My husband and I plan on visiting the Basilica Cistern at night.
Plan on purchasing tickets in advance. Did you use Passo website or Basilica Cistern?
Should we spend extra for skip the line tickets? Do we need a guide?
Again, we do plan on visiting at night in mid-September.
Thank you
Hello, as far as I can tell, online tickets are valid between 09:00 and 18:30. If you want to purchase a ticket between 19:30 and 23:30, you will need to buy it from the ticket office. It will take you approximately 45 minutes to visit the interior. I cannot advise you on whether or not to hire a guide, as that is a personal preference. If it were me, i would choose Ömer as my guide, hahahaha.
Sağlıcakla kalın.
Should we spend extra for skip the line tickets?
There was no line when I was there about 10 days ago during evening hours.
Do we need a guide?
There were several large introductory panels, available in English, as you entered the sight. They told about the history and use of the cistern. That was sufficient information for me.
Thanks so much. Answered my questions.
CWSocial-Did you buy your ticket in advance?
I bought my ticket at the door, which the website says is the only way to buy evening tickets.
What is the difference in visiting the Basilica Cistern during the day v. during the evening? Thank You!
From what I have read and from friends who just returned from Turkey-they said evening was best. All tour groups gone. The cistern is lit up with atmospheric lighting that showcases the intricate architecture and carvings of the 336 columns. The lighting creates a unique and mesmerizing ambiance that highlights the beauty and historical significance of the site. There is often live music as well. My friends spent about 45 minutes there with no guide. They went after 9:00 and were practically alone.
