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.
Basilica Cistern
Visit Basilica Cistern
Shows & concerts
See all 53 activitiesOpens in new tabBosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All-inclusive)
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
8.0 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 96 activitiesOpens in new tabHagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Activity duration is 4 hours and 15 minutes
6.4 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Tours & day trips
See all 1025 activitiesOpens in new tabBosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Show and Private Table
Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 84 reviews
Free cancellation available
Spa & wellness
See all 48 activitiesOpens in new tabIstanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabTurkish Baths Experience at Cemberlitas Hamam with Private Transfer
Activity duration is 3 hours
5.4 out of 10 with 13 reviews
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.
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)
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
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 shops or notable monuments 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 Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Basilica Cistern
Arden City Hotel - Special Class
Alemdar Mah Kazm Ismail Gürkan Cad No2, 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
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Sura Design Hotel and Suites - Boutique Class
Alemdar Mh., Ticarethane Sk. No:13, Fatih, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
The Marmara Taksim
Taksim Square, Istanbul, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, 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.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Basilica Cistern
- Hotels Near Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet
- Hotels near popular Istanbul Attractions
- Choose Your Basilica Cistern Hotel Style
- Expedia's Latest Trends
Hotels
Park Hotel Hong KongPark Regis Kuta, BaliMarriottHotelsResorts Hotels in PalembangHotels near Kyoto StationRos-In Hotel YogyakartaBerjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala LumpurHotels in SitubondoShopping Hotels in CuraçaoPramana Watu Kurung ResortOYO 2379 Hotel SibigoFuramaXclusive Resort & Villas, UbudPrime Park Hotel & Convention LombokSleepZzz Hotel Pulomas
Holidays