Everything You Need to Know About Dolmabahce Palace Tours
Book Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tours
Why Take a Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour?
Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey and perhaps one of the most visited tourist attractions in Istanbul. Here are a few reasons why booking a Dolmabahce Palace guided tour might be the best option for you.
- Taking a Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour is an excellent way to learn about the history of this majestic palace and find out interesting tidbits from a professional guide.
- A Dolmabahce Palace guided tour includes skip-the-line entry so you won’t have to stand for hours in queues, thus saving your time and energy.
- A guided tour is often suggested because the palace is a massive complex and it helps you to see the landmark more easily and quickly.
- Dolmabahce Palace is a popular attraction and frequently gets large numbers of visitors. With guided tours, your trip is streamlined, smoother, and less complicated.
Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
- A Dolmabahce Palace guided tour will allow you to conveniently explore the expansive destination.
- Your Dolmabahce Palace guided tour ticket includes a skip-the-line option that lets you avoid long waits and enter the palace quickly.
- With the Dolmabahce Palace guided tour, you can explore the expansive destination more easily.
- A guided tour allows you to learn about the history, art, architecture, and culture, and fascinating facts of the Dolmabahce Palace from a local guide.
Non-Guided Tours
- You are free to wander around the attraction at your leisure with your general entry ticket.
- To further enjoy your visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, we suggest getting an audio guide for more insights about this special attraction.
- With a Dolmabahce Palace general entry ticket, you cannot enter the attraction without waiting in line or bypass large crowds. It may take anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes or even longer just to enter the palace.
What to Expect on a Dolmabahce Guided Tour?
A Dolmabahce Guided Tour is the best way to explore the magnificent palace. Considering there is so much to explore, visiting such a large and well-known historical site can be daunting and tricky to manage. We recommend choosing a Dolmabahce Palace guided tour since it includes a tour guide who is familiar with the attraction, which will help you tour the property more constructively. They'll be better able to direct you and provide you with the details you need to enjoy this stunning place to the fullest.
Meet the local guide before the tour begins at the designated meeting point. Next, enter the palace quickly with exclusive skip-the-line access, avoiding crowds. Your knowledgeable tour guide will assist you in identifying priceless items hidden around the palace during your guided tour, including exquisite furniture, priceless artwork, and other treasures. Get dazzled by the Grand Ceremonial Hall's 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, one of the biggest in the world.
Learn about the palace's distinctive architectural design, which combines traditional Ottoman and Western European elements. On this guided tour, explore the entire palace—aside from the Harem—while learning about Turkish history, culture, and architecture.
Highlights Covered on Your Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour
Atatürk's Room
The first president of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, spent his final days there. The former harem of the palace is not far from Atatürk's bedroom. In remembrance of the president, who passed away on November 10, 1938, the clock in the room displays the time as 9:05 AM.
Blue Hall
The harem's central building, Blue Hall, is decorated in a striking blue color scheme. Look for blue hues in the furnishings, artwork, and marbles as you explore the Blue Hall. Sultans used to interact with citizens at the Blue Hall and for ceremonial purposes.
Clock Tower
The clock tower in Dolmabahce Palace was added when Sultan Abdul Hamid II was in power. The four-sided clock tower was designed by Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan in the neo-baroque style. The timepiece was brought over from France. The original timepiece has been replaced by an electric version nowadays.
Dolmabahce Mosque
The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid's mother, but it wasn't built until 1855. The mosque contains Rococo and Baracoa influences as well as a neoclassical design. The mosque was designed differently from the typical Ottoman Mosque because of its opulent ornamentation.
Mabeyn-i Humayun
Mabeyn-i Humayun was a venue used by Ottoman Sultans to discuss government matters. The building has more than one floor. The crystal staircase is the room's most distinguishing feature. At Mabeyn-i Humayun, guests may view opulent furnishings, impressive chandeliers, rugs, and a Turkish bath.
Muayede
The most notable area of the Dolmabahce Palace is known as Muayede, which is also its highest hall. A 36-meter-high ceiling is supported by 56 columns in Muayede. The spectacular crystal chandelier, possibly the largest in the world, features 750 lamps, weighs more than 4.5 tonnes, and is the main draw in Muayede.
Pink Hall
The Pink Hall was used to greet people who were nobly dressed. In Ottoman times, it was known as Valide Sultan Divanhanesi. Sultanas and other members of the royal family used to gather here and socialize. It includes lovely paintings, and a unique carpeting called Hereke covers the entire hall.
Red Room
The main hall or Medhal Hall is located near the Red Room. The room's pronounced red color designs are what gave it its name. On top of a Boulle desk, visitors may observe the monogram of Sultan Abdülmecid. A second monogram is displayed on the fireplace under the dome-shaped roof.
Visitor Tips
- Buy your Dolmabahce Palace guided tour tickets online in advance to guarantee a spot in the tour group.
- Carry your legal photo ID proof on hand if you purchased tickets at a discount.
- Wearing proper shoes to cover long walking distances is recommended because this tour involves a good bit of walking.
- To avoid any delays, please reach the meeting point at least 10 to 15 minutes before the start of your trip.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Take bus #36L, 37T, 38KT, and 48 T to reach the closest bus stop, Dolmabahçe-Tünel, which is 5 minutes away from the meeting point and the closest ferry station is Kabataş (Dentur, Mavi Marmara).
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tours
A. Yes, Dolmabahce Palace guided tours are available for booking.
A. You can book a Dolmabahce Palace guided tour online.
A. A Dolmabahce Palace guided tour costs €35.
A. At present, there is only one type of Dolmabahce Palace guided tour available, the Dolmabahce Palace: Skip The Line Ticket With Guided Tour.
A. Dolmabahce Palace guided tours include skip-the-line entry into Dolmabahce Palace and an English-speaking tour guide.
A. The Dolmabahce Palace guided tour is available in English.
A. The Dolmabahce Palace guided tour covers the entire palace except for the Harem section.
A. A Dolmabahce Palace guided tour lets you discover one of the Ottoman Empire Sultans' most lavish and opulent palaces with the help of a local guide with expert knowledge, thus enriching your experience.
A. Yes, Dolmabahce Palace guided tours include skip-the-line access.
A. Yes, you can cancel a booked Dolmabahce Palace guided tour 24 hours before your tour begins and claim a full refund.
A. The Dolmabahce Palace guided tour is an hour long.
A. Yes, there are discounted tickets for Dolmabahce Palace guided tours.