Skip ticket lines to enter the Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern with a local host (except Hagia Sophia). Benefit from an audio guide for your smartphone and discover these museums at your own pace.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Valid 3 days
- from first activation
- Skip the ticket line
- Live tour guide
- English
- Audio guide included
- Chinese, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, English
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Hagia Sophia Meeting Point: Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card guide (with red flag), at the Hürrem Sultan Hamam. It is located below the trees, next to the newspaper kiosk, and across from the Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace Tour Meeting Point: Look for the guide dressed in red at the III Fountain of Sultan Ahmet, outside Topkapi Palace, across next to the Carpet Museum. Basilica Cistern Meeting Point: Meet your guide at the Exit Gate of the Basilica Cistern.
Open in Google Maps ⟶What to bring
- Headphones
Know before you go
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide apps are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Chinese, and Turkish
- You must download the audio guide app before your visit because there is no internet at the museum
- Audio guide download instructions are contained in your confirmation
- Hagia Sophia meeting times: Daily at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:00 PM. Fridays only at 10:00 AM
- Topkapi Palace meeting times: Daily except Tuesdays at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
- Basilica Cistern meeting times: Daily except Sundays at 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM
- For the Hagia Sophia 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 clothes and scarves at the entrance. ( Scarf is €1 and body cover is €3 )