Basilica Cistern

Attraction📍 Istanbul, Turkey⚡ Instant Confirmation

Description

Discover two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one convenient experience: the Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower. Explore the atmospheric underground Basilica Cistern, a former Byzantine reservoir near Hagia Sophia supported by hundreds of dramatic stone columns, then visit Galata Tower for sweeping views and the timeless charm of Istanbul.

Your e-ticket can be validated directly at the entrance gate of each attraction and is valid for one admission per person during the period stated on the voucher. Ideal for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers looking to complete their Istanbul itinerary. Visit the Basilica Cistern during daytime opening hours and check the latest Galata Tower opening times before you go.

Package Options

Loading latest prices…

✓Basilica Cistern Ticket+Galata Tower TicketStandardbooking feeBasilica Cistern: Daytime use, evening session ticket not included

✕Other personal expenses

What To Expect

The Basilica Cistern is located next to the Hagia Sophia Museum and was built under the orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It has a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water, served as an underground reservoir used by the Byzantine and Ottoman Palaces and is still in use today. The Basilica Cistern is now a famous tourist attraction due to its historic importance and architectural beauty. In the dim light of the Basilica Cistern, thick Corinthian stone pillars support massive brick vaults engraved with exquisite reliefs. Sometimes you can even find fish swimming about. Because of the unique air of mystery here, it has served as a filming site for both the James Bond installment, “Skyfall”, and Jackie Chan’s “Secret City”.

Terms & Conditions

- Please check the attraction's official website for its opening dates and hours. The information disclosed on external websites is for reference only. The actual opening dates and hours may be adjusted or closed due to seasons, weather, special holidays, etc. No additional notice will be given for any changes made by the official. Please refer to the official disclosure for the most accurate information. Your understanding is appreciated.
Basilica cistern
Check business hours: https://yerebatan.com/en/basilica-cistern/visit-info/
Note: Admission ends 1 hour before the park closes.
Child policy: Free for children under 6. Valid ID required.
Galata tower
Check business hours: https://muze.gov.tr/muzeler
Child policy: Free for children under 3 years old, ID required. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Park closing notice: The park closes for cleaning daily from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM (hours may vary by season, please check the official website for real-time updates before your visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Note that re-entry is not permitted after closing, so please plan your Trip.com booking wisely.
Other matters:
- No re-entry after exit.
-Please note that there may be queues at the entrance, especially at the elevator.
-Plan to visit Galata Tower during off-peak hours to minimize wait times at the entrance
Dress code
Most attractions in Türkiye have dress codes, please dress appropriately in accordance with the religious requirements of the destination country/region.
[Basilica cistern - audio guide is provided free of charge, no refund if unused)]
-Multilingual audio guide (supports English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Romanian, Croatian and Arabic). After purchase, please check the link on your e-voucher to download the audio guide in advance. As there is no Internet access inside the attraction, please download the audio guide before entering. Refunds are not available if unused.
Basilica Cistern
Present your e-ticket for direct verification and access.
Galata Tower
Present your e-ticket for direct verification and access.
Basilica Cistern
(Choose one): Location of use1;Basilica Cistern - Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet-Fatih/ISTANBUL Ticket Gate
Time of use: 09:00~17:00(Only valid during daytime business hours.);Last admission: 1 hr before closing;The park will be closed on December 16/17, 2025.
(Choose one): Location of use2;Galata Tower Ticket Gate
Time of use: Check the official website for real-time business hours;Must be used during the attraction's operating hours.;1 hour for evening closing and clearing of the park.;Closing Hours: 18:15-19:15;(Closing time varies by season)
Galata Tower
(Choose one): Location of use1;Basilica Cistern - Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet-Fatih/ISTANBUL Ticket Gate
Time of use: 09:00~17:00(Only valid during daytime business hours.);Last admission: 1 hr before closing;The park will be closed on December 16/17, 2025.
(Choose one): Location of use2;Galata Tower Ticket Gate
Time of use: Check the official website for real-time business hours;Must be used during the attraction's operating hours.;1 hour for evening closing and clearing of the park.;Closing Hours: 18:15-19:15;(Closing time varies by season)
Basilica Cistern: Use the e-voucher provided by the supplier. It can be used once at each attraction within the validity period displayed on the e-voucher. [One e-voucher per person per attraction. Please check the e-voucher title for identification.]
Galata Tower: Use the e-voucher provided by the supplier. It can be used once at each attraction within the validity period displayed on the e-voucher. [One e-voucher per person per attraction. Please check the e-voucher title for identification.]