Discover the Dolmabahce Palace Museum, in Besiktas, Istanbul, learn its history, what to expect and see, hours and ticket price, guided tours, and visiting tips with our comprehensive guide.
Dolmabahce Palace Museum is a magnificent Ottoman palace situated in an outstanding place situated on the banks of Bosphorus in Besiktas. It was the residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans, and Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The white marble Dolmabahce palace has a basic European baroque style architecture with oriental texture.
Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Line Tickets
If you are looking for the best Dolmabahce Palace skip-the-line tickets and guided tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of best experiences you can find! Feel free to book online in advance (as you’ll get discounts), by choosing the eco-friendly option of online tickets.
- Dolmabahce Palace Admission and Guided Tour (superb one, quick entrance, pro guide will lead you for all)
- Dolmabahce Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio (superb one comes with audio app)
- Guided Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise with Dolmabahce Palace Ticket (very good combo)
- Dolmabahce Palace Entry with Guided Tour Skip The Ticket Line (good one)
Fast Facts: Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is a glorious one in Istanbul and take thousands of visitors each day. So what lies behind it?
- Built between the years of 1843-1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.
- Covers an area of 45,000 sqm, houses 285 rooms, 46 halls, 4,454 sqm of carpets, six Turkish Bath (hamam) and 68 bathrooms.
- Once a residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans, and Ataturk, the first president and founder of Turkish republic, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the fall of the Ottoman empire.
- Glass and crystal are the main features of the palace that attracts its visitors.
- Decorated with marble staircases, Sevres vases, Lyon silk, giant crystal chandeliers, Baccarat crystals and British candelabras, and lush carpets.
- 52 crystal, 30 bronze chandeliers, 142 ceiling hangers, and 60 crystal candelabras.
- Houses more than 50,000 objects in the hundreds of rooms.
- It was the first palace in Istanbul having coffee tables.
History of Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861) on an area of 110,000 square meters between the years 1843 and 1856. Its construction on the edge of the Bosphorus was accepted as an indication that the Ottomans broke the traditional connection with the past. You know they used to rule the empire from the Topkapi Palace and on the Historical Peninsula.
Dolmabahce Palace was home to a total of six sultans and the last Ottoman Caliph Abdülmecid Efendi from 1856 when the Caliphate was abolished.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, used the palace for his studies in Istanbul between the years 1927-1938 and passed away here on November 10, 1938. That’s why the palace has an important and unique place in Turkish people’s hearts.
The palace was partially open to protocol and visit between 1926-1984, and finally was opened to for visits as a Museum after 1984.
What to See at Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace, unlike Topkapi Palace, was built as a single large building, several pavilions and a large garden around this large building. It was surrounded by high walls on the land side. There are two main and seven secondary gates, and the seaside side has five ports.
The gardens and the gates of the palace are very attractive. The gates represent the finest examples of metal crafting and really exciting.
The palace houses more than 50,000 objects along its hundreds of rooms. The interior of the palace reflects the grandeur of the epoch, and designed like the luxurious European palaces. The giant crystal stairs and chandeliers, large oil paintings and armchairs are very attractive. The precious watches of the palace will take your interest.
Sections of the Palace
The palace consists of three sections.
- Mabeyn-i Hümayun (Selamlik), where the administrative works of the state were carried out.
- The Ceremonial Hall where the Sultan and his family continue their private lives.
- The Harem-i Humayun, which is used for the State Ceremonies.
The Selamlik Hall houses the mastery in cut glass and mirrors with its crystal chandeliers, as well as the magnificent Hereke carpet, dazzling crystal stairs to the upper floor, also called the sultanate ladder, the Sufera Hall where the ambassadors were hosted, the Red Room and the Zülvecheyn Hall on the upper floor.
While you stroll through the Medhal Hall, you’ll see the room of Ataturk, and see how all the clocks in the palace were set at 09:05 am, which is the approximate time that he passed away. When you continue touring, you’ll see the legendary Crystal Staircase along its red carpets.
