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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) Tours
28 Reviews
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Beautiful yet eerie, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) isn’t your average underground well. Dating back to the Byzantine era, the huge cistern was built in the mid-500s on the former site of a basilica. More than 300 marble columns provide a grand, serene atmosphere to what was essentially subterranean water storage.
The Basics
Located in the Sultanahmet district (Istanbul’s “old town”), Basilica Cistern is easy to visit during a day of sightseeing. Many tours and attraction passes include the cistern along with other top sites such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Measuring 450 feet (140 meters) long and 230 feet (70 meters) wide, the cistern is reached via 52 steps leading down to walkways over the water. Look for the two columns with carved Medusa heads.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Enter Basilica Cistern from Yerebatan Caddesi (street) in Sultanahmet. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Spice Market, the Eminonu tram station, and the Eminonu pier, where the ferries arrive.
When to Get There
The cistern is open daily from morning till evening. In summer, it’s particularly popular in the middle of the day to escape the heat.
Where You’ve Seen Basilica Cistern
The basilica has been mentioned or featured in several books and movies, most famously From Russia with Love, one of Sean Connery’s James Bond films from 1963. It’s also a setting in Dan Brown’s Inferno, the sequel to his previous works The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.
The Basics
Located in the Sultanahmet district (Istanbul’s “old town”), Basilica Cistern is easy to visit during a day of sightseeing. Many tours and attraction passes include the cistern along with other top sites such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Measuring 450 feet (140 meters) long and 230 feet (70 meters) wide, the cistern is reached via 52 steps leading down to walkways over the water. Look for the two columns with carved Medusa heads.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable, nonslip shoes to traverse the steps and the often-wet ground.
- The entrance for wheelchair users and other visitors with mobility challenges is at the cistern’s exit.
- As the cistern is underground, the setting is damp and cool. Take a layer if you don’t want to feel the chill.
How to Get There
Enter Basilica Cistern from Yerebatan Caddesi (street) in Sultanahmet. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Spice Market, the Eminonu tram station, and the Eminonu pier, where the ferries arrive.
When to Get There
The cistern is open daily from morning till evening. In summer, it’s particularly popular in the middle of the day to escape the heat.
Where You’ve Seen Basilica Cistern
The basilica has been mentioned or featured in several books and movies, most famously From Russia with Love, one of Sean Connery’s James Bond films from 1963. It’s also a setting in Dan Brown’s Inferno, the sequel to his previous works The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, Fatih, Istanbul 34110, Turkey
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (3)
Attraction TicketsVIP Istanbul Combo Ticket: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Baslica Cistern
Experience Istanbul like a pro, when you buy a skip-the-line combination ticket for the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at each location, your guide escorts you past the long queue for fast entrance. After a brief overview, you’re ready to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to see the three world-famous attractions in any order that works for you. (Note: Cistern admission at 11am only.)
... More
- 2 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$62.26
Recent Reviews from Experiences in Istanbul
Very convenient!
rajashreemaiya
, Jan 2020
We had a good experience with the guides and did not have to wait in line anywhere, was very convenient. Guides were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Fantastic!
Nomad364364
, Dec 2019
This was perfect for a couple of days in Istanbul. You don't have to rush, because there's several different times you can go see the different sights, which is especially helpful if you fly in late or have an early departure. Really enjoyed the knowledgeable guides and being able to skip the long lines. I was traveling with my dad and this is perfect, because I didn't want him doing too much walking so it was great that we could split up the sights over two days.
Perfect combo for quick overview
LucasH430
, Oct 2019
If you have not much time, this give you a great overview of each site and freedom to explore at your pace.
130 Tours and Activities to Experience Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
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Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
Learn more
Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
Sort by:Featured
Attraction TicketsVIP Istanbul Combo Ticket: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Baslica Cistern
Experience Istanbul like a pro, when you buy a skip-the-line combination ticket for the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at each location, your guide escorts you past the long queue for fast entrance. After a brief overview, you’re ready to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to see the three world-famous attractions in any order that works for you. (Note: Cistern admission at 11am only.)
... More
- 2 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$62.26
Attraction TicketsGuided Museum Pass Istanbul: Skip-the-line Tickets with Guided Tours
Enjoy skip-the-line guided tours at five top Istanbul museums— Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Irene and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum—valid over a five-day period. Choose from multiple tour timings, six days a week, making this a perfect fit for busy vacation schedules. You’ll shave off hours of precious vacation time with no-wait admission.
... More
- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$77.82
Attraction Ticketsistanbul half city tour
Istanbul half city tour with guide .Private tour included hagia sofia musuem,basilica cistern,blue mosque.Skip lines .
icludes:museum tickets
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$400.00
per group
Cultural ToursBasilica Cistern(Istanbul): Skip the line Ticket with Guided Tour
Skip the line and listen from your guide the story of The Basilica Cistern - is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Venture into the underground palace that is filled ancient wonders such as the Medusa Pillar Bases, and the Hen’s Eye Column. This sunken palace has so much to hold that they shot scenes of Hollywood movies in it. Exploring had never been this adventurous!
