Private Tour
Basilica Cistern (Private Guided Tour — No Waiting in Line)
Overview
Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
❌ The entrance fee is not included and the traveller may purchase the ticket directly at the museum ticket office.
✅ This is a private guided tour
✅ No waiting in the line!
“Enjoy the flexibility of a private guided tour and fully immerse yourself in the Basilica Cistern with your local licensed tour guide.”
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 & Licenced Tour Guide by @Tour Guide Nuri Erbay
Tickets of The Basilica Cistern
Options
Basilica Cistern Private Guide
Reviews
91 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Great time with great guide
982izabelar,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent tour guide during our visit. He introduced us not only to the history of the Basilica Cistern, but also to the history of Istanbul as a whole. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us in such an interesting way. Greetings from Croatia!
A great visit to Istanbul made even better by our wonderful tour guide at the Basilica Cistern. Amaizing experience!
Augustin S,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful experience visiting the Basilica Cistern, thanks to our amazing tour guide. Their knowledge, passion, and friendly attitude made the entire tour truly memorable. They explained the history of the cistern in a clear and engaging way, sharing fascinating details that brought the place to life. The guide was patient, attentive, and always ready to answer any questions. Their enthusiasm made the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable, and I felt like I was exploring the site with someone who genuinely loves what they do. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul. It was informative, enjoyable, and beautifully delivered an unforgettable experience!
not to be missed!
bouzemarenem,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great visit. great guide. thank you nuri! a magical timeless place full of history. nuri answers all our questions and takes pictures. nuri is competent professional and smiling. a very nice experience thanks to our guide.
Excellent visit and excellent guide!
Wanderer438467,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour to the cistern was very interesting and more because our guide Nuri explained everything about its construction in great detail and shared with us information and photos that complemented the visit very well. He did it in English and Spanish because we are from Mexico and that gave him a bonus for us. Besides that he helped us avoid the line to enter Thank you so much to Nuri! Excellent guide I recommend
Super tour of the cysters with Nuri
klauslH1533DZ,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nuri is a great guide and the whole experience of visiting the cysters is really great. Definitely a recommendation!!
Worth it!
christpost,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice, friendly and knowledgeable Tour guide. Took time to explain everything and gave us also some additional advices for the city.
Beautiful cistern
Sus P,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was friendly, very skilled in history and architecture, for a reasonable price. It was very nice and educational, thank you Nuri
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Operated by Tour Guide Nuri Erbay