Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets

Experience a mesmerizing traditional Whirling Dervishes show with live Turkish music and a Turkish dinner.

• Everything you get: Attend the authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live music in Istanbul’s Old Town. Enjoy a captivating performance in a central location, immersing yourself in the spiritual Sufi ritual. All venues are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and you can bring your baggage along.
• Why choose this: A rare chance to experience 800-year-old Sufi rituals in a traditional wooden hall.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a Turkish dinner featuring five kebabs, meze, salads, tea, coffee, and künefe.

Inclusions #

• Whirling Dervishes show

• 1 hour Mevlevi Sema ritual

• Authentic Turkish dinner (as per option selected)

• Traditional dessert künefe (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to bring

• Bring your ticket and arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Comfortable, respectful attire is recommended.

What’s not allowed

• Avoid using flash photography during the ceremony.
• Talking or disruptions during the performance are discouraged.

Accessibility

• The venue is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.

Additional information

• Choose your preferred upgrade (dinner) while booking.
• The ceremony is a spiritual event and not a theatrical show.

A UNESCO-recognized Sema ceremony blending mystical music, ritual, and spiritual dance.

• Everything you get: Entry to the Sema ceremony, a 5-min intro video, 10-min live Sufi music, and a 45-min whirling ritual, plus access to the exhibition featuring dervish clothing, instruments, books, interactive Rumi poems, and video displays.
• Why choose this: Experience an authentic Mevlevi ritual in a peaceful, traditional setting with rich cultural insight. A must-attend experience for culture vultures and curious travelers alike, offering a deep dive into Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.
• Options: Choose between a 5pm or 7pm Prime Time entry slot to best fit your evening plans.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour Whirling Dervish show at 5pm or 7pm (as per option selected)

• Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center

• Entry to the exhibition with dervish artifacts

Exclusions #

• Children under 7 years

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Carry your ticket and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• Dress modestly to respect the cultural and spiritual setting.

What’s not allowed

• Photography is strictly prohibited during the ceremony.
• Talking, applause, or disruptions are not permitted.
• Children under 7 years are not allowed.

Accessibility

• This venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Seating is allocated on a first-booked, first-served basis.
• Late entry is limited; arrivals after 15 minutes may be denied entry.

What to bring

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise:

• Carry your own earphones to make the most of the audio guide during the cruise.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish:

• The venue is accessible for wheelchair users as well as strollers and prams.

Additional information

Whirling Dervish:

• You may bring small bags into the venue. Photography is permitted, but flash and tripods are not allowed.

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise:

• Click here to download the audio guide app in advance, as internet access may be limited onboard. Once installed, it can be used offline.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervish

• Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia

• Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Bosphorus Cruise

• 90-minute Bosphorus cruise

• Audio guide in 10 languages

• Skip-the-line access at the pier

• Meet and greet with a marine officer

• Bosphorus cruise plan/map

Whirling Dervish Show

• Tip: After the show, check out the Sultanahmet neighborhood nearby for traditional Ottoman dishes like "Dolma" (stuffed grape leaves) or "Baklava" for dessert.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: For an immersive experience, consider traditional calligraphy workshops in the Sultanahmet or Eminonu neighborhoods, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
• Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervish Show

• Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area

• Audio guide in 23 languages

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s culture with a Whirling Dervish show and an authentic Turkish feast at a 140-year-old restaurant.

• Everything you get: A full cultural evening blending a Sema ritual inside ancient Byzantine walls, followed by a traditional Turkish dinner (2.5 hours). Dinner features. five kebabs, meze, salads, drinks, and künefe. Plus, transfers near major city districts.
• Why choose this: Get a guided intro to Sufism at this Dervish ceremony set against 1650-year-old Byzantine walls. It combines Istanbul’s spiritual heritage with an authentic family-run dining experience in one seamless evening.

Inclusions #

• Whirling Dervish performance

• Authentic Turkish meal at historic restaurant

• Small group experience limited to 10 guests

What to bring

• Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your reservation, as it may be checked at entry.
• Keep a digital or printed copy of your booking confirmation handy to ensure a smooth check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food or drinks cannot be brought into the restaurant.
• Smoking is prohibited in both the dining area and the performance space.
• Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.

Additional information

• The entire experience takes approximately 3.5 hours; 60-min Whirling Dervishes performance & 2.5-hours of Turkish dinner.
• Please notify the restaurant ahead of time if you have any dietary needs or allergies.
• Staff members can assist you in both English and Turkish.
• Guests of all ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Dress in smart-casual attire, keeping local customs and respectful clothing in mind.

Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo, skip the lines, and dive deep.

• Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance: Entry to a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet, witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music. Enjoy tranquil prayer citations and learn about Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s ancient underground marvel. Explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
• Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and its hidden depths in one booking, save time, skip the lines, and enjoy two iconic experiences for less than booking separately.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervishes

• Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia

• Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian

• Instant mobile ticket

What to bring

Whirling Dervish:

• You may carry small bags into the venue.

Basilica Cistern:

• Bring earphones to fully enjoy the audio guide.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the floors can be slightly wet and slippery.
• Carry a light jacket, it tends to stay cool inside the cistern.

What’s not allowed

Basilica Cistern:

• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted inside.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish:

• Accessible for wheelchair users as well as strollers.

Basilica Cistern:

• Partial accessibility is available; a lift is located near the Alemdar Street exit.
• Pathways inside may be uneven and dimly lit, so assistance might be needed.
• No elevators inside; seating options are limited.

Additional information

Whirling Dervish:

• Photography is allowed, but without flash or tripods.

Basilica Cistern:

• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply.
• Visit early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
• Don’t miss the Medusa head sculptures in the far section.
• The exit is different from the entrance. Note your route before entering.
• Lighting is intentionally low; allow time for your eyes to adjust.