Top things to do in Istanbul

Why take a Dolmabahçe Palace tour?

Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Expert audio commentary: Explore at your own pace with a detailed audio guide that shares fascinating stories, historical facts, and cultural insights about each room and royal hall.
  • Skip the lines: Save time with skip-the-line entry and avoid the long queues at one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks—spend more time discovering, less time waiting.
  • Deeper understanding of the palace: The audio guide helps you fully appreciate the palace’s architecture, artwork, and the lives of the Ottoman sultans who once lived here.
  • Hassle-free experience: Your spot is confirmed upon booking, so there’s no need to worry about availability or ticket lines—just show up, scan your ticket, and start exploring.
  • Great value with combo tickets: Make the most of your visit by choosing a combo deal that includes other top Istanbul attractions, saving both time and money.

Highlights covered on Dolmabahçe Palace tours

Clock Tower

You must climb up the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower for mesmerizing views of the palace and its surrounding areas. It has an elegant face with beautiful engravings and intricate decorations on its surface.

Dolmabahçe Clock Tower

Dolmabahçe Mosque

The Dolmabahçe Mosque, built with both Baroque and Ottoman elements, was designed to rival the splendor of the Hagia Sophia. It was different from the other Ottoman mosques because of its opulent decorations.

Dolmabahçe Mosque

Atatürk's Room

Ataturk’s Room was the official residence of the founder of modern Turkey. It has been preserved the way he liked it, including his books, and personal belongings, with even the clock displaying 9:05am when he passed away.

Sufera Salon (Blue Hall)

The Sufera Salon, also known as the Blue Hall for its intricate white and blue tilework, was Sultan’s reception hall. It is filled with opulent gold decorations and showcases the luxurious lifestyle of the Sultans.

Mabeyn-i Humayun

Mabeyn-i-Humayun, also known as the Imperial Suite, was used by the Sultan for his daily activities. However, this room also features opulent decorations, ornate ceilings, and marble floors.

Muayede

The Muayede has been known to host several important events that shaped Turkey’s history. Like every other grand hall in the palace, this room also features gilded columns, intricate tilework, and crystal chandeliers.

Pink Hall

The Pink Hall, also known as the Valide Sultan Divanhanesi, was used to receive noble visitors. It has beautiful paintings, fancy tilework, and a unique style of carpeting across the entire floor called Hereke.

Medhal Hall

The Medhal Hall acts as the main entrance hall of the Dolmabahçe Palace. It has a grand staircase, crystal chandeliers, and ornate ceilings, designed to impress visitors and show off the grandiosity of the Ottoman Sultans.

Frequently asked questions about Dolmabahçe Palace tours

You can explore Dolmabahce Palace with skip-the-line guided tours or combo guided tours. Audio guides are also available in up to 10 languages, allowing you to gain a thorough understanding of this palace's rich history.

More reads