Planning a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul? This travel guide covers everything you need to know!
It’s no secret that Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks, with its opulent interiors, massive crystal chandeliers (the biggest one in the world!), and amazing Bosphorus views.
In fact, if Topkapi Palace was the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Dolmabahce was its dazzling final act — quite literally, because it was the last major landmark to be built during the Ottoman Empire’s decline. 😉
Whether it’s seeing the magnolias in spring or escaping the winter rain for a cozy palace day, Dolmabahçe is easily one of the top things to do in Istanbul year-round.
We’ve been to Dolmabahçe at least six times now (it’s become our “go-to” spot every time family visits 😅), and we’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including how to get to Dolmabahçe Palace, what tickets to buy, the best time to visit, photography rules, nearby hidden gems that most tourists miss, and much more. Let’s get to it!
Basic Information
📍 Dolmabahçe Palace Opening Hours: Dolmabahçe Palace is open Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it’s best to check the official website before your visit, as working hours can shift seasonally or during holidays!
📍 Dolmabahçe Palace Closed Days: Like many other museums in Istanbul (and Turkey), the Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays.
📍 Holidays & Other Closures: Dolmabahçe Palace’s visiting hours may be adjusted during holidays. For example, the Palace is usually closed on New Year’s Day, the first day of Ramadan Bayram (Eid Al-Fitr), and the first day of Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha). You can check the full list of national holidays in Turkey in our blog post here.
Likewise, crowds are usually much larger during national holidays (like October 29 or April 23). You can check the palace’s opening hours and days on their official website.
📍 Dolmabahçe Palace Free Days: Did you know that Dolmabahçe Palace can be visited for free? That’s right — Dolmabahçe Palace is free one day a year, on November 10, to commemorate Atatürk’s death (he was the first president of modern-day Turkey and died in Dolmabahçe Palace in 1938).
A commemorative ceremony is held at 9:05 AM, the exact time of Atatürk’s death, and the palace can become quite crowded as people come to pay their respects (it’s tradition to bring red and white flowers and place them in his room). If you do plan to visit on November 10th, it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
📍 Dress Code: Unlike mosques or other religious buildings, there isn’t a strict dress code for Dolmabahçe or any requirements to cover your head. However, since Dolmabahçe is still a palace and a museum, we recommend wearing modest clothing out of respect. (Plus, it’ll be more comfortable to walk around!)
Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Prices
Ah, the infamous Dolmabahçe Palace ticket prices. 🙂
As of June 2025, the ticket price for Dolmabahçe Palace is 1,800 Turkish Lira per person. This includes entry to these three main areas:
- The Selamlık (official/ceremonial halls)
- The Harem (private royal quarters)
- The National Palaces Painting Museum
❗️Please note that prices are subject to change (ahem, inflation), so always double-check the official website or the signboard at the palace entrance for up-to-date info before your visit!
Dolmabahce Palace Online Tickets
If you’re short on time or have a packed Istanbul itinerary, we highly recommend buying your Dolmabahçe Palace tickets online (click here!). These tickets are offered by the official seller and include fast-track entry, so you can skip the lines — which can be over 1+ hour long in the summer!
The online ticket includes everything the on-site ticket covers: full access to the Selamlık (ceremonial halls), the Harem (private quarters), and the National Palaces Painting Museum.
Best of all, you can reserve now and pay later, and since it’s through GetYourGuide, there’s free cancellation too (cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund). It’s the easiest way to guarantee your entry and avoid sold-out time slots at the entrance.
Are there discounts for Dolmabahçe Palace tickets?
Yes, children between the ages of 0 to 6 can enter Dolmabahçe Palace for free.
Likewise, foreign students ages 7 to 25 can get a discount (be sure to bring your International Student Identity Card). On the official website, it notes that “Foreign students pay twice the price of the discounted ticket” — so if the discount ticket is 120 TL, foreign students will need to pay 240 TL.
