Istanbul Theme Parks - Where Fun Meets Culture

Bypass the long ticket lines and explore Basilica Cistern with an expert guide or a self-guided audio tour.

• Everything you get: Choose between a 1-hour guided tour with a local expert or a self-guided experience using a multilingual audio app. Enjoy skip-the-line access and in-depth commentary that brings the history of this underground marvel to life.
• Why choose this: This tour reveals the history and hidden secrets of the Basilica Cistern, offering a unique look at the ancient water reservoir that once supplied water to Constantinople. Whether you choose to explore with an expert guide or at your own pace, this experience will leave you with a greater appreciation of Istanbul's rich past.
• Upgrades: Make your visit even more memorable by adding a guided tour of Hagia Sophia. This option includes skip-the-line access and expert commentary, allowing you to explore two of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks in one seamless experience!

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)
• Self-guided audio tour of Basilica Cistern (based on option selected)
• 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)
• Expert English-speaking local guide (based on option selected)
• Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian
• Headset

• Tip: It’s cooler underground, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
• Your ticket lets you skip the long lines, but you’ll still need to go through the security check.
• Weekends and mid-afternoons can get packed, especially when cruise ship groups arrive—plan around them if you want a quieter experience.
• Bring wired headphones if you’re using an audio guide app; signal is limited, and Bluetooth can cut out.
• Wear shoes with grip—some areas can be damp and slightly slippery.
• Stand still and listen; you’ll hear dripping water echoing through the columns, adding to the eerie vibe.
• The lighting is dim on purpose, so let your eyes adjust before taking photos.
• Flash photography is not allowed; use night mode or steady your phone on a railing.
• The Medusa heads are tucked into a far corner—don’t miss them, and walk around both to see the positioning.
• The exit leads you into a different street from the entrance, so make note of your bearings before heading in.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Bypass the ticketing queue with these skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia (you must still go through the mandatory security line), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an audio guide available in 23 languages.
• Travel back in time and hop on a spiritual experience at Hagia Sophia, while gaining valuable insights about the Islamic and Byzantine heritage of the monument.
• Explore the marvel that once held the title of the world's largest place of worship for over a millennium, and check out the mosaics and the imperial dome.
• Enter the 2nd-floor visitors' area with skip-the-line access and explore the upper gallery at your own pace and convenience.
• Learn about the fascinating history of the oldest and fastest-built cathedral, its architecture, and heritage from your audio guide.

Inclusions

• Skip the ticket line to Hagia Sophia
• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
• Audio guide for both attractions (optional)

Exclusions

• Skip the security line

• Tip: The building's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. Photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceiling from here.
• You skip the ticket lines but you cannot skip the security check.
• The security check can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons.
• The prayer area in the first floor can only be entered by Turkish citizens.
• Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf.
• Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders.
• If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (A scarf is €2 and a body cover is €3).
• This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Don't forget to carry your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.
• Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommend visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.
• This ticket gives you access to the visiting area and upper gallery, not the prayer area downstairs
• During peak seasons, lines may form at security checkpoints. Your ticket does not grant priority access through the security check lines. In the high season, it might take up to 30 minutes to get in.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern with one all-access ticket, complete with audio guides and skip-the-line entry at each.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Walk straight into Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, gaze up at golden mosaics from the Upper Gallery, and hear the echoes of Byzantine and Ottoman empires in every arch.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Enter Topkapi Palace without the wait and wander through the Harem’s ornate chambers. See treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and relics once guarded by sultans.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Step into the shadowy Basilica Cistern, where flickering light dances across ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stare beneath the water.
• Why choose this: With the 3-in-1 combo, save money and skip the hassle of separate bookings. All three sites are just a five-minute walk apart—no transfers, no stress. Download the audio guides on your phone and dive into the stories in your own time and your preferred language.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area
• Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem, including Royal Apartments & the Imperial Hall
• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum, including the Treasury and Sacred Relics Room
• Audio guide in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Make sure to follow the full path before heading to the exit. The Medusa heads are at the far end.
• Skip-the-line access saves time, but all guests must still pass through standard security screening.
• For a quieter visit, aim for early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the space feels more serene.
• Surfaces can be slick in spots. Choose footwear that’s stable and slip-resistant.
• The lighting is low to preserve the mood; switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer shots.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are mandatory for all visitors. During summer, the queue can stretch beyond the courtyard.
• Only the upper level is accessible to tourists. The ground floor prayer halls are reserved for worshippers.
• You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.
• On Fridays, tourist entry is closed from noon to mid-afternoon to accommodate Friday prayers.
• Modest attire is a must; scarves are provided at the entrance if you don't bring your own.

