Basilica Cistern Tickets

Basilica Cistern Opening Hours

Basilica Cistern Opening Hours: 09:00–22:00

The Basilica Cistern Museum is open to visitors every day of the week between 09.00 and 19.00.

Best Times to Visit Basilica Cistern

No worries with Istanbul Welcome Card, you will always to skip ticket line and will enjoy hasle free entrance.

But we still have a few suggestions for you:

Early Morning:

Visiting the Basilica Cistern early in the morning when it opens can offer a quieter and more serene experience. You'll likely encounter fewer crowds and have more space to explore the unique architecture and atmosphere of the cistern.

Weekdays:

Weekdays, especially Tuesdays to Thursdays, tend to be less crowded compared to weekends. If your schedule allows, plan your visit on weekdays to avoid the larger tourist crowds.

Off-Peak Seasons:

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid the peak tourist influx of summer. The weather is generally pleasant during these times, and you'll likely encounter fewer crowds.

Mid-Afternoon:

If you prefer to avoid early mornings, the mid-afternoon hours can also be a good time to visit. Many tourists tend to visit attractions in the morning, so the Basilica Cistern might be less crowded during the afternoon.

Avoiding Cruise Ship Arrivals:

If your visit coincides with cruise ship arrivals, there might be larger crowds around popular attractions, including the Basilica Cistern. To minimize the chances of encountering crowds from cruise ships, consider checking the cruise ship schedules for Istanbul and planning your visit accordingly.

Online Ticket Booking:

Some attractions, including the Basilica Cistern, offer online ticket booking. Purchasing your tickets in advance online can help you skip the ticket lines and save time on the day of your visit.

Cultural and Religious Holidays:

Be aware of local holidays and festivals that might attract larger crowds to tourist sites. Also, consider the impact of religious holidays on visitor traffic, as some attractions might have modified hours during such times.

Weather Considerations:

The Basilica Cistern is an underground structure, so weather conditions might not be a significant factor. However, if you plan to explore other outdoor attractions in Istanbul on the same day, checking the weather forecast can help you plan accordingly.

How to Get to Basilica Cistern

It is located northwest of Hagia Sophia.

By Tram: The closest tram stations are Sultanahmet and Gülhane, both within a 2-minute walking distance.

From Taksim: The most convenient route from Taksim Square to Basilica Cistern involves taking the F1 funicular to Kabataş. At Kabataş Station, transfer to tram T1 and travel 7 stops to Sultanahmet Station. A short walk from there will lead you to Basilcia Cistern.

By Bus: The closest bus stop to the Basilica Cistern is located at Sarayburnu Station, which is an 20-minute walk away.

By Metro (from Taksim): Take Metro M2 for 3 stops to Vezneciler Station. Transfer to the T1 tram at Laleli-Üniversite station, and travel 3 more stops to Sultanahmet Station. A 7-minute walk from there will bring you to Topkapi Palace.

By Car: Navigate via Adnan Menderes Boulevard, onto Turgut Özal Millet Cd, and continue onto Alemdar Cd to easily reach Topkapi Palace.

Accessibility

The exit of the Basilica Cistern has a wheelchair platform lift to get down the stairs. It is located on Alemdar street near the tram line.

What's Inside

The underground cistern, almost 140 meters long and 65 meters wide, was built as a water reservoir for the Great Palace.

Mystical Charm: It is not known why the Basilica Medusa Heads are positioned upside down and sideways, however, their angles create an eerie atmosphere, which adds to the overall charm of the Cistern.

Ancient Greek Relics: The Medusa heads are one of the few surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture in Istanbul, and they are unlike anything else you will see in the city.

Stunning Visual Experience: The dimly lit cistern with its rows of columns and reflections on the water creates a stunning visual experience that is truly unforgettable. The Medusa heads are just one of the many elements that add to the beauty of this ancient site.

Ticket & Tour Options

You can purchase your Topkapi Palace tour tickets online by visiting this link.

Facilities

Audio Guides

Your ticket comes with a free Audio Guide, allowing you to explore Basilica Cistern at your own pace.

Nearby Attractions

Hagia Sophia: Among Istanbul's premier tourist destinations, Hagia Sophia's history is a tapestry of transformation—from a Christian cathedral to an Ottoman mosque, then a museum, and now a captivating mosque once more. Its rich heritage beckons exploration. You can book your Hagia Sophia tour ticket from this link.

Grand Bazaar: Essential for any Istanbul traveler, the Grand Bazaar stands as one of the globe's largest and oldest covered markets. A treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts awaits within its bustling confines.

Blue Mosque: A stone's throw from Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque is an emblematic Istanbul landmark. Admire its mesmerizing blue tiles and six elegant minarets. You can book your Blue Mosque tour ticket from this link.

Bosphorus Cruise: Embarking on a Bosphorus cruise unveils Istanbul from a novel vantage point. As you sail along this renowned waterway, the city's silhouette, adorned by its iconic bridges, unfolds before you. You can book your Bosphorus Cruise ticket from this link.

Topkapı Palace(Topkapı Sarayı): It is likely to have more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives.

Basilica Cistern FAQ's

How do you skip the line in Basilica Cistern?

Book Skip-the-Line Tickets: The best way to ensure entry at the Basilica Cistern, even during the most crowded hours of the day, is to book skip-the-line onilne tickets.Can I Buy Basilica Cistern Online?

Yes, you can book your basilica Cistern tickets online by visiting this link.

Can I visit the Medusa Heads with Basilica Cistern tickets?

Yes, you can see the Medusa Heads with your Basilica Cistern tickets.

How long do you need in Basilica Cistern?

You can spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring its interiors. Basilica Cistern guided tours also last for around 30 minutes to an hour. You can continue exploring on your own after your tour ends.

Need to Know/Tips for Basilica Cistern

Guided/Audio Tours: Exploring Basilica Cistern is enhanced with a guide who can provide insightful context. For independent exploration, consider a self-guided audio tour. Yet, for a richer experience, opt for a historian-led guided tour. You can book your Guided Basilica Cistern tour by visiting this link.

Unofficial Guides: Be cautious of unofficial guides complex. Secure guided tour tickets from official operators in advance. Official guides should display a badge. We recommend booking the tour in advance.

Photography: You can take photos inside the museum.

Dress Code: No specific dress code applies when visiting Basilica Cistern.

Free Admission: Entry is complimentary for disabled visitors and one accompanying first-degree relative. Children under 6 also enter free; do not forget to carry their IDs.

Early Arrival and Security: Estimated security queues; arriving early allows ample time for this process.