Dolmabahce Palace Travel Tips
How much time do I need to see Dolmabahce Palace? — We recommend budgeting for a minimum of 3 hours if you want to comfortably see the entire palace complex (including the Selamlık and Harem). If you want to visit the National Painting Museum (included in the ticket), you’ll need an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace is on a weekday, and preferably early morning. Based on our experience, the quietest time tends to be before noon and after 3 pm. If you’re going on a weekend, arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to beat the line (or buy skip-the-line tickets online!).
In terms of seasons, summer has the longest queues and large tour groups (especially around mid-day). Visit early or late to avoid peak crowds (or book tickets online).
🌸 Travel Tip: If you visit in March, you’ll also see the beautiful magnolias outside the Art Museum!
Security Checks & Photography Rules: Be prepared for airport-style security at the entrance (this catches many people off guard!).
Also, there is absolutely no photography allowed inside the main palace buildings (outside is ok). It’s best to leave that Sony Alpha 1 II with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens at home and enjoy the moment instead. 😅
A Short History of Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace’s history goes all the way back to the early 1840s, during a time when the Ottoman Empire was undergoing major reforms and feeling increasing pressure to modernize.
The palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I, who wanted something that would rival the grand European courts of Paris, Vienna, and the like. Instead of traditional courtyards and classic Iznik tilework (à la Topkapı Palace), Abdülmecid wanted to go big: Chandeliers! Grand staircases! Intricate painted ceilings! Gold leaf on ev-ery-thing!!!
(Fun fact: This is why Dolmabahçe looks so “Western” compared to Topkapı’s more traditional Ottoman style.)
To bring his vision to life, Abdülmecid turned to the Balyans, a legendary Armenian-Ottoman family of architects who also designed Istanbul gems like the Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Küçüksu Pavilion.
True to their word, Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğayos Balyan spared no expense and realized Abdülmecid’s vision: they sourced Bohemian crystal from Europe, Egyptian alabaster for the bathrooms, and silk carpets of the finest quality. The ceilings were painted by Italian artists, and French-style furniture filled the vast halls.
In the end, the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace cost over 5 million Ottoman gold lira — or to put it into today’s perspective, 35 tons of gold… or nearly $2 billion USD (2021 value)!
Construction wrapped up in 1856, and the royal (sultan) family officially moved out of Topkapı and into their huge new mansion on the Bosphorus.
In total, Dolmabahçe was home to six Ottoman sultans, and later became the official residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In fact, Atatürk used the palace as a sort of presidential residence during the summers, and even hosted foreign diplomats and signed some of his most important reforms here.
Speaking of which: Atatürk spent his final days here, and passed away in one of the palace bedrooms on November 10, 1938. The clock in that room has been permanently stopped at 09:05 (the exact time of his death) and it’s a detail that still resonates with Turkish visitors today.
Dolmabahçe is the largest palace in Türkiye, covering a massive 45,000 square meters (over 480,000 square feet!) and with 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 ornate hamams (Turkish baths), and 68 toilets. The palace was even equipped with a 600-meter long dock, since most visitors at that time would arrive by water.
Architecturally, Dolmabahçe is a true show-off: it blends Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles with classic Ottoman design.
Fun fact: The name Dolmabahçe comes from Turkish and literally means “Filled Garden” or “Filled-in Garden.” Originally, the area where the palace now stands was a natural bay on the Bosphorus.
Over time, this bay was filled in (dolma!) during the Ottoman era to create a royal garden, which was later used for ceremonial purposes by the sultans. Eventually, Sultan Abdülmecid I chose this filled-in site to build the grand Dolmabahçe Palace in the mid-19th century.
Visiting the Dolmabahce Palace
Now it’s time for the fun part: a walk-through and overview of what to see in Dolmabahçe Palace!
Before You Start
Your ticket includes access to three main areas: the Selamlık (ceremonial halls), the Harem (private quarters), and the National Palaces Painting Museum.