The Ceremonial Hall houses the greatest chandeliers and crystal candelabras of the Palace. The ceiling of the Sultan’s Chamber in the Harem and the stunning decoration of the Ceremonial Hall will mesmerize you for sure.
Crystal Piano
This is a must see located in Glass Kiosk section of the Palace. The Gaveau piano here is made of crystal, as well as its chair, which is a very unique example of the glass art.
Harem
The Harem is under the same roof with the Dolmabahce Palace and constitutes about two-thirds of the it, while it was an independent section in Topkapi Palace.
In the Harem section, there are several halls, apartments allocated to the Sultan and Valide Sultan (mother of the Sultan), and apartments where the spouses of the Sultans, their princes until a certain age and their daughters until the age of marriage, as well as the rooms of other duty women, working, resting and living rooms.
Visiting Dolmabahce Palace Tips
Why is Dolmabahce Palace famous?
Luxury, artistic beauty, and historical importance are all things that make Dolmabahce Palace famous. As the main governmental center of the Ottoman Empire, it was built in the middle of the 19th century.
Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Ottoman styles are all beautifully combined in the house. You can see how the Ottoman sultans lived lavishly in their last years of rule in the building’s beautiful interior, which has crystal chandeliers, gold leaf, and stunning furniture.
Is Dolmabahce Palace worth it?
Everyone who is interested in history, building, and Istanbul’s cultural heritage should definitely go see Dolmabahce Palace. When you visit the palace, you can feel like you’re living in the last years of the Ottoman Empire. It shows not only how luxurious the sultans’ lives were, but also how society and politics changed during that time.
The parks and views of the Bosphorus make the tours even more interesting, and the stories that are told by the guides are very useful. There is no doubt that the palace is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul. It is also very important historically.
Is there a dress code for Dolmabahce Palace?
Even though there isn’t a strict dress code, it’s polite to be humble and respectful when you visit Dolmabahce Palace. Since this is a historical and cultural site, it is polite to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. This isn’t because of a strict dress rule, but because of respect for the culture.
How long do you spend at Dolmabahce Palace?
It depends on how interested you are in history and architecture. People usually look around the house and its grounds for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can take a guided tour, which is suggested if you want to learn more about the building’s history and specific features.
How to get tickets for Dolmabahce Palace?
You can buy tickets for Dolmabahce Palace either in person or online. To avoid standing in long lines, it’s best to buy tickets online, especially when a lot of people are visiting. Many online travel companies and platforms offer skip-the-line tickets, which make getting in easier. See guided tours below.
Can you enter Dolmabahce Palace for free?
Unfortunately, entrance to Dolmabahce Palace is not free.
What time should I visit Dolmabahce Palace?
Every day except Mondays and Thursdays, Dolmabahce Palace is open to the public. If you want to avoid groups and go at your own pace, the best time to go is in the morning.
Do you need a tour guide for Dolmabahce Palace?
Even though it’s not required, having a tour guide adds to the experience by giving historical background and interesting stories. A guide can help you find your way around the huge palace complex and make sure you don’t miss any important details. If you want to learn more about the past of the palace, hiring a guide is a great idea.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Open every day except Mondays between 09:00 and 18:30.
Closed on Mondays.
Hours of Ticket Sale
The ticket counters can be closed earlier due to the exceed of the daily ticket quota.
Ticket Price
Please check hours and admissions from millisaraylar.gov.tr
Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Options and Prices
There are several options:
- Buy directly at the ticket window on location.
- Buy Dolmabahce Palace only guided tours.
- Buy Dolmabahce Palace included combo tickets.
Dolmabahce Palace is a huge complex with lots to see and you’ll need about at least 2 to 3 hours to have a complete tour.
General Admission Tickets
The general admission tickets will let you enter the palace and explore on your own. You should know that there is very little explanation of the architecture by signs, plates, etc.
If you just want to have quick look inside without need of understand the history behind, and waiting in the queue is not a problem, this is the ticket for you. Also note that Dolmabahce Palace has a daily ticket quota. You can be late.
