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Yerebatan Sarnıcı

4.4 (146 reviews)
Open 9:00 am - 6:30 pm

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Cathy C.

Yelp Review 2025 #227: The line here gets really wild! It wraps around the building and to neighboring businesses. The good thing is I got a skip-the-like ticket so, I zipped right in. From outside, it looks like a basic building but once you enter and take the stairs to go down to the cistern, it's like a different world and a different time. Cisterns like this were constructed hundreds of years ago to collect rainwater which can be used for cooking/ drinking or flushing the toilet. This one was built in 6th century. It has about 300+ marble columns. Keep an eye out for the more ornate columns and the 2 upside down Medusa heads. It's quite cool but slightly muggy down in the cistern. Be prepared to wait for clear shots as it is crowded and everyone wants to take pictures (some take hundreds of selfies). They did a good job with the lighting creating a dramatic effect. It costs under $25 for a tourist ticket and it's much cheaper for locals. I was able to finish my visit in 30 minutes. It's worth a visit.

Roger F.

Pretty amazing engineering task getting the water to the city via an underground cistern. Reusing old columns to support the inside arches, made it both cool and the smart. However, The ticket price is insane at $65 per person but seems like all the local attractions are overpriced here In Istanbul anyway. Knowing in advance the cost, at least would of reduce the initial shock factor. It's one of those sites where you just do it and chalk it up to , probably not going to back here for some time. Do it, spend the money and check it off your list of Istanbul sites.

Medusa
Mary D.

The Basilica Cistern is a must see experience! It was quite crowded during the off season so I can only imagine how packed it gets in the summer. I recommend booking g a tour ahead of time so you can skip the long lines. It's unbelievable that something so beautiful claws made for water storage. During the Roman Empire, this was key to a city being overtaken because armies would often intercept the water and food supply. This ensured water was still available...ahem...for the royals at least.

Jo S.

My celebratory #2200 Yelp review goes to... Basilica Cistern, our favorite place we visited in Istanbul! We had high hopes for this spot because we have seen it in many travel shows, documentaries and as a location in the Bond movie, "From Russia with Love". So, we had to check it out in our first day in town! Basilica Cistern is located near the Sultahnamet Square, there are some signs, and a bit of searching and asking staff. The actual line is a tad confusing (divided into a few for those who bought tickets online or for those who needed to get them on the spot!), but after asking a few people working for the Cistern, we figured out the right line, since we were buying tickets on the spot. We just got to Istanbul a few hours ago and felt nervous buying online! The line is long, it does move quickly! Before 6:30 pm (they open daily at 9 am) is 1,300 Turkish Lira for non-residents. After 7:30-10 pm they charge 2,000 Turkish Lira. Pricey, but visitors have flexibility and time to check it out. Despite the line, it wasn't crowded inside and you can spend as much as you like! The place is fascinating with its old arches, columns and sculptured lighted by various sources with changeable colors. I wouldn't call it a spectacle, more like a quiet procession through the undergrounds of Istanbul. The Basilica is the largest cistern the city hides underneath, dating from the 6th century. It functioned as a water filtration system for the near by Topkapi Palace and also to provide drinking water for Hagia Sophia. I loved the Medusa sculpture, some contemporary art and unique columns, besides the genius way of lighting all the parts within this underground unique place! A breathtaking vision of other times! A place like no other! A must when you visit Istanbul!

Sara G.

So I'm telling you sixth-century engineers built an underground palace to store drinking water and decided let's make them bring their selfie sticks in 1500 years. Throw in a few hundred marble columns and some dramatic lighting and maybe they'll bring tripods too. Overachievers for influencers if you ask me. Originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, because clearly, the man didn't know how to chill. But let's not pretend he came up with this on his own. No, this genius-level plumbing extravaganza was built on the brains of the Romans before him, like Emperor Hadrian, who was out here building aqueducts like they were moodboards. The whole Roman Empire really had a thing for water. Baths, fountains, cisterns, hydration and aesthetics? We love a multitasking empire. Inside, it's cold, it's echoey, and it is, without exaggeration, one of the most mysterious and beautiful places you can stand in. There are 336 columns, many of which were recycled from other ancient ruins, because sustainability and recycling is timeless, apparently. Just your average Roman-Byzantine engineering miracle, really. I'm becoming unsurprised and expecting.

Kate P.

One of my favorite sights from my visit to Istanbul. Beautiful underground cistern with colored lights inside. I recommend entering with a guide if you can, as it permits you to skip the line. Be prepared for lots of steps, too! My guide mentioned they occasionally host concerts inside and I bet the acoustics are amazing. There is some water on the ground of the cistern with little grated walkways over them. Only a small portion of the cistern is open to the public, so just imagine how big the rest of it is!

Rohan D.

We collect ancient Roman ruins and I don't know if this well preserved cistern counts as a ruin since it still holds water. One of the most incredible sights we've ever experienced. Put this on your must-visit list for Istanbul, well really for Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. Built on order of Justinian I in the 6th Century, this is really plumbing the depths of history, so to speak. I think too many of us try to ignore the social stratification required to construct something this vast and amazing, Justinian I didn't "build" this, about 7,000 Roman slaves did. The cistern was one of many that served Constantinople for a literal millennia, but by 1453, like a metaphor for the Byzantine Empire itself, the so called underground basilica was crumbling, weak, and dysfunctional. In its day it held 20 million gallons of fresh water. Renovated with the addition of some modern art, there is an air of mystery and wonder that made me feel like a time traveler. There are 336 columns, I've been told, but rather than try to count them, look how different they are. Some are made of one piece of stone, others are combinations, some have the Corinthian capitals, some Doric, and one has a spooky sculpture of Medusa holding it up. After contemplating that one for a while, it took a while to wait out the very annoying guide and his idiot group who kept touching things, I decided this was like ancient shim work. Ever seen a carpenter, mason, or other subcontractor shim up a pole or other support structure to make it even? I think the column that has the Medusa was exactly one Medusa too short to be level and the addition of the frightening sculpture finished off the job. Anyway, don't miss this and you do not need a tour guide, instead the Basilica Cistern Istanbul Guidebook, Lonely Planet Istanbul, DK Eyewitness Guide to Istanbul, or Peter Sommer Travels will give you all the information your need. Their own application delivers a good walking tour (bring your own ear pods please). Even in the off season this place is busy, I hear a lot of misinformation from the hired tour guides plus they add to the crowd.

Angela C.

This is a must see tourist spot, however, it might be worth doing it on a tour that costs less than $40. I went here with my boyfriend and we got here at 6:30 at night and while the cost for a local in Turkey is under 400 TL for foreigners it is 1900 TL. It is very cool to see something so historical and really put into perspective the amazing architectural work Romans could do, but I do think that the attendance were not friendly and the entry fee being so much higher as a tourist did leave a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth If you are not Turkish and if you go at night. There is also very little areas that explain what you're looking at in any languages at all not just English, but they didn't have any plaques or anything so it might be useful to do this as part of a tour or with a guide. All in all, it was very cool to see

Erich L.

The basilica cistern is an old Roman site underground where they had irrigation. It's an interesting and unique place to visit I never saw anything like it. They have different lights illuminating the inside and the audio tour is through your smartphone. I recommend the audio guide for some information.

Alexander B.

There are a few cisterns in Istanbul, this one is the one to visit. Massive in size, well preserved and lit, with a slight hint of creepiness. Probably won't need more than an hour here, including standing in line for tickets.

Dominic B.

The Basilica Cistern is a really old and super unique attraction in Turkey. Built underground in the year 532 as a water filtration system. Ticket required for entry. Upon entry, instant rise in humidity, which makes sense. The entire underground structure is quite astounding. It's a little eerie but also very cool. Lighting is set up so it's easy to navigate. The space itself is actually quite large and you can spend an easy 30-60 min here depending on if you're reading all the informationals. There are also a few pieces or unique art scattered through worth checking out. I would consider it a must see!

Adem T.

The Basilica Cistern is truly mesmerizing. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a mystical atmosphere. The dim lighting, the reflections of the columns in the water, and the echoing sound of dripping water make you feel like you've entered another world. The Medusa heads, in particular, are incredibly fascinating. Combined with their history and legends, the cistern becomes more than just a structure--it feels like a journey through time. I can confidently say it's one of the most captivating places in Istanbul. If you haven't visited yet, you should definitely add it to your list! Fun fact: The Basilica Cistern was featured in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963), where Sean Connery's Bond rows through the underground waterway in one of the film's most iconic scenes!

The cistern or the Mines of Moria? You Be the judge. Shot on an Iphone 14Plus
Fred T.

The Cisterna Basilica, one of and the largest underground cistern is Istanbul. Built between the third and forth Centuries it could hold up to 80,000 cubic metres of water at capacity. It was used for well over a millennia. It is no longer used as a cistern. There are numerous different column styles evideced throught the portion that is accessible to the public. In addition there are two deusa heads carved sideways so as to negate her stare at the base of two. The lights cycle in intensity and color and there are multiple art installations throughout the area/ The walkways are perforated so heels may be a challenge. Also for you photogs out there they were not allowing tripods so I used my iPhone mostly as the DSLR (well me really) with slow shutter and crazy high ISO's THe cistern was a feature in the classic Bond movie "From Russia With Love" and recently "Inferno". The line was crazy but we had hired a guide for the day so were able to skip it and enter immediately.

Amazing architectural feat

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Absolutley amazing place, it is very magical and marvelling. I can imagine a visit/trip to Istanbul without seeing this place.

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Yerebatan Sarnıcı Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Yerebatan Sarnıcı

Basilica Cistern is located near the Sultahnamet Square, there are some signs, and a bit of searching and asking staff.

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Suleymaniye Hamam

Suleymaniye Hamam

4.9(15 reviews)
1.3 kmSüleymaniye Mh., Hoca Gıyasettin, Beyazıt
₺₺

It was just terrific. They explained everything. You have to be comfortable with nudity, your own,…read moreand the scantily dressed woman who is scrubbing and helping you (if you are a woman). But I would do it again in a heartbeat, so relaxing.

The Suleymaniye Hamam was a cultural experience, that's for sure…read more I wanted to try a genuine Turkish bath, and the Sulimaniye Hamam is not only one of the oldest ones in Istanbul, it's also one of the few that allows co-ed bathing. In fact, it requires you come with a partner to partake. So I coerced my husband into coming along and made reservations for a Turkish bath. We arrived early but they took us right away. You are given a changing room (shared with your partner) and asked to dress in a bikini for women (they give you shorts and a top if you don't bring your own) and a towel for men. You're also given some very uncomfortable wooden sandals. A side note here: They made my husband leave his glasses in the changing room, which left him functionally blind. The glasses WOULD have steamed up in the bathing room, but I think that would have been preferable to him not being able to see at all, AND we saw another person wearing glasses in there. (OK, I saw another person wearing glasses in there--husband saw nothing.) So if you wear glasses and want them on your face for the bath, do it. After changing, you're brought into a large steam room for about 30 minutes to wait for your bath. There's a large heated marble square in the center of the room to sit on, and sinks around the perimeter of the room for you to fill bowls with water to splash yourself. Each of the four corners of the room is a treatment area, with two benches and two sinks. When it's your turn, the bathers will call you in to a corner and begin the treatment. The treatment consists of exfoliation with a loofah, followed by laying down on the table to be scrubbed all over with bubbles. They work on your back first, then your front. The scrubbing includes a little bit of massage, which was nice. Then, you are splashed with clean water to rinse the soap, and moved back to the area next to the sink where they shampoo your hair. Finally, you are splashed with progressively colder water until you're completely rinsed and soap-free. The last part of the experience is getting dry. The bathers bring you into a side room and wrap you in Turkish bath towels. They do not like it if you try to wrap yourself, I learned. Finally, you're brought into a room with benches and tables where you can order coffee, tea, water, or other refreshments. After our sweaty bath experience, all we wanted was water and more water. When you're done, you go back to your changing room, get back into your clothes, and that's it. You can pay for your refreshments on the way out (you pre-paid for the treatment) as well as leave any tips in a designated box. Pro tips: Bring something to hold back your hair if it's long. Bring makeup wipes since any makeup you're wearing will smear. Bring deodorant to reapply, as well as any hair products or makeup you might need, unless you plan on going straight back to your hotel. They do have blow dryers available for use at the hamam. As I said at the beginning, this was a cultural experience. I didn't find it relaxing exactly, especially since I wasn't sure what was going to happen at any given time. I'm glad I went, but I probably won't seek out a Turkish bath experience here at home.

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Suleymaniye Hamam
Suleymaniye Hamam
Suleymaniye Hamam

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Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque

Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque

4.4(149 reviews)
0.3 kmSultan Ahmet Mh., Cankurtaran

The Blue Mosque was one of our first stops on our tour that day…read more My best advice is to wear pants that are loose and long, so everything down to your ankles is covered and you're wearing mid length sleeves on your tee shirt, not having bare shoulders. Even though my sister in law and I were wearing full length leggings they handed us both the communal skirts they give out as cover to those (men and women alike) that need it. We had both planned ahead and brought headscarves with us but there are plenty of stores directly around the mosque where women can buy a pashmina or something similar to wear, just make sure you pick one up unless you would like the communal one the hand out at the gate. Right before you enter you remove your shoes and they can be left in the bookcase on the side of the room while you visit. The mosque is gorgeous and the tile work is breathtaking. The decorated ostrich eggs that hang from the chandeliers were once upon a time used to ward off insects in the decades previous to air conditioning. It's a gorgeous space and absolutely worth a visit if you're in Istanbul.

An absolutely stunning mosque in the heart of Istanbul. Decorated inside with over 20,000…read moreblue-toned iznik tiles, it's truly a masterpiece. Likely one of the most visited sites due to its location in Sultanahmet Square. It is an example of Ottoman commitment to Islam and a reflection of their immense wealth. Like most mosques in the city, it's completely free to enter. Women must wear a head scarf and be modestly dressed. Scarves are provided if you don't have one. The mosque is very crowded during peak hours. I've had better luck in the evening for a more peaceful experience. Worth a visit and worth the hype!

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Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque - Interior

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Interior

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı - The men's side

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

4.7(55 reviews)
0.2 kmCankurtaran, Cankurtaran Mh.
₺₺₺

This was by far my favorite activity I did while I was in Istanbul. I went for the full Ab-i Hayat…read morepackage, but they were doing a special of 10% off appts before 1:00 pm so it ended up being $315 dollars. My partner in the process was Selda and she was AMAZING!!! Honestly she made the entire experience. She was respectful but funny and really helped me feel confident and lose my nervousness since it was my first time and I had no idea what to expect. They also gave me a full bar of their soap plus a Turkish towel in a cute bag. After the "wet" portion of the experience, before the oil massage upstairs, I sat in a nice little relaxing area and was brought some sherbet tea, water, and Turkish delight while I rested. Services i got: - Traditional full body scrubbing in the warmest quarter. - Organic Lavender Extract and Sea Salt Refreshing hand and foot peeling. - full body clay mask. - Relaxing bubble wash ritual on the warm marble stone. - Hair wash ritual with redbud scented shampoo. - Aromatherapy Massage with redbud scented oil in the private massage room. - Fresh and dried fruits to finish off the experience. Overall the entire experience took about 2.5 hours and left me feeling so refreshed.

BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! This is seriously a MUST in Istanbul. You will not be disappointed…read more I did a decent amount of research on the best hammam to try in Istanbul, and there's a reason this is so beloved. LOCATION This is prime location near Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, and this hammam building itself has a TON of history. It's stunning! OFFERINGS They do massages as well, but the main thing here is the hammam experience. If you don't know, it's a communal style body washing experience that typically means washing on hot marble stone with running water sinks, being soap-foam massaged and scrubbed by an attendant, and bathhouse style ambiance. PRICE They have tiered pricing options from 110-330 euros, and we opted for something in the middle that included the hammam experience being scrubbed and bubble soap foam massaged by the attendant, a face mask and hair wash, and treats post-experience. EXPERIENCE This was pure luxury! You start in the stunning lounge area and get changed into the robe in the changing rooms that have a traditional look. The space is large and even with a few others during the same time and an attendant, it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable at all. It started with being washed and washing myself, then a face mask, then a face mask and hair wash + scrub with a sandpaper-like glove by the attendant in a more private section. Then, I came out to the main area on the central marble slab for the soap foam massage which was amazing - I've never felt more exfoliated and clean! I ended with a face mask sheet and treats including sherbet drink, tea and Turkish delight in the main room. I got to take home the soap and scrubber glove complimentary as well. A treat from start to finish!

