Basilica Cistern: Skip the Line

Experience the Basilica Cistern like never before with skip-the-line entry, a guided tour, and the opportunity to explore this ancient water cistern at your own pace. Don’t miss the famous Medusa heads and avoid the long queues with our VIP ticket!

Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern - Begin your journey with a straightforward ticketing process.
    Once booked, a Confirmation email will be sent to you.
    Following Confirmation, the Supplier will email your Entry Tickets and the Audio Guide Link (if applicable) no later than 24 hours before your Reservation Date.
    Be sure to check your inbox, including Spam or…
What's Included
  • Skip the ticket lines
  • Entry ticket
What's Not Included
  • Entry without Official Ticket (Booking Confirmation Mail or Voucher not accepted!).
  • Headphones
  • Live Guide
  • Skip-the-Line or Priority Access is not possible.
  • This Ticket cannot be use after 6:30PM
Additional Information

Explore the largest ancient water cistern, constructed in 336, featuring the renowned Medusa heads. The Basilica Cistern is a top attraction in Istanbul, drawing numerous visitors. During spring, summer, and fall, expect long lines at the ticket office. Our service ensures the quickest entry into the Basilica Cistern.
Fast and Easy Access. Experience…

Location
Basilica Cistern
Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.8
(188 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mike
Oct 5, 2025
An impressive historical monument. - This was one venue where the jump the que actual worked. It’s difficult to imagine a structure like this enduring over the ages. The cistern well worth the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Josefina_a
Oct 4, 2025
Love the basilica cisterns - This is an amazing experience, stroll the hallways of this beautiful place and see the amazing architecture and elegance of what was an acueducto.
Review provided by Viator
Bhishma
Oct 3, 2025
Great experience. Worth trying. Solo first time traveler. - I bought the ticket here and visited myself. Great and easy even as a solo first time visitor. You should try it……….. One of the ancient side to visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris
Oct 2, 2025
Beautiful Sight to See - Great not waiting in line to purchase tickets. Went before 10 am and no line for security. The water and columns are beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Petery664
Sep 29, 2025
Basilica Cistern Istanbul - A must see when visiting Istanbul amazing site also used as a location for several movies like James Bond and The last Da Vinci code movie Inferno also known as the sunken palace in Turkish built as a vast underground water storage facility to ensure Constantinople was always supplied with water The cistern roof is supported by 336 pillars 26 feet in height The nearest Tram station stop is Sultanahmet look for Yerebatan Samci on local map highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_w
Sep 25, 2025
Incredible feat of... - Incredible feat of engineering! Fully enjoyed seeing it! Actually it was one of my most favourite sights to see in Istanbul!!
Review provided by Viator
Carlos_m
Sep 17, 2025
Fast and VIP - It was super practical to use Viator to get into the Basilica cisterna, it was fast ans simple to arrenge our tickets and we made no line, we got super fast on a special line for digital tickets. Really we save us time, for sure like an hour wait.
Review provided by Viator
Judith
Sep 12, 2025
A must see in Istanbul - Very interesting site and amazing history. Well worth a visit. Does get busy but booking in advance made it very speedy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chantal_m
Sep 26, 2025
Was nice to see, but not... - Was nice to see, but not as impressive as all the pictures show. Waters are not blue like we were expecting.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_b
Sep 14, 2025
Razoável - I could not use the ticket because the museum did not accept requested my refund and said they will not refund. The site is not clear enough to inform you that your features are not accepted after 18:00 and the attraction works until 22:00
Review provided by Viator
From $42
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).