Dolmabahçe Palace Tours

Skip the lines and explore Dolmabahçe Palace with a multilingual audio guide—includes harem, gardens.

• Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace, access to the Selamlık (official quarters), entry to the Harem, entry to the Palace Gardens, 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (optional), multilingual audio guide for both the Palace and the cruise (cruise audio included with combo option), instant activation link for audio access, offline access to all content including audio, text, and maps.
• Why choose this: Skip ahead of long entry lines and explore the Palace at your own pace. Hear stories of sultans, foreign dignitaries, and royal traditions as you move room to room, with detailed insights into Ottoman architecture, daily palace life, and historic events.
• Upgrade: Add a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy Istanbul’s skyline and learn about key landmarks lining the Strait.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace (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

• 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (included with combo option)

• Multilingual audio guide for both the Palace and the cruise, available in 10+ languages (cruise guide available with combo option)

Exclusions

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Tour guide

What to bring

• Bring a valid ID or passport to collect your audio guide. If you don't have one, you'll need to leave a €200 refundable deposit at the entrance, which will be returned when you return the device at the exit.
• Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be on your feet walking across marble floors and staircases for a while.
• Opt for modest attire to respect the cultural and historical significance of the site.

What’s not allowed

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the venue, so please keep your camera tucked away.
• The audio guide included with your ticket is the official version issued by Dolmabahçe Palace. Third-party audio guides are not permitted at the venue.

Accessibility

• The ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors have limited access.

Additional information

• While this ticket allows you to skip the entry line, all visitors must go through security. During the high season (June to August), the security line may take up to 30 minutes.
• Tickets are sent by email one day before your visit. For same-day bookings, tickets are sent immediately. Be sure to check both your inbox and spam folder.
• Visitors with pre-booked tickets can enter until 4pm.
• Visit on a weekday and arrive soon after opening (around 9am) for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
• A typical visit through the Selamlık, Harem, and gardens takes about one to two hours. Plan for extra time if you’d like to visit the satellite museums or take a break.
• Enjoy tea or snacks at the palace café overlooking the Bosphorus, and browse souvenirs in the palace gift shop.

Skip the lines and explore Dolmabahçe Palace with a guided highlights tour—includes harem, gardens, and a Bosphorus cruise.

• Everything you get: Fast-track entry to Dolmabahçe Palace, a 15-minute highlights tour with an expert English-speaking guide, multilingual audio guide in 10+ languages, access to the Selamlık (the official quarters), entry to the Harem and the Palace Gardens, a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, skip-the-line access to the sightseeing boat, and audio commentary for the cruise in 9+ languages, meet and greet with a marine officer at Kabataş pier, offline map, and route plan.
• Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and beat the crowds with skip-the-line palace entry. Learn about sultans, royal rituals, and Ottoman architecture as you explore at your own pace, then take in stunning views of Istanbul from the water, with key landmarks lining the Bosphorus.

Inclusions Dolmabahce Palace

• Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace

• 15-minute highlights tour with an expert English-speaking guide

• Multilingual audio guide (available in 10+ languages)

• Access to the Selamlık (official quarters and ceremonial halls)

• Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Gardens

• Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Harem

• Unlimited time to explore inside the palace

Bosphorus cruise

• 90-min cruise along the Bosphorus Strait

• Skip-the-line access to the sightseeing boat named Dentur (Turyol boats)

• Multilingual audio guide (available in 9+ languages)

• Meet and greet with a marine officer at Kabataş pier (boarding point)

• Offline map and route plan for the cruise

Exclusions

• Transfer between the Palace and the pier

• Food and drinks

What to bring

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Present a valid passport or ID at the entrance to receive your audio guide. If you're unable to provide one, you'll need to leave a refundable €200 deposit, which will be given back when you hand in the device at the end of your visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the visit involves extended walking across marble floors and climbing stairs.
• Choose modest clothing to respect the site's cultural and historical importance.

Bosphorus cruise

• Evenings on the Bosphorus can get breezy, especially on deck. Bring a light jacket, scarf, or windbreaker to stay comfortable.

What’s not allowed

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Photography is not allowed in the interior areas of the site, so please keep your camera tucked away during your visit.
• Only the official audio guide provided with your ticket is accepted inside. Personal or third-party guide devices are not permitted.

Bosphorus cruise

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on board.
• Drones and remote-controlled devices are not allowed due to safety and privacy concerns.
• Littering is strictly prohibited—do not throw anything overboard or leave trash on the boat.
• Climbing on railings, seats, or other boat structures is not allowed.

