Dolmabahce Palace Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

• Skip the line is for the ticket line, not security control.
• All visitors need to wait in the security line.
• Purchasing the entrance ticket alone does not include a guided tour. For self-guided exploration, please use the carefully curated audio guide provided.
• During a Standard Guided Tour, the guide will provide narration in the Palace Garden and outside the buildings but will not accompany you inside the Palace.

Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th century, and it is one of the world's most opulent palaces in history. Dolmabahce Palace was the house of the last Ottoman Sultans and served as the administrative seat during the late Ottoman period.

During the Ottoman period, the capital city of Turkey was Istanbul. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk shifted all government activities to Ankara once the Turkish Republic was founded, but on his visits to Istanbul, he stayed at the Dolmabahce Palace. He did not only stay there, but also welcomed his many foreign visitors, and turned the palace into a center for national, historical, and linguistic congresses, as well as international conferences. Today, Dolmabahçe Palace is still used for governmental meetings and international congresses. 

Sultan Abdul Mecit I ordered the Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) to be constructed in 1843. Dolmabahçe Palace is Turkey's largest monolithic palace. The palace was also Istanbul's first European-style palace, and it was very expensive and big in size. The Dolmabahçe Palace is even covered with gold and crystals all around. The reason why the palace was built is known to be an attempt to cover the predicted financial downfall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Guided  Dolmabahce Palace Tour Options to Suit Your Style

Dolmabahce Palace, a dazzling monument on the Bosphorus Strait, beckons you to explore its opulent halls and captivating history. To enhance your experience, choose the tour option that best suits your travel style:

1. Unveiling the Majesty: Standard Guided Tour

Begin your journey with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide in the picturesque palace gardens. They'll bring the palace's rich past to life with a lively introduction, weaving tales of Ottoman sultans, architectural marvels, and captivating legends. After this captivating introduction, you'll have the freedom to wander through the magnificent halls at your own pace, soaking in the grandeur and intricate details. This tour is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace and the freedom to explore independently, yet still want a foundational understanding of the palace's significance.

2. Unveiling the Secrets: Small Group Guided Tour (max 5 people)

For a more immersive experience, delve deeper into the palace's secrets with a small group tour led by an engaging English-speaking guide. This intimate setting allows you to connect with the history and stories of Dolmabahce in a more personal way. As you move from room to room, your guide will unveil the fascinating narratives behind the architecture, artwork, and everyday life within the palace walls. Headsets ensure you don't miss a single captivating detail, allowing you to fully appreciate the richness of the palace's past. This tour is ideal for those who crave a deeper understanding and appreciate the interactive nature of a small group setting.

3. Unveiling Your Dolmabahce: Private Group Guided Tour (2-5 people)

For the ultimate personalized experience, embark on a private tour with a dedicated local guide. This exclusive option allows you to tailor the tour to your specific interests. Whether you're fascinated by specific architectural styles, historical figures, or lavish decorations, your guide will craft an itinerary that caters to your curiosity. Feel free to ask questions, delve into specific details, and create a truly unforgettable exploration of Dolmabahce Palace. This option is ideal for families, small groups of friends, or anyone who desires a completely customized journey through this magnificent landmark.

The Story Behind The Dolmabahçe Palace

Where the  Dolmabahçe Palace is currently located was a little bay known as Dolmabahçe, which means filled garden. This bay, at first, was filled with different plants and served as a park from the 18th century forward. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many houses were built on the bay for the Sultans because they loved the bay. This collection of houses and pavilions finally expanded incredibly. Then, Sultan Abdul Mecit ordered that some space would be opened for a palace. He wanted this palace to complete the lack of the Topkapı Palace in terms of modern architecture and luxury. 

The real purpose of the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace, however, was to conceal the Ottoman Empire's downfall. The Sultan, in order to amaze the rest of the world, wanted this new palace to be decorated in a way that symbolizes luxury and modernity. The construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace began in 1843, and it was completed in 1856.

What is inside the Dolmabahce Palace?

Inside the Dolmabahçe Palace are 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 baths (hamam). The ceilings are gilded with around 14 tons of gold. The chandeliers inside the Dolmabahçe Palace are Bohemian crystals. If you are wondering how much it must have cost to build the Dolmabahçe Palace, it cost five million Ottoman gold coins. If you convert it to today’s balance, it equals around 35 tons of gold. 

Dolmabahçe Palace was built with the order of Sultan Abdul Mecit I. The glamorous palace opened in 1856. While the Topkapı Palace houses the world’s most significant religious artifacts, the Dolmabahçe Palace is the house of the world’s largest collection of Bohemian crystal chandeliers. The amount of gold used in the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace is worth seeing. 

If you are planning a trip to Istanbul and writing down the places you wish to see, you should absolutely add this excessively big, and literally golden palace to your list. Since it is big and is a place that witnessed centuries of historical events, you might want a guide to explain the necessary information to you and help you explore the Dolmabahçe Palace. If this is the case, you should consider booking one of the guided Dolmabahçe Palace tours. With a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace, you will both discover the site with more knowledge and save a lot of time.