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Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
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+23

Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

4.8(8 reviews)
3 hour(s)
English (United Kingdom)
Istanbul, Turkey

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours

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Discover Istanbul’s old town with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide

Visit iconic sites like the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome

Explore the Grand Bazaar, spice market, and a traditional carpet workshop

Enjoy a small-group experience with great photo opportunities

Istanbul Old Town Cultural Walking Tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar


Step back in time and explore the historic Old Town of Istanbul on this immersive cultural walking tour led by an experienced English-speaking guide. Journey through Sultanahmet, where Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments stand together, revealing the layered history of one of the world’s most captivating cities.


Begin your exploration at the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an extraordinary underground structure supported by hundreds of marble columns. Continue to the elegant Blue Mosque, admired for its grand domes, slender minarets, and intricate interior adorned with hand-painted İznik tiles. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life in the Byzantine Empire, and uncover stories of emperors, chariot races, and ceremonial gatherings that shaped the city’s past.


As the tour continues, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s vibrant local culture with visits to bustling bazaars and charming backstreets. Sample traditional Turkish delights at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where thousands of shops offer spices, textiles, ceramics, and handcrafted goods. Explore a local carpet workshop to observe traditional weaving techniques and gain insight into Turkey’s rich artisan heritage.


With a small group size, this experience offers a more personalized and engaging way to discover Istanbul. Your guide brings history and culture to life through storytelling, while allowing plenty of time for questions, photography, and exploration.

What's Included
  • Small Group
  • Professional Guide
  • Basilica Cistern entry ticket
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Basilica Cistern
Price start from

$ 80.54

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Timeslots: 09:00AM, 01:30PM

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Activity Provider: Local Tour Guide Istanbul

Customer Reviews

4.8
Excellent
Based on 8 reviews
L
Luca Z.Google
November 09, 2025

Breathtaking place to visit. Light changing colours may seem a little awkward but nice. If you're a photo enthusiast you will find a good place to practice. Maybe the most iconic columns are guarded by a not-so-nice guy who's hurrying people with an annoying whistle. Entrance is around 3.000 TL per person. But it's worth the price.

M
Mr. D.Google
October 09, 2025

Very beautiful. It can be a bit crowded but you can still get high quality photos. Lots of attention needing Instagram folks there but you can get around that. Love the lights that light up the waterways. Gives you a great of how vast this was even though it’s just a small section. Really makes you appreciate the pure knowledge and dedication of the Roman Empire. Definitely a must do experience in Istanbul. Get your tickets in advance!

K
Kevin C.Google
October 09, 2025

Must go when in Turkey. There’s 2 other cisterns nearby that is less popular with cheaper entry too to visit. But this one is quite spectacular. The way the walkway is laid out is good too as you make your way above the water level to the exit. Keep a lookout for Medusa and try not to stare into her eyes, less you become one with the cistern. In stone. It is recommended to buy tickets before hand to skip the line which could take more than an hour to enter. The only line you have to do is the security check and it is even more cheaper if you buy the combo skip the line tickets with Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. The walkway is dry so no special shoes needed. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair access.

Explore More Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Explore More Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Explore More Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Explore More Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
+1
Day In a City

Explore More Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Discover the wonders of Istanbul, Turkey with this unforgettable experience. Discover the highlights of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic 'old town' on this half-day walking tour. Join your guide for a curated Istanbul experience, and avoid common Sultanahmet experiences like getting lost or being targeted by aggressive touts. Highlights of your tour include: Discover Istanbul’s old town with a knowledgeable English-speaking guideVisit iconic sites like the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and HippodromeExplore the Grand Bazaar, spice market, and a traditional carpet workshopEnjoy a small-group experience with great photo opportunities. Basilica CisternThe largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Used to supply water to its inhabitants in the ancient past which was carried from 20 km awa. This tour includes: Small GroupProfessional GuideBasilica Cistern entry ticket. Step back in time as you explore the historic “old town” of Istanbul on this immersive cultural tour led by an English-speaking guide. Your journey begins in Sultanahmet, where magnificent monuments from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras stand side by side. Marvel at the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern, gaze up at the elegant domes of the Blue Mosque, and walk through the ancient Hippo. Duration: 3 hours . Book your Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar today and create memories that will last a lifetime!