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.

Plan a trip to see Basilica Cistern

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Richmond Istanbul

Taksim

Save 100% on your flight

NT$30,338

per person

Dec 27 - Dec 31

just found

Roundtrip flight included

Taipei (TPE) to Istanbul (IST)

17.6/10 Exceptional! (962 reviews)

The room was clean and very comfortable. The breakfast was substantial and had lots of variety. The staff were pleasant and helpful.

Reviewed on 2025/10/23

The Marmara Pera

Taksim

NT$30,392

per person

Dec 27 - Dec 31

just found

Roundtrip flight included

Taipei (TPE) to Istanbul (IST)

16.8/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)

The room was clean with great views over the marmara sea and towards the asian side. Everything was ready for us when we arrived. There’s robes and slippers. The shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and lotion were all zero parabens and zero soap. We weren’t able to use the pool as it was already cold and they have closed it for the season now. We did not include breakfast with our booking as we intended to eat out for most of the stay. The location of the hotel is just one street away from istiklal street and a few minutes walk to the galata tower and area which is so busy and buzzing at night. Amazing as its very close to everything. The karakoy tram to get to sultanahmet is also short walking distance downhill. Great stay. Will be back again, hopefully when there is a bosphorus view room available.

Reviewed on 2025/10/20

The Marmara Taksim

Taksim

NT$32,138

per person

Dec 27 - Dec 31

just found

Roundtrip flight included

Taipei (TPE) to Istanbul (IST)

18/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)

Despite lacking some of the refined touches typically expected of a five-star property, this hotel delivers a thoroughly enjoyable stay thanks to its unbeatable location. The rooms are on the smaller side but well-designed and perfectly sufficient, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness. Staff were consistently friendly, attentive, and eager to help. The breakfast offering was impressive, featuring a wide and satisfying selection. While there may be nearby options that offer better value for money, the prime location of this hotel sets it apart and ultimately enhances the overall experience. A pleasant and comfortable stay overall.

Reviewed on 2025/11/16

Browse tours and tickets to explore Basilica Cistern

Tours & day trips

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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

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Adventure & outdoor

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Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View

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Reviews of Basilica Cistern

4.4

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

428

4 - Good

212

3 - Okay

74

2 - Disappointing

8

1 - Terrible

7

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

it cost 20 lira and i spent 15 minutes here. it is cool to see the history and a few photo but not worth a second trip.

4/5 - Good

Rusty

Saw aa special on Discovery or Nat Geo and thought this was great. I was a little disappointed after view the show, but still amazed at the work and the craftsmanship that went into building this place. The old saying, they don't build them like this anymore holds true for this place. Probably not a good place for young kids, it is dark and damp and when the tour groups come, it gets crowded quick

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Under reconstruction- wait a few years to come.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

This is a quick 15-20 minute visit. It is across the street from the Hagia Sofia. We paid 10 or 15 lira per person to enter. It is dark and wet. Unfortunately, it is very poorly lit. We had been excited to see it since we knew a scene from a Bond flick was shot there, however, you can't really see much of anything. If you use flash, you can get a few shots of columns. There are two columns with Madusa heads for bases. The sign it nowhere near them. Everyone took pictures of blackness looking for them. It was funny because I asked a worker to find out that they were at the very end before turning around and coming back out. If you want to appear really smart and knowledgeable, tell everyone who is bewildered looking for them that they are at then end.

5/5 - Excellent

lee

Went on my last trip here, very interesting and a cool respite for a hot day. Worth a stop.

4/5 - Good

HijabNomani

A lot of it is under construction. Walk to the end to see the Medusa heads.

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