Basilica Cistern Tours

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


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.

This archaeological dig site is on the to-do lists of many travelers to Sultanahmet. But Basilica Cistern isn't the area's only highlight. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace are some other worthwhile sights nearby.

Plan a trip to see Basilica Cistern

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Gritti Pera
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Richmond Istanbul

Browse tours and tickets to explore Basilica Cistern

Tours & day trips

See all 399 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 81 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 75 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 42 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 31 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Basilica Cistern

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., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant

4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Legacy Ottoman Hotel

5 out of 5
Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cad. No: 16, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Istanbul
Legacy Ottoman Hotel
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan

Hotel Saba Sultan

Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
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.

Things to do near Basilica Cistern

At the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, visitors can explore the ancient underground reservoir, perfect for photography tours that capture its magnificent columns and atmospheric lighting. Don't miss the chance to experience guided tours that highlight its rich history and stunning architecture. Additionally, look out for live performances that occasionally take place in this unique setting, making your visit even more memorable while enjoying nearby shopping opportunities.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Basilica Cistern, visit the Grand Bazaar, just 0.5 miles away, and the Egyptian Bazaar, only 0.7 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, located 4 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Vodafone Park, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam. Enjoy a lively evening filled with music and entertainment at Nardis Jazz Club, offering a delightful ambiance just a mile away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of GMAX Reverse Bungy, located 5 miles from Basilica Cistern, for an adrenaline rush. For a scenic trek, hike the Sultans Trail, just 0.2 mile away. You can also try bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, situated 2 miles from the cistern, for an unforgettable adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Basilica Cistern is vibrant, featuring venues like Dance of Colours, Tiyatro Kara Kutu, and Tiyatro-Z, all within a mile. Each theater offers a blend of culture, family-friendly shows, romance, and entertainment, making for an enchanting evening experience in Istanbul.

Find the best attractions near Basilica Cistern

Visiting the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul offers a captivating blend of culture and history, with nearby attractions including stunning mosques, historic buildings, and art museums. Explore the enchanting depths of the cistern while taking in the city's vibrant sights. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking an outdoor experience intertwined with rich cultural discoveries, making it one of the must-see tourist spots in Istanbul.

  • Blue Mosque: Located a mere 0.2 miles from the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and majestic domes. Experience the serene atmosphere of this active place of worship, filled with intricate architecture and rich history.
  • Hagia Sophia: Just 0.1 miles away, Hagia Sophia is a breathtaking historical museum that showcases a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Once a cathedral and then a mosque, it offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul's diverse past.
  • Galata Tower: Situated 1 mile from the Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower stands as a symbol of the city’s history. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Istanbul, and enjoy its charming medieval architecture.

Best time to go to Basilica Cistern

Visitor numbers around Basilica Cistern is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Basilica Cistern is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Basilica Cistern

To save money on your visit to Basilica Cistern, plan your trip between January and March when accommodations are cheaper. Saturdays generally offer the lowest hotel rates, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly options. Consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings, maximizing your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Basilica Cistern are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Basilica Cistern is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Basilica Cistern is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, making it easy to find accommodations that align with your values.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at the Basilica Cistern with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.