Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Basilica Cistern (Underground Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayi)

  I made the mistake of trusting a trip review I read on the internet that said the Basilica Cistern was not wheelchair accessible. My friends toured it while I waited outside and told me afterwards that there was a wheelchair platform lift at the exit that I could have used. (That’s the issue with trip reviews….they are accurate at the time someone writes them but live forever on the internet even if accessibility has improved.) To visit the Basilica Cistern, get dropped off on Yerebatan street at the cistern entrance to buy your ticket. Afterwards, proceed downhill along the tram line to the cistern exit.

Looking for a 100% accessible tour?
Choose from 8 accessible tours in Istanbul

Is there an accessible entrance? Yes, the exit of the Basilica Cistern has a wheelchair platform lift to get down the stairs. It is located on Alemdar street near the tram line.

Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? On Alemdar street at the exit.

What are the nearby tram stations? Sultanahmet is just uphill from the Basilica Cistern exit.

Where is the closest disabled parking? Book a room here and I will find out for you.

Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? The accessible entrance is actually the Basilica Cistern exit which is on a Alemdar street downhill from Yerebatan street.

What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? 100%

Which parts are not accessible? The entrance stairs

Are there loaner wheelchairs? Book a room here and I will find out for you.

Is there an accessible bathroom? Book a room here and I will find out for you.
Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair?
Are there grab bars?
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet?

Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? No guided tours

Does advance notice need to be given for…
…handicapped parking?
…opening of an accessible entrance?
…loaner wheelchairs?
…accessible tours? No guided tours

Is there a discount for someone with a disability and/or their companion?

Opening Hours: 9-17:30 daily

How many hours do most able-bodied tourists spend there on their first visit?  30 minutes

Website: http://www.yerebatan.com/english/index.html
Email: info@yerebatan.com
Address: Yerebatan C No: 13 34410 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 (0)212 522 12 59 or +90 212 5121570

Have questions about Istanbul accessibility?
Our Istanbul accessible travel consultants have all the answers.

Read more:

Istanbul Accessible Travel – main page 
   Pros and Cons of Istanbul Disabled Access 
   9 Wheelchair Accessible Travel Tips for Istanbul Turkey 
   8 Keys to Success for Istanbul Disabled Travel 
   Istanbul Cruise Port Disabled Access Review 
   Hagia Sophia Disabled Access Review 
   Blue Mosque Wheelchair Accessibility 
   Disabled Access at Istanbul Topkapi Palace 
   Travel Insurance for Disabled Travelers 
   Istanbul Accessible Travel Packages 
Accessible Walking and Driving Tours in Istanbul 
   Sultanahmet Istanbul Accessible Private Tour 
   Panoramic Istanbul Wheelchair Accessible Tour 
   Half-day Highlights of Istanbul Handicap Accessible Tour 
   Half-day Turkish Istanbul Accessible Guided Tour 
   Old City Istanbul Accessible Group Tour 
   Blue Mosque Istanbul Accessible Cruise Excursion by Tram 
   Highlights of Istanbul Accessible Shore Excursion by Tram 
   Turkish Istanbul Accessible Walking Tour by Tram 
Accessible Hotels in Istanbul 
   Istanbul Accessible Hotel Rooms 
   Istanbul Handicapped Accessible Hotel 
   Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Istanbul 
   Disabled Hotel Rooms in Istanbul Turkey 
   Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Rooms in Istanbul 
   Handicapped Accessible Hotel in Istanbul 
Istanbul Accessibility Guide by John Sage 
Istanbul Trip Planning by Sage Traveling – Travel with Ease! 
Accessible Cruising with Sage Traveling – Receive our Istanbul Accessibility Guide & Istanbul accessible hotel recommendations for free!

 

Learn about our Istanbul accessible trip planning services

 

Get our 100% Free Accessible Travel Advice Newsletter

  • Learn the secrets of how to travel in Europe with a disability
  • Receive a €50 Accessible Travel Coupon for signing up!
© 2015 Sage Traveling. All rights reserved.
Privacy | Security | Terms
Website design and development by Telezent