Getting to the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is on Yerebatan Caddesi in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's old town, about 150 m southwest of Hagia Sophia. Most visitors come on the T1 tram or on foot from the other sights around Sultanahmet.
By T1 tram
T1 connects with the F1 funicular from Taksim at Kabataş, the ferries at Kabataş and Eminönü, and Marmaray at Sirkeci. Pay with an İstanbulkart.
- From
- Sultanahmet tram stop (T1)
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T1 tram to Sultanahmet
The T1 line runs between Kabataş and Bağcılar through the old town. Get off at Sultanahmet.
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Walk towards Hagia Sophia
The cistern entrance is a small building on Yerebatan Caddesi, across the street from the west side of Hagia Sophia.
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Tickets and security
Without a ticket, join the queue for the ticket office. Then pass the security check and go down 52 steps into the cistern.
Address and map
- Address
- Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi No:1/3, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
- Opening hours
-
- Daily09:00 – 18:00
Getting to the Basilica Cistern: questions
Which tram stop is closest to the Basilica Cistern?
Sultanahmet, on the T1 line between Kabataş and Bağcılar.
How far is it from Hagia Sophia?
About 150 m. The entrance is across the street from Hagia Sophia, so the two are easy to visit one after the other.
Is there a covered place to wait?
No. The ticket-office queue forms on the street with no shelter, so a skip-the-line ticket helps most in summer sun or rain. Skip-the-line tickets