Accessibility

Dolmabahçe Palace

• The ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors have limited access.

Bosphorus cruise

• The cruise is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Additional information

Dolmabahçe Palace

• All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check, regardless of ticket type. During the busy summer season, especially from June to August, wait times can reach up to 30 minutes.
• Your ticket will be emailed one day before your visit. If you're booking for the same day, it will be sent immediately—make sure to check both your inbox and spam folder.
• Guests with pre-booked tickets can enter the palace until 4pm.
• For a quieter experience, it's best to visit on a weekday and arrive close to the 9am opening time.
• Exploring the Selamlık, Harem, and gardens usually takes one to two hours. If you want to explore additional exhibits or take a break, consider setting aside extra time.
• You can enjoy light refreshments at the on-site café with Bosphorus views and browse souvenirs at the palace’s gift shop.

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.
• Plan your cruise between April and early June or from September to early November to enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and clearer skies.
• The Bosphorus cruise tends to get crowded from around 3pm onward, especially between June and August. For a quieter, more relaxed experience, aim to board between 10am and 1pm.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier at the pier to grab an outdoor seat at the stern, perfect for photos and uninterrupted views.
• On your way toward Asia, sit on the right side of the boat; on the return toward Europe, switch to the left for the best perspective of the shoreline.
• The Bosphorus Cruise audio guide app is compatible only with Android devices running version 10 or higher.
• The audio guide is available in 9 languages: English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.

Go on a Bosphorus cruise, a guided Blue Mosque tour, plus access to up to 10 landmarks & experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and a dervish show.

• Everything you get: All levels of passes include a Blue Mosque tour, a Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all. Get additional access to two top landmarks or experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace, guided tours including the Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tours, Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony.
• Why choose this: Think of this as your Istanbul starter kit: metro rides, a cruise, guided entry to the Blue Mosque, and all the maps and audio you’ll need to navigate the city! Plus, entry to two landmarks of your choice.
• Upgrades: Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or experiences, or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 10 of the city’s best attractions and experiences, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Inclusions

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/10 depending on your pass tier)

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions [here].
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
• The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
• The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros—no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
• The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
• Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
• The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
• The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
• Opt for evening Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

From royal chambers to river views, see two sides of Istanbul with this all-in-one ticket—Dolmabahçe Palace by day and the Bosphorus by night.

• Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahçe Palace (with all-day access), admission to the Selamlık (official quarters), the Harem, and the Palace Gardens, a multilingual audio guide in 10+ languages, a 3-hour Bosphorus cruise, a 4-course dinner at a private reserved table, 2 alcoholic drinks of your choice, unlimited soft drinks, live entertainment (including folk dances, Whirling Dervishes, sword performances, and DJ music), and free Wi-Fi onboard.
• Why choose this: Skip the booking chaos—wander the grand halls of an Ottoman palace by day, then unwind on a scenic Bosphorus dinner cruise with live shows and local drinks by night.

Inclusions Dolmabahçe Palace

• Skip-the-line entry with 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

• Audio guide in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• 3-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus

• 4-course dinner at a private reserved table (menu here)

• Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervishes, sword performances, and DJ music

• 2 glasses of local alcoholic drinks (beers, spirits, or wines)

• Unlimited soft drinks

• Free Wi-Fi onboard

Exclusions

• Transfers between the Palace and the cruise pier

• Imported alcoholic drinks (available for purchase onboard)

• Tour guide

• Tips and gratuities (optional)

What to bring

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Carry a valid ID or passport to collect your audio guide device. If unavailable, you'll be asked to leave a €200 refundable deposit, which will be returned once the device is handed back.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must—expect to cover a lot of ground, including marble surfaces and staircases.
• Wear modest clothing in keeping with the cultural and historical significance of the site.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• It can get chilly on deck, even in summer. Pack a light jacket, scarf, or windbreaker to stay cozy during your cruise.

What’s not allowed

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Photography is not allowed indoors. Please keep your camera or phone packed away while inside.
• Only the official audio guide provided with your ticket is accepted inside. Personal or third-party guide devices are not permitted.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• Drones and other remote-controlled gadgets are prohibited for safety reasons.
• Avoid littering—dispose of trash properly and do not toss anything overboard.
• For your safety, do not climb on any railings, furniture, or other boat features.

