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Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Entrance of Dolmabahçe Palace with ornate exterior, Istanbul.
Crystal staircase and chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall, Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul.
Sufera Hall interior with ornate columns and luxurious furnishings, Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
Dolmabahçe Palace Harem exterior with garden view in Istanbul.

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Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.6/5

(1,389)

Chris Shadbolt

Chris

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We loved the Palace tour. There was so much history to see. Our only issue was that we had two sets of information about the cruise. We thought it was within walking distance of the Palace but we ended up having to take the tram to a different location. A heads up about that would have been appreciated. We did like having the audio tour for the cruise and loved seeing the different buildings and learning about the history that took place along the river.
Mariya Kostadinova

Mariya

Sep 2025
Verified booking
4/5
We went early and got in right after they opened. No problem with the tickets. The garden was flawless and of course the palace itself was just beautiful. We had audio guides in our home language which was great. Overall the only complaints are that they didn't let us in every room and that there was a part in reconstruction, but Headout are not responsible about that.
Sandra M Lawes

Sandra

Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I enjoy the palace. I think it was one of the finest palaces I've ever been in. Because it was used recently it's still in great shape with a lovely furniture. The audio guide was excellent. The grounds were beautiful and the breeze off the river felt lovely
    • This ticket gives you skip-the-line access to Dolmabahçe Palace, including the grand ceremonial rooms, the Harem, and more, along with a multilingual audio guide.

    • Stroll through the stunning rooms, as the audio guide delves into stories of the sultans who once lived here, the palace’s role in shaping Ottoman history, and the lavish ceremonies held in the Ceremonial Hall.

    • With the audio guide in 10 languages, you can discover the palace at your own pace in your preferred language, making the experience as immersive and personalized as you like.

    • Want to see more of Istanbul? Upgrade your ticket to include a scenic 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, complete with audio commentary on the city’s most iconic waterfront landmarks.

    • Did you know that the Dolmabahçe Palace is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier? Weighing in at over 4.5 tons, this sparkling masterpiece was a gift from Queen Victoria of England!

    • Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace (all-day access)

    • Entry to the Selamlık section (official quarters and ceremonial halls)

    • Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Gardens

    • Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Harem

    • 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (included with combo option)

    • Multilingual audio guide for both the Palace and the cruise, available in 10+ languages (cruise guide available with combo option)

    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    • Tour guide

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 4.6
    1,389 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    934
    380
    42
    10
    23
    Guests from United States, Spain, Romania and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Chris Shadbolt

    Chris

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We loved the Palace tour. There was so much history to see. Our only issue was that we had two sets of information about the cruise. We thought it was within walking distance of the Palace but we ended up having to take the tram to a different location. A heads up about that would have been appreciated. We did like having the audio tour for the cruise and loved seeing the different buildings and learning about the history that took place along the river.
    Sheri Jean Masiello

    Sheri

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    What a beautiful day at the Dolmabahce Palace. It was amazing to see such a historical dwelling with extraordinary grounds. The chandeliers were breathtaking. We enjoyed our day even though it rained a bit. Such an interesting place ot discover.
    Majbritt Andersen

    Majbritt

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    It's was fantastic and beautiful. It's a must see in Istanbul. What a shame, that it wasn't allowed to take pictures inside the palace.
    Gill Buque

    Gill

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Fabulous interiors. Tour really interesting.
    nancy holland

    Nancy

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Excellent location and incredible viewing.
  • Explore the grandeur of Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace with skip-the-line entry, a multilingual audio guide, and an optional Bosphorus cruise.

    Journey through regal interiors

    Start your visit in the Medhal Hall, once used to receive important guests. Admire the sultans’ monograms on the fireplace and Boulle tables before heading up the striking crystal staircase to the Ceremonial Hall, home to one of the world's largest chandeliers and the royal seating box.

    Admire Ottoman art and symbolism

    Walk through the palace’s 285 rooms, stopping at the Tiled Room, which displays the largest painting in the palace. Visit the vivid Red Room, where Ottoman power and symbolism are reflected in bold colors and artwork.

    Explore the private world of the Sultans

    If you're passionate about literature or history, the palace's library is a must-see. Get a peek into the private lives of the sultans and their families in the Harem, and conclude your visit in the peaceful gardens with sweeping views of the Bosphorus Strait.

    See Istanbul from a new perspective

    Enhance your visit with a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise. Glide between two continents while listening to audio commentary about the landmarks lining Istanbul’s iconic waterfront—from Ottoman palaces to modern bridges.

  • Basilica Cistern

    Monday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 06:30pm

    Dolmabache Palace

    MondayClosed
    Tuesday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Thursday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Friday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Sunday09:00am - 05:00pm
  • What to Bring

    • Bring a valid ID or passport to collect your audio guide. If you do not have one, a €200 refundable deposit must be left at the entrance and will be returned when you return the device at the exit.

    • Wear comfortable footwear, as you will spend a lot of time walking on marble floors and using staircases.

    • Choose modest clothing to respect the site's cultural and historical importance.

    What’s Not Allowed

    • Photography is not permitted inside, so please keep your camera packed away.

    • Only the official audio guide provided with your ticket is accepted. Personal or third-party audio guides are not allowed.

    Accessibility

    • The palace's ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users, but access to upper levels is limited.

    Additional Information

    • Your ticket lets you skip the main entry line, but all visitors must pass through security. In the busy summer months from June to August, the wait at security can be up to 30 minutes.

    • Tickets will be sent to your email one day before your visit. If you book on the same day, your ticket will be sent immediately. Check both your inbox and spam folder.

    • Guests with pre-booked tickets can enter the venue until 4 pm.

    • For a more relaxed visit, go on a weekday and arrive close to the 9 am opening time.

    • Exploring the Selamlık, Harem, and gardens usually takes between one and two hours. You may want to allow more time if you plan to visit additional exhibits or take breaks.

    • The palace café offers tea and snacks with views of the Bosphorus, and the gift shop has a selection of souvenirs to browse.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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