Topkapi Palace

• Tip: Some of the most beautiful tilework in the palace is housed inside the Harem. Make sure to stop by.
• The skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticketing lines. Security checks are mandatory and take about 30 to 40 minutes between June and August.
• Security lines can stretch long in the morning. Visit in the late afternoon hours or right when it opens for a smoother entry.
• Photography is not allowed in many of the Harem rooms and the Treasury. Check the signs before taking pictures.
• The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the palace’s highlights, is often behind glass in a dim room. Look at the reflection on the wall to view it clearly.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Save big with this time-saving combo that covers Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern—two must-sees, one booking, zero hassle.

• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Slip beneath the city into Istanbul’s iconic Basilica Cistern. Skip the lines and explore with a multilingual audio guide app.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Bypass the ticket lines and head straight into Hagia Sophia’s iconic halls. Includes exclusive Upper Gallery access and an audio guide in 5 languages.
• Why choose this: Just 110 meters apart, these landmarks are right next to each other. From sunlit mosaics to ancient marble columns, get a crash course in Istanbul’s layered history, and explore at your own pace with full flexibility and zero scheduling stress.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry
• Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
• Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Crowds build up fast after mid-morning, especially when cruise ships are in port. Try visiting in the late afternoon or early evening for a quieter experience.
• Your ticket lets you skip the long lines, but you’ll still need to go through the security check.
• Even in summer, the air inside is cool and damp; bring a light layer to stay comfortable.
• Footwear matters; choose shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping on the wet stone floor.
• The entrance has a ramp, and a platform lift is available at the exit, but the inside has uneven flooring. Bring along a companion to stroll around with ease.
• Bluetooth headphones do not function properly underground, so opt for wired ones if using an audio guide.
• Flash photography is not allowed.
• The Medusa heads are easy to miss. Follow the full path to the end, and view them from all angles.
• Pause in the central section and listen. The soft echoes and dripping water create a surreal ambiance.
• Look for reflections in the still water beneath the columns; they make for dramatic, moody photos.
• Give your eyes a moment to adjust to the low lighting before snapping pictures.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Be prepared for security checks; expect up to 60 minutes of wait time during the peak season (June to August).
• You can bypass the ticket lines, but the security check is mandatory.
• Get skip-the-line tickets or arrive early, especially during peak tourist months, to avoid long lines.
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from 12pm to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Dress modestly—cover shoulders, arms, and knees. Women need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
• Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not permitted; use a small bag.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
• Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Explore Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans' imperial home for 400+ years, and a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Turkish history and culture.
• Enter the palace led by a representative, and explore the opulent interiors at your own pace, assisted by an audio guide available in 5 languages.
• See the First Courtyard that once consisted of a hospital, a bakery, an arsenal, the mint, storage places, and some dormitories.
• The Second Courtyard was the seat of the Divan and also hosted the privy stables and the kitchens.
• Visit the kitchen to see a stunning display of the Chinese porcelain collection, which is said to be the third most valuable in the world.
• Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern to gain in-depth insights from an expert guide.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry into Topkapı Palace
• Access to Harem Museum
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
• The services of a representative who will lead you to the entrance
• 2-hour guided tour of Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern with entry tickets (optional)
• English-speaking guide (optional)

• Note that you will be able to enter the Topkapi Palace only with a representative. Meet your guide at the meeting point, who will then take you inside the palace.
• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
• The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You'll find instructions on how to use the audio guide app in your ticket voucher.
• There is limited internet at the museum/pier so download the app before your visit. The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated).
• Please bring your headphones to listen to the audio guide.
• Enter the palace and stay as long as you want until its closing time of 5pm.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip the ticketing lines and dive into the rich history of Dolmabahçe Palace with a multilingual audio guide.

