Combos

Combo (Save 9%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets + Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul

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Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

Opt for this cost-saving combo to experience the ancient wonder of the Basilica Cistern & take advantage of a 1-day hop-on hop-off tour in Istanbul.

Highlights

Explore Istanbul's renowned Basilica Cistern, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD, with an audio guide in 8 languages.
See the famous Medusa Heads – two Medusa heads used as column bases. One is upside down, and the other is on its side.
Explore Istanbul with a 1-day hop-on-hop-off pass, discovering iconic spots like Galata Bridge, Eminönü, and Dolmabahçe Palace at your own pace.
With over 11 stops, covering the city's iconic sites, enjoy an audio guide in 8 languages, WiFi, and charging stations on the bus.
Fun Fact: Basilica Cistern boasts 336 recycled marble columns in 12 rows, creating an eclectic appearance with elements repurposed from earlier structures.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
Multilingual audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic, and Turkish

Hop-On Hop-Off

1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
Audio guide in English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Iranian, Arabic, and Turkish
Onboard Wi-Fi & charging points

Exclusions

Hop-On Hop-Off

Entry tickets to attractions
Guided visits inside attractions
Headset for smartphone

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Ratings & Reviews

4.5

3.5K Ratings

5/5

2.7K

4/5

391

3/5

124

2/5

139

1/5

186

Gloria

3/5

May, 2024

The team need to be given better information on how to use the etickets. The young lady mentioned that we had to download all 3 tickets that were purchase individually and not be on the app as it was purchased by one person. That delayed us almost 15 minutes in trying to figure it out, when we got to the checking in location the other young lady told us it was not necessary as it was easier for her to do on the app of the person who purchased the tickets. Too much confusion, just make it easy.

Christine

5/5

May, 2024

I was very impressed with the woman helping me download my tickets to .pdf ready tickets. She was incredibly patient with my lack of experience. I also was astounded by the cistern.

Antonia

4/5

May, 2024

It was really cool to be able to skip the line, as it was very hot outside and we were with a child. Inside the cisterns we were blown away by the beauty of the roman architechture and the number of turists there. There was no control on the number of persons going in. You are pushed by the crowed and cannot enjoy the experience as you're supposed to do. But that's the responsability of the turkish administration. All in all it's been an enjoyable experience.

Wiesława

5/5

May, 2024

Amazing architectural feat. Technology meets beautiful art. Just wunderful in every aspect. To avoid quenes buy tickets online. Not to be missed.

Karine

5/5

May, 2024

Un coupe file indispensable pour visiter la citerne basilique d'Istanbul où la file d'attente de plusieurs centaines de personnes du soir au matin peut dissuader ! Une fois à l'intérieur, la magie du site opère. Une visite à ne pas manquer.

Your experience

Basilica Cistern

From Dan Brown's popular book "Inferno" to the 1963 James Bond movie "From Russia With Love," the Basilica Cistern is a part of popular culture. Built during Justinian I's reign, it's a 6th-century marvel of Byzantine architecture. Upon stepping into this vast underground marvel, a soft golden glow will welcome you, shimmering on the water's surface. As you stroll on elevated wooden platforms amid 336 grand columns supporting the structure, brace yourself for the enchanting melody of water droplets falling from the vaulted ceiling and the elusive silhouettes of carp gliding through the water. Enhance your experience with the multilingual audio guide, available in 8 languages, to uncover interesting anecdotes of this iconic site.

Hop-On Hop-Off

Disembark at any of the 11 stops along this bus route! Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Istanbul through audio commentary, available in 8 languages.

Schedule

First Bus: 10am from stop #1 (Sultanahmet Square)
Last Bus: 5pm from stop #1 (Sultanahmet Square)
Frequency: Approx. every 60 mins
Popular stops: Taksim Square, Beylerbeyi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Dolmabahce Palace
Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

Operating hours

Basilica Cistern

Monday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM
Sunday	9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 6:30 PM

Know before you go

What to bring

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Accessibility

Hop-On Hop-Off

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Charging station, Recorded commentary.

Additional note

Hop-On Hop-Off

The departure times and timetables might change due to traffic, road work, or weather conditions.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket Redemption Points

Busforus 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Istanbul

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Basilica Cistern

Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card tour guide that has red flag in front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica Cistern.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point

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