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Basilica Cistern: Fast Track Ticket + Audio Guide

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Instant confirmation Skip the line E-Voucher

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    Recommended visit: 45 minutes, but stay as long as you wish

  • Start time

    09.00 am to 06.30 pm

    Last admission: 1 hour before closing

  • Meeting Point

    Make your way to Basilica Cistern Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410, Istanbul

Key Highlights

  • Fast-track entry to the stunning Basilica Cistern, saving time on long queues.
  • Explore at your own pace with a smartphone audio guide, uncovering its Byzantine history and myths.
  • Admire 336 towering columns and the famous Medusa-head bases, relics of Greek mythology.
  • Enjoy a flexible visit, capturing stunning photos in this atmospheric underground marvel.

Overview

Skip the long queues and fast-track your entry to the breathtaking Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most iconic underground sites. Explore this Byzantine-era marvel at your own pace with a smartphone audio guide, revealing its history, architecture, and legends. Walk through the dimly lit cavern, admire the 336 towering columns, and uncover the mystery behind the Medusa-head bases, relics of Greek mythology.

This time-flexible ticket lets you soak in the eerie yet captivating ambiance and capture stunning photos. A must-visit for history lovers, this experience blends ancient engineering, mythology, and cinematic intrigue, making it one of Istanbul’s top attractions.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entry ticket with all-day validity
  • Audio guide app in 5 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish)

Exclusions

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Live guide

Please note

Voucher information: Show your voucher on your smartphone or other device (if you'd rather print a copy - that's fine too!)

Please be aware that the actual ticket will be sent in a separate email. This voucher is not the final ticket. If you do not receive the email, kindly check your Spam folder. Use the online ticket line to skip the queues.

All guests are subject to a security check before entering the Basilica Cistern, which can take up to 30 min or more. This ticket does not allow guests to skip the security line

There is limited internet access on the venue, we recommend to download the audio guide app in advance of your visit to avoid any internet connectivity issues. Please bring our your headphones for audio guide

The cistern is cool and humid, so bringing a light jacket is advisable, especially during summer. The floor can be damp, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for a safe visit.

It's best to visit during quieter hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid crowds. Photography is allowed, but please avoid using flash to maintain the delicate atmosphere. Additionally, it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust to the low lighting inside, so give yourself time to adapt once you enter.

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