Combo: Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Cruise

What to bring

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Show a valid passport or national ID at the entrance to collect your audio guide. If you do not have one, a refundable deposit of €200 will be collected and returned once you give back the device.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking long distances on marble floors and climbing stairs.

• Dress modestly to respect the site's cultural and historical significance.

Bosphorus Cruise

• Temperatures can drop in the evenings, especially on open-air decks. Bring a light jacket, scarf, or windbreaker to stay warm throughout the ride.

What’s not allowed

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Photography is not allowed in the interior rooms. Please put away your camera and phone before entering.

• Only the official audio guide provided with your ticket is permitted inside. Personal or external guide devices are not accepted.

Bosphorus Cruise

• Consuming or bringing alcoholic beverages on board is not allowed.

• Drones and other remote-controlled gadgets are restricted for safety and privacy reasons.

• Disposing of trash overboard or leaving waste behind is strictly forbidden.

• Standing or climbing on railings, benches, or any boat structure is unsafe and not permitted.

Accessibility

Dolmabahçe Palace

• The ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users, but the upper floors are not, due to stair-only access.

Bosphorus Cruise

• The cruise is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, as boarding involves steps and uneven surfaces.

Additional information

Dolmabahçe Palace

• A security screening is required for everyone before entry, regardless of ticket type. Expect delays during peak season, particularly from June to August, with wait times potentially reaching 30 minutes.

• Tickets for the palace are delivered by email one day before your visit. If you're booking for the same day, they will be sent shortly after confirmation. Check your inbox and spam folder to ensure delivery.

• Guests with advance reservations may enter the palace up until 4pm.

• For a calmer visit, consider arriving on a weekday near the 9am opening time.

• Exploring the Selamlık, Harem, and gardens usually takes one and two hours. If you plan to explore other exhibits, consider setting aside extra time.

• You can enjoy drinks or snacks at the palace café with stunning views of the Bosphorus. A souvenir shop is also available on-site.

Bosphorus cruise

• Head to Kabataş Pier, the starting point of your Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, and arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.

• Look out for Turyol boats, your cruise operator, and follow the staff or signage at Kabataş Pier to board the boat named Dentur.

• Please note that you'll need to make your way to Kabataş Pier on your own. The Turyol staff or a marine officer will be available at the pier to help direct you to the correct vessel and answer any quick queries.

• The best time to cruise is between April and early June or from September to early November, when the weather is more pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

• Cruises tend to fill up after 3pm, particularly in the summer months. For a more peaceful outing, plan to board between 10am and 1pm.

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure to secure outdoor seating at the rear of the boat, ideal for photos and open views.

• For the best views of the shoreline, sit on the right side when heading toward Asia, and switch to the left when returning to Europe.

• The audio guide app for the cruise works only on Android devices running version 10 or higher.

• Audio commentary is available in 9 languages: English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.

• Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

• Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays

Meeting Point 1

• Meet your guide at Dolmabahce Palace Clock Tower.

• Address: Vişnezade, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. 38 A, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye.

• Your local guide will be holding Headout flag.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

• The closest bus stop is Dolmabahçe Palace. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the meeting point.

• Board buses #121CS, #BSK/1, #BSK/2, and more to get you there.

By Tram

• The closest tram stop is Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu. It is a quick 5-minute walk to the meeting point.

• Board tram #T1 to get you there.

Meeting Point 2

• You can walk over to the Bosphorus pier, located just in 5 minutes walking distance from the Palace, and get on a 75 minute Bosphorus cruise. Your tour guide will explain where to go exactly. At the pier, a member of the staff will help you download the audio app for the Bosphorus Cruise and help you on board.