Landmarks

National Palaces of Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace + Topkapi Palace Tickets with Audio Guide

Skip the lines at both Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces for a smooth, time-saving visit to two of Istanbul’s most iconic imperial landmarks.

With the sites just steps apart, you can visit them back-to-back without transfers, tight scheduling, or wasting time in queues.

Benefit from the guidance of an English-speaking host, ensuring seamless entry, clear directions, and a stress-free start to your visit.

Wander through the opulent courtyards, pavilions, and treasury of Topkapı Palace, once the political and ceremonial heart of the Ottoman Empire.

Marvel at the splendor of Dolmabahçe Palace, adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf ceilings, and a lavish blend of European and Ottoman design.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Skip-the-line entry (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

Multilingual audio guide (available in 10+ languages)

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry

Skip-the-line entry to Harem Museum

Digital audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Transfers

Tour guide

Food and drinks

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Experience the grandeur of Dolmabahçe and Topkapı Palaces with a single ticket that lets you skip the lines and enjoy expert audio commentary, immersing you in centuries of Ottoman history as you journey between these two imperial landmarks.

Getting started

Meet your host in front of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum entrance at least 15 minutes before your tour begins. From there, follow your host for ticket validation and a quick orientation before entering Topkapı Palace. You’ll receive your audio guide along with instructions and tips for getting to Dolmabahçe Palace later in the day, allowing you to explore both sites at your own pace.

Heart of the Ottoman Empire

Step into Topkapı Palace, the former seat of Ottoman sultans, renowned for its sprawling courtyards, opulent pavilions, and priceless imperial treasures.

First Courtyard and Imperial Gate: Pass through the impressive Imperial Gate into the vast First Courtyard, where the palace’s scale begins to unfold. The audio guide shares how this space once bustled with guards, servants, and officials.

Harem Museum: Delve deeper into the private quarters of the Ottoman rulers. See lavishly tiled chambers, intimate gardens, and ornate pavilions. Hear stories of palace politics, forbidden romances, and the sultans’ closely guarded domestic life.

Treasury and Sacred Relics: Marvel at priceless artifacts, from jewel-encrusted swords to the Topkapı Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Your audio guide explains the significance of these treasures, including their role in projecting Ottoman power. The Sacred Relics section reveals objects revered in Islamic tradition, with commentary on how they were safeguarded within the palace.

The Sultan’s waterfront residence

Continue to Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent 19th-century residence on the Bosphorus, celebrated for its blend of European and Ottoman styles.

Selamlık (official quarters): Step into the grand reception halls and ceremonial chambers where Ottoman sultans received foreign dignitaries. Admire the famous Crystal Staircase, crafted from Baccarat crystal and marble, ornate ceilings, and rich carpets. Your audio guide recounts stories of diplomatic meetings, lavish banquets, and the European influences that shaped Dolmabahçe’s 19th-century design.

Palace Gardens: Stroll through manicured lawns and flower-lined pathways overlooking the Bosphorus. The audio commentary paints a vivid picture of royal leisure, from sultans’ morning walks to grand garden parties that showcased imperial wealth.

Harem: Enter the secluded world of the imperial family, with intricately decorated rooms, private courtyards, and opulent baths. Listen to tales of the sultan’s wives, the powerful Valide Sultan (queen mother), and the intrigue that unfolded behind these private walls.

What to bring

Dolmabahçe Palace

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.

Topkapi Palace

Wear comfortable walking shoes; there’s a lot of ground to cover, including cobblestone areas.

Carry a bottle of water, especially in warmer months, as much of the site is outdoors.

Use wired headphones for audio tours; the signal can be weak inside thick-walled sections.

Bring sunscreen or a hat, as many courtyards and waiting areas are exposed to the sun.

What’s not allowed

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

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

Topkapi Palace

Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas, but flash is prohibited in indoor galleries like the Treasury and Sacred Relics Room.

Tripods, selfie sticks, and large camera equipment are not allowed inside.

Smoking and vaping are prohibited anywhere within the palace complex.

Eating and drinking are prohibited inside all palace buildings.

Pets are not permitted, except for certified service animals.

Accessibility

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

Topkapi Palace

While some outdoor areas and courtyards are accessible, full wheelchair accessibility is limited due to cobblestone paths, stairs, and narrow corridors, especially in the Harem section.

Additional information

Arrive at the entrance of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum at least 15 minutes before your tour begins. Meet your guide and walk to the Topkapi Palace entrance, about a minute away.

Your ticket is valid for one day—please refer to your booking for the exact start time.

Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays, while Topkapı Palace closes on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disruptions.

Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for Dolmabahçe Palace and 2.5 to 4 hours for Topkapı Palace to explore its courtyards, treasury, and Harem at a relaxed pace.

Dolmabahçe Palace

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.

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

Topkapi Palace

All visitors must pass through security screening; during peak seasons from June to August, this can take 20 to 40 minutes, so allow extra time.

Weekdays, especially early in the morning just after the 9 am opening, are quieter and offer a more comfortable experience.

Don’t miss the panoramic views from the Fourth Courtyard’s terraces; they’re some of the best in Istanbul.

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.