• Everything you get: Enjoy fast-track entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace, including access to the grand ceremonial rooms, the Dolmabahçe Harem, and other royal chambers. Listen to a historian-crafted audio guide available in 10 languages, and enjoy complimentary e-sim internet access (if selected) for a smooth, connected experience.
• Why choose this: The audio guide takes you through the palace’s stunning rooms, including the Ceremonial Hall and royal Harem, bringing the rich history and architecture to life. Gain deeper insights into the palace’s Ottoman heritage, all while exploring at your own pace.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace
• Multilingual audio guide (available in 10 languages)
• Access to the Dolmabahçe Harem
• Free internet with e-sim (for a limited time only, if option selected)

Exclusions

• Entry to Clock Museum

• Tip: Complete your visit by enjoying a rich Turkish coffee or tea at the nearby cafes, adding a local flavor to your day.
• Note: Dolmabahçe Palace exclusively issues the audio guide provided with the ticket. The venue does not accept third-party audio guides.
• Visitors must present a valid ID or passport. If neither is available, a €200 deposit may be left at the entrance to obtain an audio guide device. The deposit will be refunded upon the return of the device at the exit.
• Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible, except for the upper floors.
• Opt for modest attire to respect the site's decorum.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Want the full Istanbul experience with big savings? This guided combo lets you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — all in one seamless tour.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Look up at golden mosaics and take in sweeping views from the Upper Gallery where emperors once stood.
• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Step into a vast prayer hall glowing with stained glass and 20,000+ hand-painted Iznik tiles.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: And below the city, explore the 6th-century cistern, where shadowy columns and Medusa heads wait in flickering silence.
• Why choose this: With the landmarks just minutes apart, you can walk from one sight to the next; no transfers, no logistics, no hassle. Explore each site with a passionate, English-speaking guide who brings centuries of history to life through stories you won’t find on the signs.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern
• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• 1-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia
• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Entry to Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery visiting area
• Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque
• Entry to the Blue Mosque
• Expert English-speaking guide

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Don’t exit too quickly. Walk to the far end of the cistern to catch the Medusa heads, which many people overlook.
• Skip-the-line tickets help you avoid long queues, but security screening is still mandatory for all visitors.
• For fewer crowds and a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the evening.
• The lighting inside is low for ambience; switch on night mode or steady your phone for clearer shots.
• Some parts of the floor are slick. Sturdy footwear with grip will help you walk safely.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Allow extra time for entry. Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June to August).
• The main prayer hall is restricted to tourists. Visitors are welcome to explore the upper floor visiting area instead.
• Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
• Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
• Modest dress is required. Everyone should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• Women must keep their heads covered. Scarves are available at the entrance if you forget to carry your own.

Blue Mosque

• Tip: The mosque closes to non-worshippers during each of the five daily prayers, so check timings before your visit.
• Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• You’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. Carry a small bag to keep them with you.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.

• Get a magnificent bird’s eye view of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower and enjoy a hassle-free experience with an express elevator to the lookout platform.
• Catch sight of landmarks like the Hagia Sophia Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque, or the Topkapi Palace.
• Be a local in Istanbul as you take to its ancient and vibrant streets between Taksim and Karaköy.
• Ride one of the oldest subways in the world before you explore Istiklal Street.
• Enjoy access to the Galata Tower with an optional audio guide app that shares fun facts about the tower.

Inclusions

• Entry to Galata Tower
• Express elevator to the lookout platform of the Galata Tower
• Audio guide app (Optional)

Exclusions

• Meals
• Hotel transfers
• Transport

• Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or a camera with panoramic capabilities to capture the expansive views of Istanbul from the top of the tower.
• Please note that there is mostly no internet or very little signal in the museum. Please download the Audio Guide App on your own smartphone before your visit.
• Remember to bring your earphones.
• Please check your voucher for the audio guide instructions.
• Note: As of Nov 1, 2023, the Observation Terrace on the 8th floor will be closed due to restoration. Other floors can still be visited.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Visit the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese located in the heart of Istanbul for an unbelievable performance of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
• Discover a performance telling the journey of man's spiritual ascent to perfection, accompanied by music at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul.
• Feel hypnotized by the soulful dance performance of the Whirling Dervishes and appreciate their sacred dance ritual that dates back to the 12th century.
• Get acquainted with the age-old traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and embark on a profound spiritual journey along with the performers.

Inclusions

• Entry to Kizlaragasi Medrese
• Complimentary drinks

• Tip: Since a lot of symbolism is used during the ceremony, it helps to read up on the Sema or the history and customs of the ritual.
• Photography is allowed during this experience.
• This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.