To avoid long lines, buy entrance tickets online before going. This is a must see and very different and unique attraction. It just re-open in 2022. There many artworks inside the cistern most iconic is the reverse face of Medusa. This highly recommended. Do not miss.

During a long layover in Istanbul, my partner and I were able to get into Sultanahmet to get in some sightseeing. After getting into the Hagia Sofia, we then waited a short time in line to get into the Basilica Cistern. It looked as if you could bypass the line to buy tickets if you bought tickets online or via mobile. We descended into the cistern and were impressed with the layout of walkways that winds you through the space. Even though it was a weekday, the space was crowded at midday as it is one of Istanbul's most Instagrammable places. The columns and the beauty of the space, particularly when reflected from the water, are enough to make this worth going to. The lighting (and lighting changes) highlight the dramatic interior. Contemporary art pieces dot the space, some more successful than others. Do not miss the Medusa columns towards the back. If you want to avoid the crowds (particularly those who spend too much time doing photoshoots), come early or when it opens.

“Yerebatan Sarnıcı”- it’s called “Basilica Cistern” 🏰 because there was a Basilica in the place where cistern was built. When you enter the Basilica Cistern, you leave yourself to its enchanting atmosphere😍 The colors rising in the dark create different feelings in you. As we move towards the middle of the cistern, another pillar similar to the Wishing Stone in Hagia Sophia, the “Crying Column”, is also in the cistern. It is thought that the column was placed there in the memory of the slaves who worked in the construction of the cistern and lost their lives. Visitors make wishes by turning their fingers in the hollow on the stone, as in Hagia Sophia 🕌

Take your time but dress in layers as it's very warm and humid inside. The light show and artworks on display definitely add to the experience. It would be better if the track allowed you to do multiple loops before leaving, but you can just skip over the barrier if you wanted to. You need to take your time as the light show changes different aspects of what's on show.

Very beautiful and majestic. You can walk through the entire cistern in 15 min, so it’s not a very long sight seeing activity. The beautiful pictures don’t do the sight justice, it’s worth seeing it live, if you like historical buildings of course.

We were tired and considering skipping this - I am so glad we did not. This is the coolest thing ever. It is almost as cool as the palaces and mosques - it is very darn close. The history behind the stone columns and using spares to create this water reservoir - well, I was impressed and so glad that they kept it open for the public to enjoy this history.

This was an amazing piece of construction considered when it was built and the details. A real piece of history Worth the visit Go early because the queues build up over the day. Note it is very humid inside and fogs your camera lens.

The idea of an architectural lighing was a killing application, in my opinion. When the lights change intensity and colours, when hidden spots reveal statues, artistic installations and art objects... the magic is served

After a couple of years the Basilica Cistern has just reopened and I wanted to see the renovation…what a wonderful job they have done! First I was lucky because we went at the opening so we missed the long queue that was there later. The Cistern has been cleaned, the water “purified”, the lighting improved and the art installations in Cistern are wonderful: modern art in a 1500 years old setting is just mesmerising. Bravo to the people that have done the improvements!!!

We visited basilica cistern in April 2018. It’s quite nice and intriguing. The inside is a bit dark and the mellow lightings add charm to it. There was a school visit at the time we were inside so it got a bit loud, but we’re happy we visited. There are usually art work decorating the alleys. There is also a 5TK (Turkish Lira) photo booth where you can dress up like ottomans :) which I’d recommend as much cheaper inside the basilica cistern (outside can be between 25TK and 30TK).