Please be ready in front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square at 13:15 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Description
Enter a world of Ottoman extravagance on a 3-hour tour of Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, and then cross the Bosphorus Bridge to see Istanbul from its Asian side. With an expert guide, explore ornately decorated rooms like the Medhal Hall and the Crystal Staircase, learning about the sultans and dignitaries who once made the palace their home. The tour ends on a high note as you see the city skyscape unfold from the vantage point of Çamlıca Hill or Yeditepe.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
Start times
1:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 8+)
$86
Child (ages 3–7)
$86
Infant (ages 0–2)
Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul
Itinerary
Dolmabahce Palace
Admission included120 min
Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls.
Bosphorus Bridge
Pass by
Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.
Camlica Hill
Admission included60 min
Çamlıca Hill, famous for its widest bird’s eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea, gives a chance to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the best point of the highest and most appealing places of the city.
What's included
Included
Local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.5
53 reviews
5
25
4
7
3
5
2
4
1
12
How it compares in Istanbul
Starting price $86 is 50% above the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note: When reconfirming your booking, your local supplier will advise you on alternative meeting points for hotels which are not accessible
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul take?
Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul cost?
Prices start at $86 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
How much does Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul cost for children?
Children aged 3–7 pay from $86, adults from $86. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Please be ready in front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square at 13:15 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Please note: When reconfirming your booking, your local supplier will advise you on alternative meeting points for hotels which are not accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(53)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
syldamille
June 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
The "Versailles of Istanbul": sumptuous, but it requires advance planning.
The Dolmabahçe Palace is a must-see in Istanbul and is radically different from traditional Ottoman style. The interior resembles that of Versailles (gigantic chandeliers, gilding, majestic staircases). It is completely different and much less typical than the Topkapi Palace, but just as impressive!
Tips: Book your tickets in advance on Get Your Guide, which is cheaper and avoids the endless queue upon arrival, and start with the Harem tour.
It is imperative to arrive as soon as it opens to enjoy the palace before the large groups of tourists arrive.
The palace, gardens, and entrance gates are a beautiful visit to include in your stay in Istanbul.
Operator response
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review of your visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. We are delighted that you enjoyed discovering this magnificent landmark and appreciated its unique architecture and history.
We’re also grateful for your helpful tips for future visitors. It’s wonderful to know that your experience was memorable and that Dolmabahçe Palace became a special part of your stay in Istanbul.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future.
Kind regards,
Gray Line Turkey
F
Flyer10788081433
April 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
We had a really nice time, we enjoyed sceneries but securities were a little bit expensive rude with foreign people.
This was a really great glorious and nice place, however a little bit expensive. I went last year with my friends we were shocked because of the prices.
Operator response
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the beauty and atmosphere of Dolmabahçe Palace. It is truly one of the most impressive landmarks in Istanbul.
At the same time, we are sorry to learn about your experience regarding the security staff and your concerns about the pricing. Please kindly note that entrance fees and security services at the palace are managed by the official authorities, and unfortunately, these aspects are beyond our direct control. However, your comments are very valuable, and we will certainly take them into consideration.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for an even better experience in the future.
Warm regards,
Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
N
Navigate16976329032
August 12, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
It is very hot inside!!! Too many people inside!
Watch his farm at 5:30!
Duration of the visit 2h30-3h00!
Very tiring and unbearable heat because there are too many people visiting at the same time.
I also find the tickets a little expensive for my taste.
But it's still a good experience!
Operator response
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback.
We are glad to hear that overall you had a positive experience visiting Dolmabahçe Palace, as it is truly one of the most remarkable highlights of Istanbul.
At the same time, we understand your comments regarding the heat and the number of visitors inside. Especially during peak seasons, the palace can become quite crowded, and indoor conditions may feel challenging. Unfortunately, these factors are managed by the official authorities and are beyond our direct control.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding ticket prices, and we understand your concern.
Thank you once again for your honest comments, and we hope to welcome you again for another enjoyable experience in Istanbul.
Warm regards,
Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
A
Akidat_G
April 27, 2024 · via Viator
Excellent
The tour was amazing. The guide was informative and very good with what she told us about the palace.
E
EdMarvin_C
September 11, 2023 · via Viator
Great Tour with great guide.
Amazing Dolmabahce Palace. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about everything we ask about the palace.The only problem is that, no picture taking is allowed inside the Palace.
Operator response
thank you for your travel with us
loom forward to see you again
all the best
H
haytham_t
August 10, 2023 · via Viator
Excellent
The tour was well organized. The tour guide (mr. Aykot) was informative and friendly, and very respectful and accommodating.
The attraction itself was outstanding.
What a visit 👍
Operator response
Thank you for your valuable comment
look forward to see you in istanbul again
L
lamiar_j
June 4, 2023 · via Viator
Worst tour guide ever
Never ever book with this tour , i had to leave in the middle and did not even visit the palace , the guide is very rude , i was thinking we will stop somewhere to eat ,they took us to some miserable restaurant where there was no proper food only snacks then when i asked for his help he blamed me and when i said i’m leaving he said by by
Operator response
Hello,
Your tour was on the 1st. Trafficwise the tour was operated as Çamlıca Hill & Dolmabahçe Palace.
Your tour was a half day tour "without" lunch. However, you went and sit at Mavera Cafe at Çamlıca Hill and ordered a meal for yourself which took 20-25 minutes to be prepared. Your professional guide told you that there is no time for lunch you replied lunch was included in your tour. He insisted that it was time to leave to Dolmabahçe Palace but unfortunately you were having your meal. There were 10 more guests in the same tour and guide left Çamlıca Hill with a report signed by all other guests. If you like we can share it with you?
We are sorry but your blame is not acceptable.
It was your own joice not to visit Dolmabahçe Palace and stay for lunch at Çamlıca Hill. It was not a private tour but a regular one.
Thank you
E
ez9115
February 3, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
I booked tickets but trip was canceled right in the morning . I received a text message how to candle it .
No experience. I was not able to enter the palace. I did not receive my money . Next day was Monday off and on Tuesday i had to fly back home
Operator response
Hello,
We're so sorry to hear that you were not able to join our tour. Unfortunately, as we are in the Low Season sometimes we may have cancellations when there is not enough number of guests to run the tour. Or we ask our guests to change the tour to another one that runs on the same date.
We do not make refund but Viator does. And we are sure they did. It may take a while though. Please check with them and kindly let us know if you didn't receive it.
D
Dora_R
July 4, 2022 · via Viator
To see Dolmabahce Palace totally worth it!!
Dolmabahce Palace - magnificent place to visit and so much to see!! Our tour guide was amazing.👏 We had a great time !! ❤❤
Operator response
Thank you so much for your beautiful sharing.
Hope to host you and your friends inTurkey again :)
N
Nadia K
February 19, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Must see!
Beautiful discovery
The tour of the palace was very interesting and rewarding thanks to the explanations of our guide
Beautiful garden even in the rain..
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