Private Tour
Basilica Cistern (Private Guide & No waiting) Ticket not included
Overview
Available languages
40 minutes
Mobile ticket
❌ The entrance fee is not included!
✅ This is a Private Guided Tour
✅ No waiting in the Line
✅ Travellers may purchase the tickets directly at the museum ticket office without waiting in line when accompanied by your licensed Tour Guide Nuri Erbay
Enjoy the flexibility of a private guided tour and fully immerse yourself in the Basilica Cistern.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Kids ages 6 and below free of charge for Basilica Cistern & for Guided Tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Basilica Cistern
it was built during the rulership of Justinianus the first in 6 century in order to provide water and greatly enlarged by the emperor of justinian.There are more than 60 underground of cisterns underneath of the streets and underground of the istanbul houses. And you will be seeing a mythological belief of the Medusa statues from the 4th century in Basilica Cistern.
What‘s Included
Private Tour Guide with Nuri Erbay
Tickets of The Basilica Cistern
Options
Basilica Cistern Private Guide
Reviews
97 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience at Basilica Cistern
283botondt,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent tour guide. Knowledgeable, up to date, and well prepared. No waiting in line you can go straight to the program! Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations on local attractions and restaurants he gives excellent suggestions.
Excellent
508xiangl,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a pleasured tour, good person and professional tour explanation
Honest and Knowledgeable Guide
Mandeep S,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mr Noori is a very knowledgeable guide and very patiently explained everything about the basilica in Istanbul. I highly recommend his services
Wonderful cistern basilica
Francyjamaica2007,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We met Nuri outside the Basilica Cistern, and being a group of 14 friends he helped us for the entrance and as a guide within the site. Fortunately for us he is extremely patient and spoke simple and easily understandable English. It was much more than the time allotted answering all our questions and curiosities. He guided us by making us understand the history of the site, the value it represented and still represents for Istanbul. For every corner of the Cistern he reserved particular descriptions deepening details that can hardly be understood without a guide. Thanks again
Excellent tour guide
zhanibekt,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nuri was super helpful and delivered an amazing tour for me and my wife. He knows a lot about the history of the place and it was entertaining to listen to him.
Nice place and perfect guide
J4489SW ,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nuri is extraordinary guide. He knows very much, explains clearly and make the tour exciting experience. Thank you Nuri!
Your Best Guide in Istanbul Your Best Guide in Istanbul!❤️
604jishnuv,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hello Nuri, We wanted to thank you for your visit to the Basilica Cisterna — it was truly an incredible experience, very pleasant and super interesting. We liked the way you explained the whole story, always in a clear, engaging way and with many curiosities that made the visit even more special. The visit was very well conducted, with time to enjoy the space calmly, take photos and simply enjoy the place, which made all the difference. After the visit, we also loved the extra tips he gave us about other places to visit, activities to do in the city and suggestions of where to eat — it was really very friendly on his part and showed the care he has with the people he accompanies. Thank you for your sympathy, good energy and professionalism. It was a great pleasure to meet you and we definitely recommend it to everyone. A big thanks and all good!
It was an experience.
hendrikjanv2022,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience with Nuri! He showed the wonderful would of the cicerone. The pictures he jad and history was great.
Visit of Istanbul Tanks
Sightsee537693,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide, very friendly. Nury knows the history of Istanbul very well and knows how to share it with his customers. I would therefore highly recommend Nuri.
Great.
Pierre G,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with Nouri, and the discovery was really exciting. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, this huge underground cistern was once used to store the water that fed the imperial palace. Thanks to Nouri, the visit was very pleasant. He was able to adapt to our level of English: we were able to take our time, observe the details and better understand the history of this unique site. A memorable moment that allowed us to learn more about Byzantine engineering and the hidden treasures of Istanbul. Thank you, Nouri. I recommend
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Operated by Tour Guide Nuri Erbay