'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.
Basilica Cistern
Visit Basilica Cistern
Shows & concerts
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabBosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All-inclusive)
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
4.4 out of 5 with 21 reviews
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabMonuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets
Activity duration is 8 hours and 45 minutes
3.8 out of 5 with 250 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 43 activitiesOpens in new tabTaste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour
Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
4.9 out of 5 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabTurkish Baths Experience at Cemberlitas Hamam with Private Transfer
Activity duration is 3 hours
2.7 out of 5 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
History & culture
See all 286 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Activity duration is 21 hours
4.8 out of 5 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Reviews of Basilica Cistern
4.3
Top destination
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
31 Dec 2019again, massively under repair. the Cistern of Philoxenos just round the corner was very good (and free) and no tourists as not really know
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019Worth seeing
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019Under renovation and currently drained (no water or fish as seen on our previous visit). However, the price charged is the same. You can still walk around the entire site and still see the heads of Medusa but it lacks the magic and eeriness compared to when it's full of water.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
30 Oct 2019Go early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
21 Oct 2019Worth a look!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
24 Sep 2019Don't miss this hidden gem.
Popular places to visit
German Fountain
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at German Fountain. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.
Hagia Sophia
4.5/5(625 reviews)
A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.
Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I
Learn about the local history of Istanbul when you spend time at Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I. Add the area's notable monuments or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III
Find out about the history of Istanbul when you take a trip to Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.
Le Arts Turcs
You can study the exhibits at Le Arts Turcs, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Istanbul. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
The Million Stone
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at The Million Stone. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Top Basilica Cistern Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern
Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul
Tiyatro Caddesi, No. 25, Beyazit, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Akbiyik Cad No 46, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet - Special Class
Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 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.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Basilica Cistern
- Hotels Near Basilica Cistern
- Hotels near other Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Basilica Cistern
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Taksim Square
- Hotels near Blue Mosque
- Hotels near Grand Bazaar
- Hotels near Galata Tower
- Hotels near Hagia Sophia
- Hotels near Topkapi Palace
- Hotels near Mall of Istanbul
- Hotels near Bosphorus
- Hotels near Istiklal Avenue
- Hotels near Dolmabahçe Palace
- Hotels near Süleymaniye Mosque
- Hotels near Florya Beach
- Hotels near Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near Ataturk Olympic Stadium
- Hotels near Egyptian Bazaar
- Hotels near CNR Expo Center
- Hotels near Emaar Square Mall