Dolmabahce Palace & Harem Skip the Line Tickets + Audio Guide
+8
About this tour
Dolmabahce Palace sits right on the European shore of the Bosphorus, and this skip-the-line ticket gets you into the whole thing: the ceremonial Selamlik halls, the private Harem quarters, and the waterfront gardens, with all-day access. An audio guide in more than 10 languages walks you through the crystal staircase, the Bohemian chandelier, and Ataturk's preserved room. Add the combo option and you also get a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise with its own guide. Plan on 2 to 3 hours to see it all.
Highlights
- Stand under the domed Ceremonial Hall, once the setting for imperial state occasions
- See the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria
- Take in the Crystal Staircase, built from Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany
- Step into the Harem, the private living quarters of the Sultan and his family
- Visit Ataturk's room, kept exactly as it was when he died here in 1938
- Stroll the palace gardens right on the edge of the Bosphorus
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahce Palace, valid all day
- Access to the Selamlik: official quarters and ceremonial halls
- Access to the palace gardens
- Access to the Harem
- 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (combo option only)
- Audio guide in 10+ languages for the palace, and for the cruise with the combo option
Good to Know Before You Visit
Dolmabahce Palace welcomes visitors daily from 09:00 to 17:00, closed Mondays. It also shuts on New Year's Day, and on the first day of both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, so check the date before you plan around one of those holidays.
There is no dress code, so wear whatever you like. Just keep in mind you'll be on your feet a good while covering the ceremonial halls, the Harem, and the gardens, so comfortable clothes and shoes make the visit a lot easier.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Important Information
- A valid ticket is required and daily entry is capped, so book ahead, especially in peak season (June to August)
- The combo ticket saves time and money if you also want the Bosphorus cruise or other nearby Istanbul sights
- Entry is free on 10 November in memory of Ataturk, but expect heavy crowds and extra security, especially around 09:05
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the interiors and gardens
- Partially wheelchair accessible: ground floors are easier, upper levels are limited
- Wear comfortable shoes for the long walking routes and marble floors
- No photography inside the palace rooms; photos are fine 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