Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace: Which One Should You Visit?


Which top Istanbul attraction is better: Topkapi or Dolmabahce? Get ready to be swept up in the history and secrets of the Ottoman empire at these two famous Istanbul palaces.

If you’ve watched any Turkish historical drama or film (Magnificent Century, we’re looking at you), chances are you’ve probably dreamed of strolling along the same corridors of Topkapi once walked by sultans, viziers, concubines Hürrem, and eunuchs hundreds of years before. 

Or perhaps you’re drawn to dramatic Turkish palaces like Dolmabahce, with its grand staircase, opulent glass chandeliers, silk carpets, and all.

Whether traveling to Turkey on a budget, trying to narrow things down, or only have time for one option, you’re probably wondering the big question: Should I visit Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce?

On the surface, this question is a simple either/or. After all, no trip to Istanbul feels quite complete without seeing at least one of its most famous tourist attractions! 

Yet, Topkapı vs Dolmabahçe isn’t just about old vs new. It’s about the kind of experience you’re looking for: traditional Ottoman architecture vs nouveau Western grandeur, sprawling courtyards vs chandelier-filled salons, hand-painted Iznik tiles vs over-the-top French wallpaper.

If you’re trying to figure out which palace to visit in Istanbul — or rather, answer the question, Is Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace better? — this guide is for you! 

As Istanbul residents who’ve visited both Topkapi and Dolmabahce more times than we can count (we have a lot of friends and family who like to visit 😉), we’ve put together this guide to help you choose. 

We’ll go over the most important differences between Topkapi vs Dolmabahce, what makes each one special, and which is the right fit for your Istanbul itinerary. Let’s get started!

Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace: Overview

Before we go into more details about both palaces in Istanbul, here’s a quick overview of Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace:

Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace

Price2,400 TL ($61 USD | 54€ EUR) for the Topkapi Combo Ticket1,800 TL ($46 USD | 40€ EUR) for the Dolmabahce Combo Ticket
How long does a visit take?At least 2.5 to 4 hours Between 1.5 to 2 hours
Audio guide?Yes, freeYes, free
Photography allowed?Yes, everywhere except the Sacred Relics chamberNo photography inside the palace (only exterior shots)
Opening hours9 AM to 6 PM
(Closed Tuesdays)
9 AM to 6 PM
(Closed Mondays)
LocationSultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town)Beşiktaş
Book your ticketBOOK TICKET HEREBOOK TICKET HERE
Read our dedicated postsOur Topkapi Palace travel guide Our Dolmabahçe Palace travel guide

Ticket Prices 

Ahhh, the infamous ticket prices. 🙂 

Knowing what to expect (both in terms of pricing and waiting times) is key to budgeting your time and money more wisely — especially if you plan to visit multiple tourist attractions during your trip.

Topkapı Palace offers three types of tickets: only the Harem, only Hagia Irene, or a combination ticket that includes everything (all four courtyards + all buildings + Harem + Hagia Irene). In our opinion, the combination ticket is the best option and absolutely worth it because you’ll see everything (including the most iconic parts of Topkapi!)

On the other hand, Dolmabahce Palace keeps it simple and only offers one ticket that includes access to the main building (ceremony halls) + the Harem + the Painting Museum. 

Here’s how the two compare:

Topkapı Palace Tickets
– Topkapı (Harem only) — 900 TL | $23 USD | 20€ EUR 
– Topkapı (Hagia Irene only) — 900 TL | $23 USD | 20€ EUR 
– Topkapı Combo Ticket (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) ⭐ — 2,400 TL | $61 USD | 54€ EUR
🎫 BOOK HERE → 

Dolmabahçe Palace Tickets
– Dolmabahçe Ticket (Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum) — 1,800 TL | $46 USD | 40€ EUR
🎫 BOOK HERE → 

As you can see, the Topkapi entrance fee is higher than Dolmabahce’s ticket price by 33%, but there’s also more to explore in the former Ottoman palace. 

Pssst… Hate waiting in line? You can book skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace that includes priority access and a quick intro from a licensed guide. These are a lifesaver, especially during high season when lines snake around the Bosphorus. 😜

Here’s how it works: You meet your guide near the palace and they’ll bring your group through the separate guided tour entrance (no waiting in the regular line!). Once you’re inside, the guide will give you a quick orientation tour and leave you to explore on your own.

Of course, if you prefer a fully guided tour, you can book that too! It’ll cost a bit more, but you’ll get behind-the-scenes stories, historical tidbits, and palace gossip that aren’t included in the audio tour.

