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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Basilica Cistern

Tours & day trips

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Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

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: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Private Tour to Northern Part of Cappadocia and Underground City

Free cancellation available

Spa & wellness

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Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

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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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