Basilica Cistern Skip the Line + Dolmabahce Palace Ticket with Harem
KTLY498843
·
Istanbul
+5
About this tour
This ticket pairs two of Istanbul's landmarks. At the Basilica Cistern you'll walk the underground walkways past rows of lit marble columns and the famous carved Medusa heads that hold up two of them. At Dolmabahce Palace, the last home of the Ottoman sultans on the Bosphorus, you'll see the grand Ceremonial Hall, the enormous crystal chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria, and the private Harem quarters. Admission is included at both sites.
Highlights
- Stand under the huge dome of the Ceremonial Hall, once used for imperial receptions
- See the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria
- Climb the Crystal Staircase, built from Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany
- Step inside the Harem, the private living quarters of the sultan and his family
- See Ataturk's room, kept exactly as it was, where he died in 1938
- Walk the palace gardens along the Bosphorus shoreline
- Explore the Basilica Cistern, the underground reservoir that supplied Istanbul's water for centuries
- Find the two carved Medusa heads among hundreds of lit marble columns
- Learn about the secrets of these subterranean structures as you navigate the underground site.
- Explore Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
- View the palace's collection of Baccarat and Bohemian chandeliers, the largest of its kind
- Admire the crystal staircase crafted from Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany.
- Visit the Basilica Cistern and see Byzantine artworks, including the iconic Medusa heads and hundreds of illuminated columns.
- Explore Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and admire world's largest collection of Baccarat and Bohemian chandeliers.
Included / Excluded
- Admission to both sites
Good to Know Before You Visit Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays. It also shuts on New Year's Day and on the first day of both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, so plan around those dates.
There's no dress code, so wear whatever's comfortable. You'll cover a lot of ground on foot over marble floors, so good walking shoes go a long way.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
From
Book Now
131.20€
Important Information
- A valid ticket is required and daily entry is capped; book ahead, especially June to August
- Combo tickets bundle nearby sights like the Bosphorus Cruise and save time and money
- Free entry on 10 November in memory of Ataturk; expect big crowds and tight security around 09:05
- Plan 2 to 3 hours to see the palace interiors and gardens
- Partial wheelchair access: ground floors are easier, upper floors limited
- Wear comfortable shoes; expect long routes and marble floors
- No photography inside the palace rooms; photos allowed in the gardens and outdoors
- Do not touch the artifacts or furniture
- No food or drinks inside the palace
- No smoking anywhere on the palace grounds
- Be respectful of the historic setting and other visitors
FAQs
What is Dolmabahce Palace?
It's a grand 19th-century palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. It was the main seat and royal residence of the Ottoman Empire in its final decades, known for its lavish interiors, crystal chandeliers, and European-style design.
Is Dolmabahce Palace free to visit?
No. It runs as a museum and historic site, so entry requires a paid ticket. You can check current ticket options and deals right here on this page.
Where can I buy Dolmabahce Palace tickets?
You can buy them online or on-site. Booking through our website gets you verified ticket options, live availability, and access to special offers and guided-tour add-ons.
Who built Dolmabahce Palace?
It was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I and built between 1843 and 1856, meant to reflect the empire's modernization and to match the royal palaces of Europe at the time.
Who lived in Dolmabahce Palace?
Several Ottoman sultans lived here, starting with Abdulmecid I and later Abdulaziz and Abdulhamid II. After the Turkish Republic was founded, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk used it as his Istanbul residence and died there in 1938.
How long does it take to see Dolmabahce Palace?
Most visits run about 2 to 3 hours, depending on time spent in the ceremonial halls, private apartments, and gardens. If you're into architecture and interior detail, leave a bit more.
How do I get to Dolmabahce Palace from Sultanahmet?
The easiest route is the T1 tram toward Kabatas; ride it to the last stop and walk about 10 minutes along the waterfront. You can also take a ferry from Eminonu to Besiktas, or grab a taxi for a direct trip.
Can I buy Dolmabahce Palace tickets online?
Yes. Booking online through our website lets you lock in entry ahead of time, compare ticket types, and catch good deals, which helps most during busy periods.
Is Dolmabahce Palace open every day?
It's open every day except Mondays.