Heads up! If you already purchased a Museum Card, please note that it is not valid in Topkapı Palace Harem and Hagia Irene sections, nor in the Dolmabahçe Selamlık (ceremonial halls) section.

🏆 What to pick: If you’re on a budget or short on time, Dolmabahçe offers more for less. But if you’ve got at least half a day and want the full imperial experience, Topkapı’s combo ticket is worth the splurge. Or hey… treat yourself and do both. 😉

❗️ Why it matters: Are you on a budget or just trying to avoid wasting time in long lines? (especially in the hot summer sun, bleh!) Knowing your ticket options ahead of time can help you save money and time. 

Historical Significance

When it comes to Topkapi Palace vs Dolmabahce for history lovers, both offer a contrasting experience. 

Topkapi Palace encapsulates the first 400 years of the Ottoman Empire and is deeply tied to its golden age — the conquests, the sultans, the Harem, the Divan. Dolmabahce, on the other hand, reflects the empire’s final century, which was marked by a time of Europe-facing Westernization.

In terms of history, Topkapi Palace is the original seat of Ottoman power. 

It was built shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II (aka Mehmed the Conqueror, the guy who did the aforementioned conquesting of Istanbul), and served as the royal residence and administrative center of the entire Ottoman empire for over 380 years. 

In short, Topkapi is where sultans ruled, viziers debated, and royal intrigue unfolded behind the golden latticework of the Harem (ooh, gossip!) 

Dolmabahçe Palace, on the other hand, was built much later — in the 1840s under Sultan Abdülmecid I — when the empire was trying to modernize and keep up with its European counterparts. 

It blends Ottoman imperialism with French Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical design, and was the first palace in the empire to have gas lighting, running water, and even an elevator (!). It also holds modern significance, as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, passed away here in 1938.

🏆 What to pick: If you’re drawn to classical Ottoman grandeur, religious relics, and sultan-era history, go with Topkapı. If you’re into European-style glam, chandeliers, and dramatic staircases, you’ll love Dolmabahçe Palace.

❗️ Why it matters: Are you more into early Ottoman grandeur or Belle Époque vibes? Topkapı feels like stepping into a 15th-century sultan’s world, while Dolmabahçe feels like visiting a sultan-esque Versailles. 

Size & Time Needed

If you’re short on time (i.e. you’re only in Istanbul for one or two days) this section is for you! 😉 

In terms of visit length, Topkapi Palace definitely requires more time because it’s absolutely huge. No, scratch that — it’s massive. 

To put it in perspective, the size of Topkapi Palace is about 70,000 sq. meters (758,500 sq. ft), with 400 rooms, dozens of bathrooms, 6 hamams, 4 courtyards, and numerous halls, gardens, kitchens, pavilions, and audience chambers. 

The kitchens alone fed over 4,000 people daily, and the palace even had its own bakery, hospital, library, mosque, and armory. It was basically a “city within a city” located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula.

Meanwhile, Dolmabahce Palace is nearly half the size of Topkapi. That is, the size of Dolmabahce Palace is 45,000 sq. meters (480,000 sq. ft), with 285 rooms, 68 bathrooms, 6 hamams, and a huge staircase. 

As you can imagine, Topkapi is sprawling and requires more time to visit, especially since you’ll be moving between the four courtyards, building complexes (i.e. the Harem, Council Hall, the Kitchen, etc), museum-style exhibit halls, and optional extras like the Hagia Irene church. 

You can expect to spend at least 2.5 to 4 hours at Topkapi, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours (when lines form at the ticket booth or at the Harem entrance). Many people even dedicate an entire day just to visit Topkapi and explore everything in detail!

Meanwhile, Dolmabahce is more structured and can be seen in small chunks. What we mean is that you’ll follow a set path starting at the Selamlık (state/ceremonial hall), before making your way to the Harem (private quarters). 

If you’re interested, you can add on a visit to the National Palaces Painting Museum (included in your ticket) or simply skip it if you’re short on time. In short, most people spend about 1.5 to 2 hours total at Dolmabahçe.

Fun fact: Despite their size and fame, neither Topkapi nor Dolmabahce are considered to be the largest palace in Istanbul. That honor goes to Çırağan Palace, which was constructed in the 1860s, at a time when all ottoman sultans wanted to build their own palaces instead of using those of their ancestors. 

Today, Çırağan Palace functions as a five-star hotel under the Kempinski brand — and yes, their rooms and suites are as opulent as you might imagine! Click here to see photos and book room

🏆 What to pick: If you’re short on time, Dolmabahçe Palace is the clear winner — you can see the highlights in just 1.5 to 2 hours. But if you’ve got at least half a day to spare, Topkapı offers more variety, depth, and bang for your buck (and your time).

