(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

From the Depths to the Heights: Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower

New To The Site! Istanbul, Turkey

Loading Options

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic and historically rich landmarks with this convenient combo ticket to the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower. Skip the long ticket lines and discover the mystique of Byzantine architecture and the panoramic beauty of Istanbul — all at your own pace with an included smartphone audio guide.

Descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir supported by 336 marble columns, and ascend the Galata Tower, a medieval stone watchtower offering breathtaking views across the city and the Bosphorus. With flexible entry times and in-depth historical narration, this self-guided experience offers both convenience and cultural immersion.

Please note: While you can skip the ticket lines, security checks are mandatory, and short waits at the entrance may occur.

What's Included

  • Instant Activation Link to easily access your Audio Tour.
  • Skip the Ticket Line Entry Ticket to Galata Tower
  • Skip the Ticket Line Entry Ticket to Basilica Cistern
  • Headphones
  • Food and Drinks
  • Transportation
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Galata Tower
Bereketzade, Istanbul 34421, Turkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Galata Tower

Step into the timeless beauty of Istanbul with Skip the Ticket Line Hosted Entry Access to two of its most iconic landmarks — the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower.Avoid long queues and enjoy a self-guided audio tour as you explore centuries of history and architecture.Descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground marvel supported by 336 marble columns. Then ascend the Galata Tower, a medieval watchtower offering stunning panoramic views over Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus.Perfect for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and independent travelers, this flexible, self-paced experience allows you to uncover two of Istanbul’s most fascinating sites at your own rhythm.Please note: Security checks are mandatory. While you can skip the ticket lines, there may be a short wait at the entrance due to security procedures.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Step into the timeless beauty of Istanbul with Skip the Ticket Line Hosted Entry Access to two of its most iconic landmarks — the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower.Avoid long queues and enjoy a self-guided audio tour as you explore centuries of history and architecture.Descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground marvel supported by 336 marble columns. Then ascend the Galata Tower, a medieval watchtower offering stunning panoramic views over Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus.Perfect for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and independent travelers, this flexible, self-paced experience allows you to uncover two of Istanbul’s most fascinating sites at your own rhythm.Please note: Security checks are mandatory. While you can skip the ticket lines, there may be a short wait at the entrance due to security procedures.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From the Depths to the Heights: Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-460360P266


Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Istanbul Private Classics Tour

Istanbul Private Classics Tour

New To The Site!
 8 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$691.12

Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line

Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line

 4 to 7 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$154.53

Easymade Small Group Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia

Easymade Small Group Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia

 10 days  Instant Confirmation
from
$2,447.54

Small Group Tour of Istanbul Classics Afternoon

Small Group Tour of Istanbul Classics Afternoon

New To The Site!
 4 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$47.66

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$9.53

Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide

Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide

 2 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$23.83

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

 4 to 7 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$88.15

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$155

What's Included

Activity name

  • Instant Activation Link to easily access your Audio Tour.
  • Skip the Ticket Line Entry Ticket to Galata Tower
  • Skip the Ticket Line Entry Ticket to Basilica Cistern
  • Headphones
  • Food and Drinks
  • Transportation
  • Live Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Non-refundable

Activity name

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.