excurgo
DestinationsToursBlog
Excurgo earns a commission when you book through our links to Viator, at no extra cost to you.
Powered byViator
excurgo

Tours and experiences worldwide from Viator. Compare them here and book on Viator — no extra fees.

Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
Travellers
  • Support
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
Explore
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
  • Things to Do
  • Tour Deals
  • Tour Price Index
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
  • Support
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
  • Things to Do
  • Tour Deals
  • Tour Price Index
© 2026 Excurgo. Tour aggregator powered by Viator.
PrivacyTermsCookies
Tours/Istanbul/Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

3.6(8)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR3.0(1)TRIPADVISOR3.7(7)
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
+8 photos
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

At a glance

Duration
1 hour
Price from
$70 / person
Location
Istanbul, Türkiye
Rating
3.6 / 5 · 8 reviews
Languages
EN, EN
Group
1–15 pax
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Description

Visit the Basilica Cistern, built in the 4th century and enlarged in 532 AD, used as water storage during Byzantine times. Listen to your guide as they explain the mystery of Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Explore this cathedral-size cistern, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D. to supply water to the Great Palace. It stores up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, delivered via 20 kilometers of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea. 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. Guests who have selected the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour are required to meet their guide at the meeting point, Roots and Roasted Cafe, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
7 times a day, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Next available
Fri, Oct 16
Adult
$70

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.

Tour Options

Private Guided Tour BCPT47
Small Guided Tour BCSG33
SkiptheLine Guided Tour BCST41

Itinerary

Basilica Cistern
Admission included

At the Basilica Cistern, visitors step into an impressive underground space built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The cistern, which once stored water for the Great Palace of Constantinople, features 336 marble columns and a peaceful, cool atmosphere. One of the highlights is the Medusa head columns—two ancient stone carvings of Medusa, one placed upside down and the other sideways. These add a mysterious touch to the site. As you explore, you’ll also learn about the cistern’s history and its importance in Istanbul’s water system. The Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a special experience. For guided tours: Please meet your guide at Dsign Cafe at least 15 minutes before the tour time. For easy recognition, look for the white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and logos.

What's included

Included
Entrance to Basilica Cistern
Guided Tour - Optional
Audio guide available in 25 languages
Not included
Tips
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

3.6
8 reviews
5
4
4
0
3
2
2
1
1
1

How it compares in Istanbul

  • Starting price $70 is 22% above the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Istanbul

Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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 Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide take?

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 1 stop.

How much does Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide cost?

Prices start at $70 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 7 departures a day between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

Can I cancel Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

What languages is Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide offered in?

The experience is available in EN, EN.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide worth it?

Travellers rate it 3.6 out of 5 across 8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

Reviews(8)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

A
andream0402
July 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
SCAM DO NOT BOOK !

ANOTHER SCAM! Do not book anything before you go to Istanbul. Wait until you get there and only buy direct from the venue. Our booking for this went from 9.30am to 1.30pm. At 1.30pm there was nobody at the meeting point. We received a message that it was now at 4.30pm. We couldn’t go then we had other bookings. With the help of a tour guide from another company who called them he changed our tickets to the next day at 10.30. We went to the meeting point, he didn’t show again. The QR code sent was useless. We purchased tickets at the door. So disappointed and angry

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. After reviewing your booking details, we found that your reservation was marked as a no-show and that we did not receive any direct request or message from you through our support channels. As you mentioned, another person contacted us on your behalf, and your reservation was rescheduled to July 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM in accordance with the rescheduling request. We would also like to clarify that our Basilica Cistern tours operate successfully every day except Fridays. On July 20, 2026, the 10:30 session was attended by 2 guests and the 16:30 session was attended by 27 guests. On July 21, 2026, 4 guests successfully joined the 10:30 session and 6 guests joined the 16:30 session. The meeting point information is clearly provided in the booking confirmation email, tour description, and reminder email. Through the Manage Booking link, guests can access the app to view their reservation details, meeting point information, audio guide access, and support options. Please also note that this is a guided entry service, and as clearly stated in the tour details, individual standalone tickets cannot be provided separately. Guests are required to join the guided entry process at the designated meeting point with our guide. We always aim to provide a smooth and memorable experience for our guests while discovering the rich history and culture of Istanbul. Unfortunately, as we did not receive any further request for assistance regarding the rescheduled booking, we were unable to provide additional support during your visit. Best regards, Istanbul Tourist Pass® – The most extensive all-in-one digital city pass, offering access to 120+ attractions, guided tours, skip-the-line entries, and unforgettable experiences across Istanbul.

A
ariana2378
August 7, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience

Overall great experience!! Tickets were given on the day of entry, and the audio guide was also very exceptional. 10/10 experience!

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had a great overall experience and that both the ticket process and audio guide met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you again for another 10/10 visit to Istanbul. Warm regards, The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team

W
wanny425
June 15, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
WOW!!!

The Basillica Cistern was an amazing experience. The ruins are beautiful with changing lighting. A memorable experience, worth a visit if in Istanbul.

Operator response

Dear Wanny, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience at the Basilica Cistern. It's truly one of Istanbul's most magical and iconic sites, and we're glad the Istanbul Tourist Pass helped make your visit smooth and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable moments in this incredible city! Warm regards, The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team

B
buddita
June 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful place with nasty rude workers.

The place is amazing, but the people that work there are soooooo rude. I wouldn’t go back just because of that reason. A place full of history should be run by people that treat other kindly, we never received the QR code from Viator, we were showing them what the email said “tickets” but they didn’t give a crap. Rude, rude, rude.