❗️ Why it matters: If you’re on a tight schedule, knowing how much time each palace takes can help you plan your day more efficiently. Choosing the right palace means less rushing, less stress, and a much better experience. 

What You’ll See Inside (Architecture & Interiors)

As mentioned above, Topkapi Palace wins when it comes to sheer size and number of rooms — but it’s not just about square footage. These two palaces feel completely different when it comes to the architecture and what’s inside.

For example, Topkapı Palace is more like a series of standalone museums and buildings connected by four courtyards. You’ll find…

🪞 The Imperial Harem, a maze of over 300 rooms once reserved for the sultan’s family and court

🪞 The Chamber of Sacred Relics, which holds items said to belong to the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the staff of Moses, scrolls belonging to John the Baptist, letters, and much more 

🪞 The Imperial Treasury, home to the famous Topkapı Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond

🪞 The Kitchens, which now house Ottoman cookware and Chinese porcelain (the 3rd most impressive in the world!)

🪞 The Armory, with preserved weapons and ceremonial armor

Dolmabahçe Palace, by contrast, is a single, continuous architectural experience that includes three main buildings: 

🪞 The Ceremonial Hall, including the Grand Hall with its 4.5-ton crystal chandelier (the largest in the world!) and the Crystal Staircase, which has become a symbol of the palace in its own right. Definitely one of the Dolmabahce highlights!

🪞 The Harem, richly decorated with velvet furniture, French clocks, and rooms used by the sultan’s wives, children, and attendants

🪞 The National Palaces Painting Museum, featuring 19th-century Ottoman and European works

🏆 What to pick: If you’re drawn to classical Ottoman grandeur, religious relics, and sultan-era history, go with Topkapı. If you’re into European-style glam, chandeliers, and dramatic staircases, you’ll love Dolmabahçe Palace.

❗️ Why it matters: Are you more into early Ottoman grandeur or Belle Époque vibes? Topkapı feels like stepping into a 15th-century sultan’s world, while Dolmabahçe feels like stepping into a sultan’s Versailles. 

Location & Operating Hours 

Topkapı Palace is located right in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, better known as Sultanahmet — the historic center that’s full of old mosques, sunken cisterns, Byzantine-era churches, and cobblestone alleys.

It’s just a 1-minute walk from Hagia Sophia or 5 minutes from the Blue Mosque, and surrounded by bus and tram stations, museums, and popular tourist spots. If you’re staying in Sultanahmet or nearby, Topkapı is almost too convenient not to visit.

Meanwhile, Dolmabahçe Palace sits along the European waterfront in Beşiktaş, just past Kabataş and on the way to Ortaköy. 

It’s undeniably scenic (Bosphorus views! Palace gates opening onto the water! Even the palm trees are photogenic!), but it’s not quite walking distance from most tourist areas. If you’re staying in Taksim, Karaköy, or the Beşiktaş area, though, Dolmabahçe is easy to get to via tram, taxi, or even via ferry.

As for hours… 

📍 Topkapı Palace is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 6 PM (last entry is usually 5 PM).
📍 Dolmabahçe Palace is open every day except on Mondays. Opening hours are similar (9 AM to 6 PM). 

Both Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palace are closed on the first day of Ramadan Bayram (Eid Al-Fitr), so keep that in mind when planning your trip. You can check the full list of national holidays in Turkey in our blog post here.

🏆 What to pick: If you’re staying in or near Sultanahmet, Topkapı wins for convenience. But if you’re exploring the Bosphorus or staying in neighborhoods like Beyoglu, Karaköy, Cihangir, or Taksim, Dolmabahçe is the winner. 

❗️ Why it matters: Choosing a palace that’s close to your hotel (or itinerary) can make sightseeing smoother and save you from rush-hour taxi scams.

Visitor Experience 

Now that we’ve gotten familiar with both palaces, let’s talk about logistics and the overall visitor experience! 

Topkapi Palace is a semi-self-guided experience. Audio guides are available and free of charge (just leave an ID as a deposit), and you’re free to wander the courtyards, buildings, exhibit halls, and explore at your own pace. 

This is great if you like lingering and reading all of the museum displays (we’re the same way!), taking lots of photos, or just enjoying the atmosphere at your own pace. That said, Topkapi does require more walking and lines can form at popular spots during peak tourist times. 

