'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
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Sultanahmet
per person
20 Jun - 25 Jun
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (271 reviews)
Lovely hotel, front desk staff were amazing. Incredible service. Breakfast and the staff at breakfast was a let down. Very unwelcoming and slightly underwhelming considering Turkish breakfast is incredible in London
Reviewed on 30 Apr, 2025
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Sultanahmet
per person
20 Jun - 25 Jun
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
A nice enough hotel near the Bosphorus . The rooms were adequate though the a/c could have been more effective . Its on the bus route into the centre and walkable if you head up hill towards Blue Mosque
Reviewed on 29 Apr, 2025
Tours & day trips
See all 1106 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Activity duration is 3 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 48 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
See all 368 activities
Cappadocia best option one day tour
Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 197 activitiesIstanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Activity duration is 3 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 48 reviews
Free cancellation available
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 104 activities
Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis Ancient City, Laodicea Ancient City
Activity duration is 16 hours
Classes & workshops
See all 62 activities
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City
Activity duration is 50 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Reviews of Basilica Cistern
4.3
Top destination
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
again, 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
Worth seeing
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveller
Under 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
Go early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
Worth a look!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Don't miss this hidden gem.
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Top Basilica Cistern Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern
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Kabasakal Cad. No:5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
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AJWA Sultanahmet
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Saba Sultan
Akbiyik Cad, Cetinkaya Sokak No: 4, Sultanahmet, 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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