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

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Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 155 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €10 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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

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

Activity duration is 21 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1448 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €169 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 245 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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

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

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €45 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €200 per adult*
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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 stunning cathedral in the area.

German Fountain
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

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 fascinating museums.

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 notable monuments 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

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1 Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7 Istanbul Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh. Istanbul Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok. Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

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

Recital Hotel

3 out of 5
Binbirdirek Mah., Piyerloti Caddesi 21 Istanbul
Recital Hotel
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

4 out of 5
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24 Istanbul Istanbul
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40 Istanbul Istanbul
Senatus 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
See all 5,122 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.

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