Dolmabahçe Palace Guided Tour
Dolmabahçe Palace
At the designated time, we'll meet next to the clock tower of the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ready to explore one of the most significant palaces in Istanbul?
Our adventure begins with a tour of the palace's gardens. You'll then visit the palace's interior with an audio guide. You'll walk along the ceremonial path, leading to the Medhal Hall—the initial room encountered by every visitor to Dolmabahçe. Throughout the tour, we'll share the fascinating history behind the creation of these lavish European-style palaces, introduced to Istanbul during a period when the Ottoman Empire was beginning to decline.
Erected on the Bosphorus shores under Sultan Abdülmecit's reign between 1843 and 1856, the Dolmabahçe Palace assumed the role of the royal residence, replacing the Topkapi Palace. Boasting an impressive architectural ensemble, the palace comprises 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths, and 68 lavatories. Yet, the true magic lies in its ceilings and room decorations, adorned with elements such as tons of gold, French Baccarat crystals, Murano glasses, and English crystals.
Next, you'll arrive at the Selamlik area, home to administrative offices and official halls, where we'll highlight the Crystal Staircase and the Throne Room.
Then, you'll explore the Harem section, catching a glimpse into the private quarters of the Sultan and his family. As you delve into the late history of the palace, you'll uncover why Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his family chose to reside in this section following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
After an hour of thrilling exploration, the tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace will come to a close.
Guides
Please keep in mind that a guide will accompany you through the Palace Gardens, offering insights and anecdotes about the grounds. However, the guide is not able to enter the interior of the palace with you. Instead, you'll have an audio guide available to you, as you explore inside the Royal Palace.
Audio Guides
The audio guide is included in the price listed, but a deposit is required. You can either leave your passport as a deposit, or pay a fee of 2,000 TL (US$ 57.90). In both cases, whatever you choose to leave as a deposit will be returned to you upon delivery of the audio guide at the end of the tour.
More Information
Duration
1 hour.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Admission to Dolmabahçe Palace and the Harem Section
English–speaking guide
When to book?
You can book up until 30 minutes before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Provider
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Istanbul E-Pass
Corporate name: Varol Grup Turizm Seyahat ve Teknolojileri San. Tic. Ltd. Şti.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Dolmabahçe Clock Tower
