The “Sunken Palace” is one of the most striking remnants of Byzantine Constantinople and is the largest of hundreds of ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern Tours
Plan a trip to see Basilica Cistern
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Antea Hotel - Special Class
Sultanahmet
per person
Oct 28 - Nov 1
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Seoul (ICN) to Istanbul (IST)
8/10 Very Good! (230 reviews)
Extremely helpful guest services staff, especially for someone who didn’t do enough pre trip planning. The only thing that would make it better would be if they had personally experienced more of the tours being promoted. Overall a very enjoyable stay!!!
Reviewed on Sep 19, 2024
Armagrandi Spina Hotel - Special Class
Sultanahmet
per person
Oct 28 - Nov 1
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Seoul (ICN) to Istanbul (IST)
8.4/10 Very Good! (76 reviews)
Excellent stay, convenient location walkable to Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Arasta Bazaar and lots of shops/restaurants. Grand Bazaar was 16 mins walk away. We would explore the city and come back in the afternoon to rest as it was so nearby. Great views from the breakfast terrace and staff very friendly. Only downsides were it was a bit noisy from the street outside and the prayer calls from the mosques, breakfast was same everyday and not enough cupboard space in the room. But I would happily stay again for the location and convenience
Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024
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.
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Best Lodging Options Near Basilica Cistern
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, 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.