Istanbul - Basilica Cistern Travel Guide

Basic Information - Opening hours: Open all year round from 09:00 to 22:00, last entry at 18:30, closed to visitors from 18:30 to 19:30. - Ticket price: Adult tickets are about 800 Turkish lira, about 200 yuan, students, seniors, etc. may have discounts, Turkish citizens over 65 years old, children under 7 years old, etc. can visit for free between 09:00 and 18:30. - Location: Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Sultanahmet district, next to the Hagia Sophia. Preparation - Clothing: The humidity is high and the temperature is low inside the Basilica Cistern, so bring clothes and a light jacket suitable for a humid environment. - Shoes: The ground may be slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip, comfortable shoes. - Documents: Students, seniors, etc. should bring relevant documents to get discounts, Turkish citizens who enjoy free admission should bring their ID cards. - Other items: You can bring a tripod to help take photos and stabilize the camera in low-light environments. Tour Guide - Tour route: After entering from the entrance, you can first visit along the main passage, admire the neatly arranged stone pillars, and see the Medusa head at the third corner. Continue forward to find the Tear Column, and finally leave from the exit. - Photography tips: Use high ISO settings or long exposure to capture details, remember to turn off the flash, and use elements such as stone pillars and Medusa heads for composition. - Guide service: You can hire a guide or join a guided tour group, or use an audio guide device to learn more about history and culture. Surrounding Facilities - Food: There is a Basilica Cistern restaurant nearby, offering traditional Turkish food, with an average cost of 400-600 yuan, and other cafes and restaurants to choose from. - Attractions: Nearby attractions include Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Şerefiye Cistern, Gülhane Park, etc., which can be visited together. Notes - Follow the safety regulations of the scenic area and keep your personal belongings safe. - Visit in an orderly manner according to the instructions, and do not touch the cultural relics and buildings at will. - In case of special events or maintenance, the opening hours and ticket prices may change, please check the official website information in advance.