'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 7 activitiesOpens in new tabBosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All-inclusive)
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
4.3 out of 5 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 14 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 249 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 57 activitiesOpens in new tabTaste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour
Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
4.8 out of 5 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
See all 4 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 352 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.
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Top Basilica Cistern Hotel Deals
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Hotel Saba Sultan
Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, 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
Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul
Tiyatro Caddesi, No. 25, Beyazit, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Mustafa, Pasa Sokak No: 43 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
Ordu Caddesi Dibekli Cami Sokak No: 13, Beyazit, 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.
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