
Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul worth booking?
Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul is a 2-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €119 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (41)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €119 per person
Basilica Cistern Tour Times Monday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,14:00,15:00,16:45 Tuesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:30,14:00,15:00,16:00 Wednesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,14:30,15:00,16:15 Thursday 09:00,10:00,11:00,11:30,12:00,12:30,14:00,15:15,16:00 Friday 09:00,10:00,11:00,11:30,12:00,12:30,13:30,14:30,15:45,16:30 Saturday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:30,14:00,15:00,15:30,16:00,16:30 Sunday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:30,14:00,15:00,15:30,16:00,16:30 Basilica Cistern: Meet at the Busforus Bus Stop sign across the Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Tour Times Monday 09:00,10:00,11:15,12:00,14:00,15:00,15:30 Tuesday Palace is closed Wednesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:00,14:15,15:30 Thursday 09:00,09:45,11:15,12:00,13:15,14:30,15:30 Friday 09:00,10:00,10:45,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:30,15:30 Saturday 09:00,10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:15,15:00,15:30 Sunday 09:00,10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:15,15:00,15:30 Topkapi Palace: At the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III across the main gate of Topkapi Palace
What you get
About this experience
Basilica Cistern Tour Times Monday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,14:00,15:00,16:45 Tuesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:30,14:00,15:00,16:00 Wednesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,14:30,15:00,16:15 Thursday 09:00,10:00,11:00,11:30,12:00,12:30,14:00,15:15,16:00 Friday 09:00,10:00,11:00,11:30,12:00,12:30,13:30,14:30,15:45,16:30 Saturday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:30,14:00,15:00,15:30,16:00,16:30 Sunday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:30,14:00,15:00,15:30,16:00,16:30 Basilica Cistern: Meet at the Busforus Bus Stop sign across the Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Tour Times Monday 09:00,10:00,11:15,12:00,14:00,15:00,15:30 Tuesday Palace is closed Wednesday 09:00,10:00,11:00,12:00,13:00,14:15,15:30 Thursday 09:00,09:45,11:15,12:00,13:15,14:30,15:30 Friday 09:00,10:00,10:45,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:30,15:30 Saturday 09:00,10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:15,15:00,15:30 Sunday 09:00,10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:15,15:00,15:30 Topkapi Palace: At the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III across the main gate of Topkapi Palace
What's included
Included
- Your combo pass is valid for three days after usage for the first tour
- Professional Guidance in English for 2 tours
- Entry tickets to the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace (except Harem Section of Topkapi Palace)
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Harem Section of Topkapi Palace
What you'll see and do
Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Tour Times Mondays09:00, 11:00,13:45,14:45,15:30 Tuesdays: Closed Wednesdays:09:00,10:00,11:00,13:00,14:00,14:45,15:30 Thursdays:09:00, 10:00,11:15,12:00,13:15,14:15,14:45,15:30 Fridays:09:00, 10:00,10:45,12:00,13:00,13:45,14:30,15:30 Saturdays:09:00, 10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:45,15:00,15:30 Sundays:09:00, 10:15,11:00,12:00,13:00,13:30,14:30,15:30 Topkapi Palace: At the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III across the main gate of Topkapi Palace
90 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene Museum Free Entrance. The Church of Hagia Irene (Divine Peace) is a Byzantine church, which is in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace. It was the first cathedral in Constantinapolis. Over the centuries, it was built 3 times. The church, as it currently stands, was built by Constantine V in the 8th century. It was an arsenal during the Ottoman Empire period. It became the very first museum in Turkey in the 19th century. After extensive restorations in modern days, it was opened as the "Hagia Irine Museum."
10 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica Cistern Museum
Beautiful yet eerie, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) isn’t your average underground well. Dating back to the Byzantine era, the huge cistern was built in the mid-500s on the former site of a basilica. More than 300 marble columns provide a grand, serene atmosphere to what was essentially subterranean water storage.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
At the fountain of the Sultan Ahmed the 3rd in front of the main entrance of Topkapi Palace.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet at Busforus Bus Stop across the Hagia Sophia (D marked stop sign)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
At the fountain of the Sultan Ahmed the 3rd in front of the main entrance of Topkapi Palace.
Ends at
Meet at Busforus Bus Stop across the Hagia Sophia (D marked stop sign)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Istanbul E-pass
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great history lesson.
So much history regarding the Emperors and their time in the palace.
via Tripadvisor
Despite torrential rain...
Despite torrential rain on the day we visited Topkapi Palace, it was very good. Very culturally interesting. Paid extra for harem visit but wasn't really necessary as there was lots to see otherwise. Particularly enjoyed the Cistern tour. Exceptionally busy but we later found out it was a public holiday. Despite the crowds, we found it very interesting and got lots of amazing photos
via Viator
Excellent and gentle...
Excellent and gentle guide. We saved a lot of time by going through the groups queue. Highly suggested.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass
via Viator
Oozes wealth and privilege from a bygone era
Situated next to Hagia Sophia in the old quarter this is full of gold and jewels reflecting to opulence of the time it was built. Complete with gardens and a insight into the living quarters and the hareem it is very interesting to wonder at the life of the rich and powerful. Well worth a visit.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass
via Tripadvisor
Fairly average tour, meeting points a bit woolly
The tour of Topkapi Palce was disappointing for a number of reasons. The tour is entirely outdoors and there is much more of interest within the walls. It would’ve been nice to have touched on the contents of the palace and seen inside. That said, one was free to peruse at your own leisure afterwards, we just didn’t have the time. When we book a tour we kind of want the highlights done within the schedule because we didn’t have all day. The tour of the Basilica Cistern on the other hand was brilliant. An amazing underground gem, with a great introduction from Akhmed that took about 20 mins, with same amount of time again needed to get round and enjoy the place. The meeting points given in the description were a bit out using google maps, but the company responded within 10 mins to queries by msg on Viator App., which saved the day.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Istanbul E-pass, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Istanbul E-pass runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul cost?
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Prices start at €119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 41 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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Included: Your combo pass is valid for three days after usage for the first tour; Professional Guidance in English for 2 tours; and Entry tickets to the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace (except Harem Section of Topkapi. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Harem Section of Topkapi Palace. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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At the fountain of the Sultan Ahmed the 3rd in front of the main entrance of Topkapi Palace. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul?
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Across 41 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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