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The Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul: Why This Opulent Gem Is Worth Visiting
- Jenn & Leon
- Dec 15, 2021
- 9 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Standing proudly on the coast of the Bosporus Strait, on the European side of Istanbul, the Dolmabahçe Palace has nearly 170 years of history to accompany its splendor.
It is located in the Beşiktaş district, and we could not wait to get close to this marvelous feature of Ottoman and Turkish history.
Read on for our Dolmabahçe Palace highlights, some history behind the palace, and important information such as how to find it, how to buy tickets, opening times, and more.
Plus some exclusive offers from Klook and our special palace YouTube video!
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Our Dolmabahçe Palace Highlights
Our accommodation during our month-long visit to Istanbul was in the Fener district. You can take a ferry from the area; however, there is a direct stop from Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi İskelesi Port, which takes you directly to Beşiktaş.
This port is in Eminönü, where you will also find amazing places to visit, such as the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and, of course, the great Hagia Sophia.
We chose to take the 20-minute walk to the port of the Golden Horn with its calming views and locals getting in some early morning fishing.
It's also good to note that there is a direct tram service that can be used as well to get directly to the center.
You will need the IstanbulKart to access all of the city's main forms of transport in Istanbul.
You can purchase your IstanbulKart at one of the many machines located at all ferry ports, subway, and tram stations.
We paid 20 lira each for the card and credit; after the one ferry ride across in our journey, we still had 6 lira left on each card.
It is also super easy to top up the amount you need at the kiosks at each ferry port.
You will find the Palace entrance opposite the Besiktas football stadium, which was great to see for us football fans!!
We chose to walk on our way back, as we took a diversion to visit the Galata Tower and to catch a glimpse of the sunset as we crossed the bridge back to the European side, but more on that in another post.
So this magnificent palace was the main center of governance for the Ottoman Empire for over 30 years.
Its construction was completed in 1856 and almost bankrupted the empire at an eye-watering cost of nearly $2 billion in today's money.
You can certainly see why; the extravagance is there to see, and no expense was spared.
There are many rooms to explore, from libraries, offices, boardrooms, and lounge areas.
One of our favorite places is the Grand Staircase! What a marvel!
The palace is impressive and ornate throughout. We would recommend approximately 1 hour to walk through the palace.
The Dolmabahçe Palace was home to six sultans and is also the final resting place of the revered founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who passed away at 9.05 am on November 10, 1938.
The clock in his quarters still bears this time as a mark of respect for this great leader.
The palace grounds are absolutely beautiful. There are many fountains and gardens to wander through.
There is a small restaurant, a souvenir store, and, of course, many benches and places to sit and admire the beautiful Bosporus.
It is a lovely spot to read a good book, relax, and enjoy taking in the view of the water... This property was chosen to be a palace for a reason, so why not take some extra time to bask in it!
We would recommend 20 - 30 minutes to explore the grounds.
The Harem felt a little underwhelming after seeing the palace, although it is interesting to see the various rooms that the sultan's wives lived in, the sitting rooms, circumcision rooms, and the various Turkish bathrooms.
Lovely nonetheless, but not as grandiose as the main palace. The extra add-on time for the tour of the Harem was approximately 30 minutes.
We would recommend allotting two hours to plan a proper visit to the palace as a minimum.
It is a great day out, and there is also a lot to do and admire in the surrounding areas.
Plus, the Galata Tower is just a 45-minute walk away if you fancy it!
The History Behind the Dolmabahçe Palace
The construction of Dolmabahçe Palace began in 1843 and was completed in 1856 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I, replacing the older Topkapı Palace as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
The palace was built in the neoclassical architectural style and is a fusion of Ottoman and European design elements, reflecting the Ottoman Empire's efforts to modernize and Westernize.
The palace is known for its impressive size, exquisite details, and luxurious furnishings. It boasts 285 rooms, 43 halls, and a stunning facade facing the Bosporus.
One of the most striking features of the palace is the Crystal Staircase, made of Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany. It leads to the ceremonial halls on the upper floors.
The palace interiors are adorned with intricate paintings, lavish chandeliers, and ornate furniture, showcasing the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the later years of its existence.
The palace played a role in important historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, which marked the end of World War I for the Ottoman Empire, and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which led to the establishment of the modern Republic of Türkiye.
It also famously served as the residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, during his visits to Istanbul.
Atatürk passed away in a bedroom at the palace on November 10, 1938, and that room is now a museum in his honor.
Today, Dolmabahçe Palace is open to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its lavish interiors, learn about its history, and marvel at its architectural beauty.
Dolmabahçe Palace stands as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's aspiration for modernization and its efforts to engage with the changing world.
It remains a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Turkey.
What is the entry fee for the Dolmabahçe Palace?
The entry fees for Dolmabahçe Palace are as follows:
● Full price: 650 Turkish Liras
● Discounted price: 50 Turkish Liras
● Children under 7 years old: Free
● Free for people with disabilities and their accompanying persons.
* The discounted price is available for students, teachers, senior citizens, and journalists. You can get a discounted ticket by showing your valid ID at the ticket office.
The entry fee covers all three parts of the palace: the main building, the harem rooms, and the palace collections.
The ticket price also includes the optional use of an audio guide.
