How to Make the Most of Your Basilica Cistern Tour in Istanbul: Skip the Line with a Guide

Are you planning an unforgettable trip to Istanbul? The Basilica Cistern is famously known as one of the must-see attractions in the beautiful city and undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime. If you want to make the most of your visit to the stunning structure, you may be wondering how to skip the queue and avoid waiting for a long time to get inside.

The unique and remarkable nature of the Cistern makes it easy to understand why it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Constructed way back in 532 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the underground gallery was built from 336 granite columns to provide water for the citizens of Constantinople.

Since then, it has been used for various purposes and extensively renovated over time. It has also featured in several books and movies, among which is the famous James Bond movie “From Russia With Love’. All these elements, paired with its fascinating history and the mysterious atmosphere, draw people towards it every day.

Fortunately, there’s a way to explore all that, skip the queue and learn more about such an incredible edifice—without having to wait in line. You’ll be pleased to know that organized Basilica Cistern tours are available from GetYourGuide, which offers the best support and dedicated guiding services for incredible experiences. Tourists who have booked their visits through this platform have all praised their assistance for making the whole process smoother.

What Are the Advantages of Booking a Tour Through GetYourGuide?

There are a few distinct advantages to booking your visit with GetYourGuide as compared to other services.

• You don’t have to wait in line: This is probably the most appealing benefit which visitors love especially when they’re traveling with families or groups.
• Professional guides: When you book your tour with GetYourGuide, you’re assigned a knowledgeable tour guide along with your tickets. Your guide will provide you complete information on everything, such as history and interesting facts about the Basilica Cistern.
• Put together a tailored experience: When booking your experience through GetYourGuide, you can also add extras such as a guide or a pick-up service to make your experience unforgettable.

An Overview of the Experience

Your tour of the Basilica Cistern begins after you purchase your tickets. After entering the large domed entrance, you will be taken through the entire gallery and its old-fashioned columns just like the ones that have been there for centuries.

Your knowledgeable tour guide introduces you to all sorts of interesting facts related to this ancient structure which you might not have known existed if not told by a professional tour guide. With their support, you are then taken down through a maze-like gallery filled with pools of fresh water, many shades, and classical music playing simultaneously.

What makes this experience rather special is that you will not just be taken through random galleries—people often miss out on certain areas due to lack of knowledge. GetYourGuide lets you explore all parts of this remarkable structure easily with their professional guides.

The Verdict

The Basilica Cistern is an amazing piece of history that has stood in Constantinople for centuries and it has become one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. We recommend booking your visit through GetYourGuide since this platform provides an easier way for you to make the most out of your visit.

As long as you book a guided tour with GetYourGuide, you won’t have to worry about queuing, and you’ll be able to explore all corners of the Basilica Cistern with complete knowledge about its history and interesting facts. With their help, we’re confident that your experience at this marvel will be one that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

To start your process of planning and booking your Basilica Cistern tour, click here.

An Insider’s Guide to Explore the Hidden Gems of Istanbul

As one of the most culturally rich and historically significant cities in the world, Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. With so much to offer, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to explore the city beyond its popular tourist spots. Therefore, we have compiled an insider’s guide to help you discover the hidden gems of Istanbul.

Discover the Hidden Attractions

While the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are must-visit attractions in Istanbul, there is more to the city than these iconic landmarks. Take a stroll through the narrow alleys of Balat, a colorful neighborhood that is home to some of Istanbul’s oldest synagogues and Orthodox churches. Visit the Chora Church, a Byzantine-era church that is known for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. For art lovers, the Istanbul Modern Museum and Pera Museum offer displays by some of the best artists in the country, showcasing Turkey’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Explore the Diverse Cuisine

Istanbul is a foodie’s paradise, boasting a diverse culinary culture that has influences from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, serpme kahvalti, at Namli Gurme, a hidden gem in the Karakoy neighborhood. For lunch, head to Adana Ocakbasi in Beyoglu for delicious Adana kebab, minced lamb meat grilled on skewers. Don’t forget to try the Turkish street food like simit – a sesame covered doughnut – or döner – meat shaved from a rotating spit. And if you have to satisfy your sweet tooth, Turkish delights, baklava, and kunefe should be on your list.

Immerse in the Culture

Istanbul has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals take great pride in their traditions. The Whirling Dervishes, a form of Sufi dance, has its roots in Istanbul and continues to be performed in some of the city’s historic venues. For an authentic Turkish experience, head to a Hammam, or Turkish bath, and soak yourself in the hot steam and get a relaxing massage. Be sure to check the local events – like Istanbul Film Festival, International Istanbul Opera Festival, and Tulip Festival – to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrancy.

Dive into the City’s History

With a rich history that dates back to ancient times, Istanbul has endless stories to tell. Visit the Basilica Cistern, a 1400-year-old underground reservoir that was used to store water for the Byzantine Palace. Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, to get a glimpse into Istanbul’s commercial and trading history. Delve into the Ottoman Empire’s era, take a boat tour on the Bosphorus strait, and get enchanted by the Ottoman-era palaces and mansions that stand majestically on its shores.

Get off the Beaten Path

To escape the tourist crowds, head to the sleepy fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. From here, take a hike to the Yoros Castle, a medieval castle that offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus. Another less-known destination is the Princes’ Islands, a group of small islands in the Marmara Sea, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the unique architecture.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city that has a lot to offer, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Go beyond the usual attractions, be open to new experiences, and discover this beautiful city’s hidden gems. Whether it is getting lost in the narrow streets of the old city or indulging in the diverse cuisine, Istanbul promises to be an unforgettable experience that will remain close to your heart.