Your experience
Save time and money with this combo ticket to two of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, both enhanced with multilingual audio guides.
Getting started
Begin your journey at the Basilica Cistern, downloading the audio guide beforehand to avoid network issues. Once you’ve explored, continue to Hagia Sophia, just a few minutes away.
What to expect
Basilica Cistern
Step into the atmospheric depths of Istanbul and explore the ancient Basilica Cistern, once used to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
Features:
-
336 marble columns: Wander through rows of towering columns reflected in still waters with soft lighting that highlights their grandeur.
-
Medusa heads: Don’t miss the mysterious Medusa sculptures tucked at the back. Their origins and positioning remain a fascinating mystery.
Hagia Sophia
Admire the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum across centuries of history.
Features:
-
Upper gallery access: Enjoy panoramic views of the vast interior, including intricate mosaics and colossal domes.
-
Historic layers: Discover how Hagia Sophia reflects the blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences.
- Rated 4.3 / 5224 reviews
- Mobile ticketShow it on your phone
- Duration2 hours
- CancellationNon-refundable
- Get skip-the-line tickets to explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with a single cost-effective combo, including immersive audio guides.
- Descend into the Basilica Cistern and wander among its eerie marble columns, spotting the mysterious Medusa heads.
- Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman design, and visit the Upper Gallery for views of its golden mosaics.
- Explore both sites at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide that brings centuries of history to life.
- *Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
- Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish
- Option to explore with a live guide
- *Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Turkish
- Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area
- Option to explore with a live guide
Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly. Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point. Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Getting there: İstanbul, İstanbul.
- Bring along a scarf to use as a cover before entering the mosque
- Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
- Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
- Large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Basilica Cistern is not entirely wheelchair accessible, as some areas may have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways, despite the main stairs having ramps.
- Hagia Sophia is not entirely wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.
- Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon (post 4pm) or early evening.
- Bring your old-school wired earphones or headphones for your audio guide, as Bluetooth headphones might not work well underground.
- Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
- The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.
- Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end and worth viewing from every angle!
- Tip: Security checks are mandatory even with your skip-the-line tickets, and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