Audio guide
There aren’t that many signs inside the actual palace rooms, so be sure to pick up the free audio guide if you want to understand what you’re looking at (instead of just walking through pretty rooms). The audio guide is included in your ticket, but you’ll need to leave an ID or driver’s license as a deposit.
After passing through the main entrance, take a left and look for a small wooden door to the side. If you’re not sure where to go, just ask one of the security guards — they’re friendly and used to this question. 🙂
Taking photos inside Dolmabahçe Palace
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace buildings. They’re not kidding either: there are guards stationed in almost every room and they *will* catch and yell if you try to take a photo. 🙂
Selamlık vs. Harem — What’s the Difference?
You’ll start your visit in the Selamlık, which was the official, public-facing part of the palace. The word “selamlık” loosely translates to “greeting area,” and that’s exactly what it was — the space used to host foreign dignitaries and conduct important business (hence why it was designed to be the most lavish part of the palace!)
Meanwhile, the Harem was the private living area for the sultan’s family. You can think of the Selamlık as the “public face,” while the Harem is more private (but still extravagant).
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at each area of Dolmabahçe Palace:
The Selamlik (Ceremonial Halls)
Your visit to Dolmabahçe Palace begins in the Selamlık, the public and ceremonial wing of the palace — and it certainly sets the tone for just how grand everything is going to be.
The first space you’ll enter is the Medhal Hall, which functioned as a formal waiting room for visiting officials. Guests were received here by palace staff before being led further inside. If you look closely, you might notice the royal monogram of Sultan Abdülmecid on the fireplace and on the Boulle-style side tables — a subtle reminder of who commissioned the place.
Speaking of aesthetics: the main interior designer for the Dolmabahçe Palace was Charles Séchan, who also designed the Paris Opera!
🪞 Fun fact: Rooms in the Medhal Hall had specific uses. Those who faced the sea were for high-ranking officials (like the Grand Vizier) while rooms facing the land were used by palace administrators.
One of the most iconic features of Dolmabahçe Palace is the Crystal Staircase, a double flight of stairs that wind up to the second floor and eventually leads to the Ambassadors Hall. Small rooms around the staircase were used as waiting rooms, and are decorated with paintings by the Crimean artist Ivan Aivazovsky (you can see his other works at the nearby Painting Museum, also included in your ticket).
Other rooms of interest include the Red Room (which, as the name implies, was due to its dramatic red and gold hues); the Privy Chamber (used for religious ceremonies and wedding banquets); and the Hamam (a beautiful marble and alabaster room which functioned as the sultan’s private bath).
From here, you’ll walk across the Blue Hall (a very spacious corridor with intricate ceiling decor) before arriving at Atatürk’s Room. As mentioned above, this is where the first president of modern-day Turkey died in 1938 — his bed is draped with the Turkish flag, and all of the clocks in the palace are permanently stopped at 9:05 (his time of death).
Afterwards, you might notice another interesting room, the Pink Hall, which was the living room of the queen mother and where she received special guests.
After passing a few more rooms and halls and making your way downstairs, the tour of the Selamlık finishes at one of the most intricate and jaw-dropping places in the entire palace: the Ceremonial Hall.
Also known as the Muayede, this room definitely went above and beyond. Towering at 36 meters high (that’s about a 12-story building), supported by 56 grand columns, and boasting a 124-square-meter silk carpet by the finest weavers, it definitely feels like the sultans spared no expense. It’s also allegedly the largest throne room in the world!
At the center of the room is the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier — a jaw-dropping gem with 750 lamps and weighing a staggering 4.5 tonnes.
As you might imagine, the Ceremonial Hall was used for the empire’s most significant state occasions. During special events, workers would carry the 250-kilogram throne from Topkapı Palace to Dolmabahçe and set it up.
In fact, several important historical events happened here, including the coronation of Sultan Murad V; the first meeting of the Ottoman parliament; and Atatürk’s first speech as president of the Republic of Turkey. Quite a fitting end to the first half of your visit to Dolmabahçe, right?