... More
- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$10.18
Full-day ToursSmall-Group Istanbul in One Day Tour Including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the and the bustling Grand Bazaar or savory 3-course lunch.
... More
- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$90.00
Full-day ToursBest of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour
Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.
... More
- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.00
per group
Full-day ToursPrivate Tour: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
Experience the finest attractions in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district during this private, guided day tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Marvel at these famous monuments alongside your expert guide who will give you individual attention on this private voyage.
... More
- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$205.00
Price varies by group size
Day TripsPrivate Layover Tour from Istanbul Airport & Hotels
Take advantage of extended layover time in Istanbul on a round-trip tour of city highlights from the airport, customized to suit your interests and schedule. Zip with ease between iconic sights such as the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, or Topkapı Palace, and benefit from historic and cultural insights provided by your professional guide.
... More
- 4 to 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$155.64
Price varies by group size
From
$155.64
Price varies by group size
- 4 to 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Cultural ToursBasilica cistern tour & fast track
Basilica cistern is One of the most Visited museums in the historical peninsula of İstanbul , the location is Nearby the Hagia sophia ... it was built in 527 -566 AD.
... More
- 20 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$25.00
Private and LuxuryTop Sites Of Istanbul: Half Day or Full Day Private Walking Tour
Get an in-depth exploration of Istanbul on this full-day or half-day private tour. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and stroll through the Sultanahmet neighborhood. Visit the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Choose to add Topkapi Palace to a full-day itinerary.
... More
- 5 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$119.73
Price varies by group size
Bus ToursIstanbul Basilica Cistern: Guided Tour
Basilica cistern not only a place where you can find ancient wonders but also seeing yourself some spots that were used as movie shooting location. A place where you can explore several hundred ancient cisterns that lie hidden beneath the city of Istanbul.
If you ever watched Tom Hanks movie which is the adaptation of Dan Brown's thriller inferno in 2016 you will see underground cistern where he was down there. Not only that, you will also see this basilica cistern in the James Bond movie called from Russia with love. It will be great if you can experience it personally by visiting the basilica cistern where you can also see the two creepy medusa heads at the base of the columns.
... More
- 45 minutes
From
$13.87
Half-day ToursIstanbul Old City: Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Spice Market
Discover the highlights of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic 'old town' on this half-day walking tour. Join your guide for a curated Istanbul experience, and avoid common Sultanahmet experiences like getting lost or being targeted by aggressive touts. Learn all about storied sites like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern from your English-speaking guide.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$47.89
Price varies by group size
Half-day ToursPrivate Half-day Tour: Imperial Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar
Explore the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar during this half-day privately guided tour of imperial Istanbul. Discover the ancient church, former mosque and now internationally famous museum, the Hagia Sophia. This tour will wind you through the Grand Bazaar where you can haggle for Turkish treasures and then take you 500 feet below ground into the historic Basilica Cistern where a James Bond once thwarted evil plans.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$100.27
Price varies by group size
Full-day ToursImperial Istanbul Half-Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basillica Cistern and Grand Bazaar
Venture to imperial monuments rich with history and discover the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar during this half-day guided tour in Istanbul. Gaze at the Hagia Sophia’s massive columns and dome during a visit to one of the world’s largest basilicas and most popular museums in Turkey. This tour will take you underground to Basilica Cistern which was once the backbone of the Great Palace of Constantinople. Enjoy a trip to the Grand Bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs and feel the pulse of one of the oldest and largest covered markets on the planet.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$55.00
Half-day ToursIstanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour
See Istanbul’s most notable landmarks and secret backstreets on this small-group walking tour. Learn about the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman history from an English-speaking guide. Pass by Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. On this tour, learn about the attractions, but not venture inside. Discover where locals eat and drink.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$23.95
Day TripsIstanbul Flexi : Best of Istanbul 1-2-3 Day packages
Unique Price Offer for mini group up to 8 people. Istanbul Flexi : Best of Istanbul 1-2-3 Day packages is a flexible solution for those who needs a comprehensive tour of the city by a certified guide. The program can be customized according to your needs. The program explores both Istanbul banks including back street to find out and taste the local cuisine while balancing its content with the highlights of Istanbul: Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Golden Horne, Asian Side with Kadıköy and Üsküdar, Pera and Galata including Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square, Pierre Loti and Eyüp Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace and Bosphorus Strait with a nice cruise.
Sample of Days Structures
1 Day Istanbul Flexi: Visit Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar.
2 Days Istanbul Flexi: Day 1: Idem Day 2: Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street.
3 Days Istanbul Flexi: All above + Kadıköy + Eyüp - Golden Horne
... More
- 8 to 9 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$199.55
per group
Half-day ToursIstanbul Highlights Half-Day Tour
This is a Half Day Guided Tour Which is suggested to the Cruisers.
