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Basilica Cistern Tour: Private Guided Experience
5.0
88 Ratings
Fatih
❌ The entrance fee is excluded
✅ This is a private guided tour
“Experience the convenience of a private guided tour and completely engage with the Basilica Cistern alongside your local licensed tour guide.”
❌ The entrance fee is excluded
✅ This is a private guided tour
“Experience the convenience of a private guided tour and completely engage with the Basilica Cistern alongside your local licensed tour guide.”
Duration:
30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Basilica Cistern - Constructed during the reign of Justinian I in the 6th century to supply water, it was significantly expanded by Emperor Justinian. Beneath the streets and homes of Istanbul lie over 60 underground cisterns. Within the Basilica Cistern, you’ll encounter the mythological Medusa statues dating back to the 4th century.
- Basilica Cistern - Constructed during the reign of Justinian I in the 6th century to supply water, it was significantly expanded by Emperor Justinian. Beneath the streets and homes of Istanbul lie over 60 underground cisterns. Within the Basilica Cistern, you’ll encounter the mythological Medusa statues dating back to the 4th century.

What's Included
- Kids ages 6 and below free for The Basilica Cistern and Guided Tour
- Licensed Tour Guide in English, Japanese, and Turkish
- Kids ages 6 and below free for The Basilica Cistern and Guided Tour
- Licensed Tour Guide in English, Japanese, and Turkish
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
- Kids ages 6 and below free of charge for Basilica Cistern & for Guided Tour
- Kids ages 6 and below free of charge for Basilica Cistern & for Guided Tour
Location
Basilica Cistern
Yerebatan Caddesi
Meeting point is in front of the exit of the Basilica Cistern
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(88 Ratings)
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Sightsee537693
Nov 22, 2025
Visit of Istanbul Tanks - Excellent 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pierre
Nov 21, 2025
Great. - We 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
982izabelar
Nov 17, 2025
Great time with great guide - We 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Augustin
Nov 17, 2025
A great visit to Istanbul made even better by our wonderful tour guide at the Basilica Cistern. Amaizing experience! - I 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bouzemarenem
Nov 17, 2025
not to be missed! - great 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer438467
Nov 16, 2025
Excellent visit and excellent guide! - The 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Klauslh1533dz
Nov 14, 2025
Super tour of the cysters with Nuri - Nuri is a great guide and the whole experience of visiting the cysters is really great.
Definitely a recommendation!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christpost
Nov 14, 2025
Worth it! - Very nice, friendly and knowledgeable Tour guide. Took time to explain everything and gave us also some additional advices for the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sus
Nov 13, 2025
Beautiful cistern - Guide was friendly, very skilled in history and architecture, for a reasonable price. It was very nice and educational, thank you Nuri
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tamara2510lk
Nov 11, 2025
The best of Basilica Cistern with Nuri - Thanks to Nuri Erbay, it was a wonderful tour of such a special location.
Full of information and answers to all our additional questions.
Thank you Nuri for a wonderful tour 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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