Cistern of Theodosius: Istanbul’s Lesser-Known 1,600-Year-Old Underground Cistern

I downloaded the entry in the app, the QR did not work and did not give me access, I also downloaded the mail that they sent me that same morning and the access through the QR did not work either, they tried several times and it was denied, I tried all the ways I had between did not work, so very bad experience and I will not hire any service with you again or recommend it obviously.

Invalid tickets for admission No audio guide Negative experience

Absolutely GORGEOUS! The lights make the whole place come alive. Audio guide is interesting. Staff were helpful. Go early for less crowd.

Breathtaking! The atmosphere is magical with the lights and music. Staff were friendly. Spent about 40 mins just soaking it all in.

Absolutely stunning! The light show is magical and the audio guide is easy to follow. Went with friends and we all loved it. Go early to avoid crowds.

Honestly, this was one of my favorite things in Istanbul. Something about being underground, with those ancient columns and the light show—it’s just magic. Didn’t have to wait long to get in, and the audio guide was surprisingly interesting. Recommend going at opening time for less crowd.

Went as a solo traveler and felt totally safe. The cistern is fascinating, especially with the lights changing every few minutes. Not too crowded on a Monday afternoon.

Did this with my partner after lunch nearby. The cistern is INCREDIBLE – the light show makes it feel like something outta a movie. Audio guide was actually helpful, not just blah-blah. Felt kinda mystical down there. Not too crowded for us, which was a relief. Pro tip: bring a light jacket, it’s chilly and damp inside.

Went with friends and we all enjoyed it. The lights are beautiful, and the underground vibe is super cool. Can be a bit echoey and loud if there are big groups, but overall a great stop.

Took my bf here and he isn’t usually into this kind of stuff, but even he was impressed. The way they use the lights is genius. It’s not a huge place, but it feels special. We didn’t have to wait to get in, which was nice. Audio guide was easy to follow.

Hidden spot! The light show blew me away. Not crowded at all on a weekday morning. Staff spoke English well. Def worth it.

LOVED it! The light show is something you have to see in person. Audio guide was super helpful too. Not crowded on a weekday morning.

We went as a family with teens, and everyone was super into it (which never happens!). The light show is stunning, and the underground vibe is cool. Audio guide was easy to use for all of us. No photos allowed inside during certain shows, just FYI.

I’m obsessed with history and this was a dream! The cistern is soooo atmospheric, with the music and the lights. Even my bf who’s not into history liked it. Staff were super friendly and helped with my headset.

Took my parents here and they loved it. The history, the lights, everything is so well put together. Not too crowded either. Highly recommend.

Nice spot, but honestly expected a bit more. It’s pretty, sure, but the visit is over quick. Staff were friendly though and helped me with the audio guide. If you’re into history, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did.

Pretty unique. The light show is what makes it—otherwise it’s just wet old stones lol. Audio guide is worth using. It’s damp inside so wear good shoes. Wouldn’t bring little kids cuz it’s dark and echoey.

Good experience! The light show is unique and makes the cistern stand out from others in Istanbul. Can get busy, so try to go early. Staff were friendly.

Loved every minute! The light show is AMAZING and the history is fascinating. Staff were super polite. Will recommend to friends.

It’s a nice break from the busy streets above. The cistern is peaceful and the light show is really something. Bit slippery in places so watch your step. Took about 30 mins total.

Went solo. The light show is the highlight, but it can get kinda crowded if you go in the afternoon. I wish there were more benches to sit and just take it all in. Still, I learned a lot and got some cool photos (outside, not allowed inside during the show).

Went early before the crowds and had the place almost to myself. The light show is STUNNING. Audio guide was informative. If you like photography, come right when it opens for the best shots (outside tho).

We had a blast! The whole place feels like a secret world underground. Music and lights together are mesmerizing. Didn’t feel rushed at all.

Went with my dad, and both of us thought the Theodosius Cistern was sooo different from usual tourist stuff. The lights are the main thing, honestly. The info signs were a bit hard to read in the dim, but the audio thingy made up for it. Don’t expect a super long visit, maybe 30 mins tops, but totally worth seeing.

