa head columns.

Your fast-track entry ticket allows you to bypass the regular queues and enter the Basilica Cistern directly. The optional audio guide offers insights into the construction of the cistern, its significance in the Byzantine Empire, and the myths surrounding its features. As you traverse the dimly lit passageways, you will come across the iconic Medusa head columns and a vast body of water mirroring the ancient architecture.

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What's included
  • check Entrance fees
Where

Basilica Cistern, Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Meeting point:
Show your ticket at the entrance of the Basilica Cistern.
What to remember

Accessibility:

  • The cistern involves walking through uneven terrain and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility impairments

Not allowed:

  • Photography is allowed; however, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited inside the cistern

Know in advance:

  • Modest attire is recommended when visiting cultural and historical sites
  • Entrance is free of charge for children under the age of 7
  • The local operator will send you an email with your entry ticket after booking. If you select the Ticket with Audio Guide option, you'll also receive the activation link for the audio guide as soon as your booking is confirmed
  • The audio guide is compatible with iOS and Android devices and available in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian, Russian, and Turkish
  • The ticket is valid for the whole day. Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 10 pm

Remember to bring:

  • Headphones for the audio guide
Read more
Provider
MEGA TRAVEL & PASS
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Unfortunately, we can't offer you a refund nor can we change or cancel your booking for this particular product, due to our partner's policy.

What people say about this experience

Great

3.4 /5

Based on 4 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Value for money

3.8/5

Service

3.3/5

Staff

3.3/5

Safety

3.3/5


25%
25%
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Sort by:

  • K

    Katerina H.

    Verified booking

    3.8

    27 October 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends


    The experience itself is great. Worth the money. But we didn't receive the QR codes and the link for the audio guide in our email in advance. I had to contact the local supplier via WhatsApp to get them. It was a bit stressful for all of us.

  • C

    Cindy

    Verified booking

    1.4

    5 June 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    De ingang is met QR code. Wij hebben deze niet ontvangen. De mensen aan de basilica Cisterne hebben voor ons moeten bellen naar de organisatie om een toegangscode te verkrijgen.

  • I

    I Hallam

    Verified booking

    5

    28 September 2025

    Travelled as a couple

  • J

    Jake

    Verified booking

    3.4

    24 August 2025

    Travelled as a couple

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