Walk past ticket queues and show your mobile QR code at the entrance.
Listen to a curated audio guide in 25 different languages
Accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Plans can change, no problem. Learn about the refund policy.
1 Hour
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.
Jasonreeve Ist
10/03/2025 12:00 am
The Basillica Cistern was an amazing experience. The ruins are beautiful with changing lighting. A memorable experience, worth a visit if in Istanbul.
Maya Hartsfield
04/02/2025 12:00 am
Discover one of the must-see landmarks in Istanbul with ease! Get your online ticket easily when you arrive at the Cistern. Just Show&Go your online ticket and get into the amazing Basilica Cistern. Self-discover this incredible place by listening to the specially curated audio guide, exclusively prepared by Istanbul.com.
Your ticket includes our self‑paced audio guide, so you can explore the Basilica Cistern with expert storytelling in your ears. Plug in your headphones and hear the legends of the Medusa heads, the tale behind the Weeping Column, and how Justinian’s engineers built this underground marvel.
Istanbul is one of those places that contains hundreds of ancient places hidden inside or underneath it. One of those hidden places that are open to the public is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). It is a very unusual place to visit, and it attracts a lot of tourists. Basilica Cistern is located close to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. So, you could actually visit these two landmarks in one day!
Basilica Cistern
Open in Google MapsAlemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
The QR tickets are only shown when you are in close proximity to the entrance of the landmarks
You need an Internet connection on your smartphone to get your QR tickets.
Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age.
All visitors must go through the security check at the entrances.
Kindly note that due to the limited capacity, there might be long queues.
Flexible Cancellation: Plans can change, no worries. You can change or cancel within the refundable time period.
Visit the istanbul.com Help Centre for any further questions.
Product code: BCSE96
Based on 926 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Basilica Cistern is called the Underground Palace or Yerebatan Sarnic in Turkish due to its remarkable architectural features and grand scale.
It is the largest of the several ancient cisterns in Istanbul. With its charming historical and architectural structure, the Basilica Cistern is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern is open 7 days a week for visits. Every day of the week you can visit the Basilica Cistern.
The Basilica Cistern was built by the Emperor Justinian in 532 AD. So now, the Basilica Cistern is more than 1400 years old!
Still have questions?
Our Istanbul travel experts are happy to help.
