Hippodrome Cistern & Turkish Craft Heritage Experience Ticket
- Visit the Hippodrome Cistern, a hidden 5th-century Byzantine structure beneath Istanbul’s Old City
- Explore the Hippodrome Exhibition inside the cistern, showcasing the glory of ancient Constantinople
- Watch a female master weaver create a traditional Turkish carpet by hand
- Browse carpets, ceramics, and jewelry—with a special discount code for your purchases
- End your visit on the rooftop with views of the last standing wall of the Hippodrome and Old Istanbul’s skyline
Similar adventures in Istanbul
What to expect
Right next to the ancient Hippodrome in Istanbul’s Old City, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey: Hippodrome Cistern This special Eastern Roman cistern, dating back to the 5th century, once served exclusively the imperial palace and was closed to the public. Today, through its immersive exhibition, it brings the long-lost grandeur of the Hippodrome back to life. Discover the story of this ancient arena at the heart of Constantinople through visual and historical displays. Your visit begins with a short briefing by one of our team members, after which you’re free to explore the cistern at your own pace. Upon exiting, our team will guide you upstairs to attend a brief presentation on traditional Turkish crafts. In this section, you’ll have the chance to watch a female master weaver at work and gain a closer look at the fine craftsmanship and heritage of Turkish carpet-making. You’ll also find a variety of handcrafted items such as carpets, jewelry, and ceramics—available for viewing and, if you wish, for purchase. Guests will also receive a special discount code to use during their visit. To conclude your experience, head up to the building’s terrace where you can view the remaining massive walls of the Hippodrome and take in the historic silhouette of Old Istanbul. This 60-minute cultural journey offers a unique blend of history and traditional arts—an unforgettable stop for anyone exploring the city.
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Reviews
The Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern are two must-see historical sites in Istanbul that beautifully showcase the city’s rich past. The Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life, echoes with tales of chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius. Just nearby, the Basilica Cistern offers a magical underground world with its dim lighting, towering columns, and serene waters. The Medusa heads at the base of the columns add mystery and intrigue. Both sites are atmospheric, educational, and transport you back in time. A visit to Istanbul feels incomplete without experiencing these remarkable, awe-inspiring landmarks.
Our visit to the Hippodrome Cistern was an overall okay experience. The space itself was smaller than expected — about the size of a full apartment — and there was no guide inside the cistern, so we explored on our own. The highlight was definitely the resident cat, who instantly made us feel welcome and added a bit of charm to the visit. The craftsmen on-site were clearly skilled and experienced, but the items were quite pricey. Still, it was a unique stop and worth a quick visit.
A great experience and a complimentary gift with the KLOOK Turkey Pass, with no extra charge. Highly recommended!
I learned a lot about carpet-related activities and really liked their designs. This underground water palace is not the same as the other underground water palace; they are two completely different places.
The cistern was pretty interesting and the scale models looked fantastic, and some were even available for purchase. The guide was very informative and answered all of our questions.
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