Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Overview
Visit the Basilica Cistern, built in the 4th century and enlarged in 532 AD, used as water storage during Byzantine times. Listen to your guide as they explain the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
Explore this cathedral-size cistern, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D. to supply water to the Great Palace. It stores up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, delivered via 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.
An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.
Guests who have selected the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour are required to meet their guide at the meeting point, Roots and Roasted Cafe, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
What's Included
- Entrance to Basilica Cistern
- Audio guide available in 25 languages
- Guided Tour - Optional
- Tips
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Basilica Cistern
Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410, Turkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Basilica Cistern
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6903P50
Traveler Photos


Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

For 12 amazing years, we’ve been taking the nightlife of Istanbul to the next level — welcoming 25,000+ guests from every corner of the world!...
$29.99

Unlock the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace with our pass that lets you skip the ticket line (security checks are mandatory for everyone), saving you precious...
$59.83

See the mausoleum dedicated to Ebu Eyüp el-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, on a private tour of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and nearby attractions...
$217.12

This private Ephesus tour is available for departures from your hotel in Istanbul. You can create your own Turkey travel plan with this flexible daily...
$460
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....
$8.99

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...
$34

This is not just a boat ride — it’s the easiest and most scenic way to explore the heart of Istanbul in just two hours....
$25.31

Explore Istanbul’s iconic Old City, Sultanahmet—named after the famous Blue Mosque—on this walking tour. Visit four of the area’s top monuments, all located within 4–8...
$73.99