The skip the line access tickets with a guide (see below) seems little bit expensive. You should consider on your own would it worth to pay that amount to save yourself from about 1 hour waiting in the line, avoid ticket quotas, and have a guide. We guess it would!
Guided Tours
This is the best option we recommend especially for first time visitors. And we always recommend opting for an extended English guided tour offered exclusively by several historian guides of Istanbul.
When you book you’ll get an email confirmation with meeting details (in front of the Clock Tower of the Palace) and there your name being checked from the official guide’s list with your confirmation number.
See below the recommended Dolmabahce Palace guided tours with fast track entry.
Dolmabahçe Palace Admission and Guided Tour
This is offered by Istanbul Tourist Pass and we highly recommend. They’ll personally greet you at the entrance, ensuring the fastest access. Begin your experience in the palace garden, where we’ll provide essential historical insights and guide you to the best spots for capturing unforgettable pictures.
Following a concise 15-minute highlights tour within the garden, you’ll receive your audio guide, granting you the freedom to explore the opulent interiors of the palace at your own pace.
The ticket includes:
- Entrance ticket to Dolmabahçe Palace
- Licensed guide
- Free time to explore
- Meet your guide in front of the Dolmabahce Bufe before the security line.
Buy Dolmabahce Palace Admission and Guided Tour
Dolmabahce Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio
Meet your guide at the main entrance, bypass the long ticket lines, and enter the world’s most luxurious palace through the shortest route—saving up to 2 hours of wait time.
Enjoy a brief but insightful 10-minute tour within the garden of the palace with your guide. Learn about the highlights of the palace and its renowned Harem, discovering the best spots for capturing breathtaking pictures.
Following the guided tour, receive your audio guide to delve into the wonders of the Palace, Harem, and Painting Museum at your own pace.
Buy Dolmabahce Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio
Guided Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise with Dolmabahce Palace Ticket
Discover the 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace, set in groomed grounds with sea views. Explore the Ottoman-era splendor in the magnificent interiors.
Eminonu Pier offers a 1-hour Bosphorus Strait sightseeing trip. Admire the coastline towers, palaces, mosques, and fortresses. Explore the beautiful Küçüksu Palace and learn about Ottoman hunting parties.
Cruise back to your accommodation with breathtaking views of the Asian side of the city. This extensive tour of Istanbul’s imperial past’s rich history and architectural splendors is unforgettable and absorbing.
- 5-hour tour of Ottoman palaces with a Bosphorus cruise
- Step back in time on a history tour
- Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door service
- Travel by boat and see the sites from the water
- All entrance fees included Informative, friendly and professional guide
Buy Guided Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise with Dolmabahce Palace Ticket
Dolmabahce Palace Entry with Guided Tour Skip The Ticket Line
This tour will take you on a tour of the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, which is one of the most impressive European-style castles in Istanbul. You can skip the line for tickets and start an interesting trip through the fancy halls and gardens of this architectural masterpiece.
The Palace is a monument to beauty and power. It was built to show off the power of the Ottoman Empire one last time. Let our guide show you the background and meaning of each corner, giving you information that will make your experience better.
Buy Dolmabahce Palace Entry with Guided Tour Skip The Ticket Line
How to Get to Dolmabahce Palace?
Location
Dolmabahce Palace is situated in the Besiktas district, on the banks of Bosphorus. See the location map.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to Besiktas and Dolmabahce Palace is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).
- The closest tram stop is Kabatas. This is the last stop.
- Dolmabahce Palace is within 5 minutes walking distance from the tram.
- From Taksim, take the funicular to Kabatas (from taksim Square) or funicular to Karakoy (from Tunel square) and than take the tram to Kabatas.
- If you stay at the Besiktas hotels, than you easily walk to the Palace.
Check our Besiktas page to see how to get to Besiktas in details.
Contact Details
Address: Visnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., Besiktas, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 236 90 00
Web: millisaraylar.gov.tr
