Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Ticket Line Entry with Audio Guide

Queue is for everyone for security check - no ‘skip the line’ at this point. Selfie stick confiscated until exit. Passport or driving licence ID security needed for the audio to collect on exit. Voucher didn’t generate QR code so had to go to information point for attendant to access and copy. Could have bought ticket in that time! Only coffee shop inside the grounds is in picture gallery at the far end - buy before in the cafe at the entrance. A good day out but some hassle first as above. Be prepared!

This visit used Istanbul Tourist Pass to supply ticket and audio guide. Our experience was poor. There was no where to validate the voucher and convert to a ticket. We had to go to the information office and they eventually managed to get the QR code tickets via the agent. The audio guide was short and general in nature. It didn’t correspond with the official palace audio guide. Very disappointing! We would have been better served queuing up and buying a ticket and guide. On the positive side, the palace was spectacular, particularly the grand ceremonial hall.

The audio guide bough with Viator was limited compare to what was offered with tickets bought on site. As we were early, skip the line had no value to us. The site is absolutely impressive, gorgeous and a must visit.

Simply terrific guide. I enjoyed seeing the rich culture heritage in this place. Highly recommended ❤️

The palace is beautiful. The process to get in very easy. The agency was in communication with me at all times

Inside a let down., very plain. Audio guide not working and continually being shouted at to not take photos. Outside worth the visit.

Wonderful learning about historical site and lifestyle of its rulers. Would recommend you his tour to others.

We really enjoyed this self-guided tour (with audio guide) of the Dolmabache Palace. A sumptuous Ottoman palace ('dolma' means 'filled' or 'stuffed'in Turkish). Many gorgeous rooms and artifacts from many Sultans and their harems. The grounds and gardens are lovely too. 2 things could have been much better: 1) I ordered the 'skip the line' vouchers, which never arrived. So we had to ask one of the staff to help us; they downloaded our two QR ticket codes from somewhere, to their phone, which I then had to photograph with my phone. That took 15 minutes. 2) Be aware they don't allow you to take any photos inside! That is unacceptable after buying tickets. They must want you to buy their books. I didn't.

The palace is simply awesome, fantastic place to wander around with amazing features inside and beautiful gardens outside. Was much more difficult than it should have been to collect my tickets though, and ended up simply sent to me via WhatsApp

The chandeliers and other interior items were worth the price of admission. Nice audio guide and a lovely view to the Bosphorus. However, many user snafus regarding electronic transmission of QR code; had to contact operator to get code texted.