It’s ok, but tbh the pictures online looked more dramatic. Still, interesting spot for a quick look. The audio guide was a bit glitchy for me. Staff tried to help though. Not a must-do but a fun extra.

Get there early! You have to save time wherever you can. Getting your tickets online is definitely helps!

Beautiful building witch beautiful things inside

The history and beauty of the location was enriched by the knowledge and information provided by our guide

Beautiful experience. A magical place

Excellent guide qr code used headphones

The Hagia Sophia is lovely. Unfortunately, I had not received my tickets via email so accessing the tour required the intervention of one of the staff guys at the entrance, which was then resolved and we entered

The queue was average not all that long for the premium we paid perhaps it could have more added on to provide value for money.

It was a seamless process . I booked around 9am & was walking into the magnificent Hagia Sophia half an hour later listening to the audio having skipped the line & before it was overcrowded . Highly recommend .

Skip the line tickets is the way to go! It was way too hot to stand in the very long line. We went straight in, which made us very happy! 😃

The visit was without a guide. The entrance without queues was perfect. We went directly to the queue at the access control, there were not too many people, and we entered directly.

Visiting Haja Sophia was a truly exciting and unforgettable experience. The building is immediately striking in its majesty: the imposing dome, golden mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy coexist in a harmony unique in the world. It is impossible not to feel the weight of history as you walk inside - from Byzantine basilica to Ottoman mosque to museum and mosque again, every nook and cranny tells of centuries of culture and religious transformation. The atmosphere is solemn, yet welcoming, and the sense of spirituality one feels is universal, regardless of one's faith. The organization is good, the entrance well managed, and the staff courteous. I definitely recommend visiting it, perhaps early in the morning to avoid the crowds. An architectural masterpiece that leaves you breathless

Although i really liked the vibe that this <<building>> has. I didnt understand why the upper place of the agia sophia that is basically a museum has a really strict dress code.

Online guide was good, not too long. Athmosphere at the Hagia sophia was great, you just try to imagine what there has been centuries ago and these old walls have seen!

The tour was informative, helped to listen to audio, which made the experience worth while. The whole process from booking to the end worked easily. Thank you

It's an impressive site that still impresses me with its beauty. You can enter for free if you pray, but the security guards ask you to recite the Koran. My relatives have used this entrance. For my part, I found that the paying queue without a queue cutter was interminable. Under a blazing sun, I went to your site and took my ticket in less than 2 minutes. I then ran out as we were approaching closing time for the morning. Inside, I let my feelings carry me from one point of view to another. Everything is gigantic, and the experience gave me a great deal of peace despite the crowds. My relatives who had gone to pray were down below, and the rest of us visitors were up above. The quietude of the prayers was preserved.

This is my 2nd times to visit Hagia Sophia. The first time was 11 years ago and the Hagia Sophia was a museum so that I can visit the main floor as well. Unfortunately this time is only 2nd floor open for the tourist. But I still had a wonderful experience and enjoyed to see such beautiful mosque in Istanbul.

It was a very simple and quick way to buy the tickets, without having to stand in long queues. An excellent way to save time when visiting popular tourist attractions.

I'm so glad I visited the Hagia Sophia – it's such a stunning and awe-inspiring site. The interior is incredibly intricate, and it's truly something you shouldn't miss. We were lucky to get in easily and avoid the crowds thanks to our pass. I’d recommend going in the afternoon when its quieter.

In this mosque-church you can feel the weight of history, its gravity, its importance for both the western and eastern world. You can also perceive genius in its architectural design. I would have liked to have had more access to the building, for example, to the second floor. Otherwise, it was wonderful to experience the mix of spirituality and institutional, imperial religion.

It was good not to have to stand in line. It was just a shame that I couldn't visit the mosque because of the prayer time.

The guide wasn't at the place he was supposed to be. He had to run with another guy to find and guide and he plugged us to another group...

Disappointing that only the gallery was accessible, most of the items explained in the audio guide were in the ground level, could not see while being yelled at by the guards, unfortunately no value for money

I loved seeing St Sophia, but there were so many guards that I felt insecure because my every move was being watched.

Everything was perfect: the quick access with no waiting in line and the very complete and detailed audio guide.

Pleasantly filled, good climate. No waiting time! Everything great