Basilica Cistern Tours





Visit Basilica Cistern
Reviews of Basilica Cistern
4.4
Top Destination
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
it cost 20 lira and i spent 15 minutes here. it is cool to see the history and a few photo but not worth a second trip.
4/5 - Good
Rusty
Saw aa special on Discovery or Nat Geo and thought this was great. I was a little disappointed after view the show, but still amazed at the work and the craftsmanship that went into building this place. The old saying, they don't build them like this anymore holds true for this place. Probably not a good place for young kids, it is dark and damp and when the tour groups come, it gets crowded quick
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Under reconstruction- wait a few years to come.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
This is a quick 15-20 minute visit. It is across the street from the Hagia Sofia. We paid 10 or 15 lira per person to enter. It is dark and wet. Unfortunately, it is very poorly lit. We had been excited to see it since we knew a scene from a Bond flick was shot there, however, you can't really see much of anything. If you use flash, you can get a few shots of columns. There are two columns with Madusa heads for bases. The sign it nowhere near them. Everyone took pictures of blackness looking for them. It was funny because I asked a worker to find out that they were at the very end before turning around and coming back out. If you want to appear really smart and knowledgeable, tell everyone who is bewildered looking for them that they are at then end.
5/5 - Excellent
lee
Went on my last trip here, very interesting and a cool respite for a hot day. Worth a stop.
4/5 - Good
HijabNomani
A lot of it is under construction. Walk to the end to see the Medusa heads.
Popular places to visit

German Fountain
4.5/5(2 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Istanbul when you stop by German Fountain. Stroll along the seaside or visit the stunning cathedral in the area.

Hagia Sophia
4.5/5(2,130 reviews)
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Le Arts Turcs
You can study the exhibits at Le Arts Turcs, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Istanbul. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
The Million Stone
You can find out about the history of Istanbul when you stop by The Million Stone. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Fatih
Enjoy an outing to Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Fatih during your stay in Istanbul. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.
Firuzaga Mosque
After visiting Firuzaga Mosque, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Istanbul. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.
Best Lodging Options Near Basilica Cistern
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1 Istanbul

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7 Istanbul Istanbul

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Cankurtaran Mh. Istanbul Istanbul

Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok. Istanbul

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah. Istanbul Istanbul

Recital Hotel
Binbirdirek Mah., Piyerloti Caddesi 21 Istanbul

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24 Istanbul Istanbul

Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40 Istanbul Istanbul

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
Sultanahmet mah. Torun Sokak, No:19 Istanbul Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.