During this Skip The Line Tour you will see St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Underground Roman Cistern, and Grand Bazaar.
Explore the Local Sites of Istanbul and visit some of the most renowned architecture and its surroundings.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$95.78
Private Sightseeing ToursHighlights of Istanbul: Half Day or Full Day Private Tour
Instead of having huge groups following a guide with a sign, we offer intimate tours with a maximum of 8-10 people. We would all like to learn the facts, but we also tell the stories behind the history.
Our English speaking, local leaders
-are all professional Tour Guides.
-all have a four year university degree in Tour Guiding.
-use a conversational style and invite questions to enhance the experience.
-don’t take you to the carpet/leather/tile shops unless you ask in advance.
-are enthusiastic, reliable, knowledgeable and happy to share their culture.
-are licensed tour guides and have priority entry on the museum ticket lines. Save your time and see more!
... More
- 6 to 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$56.67
Day TripsPrivate Tour of Istanbul With Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
See the best of Istanbul on a private, full-day tour, and enjoy flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests. Explore Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque on foot, and hear about Istanbul’s dramatic religious and political history. Step back in time at an Ottoman Palace and Roman ruins, then visit monuments to ancient wars and a 19th-century German Kaiser. Get an insider’s look at the vibrant stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and take time to browse carpets, coffee and handicrafts before returning to your hotel.
... More
- 5 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$120.00
Bus ToursPrivate Istanbul Layover Tours & Activities
Istanbul Layover Tours is mainly specialized on layover tours from Istanbul Airports.
Meet and Greet: It is easier to find your driver at the airport now. You will be met and accompanied to the vehicle by a welcome host at a spesific spot / time.
Timely & Safe Logistic; Enjoy comfortable round-trip transfer from/to airport with private and spacious van. .
Fast Track Entry: Be VIP and save precious time at the museums ticket desks thanks to the accredited tour guides from Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Professional and Enthusiastic Guides: Our guides are not only a good historian but also your travel companion. Learn about culture, politics & religion through personal stories and anecdotes.
Eat like a local: Taste delicious, reasonable non-touristy local food at the eatiers where the only locals eat. Various food restrictions are welcomed
... More
- 4 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
- 4 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Overnight ToursHighlights of Istanbul: 1 or 2 Day Private Tour
From Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) to Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s packed with must-see destinations, but simply covering the highlights of the historic center can be a challenge if you have limited time. Join a private guide for a personalized tour of Istanbul’s key sites, choosing from a menu of options that tailor the experience to you, and ensure that you don’t miss the destinations that matter most.
... More
- 2 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$75.00
Price varies by group size
Attraction TicketsFast Track Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace Musuems Guided Tours
Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace Museums are most famous places to visit in İstanbul. That is why they should be in your visiting list.
You can skip the line of these museums with our local tour guides during your visits and have a lot of information about them.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
Attraction TicketsFast Track Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Guided Tours
We are official travel agency based in Sultanahmet/İstanbul/Turkey and have priorty to buy tickets through our system and offcial local tour guides. So you can skip the lines of museums with our guides and listen about history of sites. After our guides explanations of sites, you can stay longer in inside to make photos and videos.
... More
- 1 to 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$45.00
Bus ToursByzantine Monasteries Tour Including Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern
Byzantine monasteries and the churches has a magnificant art display on their walls. So this tour will enable us to witness them and receive so much info about them
... More
- 6 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$198.34
Full-day ToursIstanbul Sightseeing Tour Including Süleymaniye Mosque and Lunch
Take in two of Istanbul’s most iconic sights and two of its lesser-known gems on this unique full-day sightseeing tour, including hotel transfers and a delicious 3-course lunch. Marvel over the spectacular Süleymaniye Mosque, the biggest in the city, then venture underground to explore the eerily beautiful Basilica Cistern, which dates back to Roman times. Spend time browsing the myriad stalls of Istanbul’s legendary Grand Bazaar, then prepare to be dazzled as you tour Topkapi Palace, the lavish former residence of the Ottoman sultans.
... More
- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$70.00
Cultural ToursHeart of Historical Istanbul with St Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern Grand Covered Bazaar
If you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time, check all of the city’s top attractions off your list on this 7-hour historical Istanbul tour. In an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll travel between the world-famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean sanctuary dating back to the 6th century. See, too, the magnificent Topkapi Palace and learn about Istanbul’s rich culture and heritage from your guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour, limited to 14 people.
... More
- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$407.07
per group
Full-day ToursSmall-Group Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour
See the unforgettable landmarks of Istanbul’s old city on a full-day, small-group sightseeing tour with a professional art historian. Enjoy a comfortable seat on a luxury coach as you make your way to Hagia Sophia, descend into a stunning below-ground cistern system and explore a Roman-era hippodrome. Pause for a 3-course lunch before continuing to the Blue Mosque, the Ottoman Topkapi Palace and the bustling stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and get an insider’s perspective on the back stories and secrets of each place.
... More
- 9 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$95.78
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