Canakkale

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Basilica Cistern
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Basilica Cistern

9.8
4.5/5
1.5k reviews
The Basilica Cistern, located next to Hagia Sophia, served as the palace's underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era to the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is considered one of Istanbul's most romantic and mysterious tourist attractions. Entering the cistern, you feel as if you've stepped into another world of Istanbul. The clear sounds of water droplets falling on the surface are constantly heard, and carp occasionally swim in the pool. Dim streetlights lining the edges of the underground passage create a peaceful, deep, mysterious, and captivating atmosphere. This enormous cistern, 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, is the size of a football field. 336 thick Corinthian columns, 9 meters high, support the massive brick vaults, creating a truly impressive sight. Each column features meticulously crafted, unique reliefs. Because of its unique and mysterious atmosphere, it has served as a filming location for productions such as the Hollywood film "Skyfall" and Jackie Chan's "The Accidental Spy." The Basilica Cistern has a very large water storage capacity and is still used by the people of Istanbul today. It is said that if the cistern were completely full of water, it could meet the water needs of the entire city for a month. While the teardrop-shaped columns in the center of the cistern attract the attention of many visitors, the columns on the northwest side of the cistern, supported by two inverted Medusa heads, are one of the most impressive parts of the Basilica Cistern. The history of the Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th century AD and it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Initially, it was used to store water for the nearby palace and buildings. Later sealed, the cistern was rediscovered after the conquest of Istanbul in the 16th century. Bringing water from the forests near the Black Sea, this structure both met the palace's water needs and served as a strategic refuge against enemy sieges. It is truly an underground palace, a product of the imagination.Türkiye · Istanbul

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Featured Day tours in Canakkale

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Canakkale: 6-Hour Gallipoli Tour with Lunch
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4.9/5
· 87 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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87 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromVND 1,876,142VND 1,974,887
Canakkale: Half-Day Troy Tour
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4.9/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromVND 2,148,046VND 2,261,102
1-day tour to ancient Troy (departing from Istanbul)
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromVND 4,692,308
Gallipoli Full-Day Tour from Istanbul
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4.9/5
· 199 reviews
Duration: 18 hrs
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73 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromVND 3,534,760VND 3,720,800

Featured SIM card in Canakkale

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Türkiye 5G eSIM | Three networks · supports all AI & TikTok | 500MB/day–total 100GB | 1–60 days | 24 hr billing | QR code
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4.6/5
· 5.5k reviews· 287.8k booked
Free cancellation
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90.7% of travelers recommend
50% off
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FromVND 2,082VND 4,165
European universal 5G/4G eSIM | Multi-network support, supports All AI & TikTok | 500MB/day - 50GB total | 1-90 days | 24-hour billing | QR code
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4.6/5
· 12.6k reviews· 497.2k booked
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Turkey 5G eSIM | All 3 Major Networks • All AI & TikTok | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | 1–60 Days | QR Code
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4.6/5
· 2.5k reviews· 91.5k booked
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50% off
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FromVND 2,082VND 4,165
Europe 4G/5G eSIM | TikTok & ChatGPT Available | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code
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4.6/5
· 7.9k reviews· 213.2k booked
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48 consecutive positive reviews
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FromVND 2,082VND 4,165
Turkey 5G eSIM | All 3 Major Networks • All AI & TikTok | 1–30 Days | QR Code
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4.6/5
· 845 reviews· 28k booked
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91.5% of travelers recommend
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FromVND 2,059VND 4,119
Europe (40 Countries) 5G eSIM | Supports Google Maps/TikTok/ChatGPT | Daily / Total Data Plans | Natural Day Billing | 1–90 Days | QR Code
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4.6/5
· 3.6k reviews· 74.9k booked
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90.7% of travelers recommend
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Orange World 4G/LTE eSIM | Calls + SMS | 31 Days Total 50MB–20GB | Calendar-Day Billing | QR code
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4.5/5
· 833 reviews· 27.5k booked
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Turkey 5G eSIM  | 3 Networks Covered | Fully Supports AI & TikTok | Daily/Total Data Package | 1–30 Days | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code
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4.5/5
· 670 reviews· 25.9k booked
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501 bookings in 7 days
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FromVND 2,090VND 4,181

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What travellers say about Canakkale

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ZhaziraT8 October 2026
5.0
It was marvelous experience, it definitely one of the must visit spots in Istanbul 😍💐✨I was really impressed with the atmosphere and beautines of this place 😍✨

Basilica Cistern

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烟00雨25 August 2025
5.0
The ancient city of Troy is only about 30 kilometers from Çanakkale. This ancient city serves as the setting for the Trojan War in Greek mythology. The Trojan Horse, depicted in Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" from the 9th century BC, took place here, attracting tourists from around the world. A giant wooden horse, a metaphor for the war, stands at the entrance. Visitors are said to be able to enter the interior. While it's not the horse used in the battle, it still allows for a firsthand experience of the Trojan War. The legendary ancient city of Troy is now in ruins, but this cannot obscure the events of that epic battle or shake its status as one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites. It stands as a testament to the entire Trojan civilization and is currently one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations. The ancient city of Troy is an absolute must-see. The museum within the ancient city, while small in size, houses a collection of precious artifacts that bear witness to Troy's history. From bronze and pottery to gold and silver jewelry, each exhibit tells a unique story. Here, you can view various artifacts excavated from the ruins, learn about the lifestyle and craftsmanship of the ancient Trojans, and feel the warmth of history. The ancient city of Troy is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a journey through time and space. It offers the opportunity to touch the texture of history and experience the charm of ancient civilization. If you share awe and curiosity about history, this legendary ancient city is a must-see. The ancient city of Troy is located in Çanakkale Province, northwestern Turkey. Its specific address is Truva altı sokak, 17100 Tevfikiye/Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, approximately 31 kilometers south of Çanakkale City, facing the Dardanelles Strait to the north, and nestled at the foot of Citadel Hill.

Ancient City of Troy

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Canakkale?

Don't miss these attractions in Canakkale: Basilica Cistern, Tenedos, and Çanakkale şehitliği. If you like Day tours, try Canakkale: 6-Hour Gallipoli Tour with Lunch. If you enjoy SIM card, try Türkiye 5G eSIM | Three networks · supports all AI & TikTok | 500MB/day–total 100GB | 1–60 days | 24 hr billing | QR code.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Canakkale: 6-Hour Gallipoli Tour with Lunch, Canakkale: Half-Day Troy Tour, and 1-day tour to ancient Troy (departing from Istanbul). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 30 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Canakkale is around VND 1,876,142 – VND 4,692,308. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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