The Harem (Sultan’s Family Living Quarters)
The second part of the Dolmabahce is the Harem, which functioned as the private living quarters of the Sultan, his mother (the Valide Sultan), his wives, children, concubines, and palace attendants.
This section was heavily guarded (even high-ranking officials couldn’t enter!) and only the Sultan had unrestricted access.
Compared to the over-the-top opulence of the Selamlık, the Harem feels a little more toned down and ‘homey’ — like you’re a family friend visiting the sultan’s family.
One of the central spaces is the Hall of the Royal Women, which was used for celebrating religious holidays, family gatherings, and children’s achievements.
There’s also a hamam (Turkish bath) within the Harem quarters, though (somewhat ironically) it’s not as ornate as the Sultan’s hamam in the Selamlık. 🥲
Among the more unique rooms is the Japanese Salon, which was used by the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan) and decorated with delicate Japanese motifs and furniture.
One of the most notable rooms is the bedroom of Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdülaziz. Her suite is decorated in soft French-style pastels, with light furnishings and elegant floral details — it feels more like a Parisian apartment than an Ottoman palace room (very European, don’t you think?)
From there, the tour leads through a series of rooms and apartments used by other family members and palace residents. Each space offers a look into the personal side of palace life — far from the diplomatic pomp of the Selamlık.
At the very end of the Harem, you’ll exit through the palace gift shop. Even if you don’t usually like these kinds of places, we recommend stopping by and checking out the cool items — the store has some genuinely unique souvenirs from local artists, including art prints, home decor, trinkets, and books.
In fact, we liked the items so much that we ended up buying a keychain of a cat hugging the Galata Tower — now it hangs on our keys and makes us smile every time we lock the door and go to explore Istanbul. 😉
Dolmabahçe Garden & Gates
Before or after your palace visit, take time to wander through the Dolmabahçe Palace gardens — they’re beautifully maintained and have lovely views of the Bosphorus. Shaded by plane trees and dotted with benches, the gardens are a great spot to take a break and let your feet relax from walking around.
One of the most beautiful elements are the sea-facing gates. Back in the day, sultans and high-ranking guests would arrive by boat, stepping straight onto the palace grounds from a royal barge. Nowadays, this gate is a popular photo spot — after all, the elegant ironwork perfectly frames the Bosphorus in the background!
National Palaces Painting Museum
Just a few steps from the main Dolmabahçe Palace complex, the National Palaces Painting Museum is often overlooked by tourists — but it’s well worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in late-Ottoman and early-Republic art. (Plus it’s included in your ticket!)
The museum is housed in what was once the Crown Prince’s residence, which was originally designed for the heir to the throne (hence the name). The space now has an impressive collection of over 200 works, including portraits, landscapes, and scenes of daily life — many painted by court artists and Western-trained Ottoman painters.
Fun fact: If you’ve read Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul: Memories of a City, you might remember him describing this building and the atmosphere around it. 🙂
Where to go After Dolmabahce
Once you’re done exploring the palace, don’t rush off! There are a ton of interesting spots within walking distance or a short tram ride away. Let’s take a look:
📍 Dolmabahçe Mosque (Inside Dolmabahçe): Right by the palace gates, this elegant waterfront mosque is a blend of baroque and traditional Ottoman styles — and usually very quiet inside.
📍 Clock Tower (Inside Dolmabahçe): You’ll spot this ornate tower right outside the main gate. Great for photos!
📍 Kabataş–Beşiktaş Waterfront (2–5 minutes): Perfect for a walk along the Bosphorus, grabbing a snack, or hopping on a ferry.
📍 Naval Museum (10-minute walk): One of the most underrated museums in the city, where you’ll find beautifully preserved imperial boats, uniforms, and maritime history. Fun fact: This museum has a huge iron chain that was once stretched across the Bosphorus to block enemy ships from entering.
