Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Basilica Cistern featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Basilica Cistern showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects
Basilica Cistern showing interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Basilica Cistern which includes interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

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.

Tours & day trips

See all 402 activities
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €10 per adult
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side VisitOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 91 activities
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €200 and current price is €164 per adult*
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-OffOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 76 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 38 activities
Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea with Lunch

Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea with Lunch

Activity duration is 15 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €200 per adult*
Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea with LunchOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 36 activities
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €45 per adult
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in TaksimOpens in new tab

Reviews of Basilica Cistern

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
176
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
136
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
30
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

again, massively under repair. the Cistern of Philoxenos just round the corner was very good (and free) and no tourists as not really know

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Worth seeing

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Under renovation and currently drained (no water or fish as seen on our previous visit). However, the price charged is the same. You can still walk around the entire site and still see the heads of Medusa but it lacks the magic and eeriness compared to when it's full of water.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Go early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Worth a look!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Don't miss this hidden gem.

Popular places to visit

Fountain gift from germans to ottoman sultan.

German Fountain

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at German Fountain. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.

German Fountain
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(625 reviews)

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia

Le Arts Turcs

You can study the exhibits at Le Arts Turcs, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Istanbul. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Le Arts Turcs

The Million Stone

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at The Million Stone. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

The Million Stone

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 stunning cathedral in the area.

Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Fatih

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.

Firuzaga Mosque

Top Hotel Deals

Recital Hotel

Recital Hotel

3 out of 5
Binbirdirek Mah., Piyerloti Caddesi 21 Istanbul
Recital Hotel
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

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

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

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

Hotel Amira Istanbul

Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Mustafa Istanbul Istanbul
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1 Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
The Lola Hotel

The Lola Hotel

Katip Sinan Cami Sk. Istanbul Istanbul
The Lola Hotel
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh. Istanbul Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class

Sultanahmet mah. Torun Sokak, No:19 Istanbul Istanbul
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
Hotel Saba Sultan

Hotel Saba Sultan

Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4 Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan
See all 5,046 properties in Basilica Cistern
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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia