Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Combo
Discover three of Sultanahmet’s most iconic landmarks with this convenient Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern combo. Enjoy hosted entry to Topkapi Palace and explore its imperial courtyards, historic collections, and Ottoman heritage with a 25-language audio guide; please note that the Harem Section is not included. Continue with skip-the-ticket-line entry to Hagia Sophia and discover its remarkable Byzantine and Ottoman history at your own pace with a 25-language audio guide. Then join a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern to explore its atmospheric underground columns, Byzantine engineering, and famous Medusa heads, with a 25-language audio guide also included. All three attractions are located in the Sultanahmet area, making this an easy way to experience three essential Istanbul landmarks in one sightseeing plan. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Basilica Cistern guided tour is not available on Fridays.

Hours:
Topkapi Palace Hosted Entry Hours: 09:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00
Basilica Cistern Guided Tour Hours: 10:30, 16:30
Hagia Sophia Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

About This Activity

skip the ticket line icon

Skip the ticket line

Walk past ticket queues and show your mobile QR code at the entrance.

host or greeter icon

Host or greeter

A host or greeter will meet you at the meeting point.

live tour guide icon

Live tour guide

Enjoy a live guided experience with a professional local guide.

Highlights

  • Skip the ticket lines at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern and enjoy fast, smooth entry to Istanbul’s most visited landmarks.
  • Meet your host for assisted entry to Topkapi Palace, then explore its Ottoman heritage independently with a 25-language audio guide.
  • Discover Hagia Sophia’s layered history, architecture, and symbols through an immersive audio guide available in multiple languages.
  • Join a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern and discover its Byzantine engineering, towering columns, and mysterious Medusa heads.
  • Experience three of Sultanahmet’s essential landmarks with a combination of hosted entry, independent exploration, and guided discovery.

Included

  • Skip-the-ticket-line entry to all three sites
  • Audio guides available in 25 languages
  • Hosted entry assistance at Topkapi Palace
  • Convenient entry arrangements for all three attractions
  • Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern with a professional English-speaking guide
  • Independent exploration at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace

Not Included

  • Food and Drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meet your host at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III for assisted entry to Topkapi Palace.

Explore Topkapi Palace independently with a 25-language audio guide and discover its imperial courtyards, chambers, collections, and Ottoman history.

Enter Hagia Sophia with skip-the-ticket-line access and explore its second-floor visitor area at your own pace with a 25-language audio guide.

Meet your guide at Roots and Roasted Cafe before joining the guided Basilica Cistern tour.

Descend beneath Sultanahmet to admire the cistern’s columns, vaulted ceilings, and famous Medusa head bases.

Learn about Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage through three closely connected landmarks.

Walk easily between the attractions, all located within the historic Sultanahmet area.

Visit the attractions according to their individual meeting points and scheduled entry times.

Meeting point

Topkapi Palace: Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III

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Sultan Ahmet Sultanahmet Meydanı Topkapı Sarayı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III at least 15 minutes before the tour starts, holding a a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and istanbul.com logos. From there, your guide will take you on a short 1-minute walk to the main entrance gate (Bab-ı Hümayun) of Topkapi Palace.

Get Directions

Meeting point

Basilica Cistern: Roots and Roasted Cafe

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Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd no:10/1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Meet your guide at Roots and Roasted Cafe at least 15 minutes before the tour. Look for a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and istanbul.com logos for easy recognition.

Get Directions

  • The 25-language audio guide is prepared by Istanbul Tourist Pass and shared via a link with your ticket. Audio guides are not available at the sites.

  • Topkapi Palace requires hosted entry. Meet your host at the designated meeting point and enter with the host before exploring independently.

  • Hagia Sophia visiting hours may change during religious holidays and special occasions.

  • Some sections of Topkapi Palace, such as the Outer Treasury, parts of the kitchens, and the Audience Hall, may be temporarily closed.

  • Restoration work continues at Hagia Sophia, so certain areas may be closed during your visit depending on ongoing conservation activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topkapi Palace includes hosted entry followed by independent exploration, while Hagia Sophia is a self-guided visit with an audio guide. Basilica Cistern includes a guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Audio guides in 25 languages are provided via a link sent with your ticket. They are not available at the attractions and require your own device.

No. Topkapi Palace requires hosted entry, Hagia Sophia is visited independently with skip-the-ticket-line entry, and the Basilica Cistern must be joined at the scheduled guided tour time.

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