📍 Karaköy (15 minutes by tram): From nearby Kabataş station, ride two stop to Karaköy to explore its cafes, boutiques, and street art. Be sure to check out our huge Karaköy guide for all the best spots! →
📍 Çırağan Palace (20-minute walk or quick bus ride): Still in the mood for more palaces? This waterfront gem was once home to Ottoman sultans — and while it’s now a luxury hotel, you can drop in for a tea or coffee break with stunning Bosphorus views!
📍 Istanbul Cat Museum | Kedi Müzesi (20-minute walk or 8-minute bus ride): Quirky, cute, and filled with feline history. We also wrote about in our Unique Museums in Istanbul blog post! →
📍 Atatürk Museum (40 minutes by foot or 15 minutes by bus): Located in Şişli, this small museum is inside the house where Atatürk lived before founding the Republic. Free entry.
How to Get to Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is located in the Beşiktaş district, right along the Bosphorus, and is easily accessible from most parts of Istanbul. Here’s how to get there from popular tourist areas:
From Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town)
Take the T1 Tram from Sultanahmet station toward Kabataş (the last stop). From Kabataş, it’s a short 5-minute walk along the waterfront to Dolmabahçe Palace. You’ll pass the funicular entrance and ferry port — just follow the signs.
From Galata or Karaköy
If you’re staying in Galata, Tünel, or Karaköy, hop on the T1 Tram at Karaköy station heading toward Kabataş and get off at the last stop. Alternatively, you can walk (around 25 to 35 minutes) along the scenic Bosphorus path.
From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar)
Take a ferry to Beşiktaş (Üsküdar–Kabataş or Üsküdar–Beşiktaş lines on Dentur). From either the Beşiktaş pier or the Kabataş pier, it’s a 10–12 minute walk to Dolmabahçe Palace.
Note: The entrance to Dolmabahçe Palace is near the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower (📍 click here for Google Maps coordinate).
Dolmabahçe Palace FAQs
Is Dolmabahçe Palace worth visiting?
Yes — Dolmabahçe is one of the most beautiful palaces in Türkiye. Between the chandeliers, the Bosphorus views, the rich history, and the sheer size of the place, it’s well worth carving out a few hours for. If you’re into Ottoman history, European architecture, or just love a good palace walk, definitely don’t skip it!
Can I visit Dolmabahçe without a tour?
Yes! You don’t need to book a guided tour to visit Dolmabahçe — all you need is to buy an entry ticket and that’s it. You can explore the palace independently using the free audio guide (included with your ticket).
Is Dolmabahçe Palace stroller- or wheelchair-accessible?
Parts of the palace complex are accessible, especially the gardens and exterior paths. However, inside the palace, there are several staircases and uneven surfaces, particularly in the Selamlık and Harem. Wheelchair access is limited, and unfortunately, strollers are not allowed inside the palace halls — you may be asked to leave them at the entrance.
Are there bathrooms and cafés on-site?
Yes — there are bathrooms available near the entrance and in the garden area. As for cafes, there are two on the palace grounds (that we know of), but most visitors prefer to eat something in nearby Beşiktaş or Kabataş afterward (you’ll have better food and more options).
Can I buy tickets on the same day?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance, but keep in mind that lines can be very long, especially in summer and on weekends. If you’re short on time, we highly recommend buying your ticket online in advance with skip-the-line access. Click here to book it online →
Can I bring a bag or backpack inside?
You can bring a small bag, but large backpacks and bulky items will need to be checked at the security entrance. Be prepared for airport-style bag scanners and metal detectors — it’s best to travel light.
Is photography allowed inside Dolmabahçe Palace?
No — and they are strict about it. Photography is not allowed inside the palace buildings, and there are guards in every room to enforce the rule. However, you’re welcome to take photos outside, in the gardens and near the Bosphorus gates.
How long should I plan to spend at Dolmabahçe?
Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours if you want to explore both the Selamlık and Harem at a comfortable pace. Add another 30–45 minutes if you want to visit the Painting Museum or take a coffee break in the gardens.
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