Dolmabahçe Palace Guided Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, exploring its history and grandeur.

Dolmabahçe Palace

We will meet next to the clock tower of the Dolmabahçe Palace at the designated time. The tour begins with the palace's gardens followed by an interior visit using an audio guide. You will walk along the ceremonial path to the Medhal Hall, the first room seen by visitors. The tour includes historical insights into the palace, established during the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

Constructed on the Bosphorus between 1843 and 1856 during Sultan Abdülmecit's reign, Dolmabahçe replaced Topkapi Palace as the royal residence. The palace features 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths, and 68 lavatories, renowned for its ornate ceilings and decorations crafted from gold, French Baccarat crystals, Murano glasses, and English crystals.

You will visit the Selamlik area, which includes administrative offices and official halls, highlighting the Crystal Staircase and Throne Room. The tour concludes with an exploration of the Harem section, revealing the private quarters of the Sultan and his family, including insights into why Mustafa Kemal Ataturk resided there after the empire's collapse.

Guides

A guide will accompany you through the Palace Gardens but will not enter the palace interiors. Instead, an audio guide will be provided for your exploration inside.

Audio Guides

The audio guide is included in the tour's price, requiring a deposit of either your passport or a fee of 2000TRY. This deposit will be returned upon returning the audio guide at the tour's end.