Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Basilica Cistern. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Istanbul E-Pass: Top Istanbul Attractions With Skip-the-Line Ticket

• Istanbul Best: Iconic Landmarks Full-Day Private Guided City Tour

• Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour From Cruise Ship and Hotel

• Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour With a Local Expert

• Best of Istanbul: 1-, 2-, or 3-Day Private Guided Tour

Tickets to the Basilica Cistern cost international visitors 2,145 lira, and domestic tourists 495 lira. Seniors and children under 7 from Turkey enter free of charge. Getting an audio guide or taking a guided tour of the cistern costs extra. You can save money on the entry fees by using a travel pass such as the Istanbul E-pass.

Yes, it's worth visiting the underground Basilica Cistern when you travel to Istanbul, as it offers a different experience to the city's more traditional attractions. The Basilica Cistern is an interesting local historical site and offers a distinct sensory experience. It's particularly worth taking a skip-the-line guided tour if you want to learn more and save time while there.

Per one customer who booked the Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour From Cruise Ship & Hotel, "The sites in Istanbul were incredible! In particular, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were very beautiful, and the Basilica Cistern was amazing. Our guide, Ozlem, was really knowledgeable and nice. We enjoyed the entire tour."

The Basilica Cistern is typically open daily from 9am to 10pm. Admission fees vary by time, and admission ticket prices increase after 7:30pm. Due to Turkey’s volatile economy in recent years, prices change often, so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

No, you don’t have to buy tickets for the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in advance. There’s a ticket office at the site, but keep in mind that this line is often long. To skip the queues, purchase a timed ticket via the Basilica Cistern’s website or take a guided tour.

Yes, guided tours are available for the Basilica Cistern, providing insightful commentary on its history and convenient skip-the-line admission, too. Led by guides well-versed in the cistern’s mysterious stories, these tours offer a deeper understanding of the Basilica Cistern’s significance and give you the opportunity to ask questions.

Yes, while the Basilica Cistern primarily serves as a historical attraction, it also holds evening performances known as Night Shift Events and contemporary art exhibitions. These events and displays can vary widely, so it's advisable to check the cistern's official website for upcoming events and exhibits ahead of your visit.

Yes, the Basilica Cistern is accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility issues. Ramps and elevators are available at the site’s entrance to facilitate access, and the walkways throughout the site are smooth for safe and easy navigation. Keep in mind that you must bring your own wheelchair.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Basilica Cistern. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Istanbul:

• Hagia Sophia

• Bosphorus

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapi Palace

• Hippodrome

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Istanbul.