Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour
Attractions & guided tours

Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour

from
$59.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 1 hour
Why you’ll love this…
  • You'll discover the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine water storage facility
  • You'll hear the intriguing tales behind the Medusa heads from Greek mythology
  • You'll learn how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre
  • You'll descend fifty-two stone steps to enter this historical structure with a firebrick wall
What to expect

Visit the Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder constructed in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD. You can choose between the following options available in the order box:

  • Option 1: Audio-guided tour with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 2: Guided tour with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 3: Small-group tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entrance
  • Option 4: Private tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entrance

Venture into the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern, established under Emperor Justinian I's reign in 532 A.D. to provide water to the Great Palace. The cistern boasts a capacity of up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, transported through an extensive network of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea.

Descend fifty-two stone steps leading to the entrance of this historical structure. Learn about how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre in the Belgrade Forest, then journeys through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, both remarkable feats of engineering by Emperor Justinian.

Read more
What's included
  • check Audio guide
  • check Skip-the-line ticket
Where

Alemdar, Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What to remember

Know in advance:

  • Option 1 includes an audio guide available in 25 languages, provided by Istanbul Tourist Pass. Guided tour options are conducted in English
  • It is not possible to skip the security lines at the entrance, which are mandatory for all visitors
  • After booking, you will receive your entry ticket with QR code via separate e-mail from the supplier
  • You will need internet connection on your smartphone to retrieve your QR ticket
  • The QR ticket will only be visible when in proximity to the venue
Read more
Provider
City Berry Tourism
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

You might also like

Bosphorus boat tour and audio guide app
Activities

Bosphorus boat tour and audio guide app

Bosphorus boat tour in Istanbul. Discover with family and friends the Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower and Ciragan Palace from a different perspective

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, ar, +4  de, ru, pl, zh

Hagia Sophia skip-the-line entry ticket and optional audio guide
Monuments

Hagia Sophia skip-the-line entry ticket and optional audio guide

Explore the Hagia Sophia with priority access. Add an informative audio guide to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Validity 24 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

Instant Confirmation
Basilica Cistern fast-track entry ticket and optional audio guide
Monuments

Basilica Cistern fast-track entry ticket and optional audio guide

Skip the line and explore Istanbul's Basilica Cistern. Add an informative audio guide and uncover Byzantine history and architectural wonders.

Validity 24 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de, +1  ru

Instant Confirmation
Nat Geo Day Tour: Artists and Artisans in Istanbul with Hands-on Art Class
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Artists and Artisans in Istanbul with Hands-on Art Class

Immerse yourself in Istanbul's vibrant heritage in the hip Fener-Balat district. Discover the roots of the community and join in a painting workshop before trying mantı, a local delicacy.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Coffee & Treats with Fortune Teller
Excursions & day trips

Private Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Coffee & Treats with Fortune Teller

Explore Istanbul's rich heritage on a guided walking tour, where you'll visit esteemed gourmet institutions to savor their delicacies and uncover the fascinating history of Turkish coffee and culture.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop in Istanbul
Activities

Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop in Istanbul

Discover the ancient art of stained glass painting in Istanbul's tranquil workshop, connecting with other travellers and local artists in a welcoming space.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru 

Airport, city and islands Istanbul Transportation Pass
Attractions & guided tours

Airport, city and islands Istanbul Transportation Pass

Access the roundtrip airport shuttle, buses, underground, trams and Princes' Islands boats, as well as the extensive city audio guides.

Validity Flexible
Instant Confirmation
Rumeli Fortress Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Attractions & guided tours

Rumeli Fortress Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Explore Rumeli Fortress in Istanbul with a comprehensive audio guide tour. Bypass ticket queues and secure your tickets today!

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Original Whirling Dervish show Istanbul
Excursions & day trips

Original Whirling Dervish show Istanbul

Book your Original Whirling Dervish show Istanbul to experience a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity performance that takes you on a journey through a spiritual ascent of mind and love to perfection. The experience will leave you in awe of the Whirling Dervishes, the teachings of Sufi mystic Rumi, and an 800-year-old ancient ritual integral to Turkey's spiritual history.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

All-Inclusive Bosphorus cruise with dinner and Turkish night show
Activities

All-Inclusive Bosphorus cruise with dinner and Turkish night show

Enjoy a 5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus. Admire the spectacular views of Istanbul and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with selected drinks.

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation