When is Basilica Cistern open?
Every day, 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM. Hours checked on 1 November 2026.
15° · Overcast nowBest time: 10 amThings to do in Istanbul
CultureCağaloğlu
Basilica Cistern
- 4.699k reviews
- Closed now
Underground Byzantine reservoir with 336 columns, illuminated walkways and two carved Medusa heads.
Quick answers
Basilica Cistern in short
When is the best time to visit Basilica Cistern?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Basilica Cistern indoors or outdoors?
Indoors: a good pick when it rains.
Is Basilica Cistern good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Basilica Cistern cost?
It isn't free.
Do you need to book Basilica Cistern?
No, you can walk in.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Basilica Cistern?
About 45 minutes.
Where is Basilica Cistern?
Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul.
Is Basilica Cistern wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible seating.
Status, rating and hours checked on 1 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 6:30 am
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Opens today 9 am.
In its favour
- Best in the morning
- Indoors
15°
Overcast
- Feels
- 16°
- Rain
- 78%
- Wind
- 2km/h
- 7am
15° - 8am15°
- 9am16°
The next five days
Best time to go
Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
9a9 am12pNoon3p3 pm6p6 pm9p9 pm
TodayToday
TmrwTomorrow
WedWednesday
ThuThursday
FriFriday
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed now- mondayToday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- tuesday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- wednesday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- thursday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- friday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- saturday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
- sunday
- 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30 PM–10 PM
Hours checked 1 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Basilica Cistern
- 2 Santa Basilica Cafe & Restaurant · 1 min
- 3 dubb Indian Restaurant (Sultanahmet) · 1 min
- 4 Viyana Kahvesi · 1 min
- 5 Sultan Ahmet Park · 2 min
Good to know
- Indoors
- Walk-ins welcome
- Allow about 45 min
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.6from 99k reviews
Known for
- Medusa heads
- 336 columns
- Atmospheric lighting
What people say
- People like:
- Columns, lighting and Medusa heads stand out in review topics.
- Worth knowing:
- Crowding is a frequent review topic.
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is one of the most fascinating places we visited in Istanbul! My wife and I absolutely loved this experience. It is difficult to imagine what awaits you underground until you actually step inside.…
Absolutely fascinating and truly one of the most unique places to visit in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, is an incredible underground structure with hundreds of…
Around Cağaloğlu
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Leave with a light layer. Rain shell until 7 am. Umbrella until 7 am.
Light layerThe whole time
Rain shellUntil 7 am
UmbrellaUntil 7 am
It's indoors, so this is for the trip there and back.