Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
Viator

Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern

4.0(2)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.0(2)

Description

Discover two of Istanbul’s most historic sites in one visit. Begin with a hosted entry at Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its courtyards without harem section. Then visit the Basilica Cistern, a mysterious underground structure supported by ancient columns and guarded by the famous Medusa heads. 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. Operating Hours: Topkapi Palace: 09:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (closed Tuesdays) Basilica Cistern: 09:00 - 18:30 Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Join tours at the specified times. Meet your guide 15 minutes early at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Look for the white flag. Book your Tickets for an unforgettable experience!

Tour Options

TP-BC - TPBC58

Itinerary

60 min

The Basilica Cistern visit does not include hosted entry or a guided highlights tour. You can explore independently with a professionally prepared audio guide available in 25 languages. The cistern is open daily from 09:00 to 18:30.

180 min

Join a 30-minute guided tour of Topkapi Palace with an included audio guide available in 25 languages. Entry is only possible with your guide. Please meet your guide 15 minutes early in front of the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III and look for the white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo. Please note that the Outer Treasury (Weapon Collection), parts of the Matbah-i Amir Kitchen Complex, and the Petition Chamber / Audience Hall are currently closed at Topkapi Palace. Other sections are open as usual.

Highlights

Entry to Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
Flexible exploration time at both attractions
Audio guide available in 25 languages
Hosted entry tour with professional English-speaking guide at Topkapi Palace

What's included

Included
Entry to Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
Flexible exploration time at both attractions
Audio guide available in 25 languages
Hosted entry tour with professional English-speaking guide at Topkapi Palace
Not included
Gratuities
Access to the Harem Section at Topkapi Palace

Traveller Ratings

4.0
2 reviews
5
1
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(2)

S
Savitha_R
April 28, 2026
The disappointment was...

The disappointment was real. Not with the places but the whole process of redeeming the tickets, communication and losing over an hour trying to set things right. The email did not match the tickets we booked , the meeting points were different and it took over half an hour of trying on the phone before we finally managed to get in touch with Istanbul Tour Pass on Whatsapp. After which things eased. But it was a frustrating start to the morning.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the lost time and the communication issues you faced at the start of your tour. We are glad our team could assist you via WhatsApp to get things back on track, but also the ticket delivery method is detailed on the product page, so please be sure to read the details before purchasing and using the product. We are taking immediate steps to ensure our digital instructions are accurate and our support is more responsive. We hope the rest of your visit to Istanbul was enjoyable and rewarding. Warm regards, The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team

G
Gene_F
March 22, 2026
Super

Great experience, amazing guide. Easy entrance with QR code. No lines at all. Really good audio guide as well

Operator response

Dear Guest, It is wonderful to hear that you had such a positive experience at Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Our goal is to ensure that entering these historic sites is as smooth as possible through our QR code system. We are glad you enjoyed the insights from our guide and the audio tour. We look forward to welcoming you back for more discoveries in Istanbul. Best regards, Istanbul Tourist Pass® – The most extensive all-in-one digital pass, giving you access to 100+ attractions, guided tours, and skip-the-line entry to the best museums and experiences across Istanbul.

You might also like...