Basilica Cistern Guided Walking Tour with Skip the Lines entry
+9 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 30min
- Price from
- $211 / person
- Location
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
- Languages
- DE, PT, EN, IT
- Group
- Small group, up to 99
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- TripGuru
- Meeting point
- German Fountain (Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye)
Description
Visit the magnificent Basilica Cistern, the largest cistern in Istanbul Learn about the cistern’s storied history from your Fuide. Marvel at the architecture, structure, and interiors. Book at any time – last-minute bookings are accepted! Choose from multiple start time options, a time that is perfect for you Enjoy the intimacy of a small group tour Last-minute booking is available for the meeting point option Find out which movie this historic place belong to!
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 10 times a day, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 14
- Adult (ages 6–70)
- $211
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $366.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 5:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:08 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Basilica Cistern
Ever wanted to spontaneously book a tour on the same day you take it? This short walking tour of the Basilica Cistern will have you seeing the largest underground cistern in Istanbul, Turkey – in just two hours! You can also choose from multiple start times for a time that suits you. The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage facility in Istanbul, Turkey, dating back to the 6th century. It is known for its forest of 336 marble columns and its surreal atmosphere. This impressive site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Istanbul. In this guided walking tour, you’ll get to skip the long lines at the entrance and go straight inside! You won’t have to waste your time waiting and get to the good stuff. You’ll have a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide who will explain the rich history and significance of the cistern and even help you take your photos.
What's included
Included
Walking tour with skip-the-line benefit
English-speaking tour guide
Basilica Cistern Entrance fee (Skip the line)
Not included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Drinking water
Meals
Personal expenses
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Basilica Cistern Guided Walking Tour with Skip the Lines entry lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $211 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $366. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 10 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is German Fountain (Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye). Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, IT, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 99 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by TripGuru.
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Istanbul
- Lowest price: Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line — $57
- Best rated: Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line — 5.0 (276 reviews)
- Shortest: Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights — 40 min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basilica Cistern Guided Walking Tour with Skip the Lines entry | 1h 30min | 5.0 (2) | $211 | |
 Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line | 2h 40min | 5.0 (276) | $57 | View |
 Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access | 1 hour | 5.0 (40) | $136 | View |
 Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights | 40 min | 5.0 (39) | $59 | View |
 Private Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Cistern, Topkapi with Skip Line | 4–6 hours | 5.0 (118) | $57 | View |
 Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide | 1 hour | 3.6 (8) | $70 | View |
 Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar | 3–4 hours | 4.9 (202) | $57 | View |
from$211
5.0(2) Free cancellation