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
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Tours & day trips
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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Activity duration is 3 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
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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 198 activitiesIstanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Activity duration is 3 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
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Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis Ancient City, Laodicea Ancient City
Activity duration is 16 hours
Classes & workshops
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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City
Activity duration is 50 minutes
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 prices on hotels near Basilica Cistern
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, 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 Hotel - Special Class
Cankurtaran Mh., Tevkifhane Sokak 8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok., No 11 1 Fatih, Istanbul
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Akbiyik Cad No 46, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Kabasakal Cad. No:5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 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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