Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and art
Basilica Cistern showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects
Basilica Cistern showing a statue or sculpture

'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.

Plan a trip to see Basilica Cistern

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hamitbey Hotel

Hamitbey Hotel

4 out of 5
Istanbul City Center
Price was ₹81,218, price is now ₹71,078 per person
₹71,078
per person
26 Dec - 28 Dec
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Chandigarh (IXC) to Istanbul (IST)
17.2/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
Room is very noisy: draft from the window, water running. The lights also blink. Very hot on -2 floor during breakfast

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025

AJWA Sultanahmet

AJWA Sultanahmet

5 out of 5
Sultanahmet
Price was ₹141,494, price is now ₹113,568 per person
₹113,568
per person
26 Dec - 28 Dec
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Chandigarh (IXC) to Istanbul (IST)
19.6/10 Exceptional! (877 reviews)
This was amazing! Definitely recommend staying here. Great great location to sultanahmet. Also the service is incredible everyone is more than kind to you. Also had the option to text concierge directly which is extremely nice!!!! Overall very luxurious and comfortable.

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

4 out of 5
Sultanahmet
Price was ₹87,615, price is now ₹74,170 per person
₹74,170
per person
26 Dec - 28 Dec
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Chandigarh (IXC) to Istanbul (IST)
18/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Overall I would rate the hotel as a 3 star not a 4 star hotel. It was very convenient to Istanbul attractions. We walked to the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia Mosque in a 15 minute uphill walk. It was entirely safe except for the Turkish rug salesmen around the mosques. The calls for prayer were loud, but this is all over the city. We also walked to the Basilica cistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Galata Bridge and Tower on easy walks. I feel that the hotels location is its biggest asset. There are a large number of restaurants and nightlife immediately adjacent to the hotel. We had 2 free nights from Turkish Airlines and added 2 additional nights for a total of 4. The breakfast was good and we ate dinner in the hotel restaurant 2 nights. I would definitely stay there again. Istanbul is a lively vibrant city.

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

Reviews of Basilica Cistern

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
176
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
136
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
30
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

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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See all 5,023 properties in Basilica Cistern
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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