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Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı - Changing room for Ab-I Hayat treatment

Changing room for Ab-I Hayat treatment

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

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Ayasofya Müzesi

Ayasofya Müzesi

4.6(241 reviews)
0.2 kmCankurtaran Mh., Sarayburnu, Cankurtaran

One of the most amazing places I've ever seen, let me start with the negatives so you're prepared…read more Even in the off season, it's crowded. Part of the crowd are guided tours, quite the nuisance and do not fall prey to the multitude of charlatans aggressively touting their personal guide services. What you need instead is a little personal research using Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, or National Geographic tour guides. Be prepared for the steep admission charge, and remember this is a must see, and an expensive place to maintain, it's in constant restoration. That may interfere with good PICs that show the majesty of the place, but certainly doesn't subtract from the historic experience. This was the third church built in the same location, it is the archetype of Byzantine Architecture, built by famed mathematicians Anthemios and Isidoros as ordered by Emperor Justinianos in 532 to 537. That was very fast in those days, and impossible today, renovations will take twice as long. It survived sacking and looting by the Fourth Crusade and being converted to a mosque by the Ottomans. In fact, ruing the reign of Murad III, architect Sinan added buttresses and Islamic artistic touches that reinforced the structure to endure earthquakes. It's one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey, it is a museum and a mosque. The breathtaking and dizzying dome reads: "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from (the oil of) a blessed olive tree, (located) neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire." (Nur, 24/35) The work of Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi,calligrapher during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid. Dress appropriately and respectfully, it's still a mosque.

This is an Orthodox Church that convert to mosque. This may be happen during Ottoman era in 1453…read more This history site is classified as museum and it is classified as Ayasofya Cami. You need a ticket to visit for non Muslim visitors. You can buy the combo ticket with Hagia Sophia museum or building visit along. Price is not cheap. The interior can spot some mosaic tile with orthodox figures. The ticket only allows second floor visit. The wall is kind of cover up with huge platt. You won't see the wall painting. However you can see how big is the dome. Visit take you one hours.

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Ayasofya Müzesi
Ayasofya Müzesi
Ayasofya Müzesi - 03/13/23

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03/13/23

St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony of Padua

4.5(2 reviews)
2.7 kmTomtom, Beyoğlu, Tomtom Mh.

Our local tour guide (Safiye) took us down for a stroll on İstiklal Avenue, which is a well known…read moreshopping street in Istanbul. That included taking us inside St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. In a City full of stunning mosques and sprinkling of Eastern Orthodox, visiting this Roman Catholic establishment kind of turned the tourist saying of "Oh Joy, another Church!" on its head. We found the interior to be very impressive and comforting. This is the largest church in Istanbul and has Italian pedigree, both in its founding and in its clergy today. Depending on the day of the week, one could attend Mass in either Turkish, English, or Italian. Pope John XXIII preached here for 10 years while he was the Vatican's ambassador to Turkey before being chosen as pope. He is known as "the Turkish Pope" because of his fluency in Turkish and his oft-expressed love for Turkey and Istanbul. Gayle and I were able to admire a statue of him installed within the church's courtyard. I also detected a bit of Byzantine/Eastern Orthodox influence within a few of the "Icons" inside the church. One was how the 3 fingers are put together to signify the Trinity, with the back 2 fingers following. And if we stuck around longer, my guess is that we might have seen people crossing themselves in either the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox mode.

Went here for Christmas Eve service - absolutely beautiful!! Decorated to the nines both inside…read moreand out. If you're around Taksim Square on Christmas Eve, stop by for a visit at least. If you want to stay for mass on Christmas Eve, come early. 45 minutes before the service and it was standing room only. Very diverse crowd!

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St. Anthony of Padua - Merry Christmast

Merry Christmast

St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony of Padua

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Yerebatan Sarnıcı - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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