Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahçe Palace Ticket 2026

TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF THE DOLMABAHÇE GARDENS

Arrive at the Dolmabahçe Palace whenever it best suits your schedule. Skip the line, take your audio guide, and you will be on your way! The gardens will welcome you with vibrant colors and picturesque views of various flowers and plants. The Gardens span a massive area of 110,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) and are divided into two parts - formal and landscaped. The formal gardens were used by the sultans only back when the palace was still a home of different sultans and are located at the entrance of the Dolmabahçe Palace. The landscaped gardens are at the back and are connected with the Harem part of the palace. Discover unique fountains, carefully planned pathways, different statues, and beautiful flower beds. The gardens are perfect for photography and taking a casual stroll.

EXPLORE THE SELAMLIK

After exploring the gardens, you will make your way to the Selamlik, the administrative part of the palace. Four halls on two floors are connected at the center by an impressive crystal staircase. Entering through the Privy Garden you'll find yourself in the Protocol Hall. Here, take your time to look at the amazing decorations, from a huge crystal chandelier to exquisite vases and candle holders. Interestingly, this area was used as a waiting room for visitors before their meetings. Right next to the Protocol Hall is the Tiled Hall, hosting the largest painting in the palace, measuring an impressive 9.8 feet by 17 feet (3 meters by 5.2 meters). The Red Room is also a famous room you will surely visit. The sultans used this room to host ambassadors, and it got its name due to the enormous red curtains lining the windows.

THE CEREMONIAL HALL & THE HAREM

The most famous part of the Dolmabahçe Palace is undoubtedly the Ceremonial Hall. Here, you will find the famous crystal chandelier weighing over 4 tons as soon as you step into the hall. The chandelier was a gift for the sultan from the Queen of England. The architecture blends European and Ottoman influences, decorated with stunning frescos and impressive marble stone. The Ceremonial Hall connects the Selamlik with the Harem. The Dolmabahçe Palace Harem was used as the private living chambers of the sultan and his family. You may lose count of how many rooms you have visited while in the Harem.

RELAX ON THE CRUISE AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

After exploring the Dolmabahçe Palace, take it easy and relax on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Try to spot famous Istanbul landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Mosque, Ortaköy, and the Bosphorus Bridge. End your tour in a relaxed tone, sailing along the continental border!

THE UNIMAGINABLE PRICE OF THE DOLMABAHÇE PALACE

The largest palace in Turkey even today, Dolmabahçe Palace, is one imposing building in more than just its size. It was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I with the intent to modernize Istanbul. At the time, 5 million Ottoman gold pounds were spent to build the enormous structure. That is equivalent to 35 tonnes of gold! When exploring the palace, it’s easy to see how costly it was to build: 14 tonnes of gold and 6 tonnes of silver are used to decorate the interior, among other expensive materials.