Timeline
17:23
Explore the cistern while the late afternoon sun filters through the upper levels. The atmosphere is quieter and more atmospheric than the larger Basilica Cistern.
18:08
Walk three minutes to Cafe Amedros. Order Ottoman cuisine or a drink and settle in as the light begins to fade. The restaurant stays open late, so you have time to linger.
18:53
Head to Palatium Cafe & Restaurant for dinner. The restaurant looks down into the foundations of a Roman-era palace. It is a great spot for ice cold beer and traditional food after the sun has set.
Local tip
Theodosius Cistern opens at 09:00 and closes at 19:00. Arriving an hour before sunset ensures you get inside before it closes or during the final hour of opening.
Check before you go
- Theodosius Cistern closes at 19:00.
- Cafe Amedros is open until 24:00.
- Palatium Cafe & Restaurant is open until 00:30.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).