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Istanbul Museum: Iconic Film Location Tour
4.3
118 Ratings
Fatih
One of Istanbul’s most spectacular museums and undoubtedly one of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss on your trip. This is where several movies have been filmed, including the James Bond movie From Russia with Love and the film Inferno starring Tom Hanks. It’s a very exciting place.
One of Istanbul’s most spectacular museums and undoubtedly one of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss on your trip. This is where several movies have been filmed, including the James Bond movie From Russia with Love and the film Inferno starring Tom Hanks. It’s a very exciting place.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Basilica Cistern - The tour is in Spanish, French, and English. Can see an impressive underground water reservoir built during the Byzantine era. Highlights include the forest of ancient columns, the two Medusa head bases, and the tranquil, reflective pool. The dim lighting and ambient music add to the mystical atmosphere of this historic site.
- Basilica Cistern - The tour is in Spanish, French, and English. Can see an impressive underground water reservoir built during the Byzantine era. Highlights include the forest of ancient columns, the two Medusa head bases, and the tranquil, reflective pool. The dim lighting and ambient music add to the mystical atmosphere of this historic site.

What's Included
- Expert Tour Guide
- Presentation of handmade Turkish rugs
- Expert Tour Guide
- Presentation of handmade Turkish rugs
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Entry Fee (Ticket) the entry fee is 900tl in the day time ..you can pay here by credit cards
- Ticket is not included..
- Gratuities
- Entry Fee (Ticket) the entry fee is 900tl in the day time ..you can pay here by credit cards
- Ticket is not included..
Location
Green Corner Cafe & Restaurant
Caferiye Sokak
Opposite to Basilica Cistern Enter Gate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(118 Ratings)
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567diannel
Jun 8, 2025
Well worth a visit. - We were surprised by how impressive the visit to Basilica Cistern was. The atmosphere and lighting helped to show the impressive structures at their best. Also, the boards in English and other languages, were informative with a good amount of detail. One of our favourite visits while in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin
Jun 7, 2025
Bascillia Cistern - well worth the price - Although I had seen pictures of the Cistern I had one of though Oh My Gosh moments upon entering. Just takes your breath away. Few of us were aware of the fact that the lighting scheme of the area changes about every 5 minutes or so. When the lights went dark there were quite a few gasps.
The online ticket would not "work" so guide suggested I cancel and buy ticket at the box office.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
792adelinam
May 30, 2025
Let's go. - I loved it. I bought the museum pass (there is one for Istanbul and one for museums in other locations; that is the one I recommend because it saves a lot of money). I really liked it, it is an original, huge, very well maintained walk with strategically placed lighting. I did the tour in a hurry because I wanted to reach the tour in Hagia Sophia, but I recommend taking your time, it is worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
766fikar
May 30, 2025
We highly recommend it - Based on the recommendation of the agency, we decided to purchase our tickets online. Not only did they include a skip-the-line option, but also an audio guide. This proved to be incredibly beneficial as the skip-the-line feature allowed us to bypass the lengthy queues. Upon entering, we expressed our inability to download the audio guide due to lack of internet. In a kind gesture, the staff offered us access to their office wifi. The experience of visiting the monument was truly captivating and unlike any other typical landmark.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
May 27, 2025
Amazing - Visited today what a stunning place, after seeing it in a movie recently I just had to visit whilst in Istanbul excellent value for money.
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Flydigedjoeglo
May 24, 2025
Impressive underground construction - Very impressive and incomprehensible that one could build this many centuries ago. Hats off. An underground water reservoir propped up by giant pillars of which many are decorated (sculpted) The light effects are beautiful, but could be done more professionally.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimwillrule
Jun 6, 2025
Longest surviving cistern - Basilica Cistern, Istanbul: When it comes to aqua ducts and planning, the romans got it all patted down. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian, it’s the longest surviving cistern (there’s a dime in a dozen in Istanbul, so pick wisely). Apart from the waterworks, you’re here for the chills and the ever-changing ambient lights. Medusa carved stone slab is another highlight here. Get the Istanbul Pass and entrance is free with the good commentary offered by the short tour guide. Once done, you’re free to amble and IG to your hearts’ content. #eatstylishtravelstylish
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Momlindsay
Jun 8, 2025
Save your money - It’s pretty but the best part is it’s cool down there so a nice reprieve from the heat outside. I would not go again for the price.
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Ashish
May 24, 2025
Good, but unnecessarily weekending - Basicila Cistern is a nice experience of walking around the vast underground cistern that existed. But at what cost? The tickets are abnormally expensive for shad the experience is.
It's a good walkway sound, takes about an hour and gives you a glimpse into the olden water management system.
Do visit if you have extra cash, but don't fall for the hype
Review provided by Tripadvisor
380sebastiend
May 31, 2025
Overpriced but very beautiful. - Off-price 31 euros per person for 15min of visit (without audio guide). Otherwise the site is superb but spoiled by this extortion policy of tourists.
Review provided by Tripadvisor