The Basilica Cistern is located across from Hagia Sophia (under the yellow building on the corner). The building has thousands of visitors per day. According to statistics of the museum, 1 millions 346 thousand and 734 people visited this magical building in 2022. Here’s how you can visit it in 2023.
İt’s in Oldtown İstanbul, placed in the face of Hagia Sophia. The entrance fee is 300 Turkish Lira (15 € or 16 $) per person. For travellers, it’s always good to have your collection updated with famous attractions. The Basilica Cistern is one of the most famous sites in Istanbul. Thanks to movies such as Inferno with Tom Hanks (3rd Movie of The Da Vinci Code) and From Russia With Love (1963) with Sean Connery, it’s having the satisfying attention.
Due to the popularity, especially since it was under restoration for almost 2 years, the Basilica Cistern is having its golden age. The only problem is that it is too crowded. Here’s my suggestions to travellers as @atourguideinconstantinople.
What Is The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was structured in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian the 1st. In order to provide water to the center of the city, as widely used before, the largest cistern was established.
Why is there water in the Basilica Cistern? It has to. The deprivation of aqua sources is the unaffected doom in Constantinople city. There is still almost no water resource particularly in Oldtown Istanbul. Aforethought methods have always been used in various ways. It was a substantial need and it still is, moreover will be.
With its 336 columns (9 meter high), the cistern was the most essential part of the urban structure. Since its beneath the ground level, well preserved and crucial water supply to the civilizations who were living centuries before the modern Istanbul city. It is designed to keep some amount of water in case of further use.
After all those years it stood as buried underneath Istanbul, finally in 1987 turned into a museum. So it’s not a funcial cistern nowadays. This magical place will be a house holder to many visitors, events or movies.
How To Visit The Basilica Cistern
First of all, you have to find the way to get the location of the Hagia Sophia. The straightforward way to get to the Basilica Cistern is using public transportation. Get your transportation card from stations (from the yellow machines) and get the Tram 1. Your stop is called ‘Sultanahmet/Blue Mosque’.
Or you can use the taxi until a certain distance and you have to walk for 5 minutes to reach there since the area is out of traffic.
If you’ve already picked your hotel near Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace or Blue Mosque: it’s only within walking distance.
The Basilica Cistern is located next to the tramway, across to Hagia Sophia, under the yellow building.
Tickets are 300 Turkish Lira (15 € or 16 $) per person. The tickets are free for under 7 years old (You have to bring ID, Passport etc.) You have to purchase them via the ticket line, in the entrance, inside the building. The ticket line can take from 30 minutes to hours depending on the season and traffic of the visitors on that day.
Bonus: There is no audio guide you can borrow. It’s open everyday and works between 09.00 – 19.00. *Museum Pass does not cover the Basilica Cistern. ** You have to pay Cash or Credit Card because the Foreign Currency is not accepted.
What Is The Best Way To Visit Basilica Cistern
Well I have 4 tours per day but you have every right to know what options you have.
- Online Reservation. It costs 330 Turkish Lira (17.5 $ or 16 €) per person. The website sends your PDF ticket to your mail address and you’re getting inside from the online entry side of the queue. Downside: No Audio Guide or Tour Guide. It’s a known method so it will be crowded as much as the ticket line. If you are OK with all: You can buy an online ticket directly from here (https://www.passo.com.tr/en/event/yerebatan-sarnici-muzeleri-bilet/4627331).
- Online Travel Agents. This can also be another option for you. When you search from your browser, they can find you. So you are not going to have any difficulties finding them. Average service will cost between 25 up to 35 €. Downsides: There are only a few time slots (you can not get in by yourself), They will over charge due to their services (only getting you inside and brief information). Most of them have no headset so you can hear the tour guide for 10 minutes. But somehow they can help you to get through the ticket line.
- Tour Guide. The travel agents have no privilege to buy tickets without waiting. They are using the permissions of the tour guides.A tour guide can take you in without waiting and provide you the right introduction you need. You can find them at the side If you are lucky or find one in advance.
Now you are aware of your options for the best way to visit The Basilica Cistern.
Do You Need Tour Guide
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the building to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide
