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Basilica Cistern Guided Tour

7.8Very good12 reviews

Free cancellation Skip the line

from

US$68.73

From

US$68.73

Very interesting

Jean-pierre

On this tour of the Basilica Cistern, we'll visit this authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the Submerged Palace!

Details

Duration

25 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide
Skip the queue admission to Basilica Cistern

When to book

You can book up to 15 minutes in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

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Meeting point

Busphours Double Decker Bus Station

Reviews of our customers

7.8

Very good 263 Travelers·12 reviews

June 11, 2026
Anonyme
Strasbourh, France
Very good. The meeting point wasn't obvious, but the skip-the-line option was very convenient. Our guide provided good explanations.
As a couple
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June 10, 2026
Jean-pierre
Ajaccio, France
Very interesting
As a couple
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March 23, 2026
Claire-lise
Genève, Switzerland
Magic
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October 16, 2024
Joana Curvelo
United Kingdom
Punctual and organised. The guide stayed with us for maximum 15min and explained quickly about the cistern. Nothing extraordinary but gave us an idea ...
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On this tour of the Basilica Cistern, we'll visit this authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the Submerged Palace!

Basilica Cistern Tour

At the time indicated, we'll meet at Busphours Double Decker Byus Station and start a tour that will take us underneath Istanbul. Did you know that the city is hiding a palace underground? Let's explore the Basilica Cistern!

In the heart of the historic centre of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern dates back to the year 532 and was built under Emperor Justinian I to provide clean drinking water to Santa Sofia. Once inside, we'll admire its impressive 336 columns, distributed along never-ending passages. You'll be amazed!

As we explore the Submerged Palace, we'll tell you lots of facts about this interesting site, such as the purpose of these water cisterns during the Roman Empire and the different uses they had during the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, we'll pay special attention to 2 of the most important elements of the Basilica Cistern: the head of Medusa and the Weeping Column. Why are they so special?

To end this visit, we'll explain the relationship this tourist site in Istanbul has with Hollywood films that have been filmed here, such as James Bond, From Russia with Love or Inferno.

After exploring the Basilica Cistern for 25 minutes, we'll end this guided tour.

Basilica Cistern Tickets

If you would like to visit the monument on your own with an audio guide in English, you can book tickets to the Basilica Cistern with an audio guide.

Points of interest in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Blue Mosque Basilica Cistern Galata Tower Grand Bazaar

Types of activities in Istanbul

Guided Tours and Free Tours Free Tour Boat tours Folk Event Zen Day trips

Other activities in Istanbul

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On this tour of the Basilica Cistern, we'll visit this authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the Submerged Palace!

Basilica Cistern Tour

After exploring the Basilica Cistern for 25 minutes, we'll end this guided tour.

Basilica Cistern Tickets

If you would like to visit the monument on your own with an audio guide in English, you can book tickets to the Basilica Cistern with an audio guide.

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour