Best Basilica Cistern Tickets 2023
Skip the line and explore the majestic Basilica Cistern!
Go on a Guided Visit of Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
Visit Basilica Cistern, one of the most interesting attractions in Istanbul. See the stone Medusa heads in the cistern and learn all about the history of the Basilica Cistern from your local guide.
DESCRIPTION
Basilica Cistern Tickets
Save time and money by booking your Basilica Cistern tickets online. You can skip the line with these fast-track tickets that also include a Basilica Cistern guided tour. Explore the largest ancient water storage structure beneath the city of Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern was built during the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. You’ll be able to see the famous two medusa heads, which are believed to reside in the cistern from the 6th century. It has a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water, and it could hold and provide huge amounts of water to both the Great Palace and the city.
Built in a very sophisticated way, the Basilica Cistern solved a very annoying problem for people at that time. The Basilica Cistern has been standing strong for over two thousand years, despite wars and earthquakes. It is a symbol of the Byzantine Empire’s innovative solutions and an important symbolic and historical landmark.
Your local licensed guide will share secrets and stories of these subterranean wonders with a museum tour, after which you can explore the Basilica Cistern at your own pace.
- Fast track entry to Basilica Cistern
- Guided tour
- English-speaking guide
Meeting Point
Before entering the Basilica Cistern, guests must go through a security check that may take up to 30 minutes. The ticket does not allow guests to skip the security line.
Basilica Cistern, Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
We did the hard work and found the best Basilica Cistern ticket for you!
Best skip-the-line tickets deal available online
Skip the line with fast-track tickets to the Basilica Cistern in the heart of Istanbul.
With the assistance of an expert guide, discover the secrets of these ancient underground structures.
Stay after the tour and explore one of the biggest cisterns in the world at your own pace.
FAQ
Do you need tickets for the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, you need to buy tickets in order to enter the Basilica Cistern. Although you can buy your tickets on-site, we highly recommend buying your tickets online and in advance so you can skip the line and save time.How much is the Basilica Cistern ticket?
The cost of a Basilica Cistern ticket can vary depending on the type of ticket you purchase. However, you can get the best deal by booking your ticket with us. We offer a variety of options to suit your needs and budget, so you can enjoy this incredible attraction without overpaying.Why is the Basilica Cistern closed?
Basilica Cistern was closed up until July 2022 due to renovations. But it’s once again open for visits since then. And the working hours of Basilica Cistern are from 9 am to 7 pm every day.How long does it take to see the Basilica Cistern?
An hour or 30 minutes is enough to visit the Basilica Cistern. It is advisable to visit before 12 pm to avoid crowds.Enjoy your Basilica Cistern visit to the fullest!
Fast & Easy Online Booking Process!
Combine guided tours with attraction tickets to get the most out of your Istanbul experience!
CITY PASS
Istanbul Tourist Pass
Visit up to fifty of the top Istanbul’s main attractions! The Istanbul Tourist Pass gives you access to all of the must-see attractions in the city. Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and many other attractions in Istanbul with only one city pass!
Why not save time & money by buying the Istanbul Tourist Pass?
- 2, 3, 5, or 7-day Istanbul Tourist Pass
- Customer support via WhatsApp
- Access to the top 50 attractions of Istanbul
- Guided Tours
- Skip-the-line entries
Fun Facts
- Basilica Cistern receives more than 2.2 million visitors annually.
- The authorities feared that the Basilica Cistern could be damaged by earthquakes. Therefore, it was closed in 2017 and reopened five years later.
- The Basilica Cistern looks like an underground palace. In order to support the small domes above, the cistern contains 336 columns, each about 9 meters high.
- Designed to serve the Great Palace and surrounding buildings, Basilica Cisterna was abandoned when the Byzantine Emperors relocated and was used as a dumping site.
- In several movies, the Basilica Cistern has been used as a location.
An Istanbul Must-Visit!
I stayed in Istanbul for almost a full week, and I visited all of the tourist attractions everyone recommends, from Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Taksim Square, and Hagia Sophia, but Cistern Basilica was by far my favorite. I highly recommend booking these tickets if you’re traveling to Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern Skip The Line Ticket
Our visit to Basilica Cistern Yerebatan was amazing, our tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable about history and architecture. The guided visit to this majestic underground attraction is one of my favorite activities we went on in Istanbul.
Absolutely Worth It!
We are not the type of people who buy tickets with a guided tour, but this one is worth every cent! The regular line was an entire block long. We meet our guide at the meeting point and walk right inside the cistern! In addition, our guide was great and told us a lot of interesting facts about the cisterns in Istanbul. Highly recommended!!
Book your Basilica Cistern Skip the Line tickets Online!