Operator response

Dear Buddita, Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we’re truly sorry to hear about the experience you had. While we’re glad you found the location itself amazing, we sincerely regret that the behavior you encountered affected your overall visit. Please note that we work with a variety of partners and venues across the city, and while we do our best to ensure a smooth experience, we unfortunately do not have control over the behavior of third-party staff at certain attractions. That said, we take this kind of feedback seriously and will forward your comments to the relevant team to help improve service standards. Regarding the QR code issue, we recommend always reaching out to our team directly through WhatsApp or email in case of any ticketing trouble — we’re available to assist and make sure our guests are taken care of. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again and provide you with a much better experience in the future. Warm regards, The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team

M
mlozano77
May 16, 2025 · via Viator
Not happy buying ticket online

I do not recommend buying tickets in advance from this tour operator. No QR code was provided making it difficult to get in. Ticket counter was not able to help. You are better off buying your ticket at the site. Basilica Cistern was eerie but impressive.

Operator response

Dear Sir, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, particularly regarding the entry process. Please note that all access details, including QR codes or instructions for guided entry, are provided within the confirmation email and the Istanbul Tourist Pass mobile app. Our live support team is also available every day to assist guests in real-time should any difficulties arise. The Basilica Cistern is indeed a unique and atmospheric site, and we’re glad to know you found it impressive. If there’s anything we can do to assist you further or clarify your experience, we would be happy to help. Kind regards, The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team

B
Basil B
February 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Definitely worth it to see historical architecture and engineering.

An amazing feat of engineering and incredible to think how long ago it was done. Lighting really adds atmosphere. There were quite a few tours but it felt quiet and we could most of the time on our own. It's not a white knuckle ride and pretty much all of it consists of water and columns. But it was a lovely hour or so.

Operator response

Hi, Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Basilica Cistern and appreciated its incredible history and engineering. The unique lighting truly does create a magical atmosphere, and we’re glad you had the chance to take it all in at your own pace. We hope to welcome you again on your next adventure in Istanbul!

G
greattimes2018
January 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent attraction. Poor staff. Almost impossible to use ticket to enter. And very difficult to get the audio guide

The Basilica Cistern itself was amazing. Very atmospheric and enjoyable. The audio guide itself (on our phones, we used our own AirPods to listen, some listened without but it didn't feel intrusive when ours was silent (though the attraction wasn't busy when we were there) was quite good. Go early and it is less busy. Hardly a queue to get through security. We had bought tickets through Tripadvisor which were priced competitively. BUT almost none of the very many staff spoke any English (or French or German we tried) and none of them recognised our tickets even though we had followed all instructions to download, add to wallet etc.. they kept trying to make us wait for an actual person to guide us although we had the link for the audio guide. They even tried to send us back to do security again (only 10 minutes as we were early but could have been 20+ later in the day) because we were there at 09.29 for an 09.30 slot. After 15 minutes and 6 people who didn't recognise our ticket and could speak no English we got through and then had to wait again to get someone else to download the audio guide. Such a shame as the space is fabulous. The audio guide itself was quite good but would have preferred clearer chronological history. Go, it's worth it. But be ready!

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback about your visit to the Basilica Cistern. We're thrilled to hear that you found the site itself "amazing" and enjoyed its atmosphere as well as the audio guide. However, we're truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced with the staff and the ticket recognition process. Please note that the staff inside the Basilica Cistern are managed by the museum itself and are not part of our team. While we strive to ensure a smooth experience for all our customers, some aspects, such as museum personnel, are beyond our direct control. That said, your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. We’ll share your concerns with the museum management to encourage improvements in their communication and ticket-checking processes, especially regarding international visitors and different languages. We're also sorry for any confusion about the audio guide setup and the timing of your entry. We'll review our instructions and information to ensure they are as clear as possible to avoid similar issues in the future. Thank you again for your honest review and your kind words about the Basilica Cistern itself. We hope you'll give us the opportunity to serve you again on another visit to Istanbul. Kind regards, Istanbul Tourist Pass Team

M
martinsT4716AJ
November 20, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
wonderful!!

The cistern is a wonderful place to visit in Istanbul. There were quite long queues, but with the Istanbul Tourist Pass we used during our 3 day stay, everything was much easier as we had priority.

Operator response

Lieber Martin, Vielen Dank für Ihre fantastische Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie die beeindruckende Atmosphäre der Basilika-Zisterne genießen konnten und dass der Istanbul Tourist Pass Ihnen geholfen hat, die langen Warteschlangen zu umgehen. Wir freuen uns, dass der Pass Ihre Zeit in Istanbul erleichtert hat und hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei Ihrer nächsten Reise willkommen heißen zu dürfen! Herzliche Grüße,

$70/ person
3.6(8)
Duration1 hour
LanguagesEN, EN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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 Ticket with Guided Tour — 20 min–30 min
TourDurationRatingPrice
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio GuideBasilica Cistern Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide1 hour 3.6 (8)$70
Basilica Cistern Fast Track Entry Ticket with Audio GuideBasilica Cistern Fast Track Entry Ticket with Audio Guide1h 30min–2h 3.8 (20)$66View
Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Private Tour Best HighlightsBasilica Cistern Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights40 min 5.0 (39)$59View
Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip LinePrivate Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line2h 40min 5.0 (276)$57View
Combo: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line TicketsCombo: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets1 day 4.6 (9)$119View
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Entry Ticket with Tour GuideIstanbul: Basilica Cistern Entry Ticket with Tour Guide1 hour 5.0 (1)$114View
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided TourBasilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour20 min–30 min 4.0 (321)$67View
from$70
3.6(8) Free cancellation
Check availability