Dolmabahce Palace

Built for the Ottoman sultans to live in once the Topkapi Palace was considered out of fashion, the Dolmabahce Palace lies on the water's edge of the Bosphorus.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Istanbul
Ciragan Kempinski Palace
Now a 5-star hotel, the former palace along the Bosphorus has an exterior made entirely of marble and maintains its original baroque architecture.
Yildiz Park
Yildiz Park is a historical, urban park in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It is one of the largest park in Istanbul with diversity of flowers, plants and beautiful trees.
Cicek Pasaji
This famous historic passage originally called the Cité de Péra is a must-see in the city.
Church of St. Anthony of Padua
Is the largest church of the Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul.
Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church
It was built in 1880 and is considered the largest Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul today, still in use by the Greek community in the city.
Taksim Square
Discover the vibrant Taksim Square, the central point of metropolitan Istanbul.

Related Tours

Dolmabahce Palace & Ortakoy: Private Full-Day Istanbul City Tour
Enjoy a private, full-day tour of some of Istanbul’s grandest buildings. On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
  • Be accompanied by a private tour guide, who will guide you throughout the day;
  • Begin with a guided visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace of the 19th century, with tickets included;
  • Then, explore one of the oft-missed residences of the former Sultan at Yildiz Park, with tickets included;
  • Rest during your lunch break along the water in the Ortaköy district, where your guide will recommend different lunch spots for you;
  • In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the charming Ortaköy neighborhood, known for its stunning views and tiny streets;
  • Lastly, visit Ortaköy’s Mosque, which is one of the city’s most recognizable sites;
  • After, your driver-guide will take you back to your hotel. 
See some of the best sites throughout Istanbul with the comfort of a private driver-guide, navigating you through the city and in each of the sites included. Your tour begins with hotel pick-up, and from there you’ll be whisked away to the stunning Dolmabahçe Palace, known for its mix of architectural styles, including Rococo, Neoclassical, and modern Ottoman. See the way the styles all come together, as your guide points out each of the intricate details hidden in plain sight. 

From there, your guide will take you to Yildiz Park, another residence of the sultans, which is often missed by travelers. You’ll be wowed by the spectacular pavilions and sprawling green spaces –one of the city’s best-kept secrets. After, your guide will take you to the Ortaköy district, where you’ll stop to enjoy lunch along the waterfront at a place your guide recommends based on your preferences. In the afternoon, stretch your legs as you enjoy a walking tour through the district’s narrow streets, hidden passageways, and many cafes. Your last stop will be Ortaköy’s Mosque – one of the skyline’s most recognizable features. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide will take you back to your hotel, where you can rest after your full day of touring. 
All-Inclusive, Bosphorus Strait Cruise in a Private Yacht
Enjoy an all-inclusive, private sail of the Bosphorus, where you’ll see the best of the city’s spectacular skyline. Your tour comes complete with a captain, skipper, tour guide, food and drinks. On your private boating trip, you will:

  • Step into a world of luxury on a two-hour cruise down the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht.
  • Enjoy the history of the magnificent strait from your private guide, who will point out the best of the sights, and engage with you according to your preference. 
  • Find out the impact of the strait on Turkey’s foreign policy, since the strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean, and serves as the geographical border between Europe and Asia, and the world's narrowest strait used for international navigation. 
  • Admire the striking Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces, the stunning jewel-like Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, the medieval Rumelian Castle, the Maiden's Tower, and colourful Yali Mansions. 
  • Engage all your senses as you taste beautifully prepared appetisers made with local Turkish product (includes 1 glass of wine, a or bottle of beer per person, soft drinks, dried fruits, hams and cheeses, and bread).
  • Relax into the beauty of the city, and see some of the most iconic and beautiful views of Istanbul, with its fairytale skyline marked by the minarets of Haghia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.
  • Please note: This cruise is particularly stunning at sunset, so please contact us if you would like to make your trip a sunset cruise. 
As the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation, the importance of the Bosphorus Strait—and thus Istanbul’s existence—cannot be overstated. Still, the best way we know to learn about this critical waterway is simply to enjoy it in a luxurious way, at your own leisure on a private yacht. 

Your guide will be sure to show you the city’s key highlights, including the stunning Dolmabahçe Palace, with its ostentatious façade, as well as the 15th century Rumeli Hisarı Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace, where Ottoman sultans spent their summers. 

During the cruise, you will get the chance to truly experience the meeting of East and West, which comes together in the great city of Istanbul. While differences have been rooted within Turkish history, and have at times resulted in tension, the mix of different cultures and faiths in Istanbul has indeed fuelled the creation of the amazing, and utterly unique city that you see today. After two hours, your captain will dock in your original port, where you can then step off into the cool neighbourhood of Karaköy and enjoy the rest of your day or evening at your leisure. 
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