Dolmabahçe Palace, on the other hand, is more structured and timed. Visitors follow a guided path through the Selamlık (ceremonial halls) and Harem, and you can’t wander off too much. There is a free audio guide included (you’ll also need to leave an ID as a deposit). 

While the upside is that it flows smoothly and you get a well-paced experience, the downside is it’s less flexible and you don’t have much freedom to explore on your own terms.

Another important point (especially for photographers!) are the photo policy of each palace. 

Photos are allowed throughout most of Topkapı Palace, except in the Chamber of Sacred Relics (where photography is prohibited out of respect for the items on display). 

On the other hand, taking photos is forbidden inside Dolmabahce Palace — not even sneaky ones, as there are staff in each room and they will stop you. Photos of the exterior are okay, but once you’re inside, pack that Sony or phone back in your bag! 😉

🏆 What to pick: If you like freedom to explore and snap photos, Topkapı is your best bet. If you prefer a smoother, more curated walkthrough, Dolmabahçe is the winner.

❗️ Why it matters: How you prefer to explore a palace can totally shape your experience. Whether you enjoy slowly meandering or speedrunning each room, choosing the format that fits your style makes for a way better day.  

Amenities

Both Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace have excellent amenities, including restrooms, gift shops, and cafes where you can take a break. 

There are three cafes at Topkapi: one in the first courtyard, and two in the second courtyard. The prices are surprisingly reasonable despite being inside a tourist attraction! There used to be a restaurant as well, but unfortunately it’s closed at the moment. 

Similarly, there are two cafes in Dolmabahce: one near the entrance (close to the parking lot) and the other near the Painting Museum. We personally prefer the latter (Limonluk Cafe) because it’s located in a beautiful glasshouse (greenhouse).

Likewise, both palaces have gift shops selling merchandise related to their respective histories — in this case, Ottoman-era souvenirs at Topkapi Palace, and elegant European-style items and Atatürk memorabilia at Dolmabahçe Palace.

❗️ Why it matters: It doesn’t — both have excellent amenities. 😄

Traveling With Kids

A bonus section if you’re traveling with family or little ones! 

Both palaces can be visited with kids, but the experience is very different — and choosing between Dolmabahce or Topkapi with Kids really depends on your child’s age, energy level, and interests.

Topkapı Palace has open courtyards, gardens, and lots of space to roam, which are all great for active kids who need room to move around. Since it’s mostly outdoors, there’s a bit more freedom (and less chance of knocking over a priceless vase 😅). That said, the museum-style displays and historic artifacts might not capture young attention spans for long, and the amount of walking can be tiring for little legs.

Dolmabahçe Palace, on the other hand, is mostly indoors and more structured. While the interiors are beautiful, it’s very much a “look but don’t touch” kind of place. The velvet ropes and no-photo policy can make it trickier with very young or high-energy kids, but older children might enjoy the glittering chandeliers and dramatic staircases (it’s almost like a real-life fairy tale setting!)

🏆 What to pick: If your kids are younger and need space to run around, Topkapı Palace is the better pick. If they’re older and into castles, chandeliers, or cool staircases, Dolmabahçe might just win them over.

❗️ Why it matters: Choosing the right Istanbul palace for your family’s travel style means fewer meltdowns, more fun, and a smoother sightseeing day — especially in a city as exciting (and busy!) as Istanbul.

So… Which Palace Should You Visit?

After our long-winded Topkapi vs Dolmabahce Palace comparison, we’ve finally come to the question we’ve all been waiting for… Dolmabahce or Topkapi?

If you’re after some of the country’s most interesting history, traditional Ottoman architecture, and a chance to walk through the heart of the “old empire,” Topkapı Palace should be your pick. It’s perfect for travelers who love museums, sacred relics, layered stories, and the kind of place where you can take your time exploring at your own pace. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes — you’ll definitely need them!

On the other hand, if you’re more into European-style glamour, huge chandeliers, and a smoother, faster-paced experience, you’ll probably prefer Dolmabahçe Palace. It’s elegant, dramatic, and (was literally) designed to impress. 

If you have the time, budget, and curiosity, we honestly recommend seeing both. Yes, yes, it’s a cliche answer — but it’s also true! Topkapı and Dolmabahçe showcase two very different sides of the Ottoman Empire: one rooted in tradition (Topkapi), the other closer to modernity (Dolmabahce). Together, they tell a more complete story of Istanbul’s history.

Whichever palace you end up picking, you really can’t go wrong. Each one offers its own slice of Ottoman history, and trust us — they both leave a lasting impression! 

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Already picturing yourself wandering through gilded halls or Ottoman courtyards? Make it happen with our favorite top-rated tours: 

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