Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Combo Ticket

4.8 (2157)

Experience two of Istanbul’s most unforgettable historic sites with a single, easy-to-use Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace combo ticket. Descend into the atmospheric, column-filled halls of the Basilica Cistern and explore the imperial courts and collections of Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section where available. This combo includes skip-the-ticket-line entry (mandatory security check still apply), on-site host assistance for Topkapi Palace, and an audio guide option to enrich your visit with historical context and stories.

What’s Included

  • Admission to Basilica Cistern — self entry with QR code.
  • Entry to Topkapi Palace including the Harem section — entry by a host.
  • Audio guide for only Topkapi Palace
  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry for both sites (note: security is still mandatory).

What’s Excluded

  • Live guidance
  • Security bypass
  • Transportation
  • Headphones or earphones for audio guides

Locations & Meeting Points

Topkapi Palace — Assisted Entry (Meet Your Host)

The Topkapi Palace meeting point is at Chimney Bistro. Look for the red City Windows kiosk inside Chimney Bistro and meet your host there. The host will accompany you to the palace entrance and guide you through the Harem section when included. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time and remain with your host until entry is complete.

Assisted entries are scheduled in daily except Tuesdays. Choose the time slot that best suits your itinerary.
Available Times: 09:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM

View Chimney Bistro / Meeting Point on Google Maps

Basilica Cistern — Self Entry (QR Code)

The Basilica Cistern sits in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. Present your QR code at the entrance for direct self entry. 

View Basilica Cistern on Google Maps

Know Before You Go

  • The combo ticket is valid for 3 consecutive days starting from the booked date.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Last assisted entry to Topkapi Palace with host is at 16:00 (4:00 PM).
  • Last entry to Basilica Cistern is at 18:30 (6:30 PM).
  • Re-entry is not permitted at either site — plan your visit accordingly.

Important Notes

  • Basilica Cistern tickets are valid during daytime only — between 09:00 and 18:30.
  • The Harem is a separate interior section inside Topkapi Palace. Do not leave your host before you have entered the Harem; if you leave or miss the host, you will lose Harem access.
  • Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the booked time. Tickets are non-refundable within the final 24 hours.

Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace combo ticket combines convenience with enriched context through audio guide and host support.

The Basilica Cistern is free for children aged 0-6; you do not need to purchase a ticket. To receive a free ticket, you must present the child's passport to the authorized staff at the entrance. If the child's passport is not presented, a standard admission ticket must be purchased.

The Topkapi Palace is free for children aged 0-5, and you do not need to purchase a ticket. To receive a free ticket, you must present the child's passport to the authorized staff at the entrance. If the child's passport is not presented, a standard admission ticket must be purchased.