Skip the Line Basilica Cistern with Digital Guide
- 45 minutes
- Skip the line
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 14 languages
Highlights
Discover the Basilica Cistern hidden jewel of Istanbul and a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, this underground wonder was designed to meet Constantinople's water needs and reflects ancient ingenuity. Stroll through the vast, shadowy space illuminated by soft lights dancing on the surface of the water, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. We invite everyone who wants to be enchanted by history to take a mystical journey in the unique atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern. Enhance this experience with our digital audio guide that provides historical insights and adds depth to your visit.
Inclusions
What's included
- Digital Audioguide
- Skip the Ticket Line
- Basilica Cistern Entry tickets
Itinerary
Descend into the cool, dimly lit depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground marvel built in the 6th century. Walk along the raised platforms, surrounded by 336 towering marble columns, and admire the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering. Explore the famous Medusa columns, two stone heads with an air of myth and mystery. Learn about their legends through the digital audio guide. Experience the serene ambiance with gentle illumination and the sound of dripping water, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city above. Enrich your visit with the digital audio guide, providing fascinating insights into the history and significance of the Basilica Cistern.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
3.6
- 53
- 40
- 30
- 21
- 11
Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Global Tours and Tickets
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The audioguide is a digital product that you can download to your phone using the instructions provided in your voucher. Additional details about the app, including access and usage guidelines, will also be sent to you in an information e-mail one day before your tour. To ensure the best experience, we recommend downloading the app in advance and bringing your personal earphones for clear and comfortable listening during your tour.
- Kids under 5 may enter the basilica for free with a valid ID but must have an adult accompanying them
- For safety reasons, kids under 15 are not allowed to enter without their parents
- The humidity inside the cistern is 96%, therefore, water drips from the ceiling, which can damage electronic devices
How it compares in Istanbul
- Its from-price is 14% above the median of the 118 attraction tickets we list in Istanbul.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 30 of 118.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.
Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).
Special offers in Istanbul
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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