Accessibility

Dolmabahçe Palace

• The ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors have limited access.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• The cruise is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Additional information

Dolmabahçe Palace

• All guests must go through a security screening before entering. In peak season (June to August), the line may take up to 30 minutes.
• Tickets will be emailed a day before your visit. Same-day bookings are sent right away—be sure to check your inbox and spam folder.
• Guests with pre-booked tickets can enter the palace until 4pm.
• For a quieter experience, it's best to visit on a weekday and arrive close to the 9am opening time.
• The main areas (Selamlık, Harem, and gardens) typically take 1 to 2 hours to explore. If you want to explore additional exhibits or take a break, consider setting aside extra time.
• A café on-site offers drinks and snacks with a view of the Bosphorus. There's also a gift shop for souvenirs.
• Step out onto the balcony at the rear of Muayede Hall and take in panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Kabataş.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• The best seasons for cruising are from April to early June and September to early November, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
• Afternoon cruises, especially between 3pm and 6pm, tend to be busier in the summer months. Try to board between 10am and 1pm for a calmer experience.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier at the pier to secure a good outdoor seat at the back of the boat—great for views and photos.
• Vegetarian, pescetarian, and halal meal options are available—just let the staff know in advance.
• Sit on the right-hand side when sailing toward Asia, and switch to the left when returning toward Europe to get the best shoreline views.

Explore more, spend less—this skip-the-line combo gives you fast access to Dolmabahçe Palace and Hagia Sophia with audio guides.

• Everything you get: Fast-track entry to both Dolmabahçe Palace and Hagia Sophia, access to the Selamlık, Harem, Palace Gardens, and Hagia Sophia’s upper gallery, plus multilingual audio guides at each site.
• Why choose this: Skip the hassle of separate bookings and save with this budget-friendly combo that covers two of Istanbul’s must-see landmarks with audio guides for a deeper understanding of the history, culture and heritage.

Inclusions Dolmabah**ç**e Palace

• Skip-the-line entry with all-day access

• Access to the Selamlık (official quarters and ceremonial halls)

• Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Gardens

• Entry to the Dolmabahçe Palace Harem

• Multilingual audio guide in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish

Hagia Sofia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Entry to the Hagia Sophia Upper Gallery

• Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian

Exclusions

• Transportation between Dolmabahçe Palace and Hagia Sophia

• Live tour guide services at either site

What to bring

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Bring a valid ID or passport to collect your audio guide. If you don't have one, you'll need to leave a €200 refundable deposit at the entrance, which will be returned when you return the device at the exit.
• Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be on your feet walking across marble floors and staircases for a while.
• Opt for modest attire to respect the cultural and historical significance of the site.

Hagia Sophia

• Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• Bring a scarf or shawl as women are required to cover their heads inside.
• Don't forget your trusty wired headphones for an immersive audio experience.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged for tickets, audio guides, and taking photos.
• Sunglasses or a hat will help if you’re waiting outside in the sun during busy hours.

What’s not allowed

Dolmabahçe Palace

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the venue, so please keep your camera tucked away.
• The audio guide included with your ticket is the official version issued by Dolmabahçe Palace. Third-party audio guides are not permitted at the venue.

Hagia Sophia

• Visitors are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall on the ground floor.
• Flash photography is not allowed.

Accessibility

Dolmabahçe Palace

• The ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors have limited access.

Hagia Sophia

• The site is not wheelchair accessible. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Upper Gallery visiting area.

Additional information

Dolmabahçe Palace

• While this ticket allows you to skip the entry line, all visitors must go through security. During the high season (June to August), the security line may take up to 30 minutes.
• Tickets are sent by email one day before your visit. For same-day bookings, tickets are sent immediately. Be sure to check both your inbox and spam folder.
• Visitors with pre-booked tickets can enter until 4pm.
• Visit on a weekday and arrive soon after opening (around 9am) for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
• A typical visit through the Selamlık, Harem, and gardens takes about one to two hours. Plan for extra time if you’d like to visit the satellite museums or take a break.
• Enjoy tea or snacks at the palace café overlooking the Bosphorus, and browse souvenirs in the palace gift shop.

Hagia Sophia

• You can bypass the ticket lines, but the security check is mandatory.
• Security checks can take time. Keep 30 to 40 minutes on hand for possible delays, especially during midday or after the prayer hours.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from 12pm to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Hagia Sophia is under renovation; therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.