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The Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Türkiye. Why you should visit!
Updated: Dec 10
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 splendour. 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 Dolmabahce Palace highlights, some history behind the palace, and important information such as how to find it, buying tickets, opening times and more. Plus some exclusive offers from Klook, and our special palace YouTube video!
In This Article...
● Our Dolmabahce Palace Highlights
● The History Behind the Dolmabahce Palace
● What is the Entry Fee for the Dolmabahce Palace?
● What are the Dolmabahce Palace Opening Times?
● How to Find the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul
● Tips for for Visiting the Dolmabahce Palace
Travel Resources & Offers
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Our Dolmabahce 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 aside the Golden Horn with its calming views and locals getting in some early morning fishing. It's also good to note, there is a direct tram service that can be used as well to get directly to the centre.
You will need the IstanbulKart to access all of the cities 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 footie 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, office, board rooms and lounge areas. One of our favourite places is the grand staircase! What a marvel! The palace is impressive and ornate through out. 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 9.05am on November 10, 1938. The clock in his personal 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, 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, why not take some extra time to bask in it! We would recommend 20 - 30 minutes to explore the grounds areas.
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 none the less 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 the palace as a minimum. It is a great day out and there is also lots to do and admire in the surrounding areas too. Plus the Galata Tower is just a 45 minute walk away if you fancy it!
The History Behind the Dolmabahce 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 Turkey.
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 Dolmabahce 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 Dolmabahçe Palace online or at the ticket office on site. We recommended buying your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
⪢ Purchase a Tour with Klook
Take a tour of the Dolmabahce Palace and discover its history and architectural methods. Get the chance to explore the interior and exterior courtyards before entering the palace and learning about the largest collection of Baccarat chandeliers in the world, found only in the Dolmabahce Palace. Tap the link below for more information!
What are the Dolmabahce Palace Opening Times?
The palace is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Mondays. Last admission is at 5pm, and depends on the amount of visitors at the time.
How to Find the Dolmabahce 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 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.
⪢ Metro & Tram Combo
● Take the M2 metro line (Yenikapı-Hacıosman) to "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 a price before leaving as drivers are known to inflate fares, especially for tourists.
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Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com. 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.
Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tips for Visiting the Dolmabahce 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 of the palace and its visitors; 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 Dolmabahce 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!
Our Dolmabahce Palace Experience Rating
One of the easiest 5 out of 5's we have ever decided on! Our experience at the Dolmabahce Palace certainly was both a fascinating and exciting one. The architecture here is truly phenomenal and the palace grounds are tranquil and beautiful.
The palace itself is so opulent and grand, it is hard not to walk around with amazement. We were really 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 definitely worth it, and is an absolute must-see if you are in Istanbul!
Your FREE Interactive Map of Türkiye
Check out all of the places we visited in Türkiye courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
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