You can also buy a combined ticket for all of the national palaces in Istanbul, which costs 750 Turkish Liras.
You can buy tickets for the Dolmabahçe Palace online or at the ticket office on-site. We recommend buying your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
What are the Dolmabahçe Palace opening times?
The palace is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays.
The last admission is at 5 pm, and it depends on the number of visitors at the time.
How to Get to the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul
The Dolmabahçe Palace is located in Istanbul, Turkey, along the European coastline of the Bosphorus Strait.
The palace is situated in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, not far from the Kabataş and Beşiktaş areas.
It is easily accessible from various parts of the city using public transportation or private vehicles.
By Tram
● Take the T1 tram line (Bağcılar-Kabataş) towards Kabataş from various points in Istanbul, depending on your location.
● Get off at the "Kabataş" tram stop.
● From Kabataş, you can walk to the Dolmabahçe Palace.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the coastline. Just follow the signs or use a navigation app to guide you.
By Bus
You can take various bus lines to reach the Beşiktaş area, which is close to Dolmabahçe Palace.
These include the 28, 30D, 46Ç, 47K, and 82. From the Beşiktaş bus stop, you can walk to Dolmabahçe Palace.
It's approximately a 20-25 minute walk. Follow the signs or use a navigation app for guidance.
By Metro & Tram Combo
● Take the M2 metro line (Yenikapı-Hacıosman) to the "Taksim" station.
● Transfer to the T1 tram line (Bağcılar-Kabataş) and take it towards Kabataş.
● Get off at the "Kabataş" tram stop.
● Walk to Dolmabahçe Palace as mentioned earlier.
By Taxi
You can also take a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber to directly reach Dolmabahçe Palace.
Just provide the palace's name to the driver or enter the destination in the ride-sharing app.
Make sure to check the current transportation options, schedules, and any possible route changes before your journey.
If you choose a private taxi, be sure to agree on a price before leaving, as drivers are known to inflate fares, especially for tourists.
Car Rental
Whether you're planning scenic road trips or quick rides around town, renting a car or scooter can save time. Rentalcars.com helps you find the best deals from reputable providers.
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
Participating in a private tour or guided outing is a convenient choice, particularly if you want a stress-free experience.
Explore some top options in Istanbul, such as Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Bosporus Tours with booking.com.
⪢ Contact Information for Dolmabahçe Palace
● Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
● Website:
● Phone: +902122369000
Easily Find Hotels in Istanbul and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Istanbul hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Tips for Visiting the Dolmabahçe Palace
● Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the palace (it is pretty big!).
● Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
● Bring your ID if you are eligible for a discounted ticket.
● Avoid visiting on Mondays, as the palace is closed on this day.
● Buy your tickets in advance, especially during peak season (May to August).
● Take advantage of the audio guide to learn more about the palace.
● Be respectful; do not touch the exhibits, and be mindful in sensitive areas.
● Photos and videos are NOT permitted anywhere inside the palace except in designated places.
Explore the Dolmabahçe Palace on YouTube
Take an even closer look inside this beautiful piece of architecture as part of our walking tour of Istanbul, including our visit to the historical Galata Tower!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Dolmabahçe Palace
One of the easiest 5 out of 5's we have ever decided on! Our experience at the Dolmabahçe Palace certainly was a fascinating one.
The architecture here is truly phenomenal, and the palace grounds are tranquil and beautiful.
The palace itself is so opulent and grand that it is hard not to walk around with amazement.
We were impressed with the main building, although slightly disappointed with the Harem. Not to take away anything from the overall experience, though.
For the price, it is worth it and is an absolute must-see if you are in Istanbul!
FAQ: Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace—Istanbul’s Grand Waterfront Wonder
What is Dolmabahçe Palace?
Dolmabahçe Palace is a lavish 19th-century palace on the European shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire after Topkapi Palace and is renowned for its opulence and European-style architecture.
Where is it located?
The palace is in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, right on the waterfront. It’s easily accessible by tram, taxi, or ferry from other parts of the city.
What are Dolmabahçe Palace’s opening hours?
It is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. Always check the official website or local info for current timings.
What does admission include?
Tickets generally include access to:
● The Selamlik (main ceremonial halls)
● The Harem (private quarters of the royal family)
● The palace gardens
● An additional fee may apply for guided tours or audio guides.
Can I take photos inside the palace?
No photography is allowed inside the palace buildings. You can take photos in the courtyards and gardens, but flash photography is restricted in most indoor spaces to protect artifacts.
What makes Dolmabahçe Palace unique?
It blends Ottoman design with European influences like Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. Highlights include the grand staircase, the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, and gold leaf detailing throughout.
How long does a visit take?
Plan to spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the palace and its grounds, depending on whether you include both the Selamlik and Harem sections.
Is the palace suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Some areas are accessible, but be aware that there are stairs and uneven surfaces in older sections. Baby strollers may not be permitted inside the buildings.
Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but modest, respectful attire is recommended, especially in historical and cultural settings.
Is it worth visiting Dolmabahçe if I’ve already seen Topkapi Palace?
Yes! While Topkapi offers insight into early Ottoman life, Dolmabahçe showcases the empire’s later European-facing era. Its glamor, architecture, and Bosphorus views offer a completely different experience.
Loved our time here!