Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most important historical monuments in Istanbul. Reflecting the life of the palace in the last period of the Ottoman Empire, the palace is also known as the building where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, passed away in 1938. Located close to Istanbul's popular tourist attractions such as Taksim, Besiktas, and Kabatas, the palace promises you a culturally influenced trip for many years. 

Dolmabahce Palace Location and History

Dolmabahçe Palace architecture has a wide area of 250 thousand square meters. The palace was built between 1843-1856 with the order of Sultan Abdulmecid, the 31st ruler of the Ottoman Empire, and it bears the signatures of Garabet Balyan and his son Nikogos, the most popular architect of the time. You will not be able to take your off eyes when you step into the palace and you will see a very flashy example of the traditional “Turkish House” building plan. Reflecting the understanding of pleasure and entertainment in the Ottoman period, the unique garden of the palace is one of the highlights. In this garden, where the fatigue of war was thrown in the past, you can now watch the Bosphorus and take a stroll in it where war-tiredness was thrown in the past. To learn about this amazing Palace, the best way is to attend a skip-the-line guided tour. 

What to See in Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace magically owns the world's largest palace ballroom. So, you can take a look at the furniture, curtains, carpets, and paintings that provide this splendor while visiting the rooms of the flashy building through guided tours. At this point  istanbul.com will provide you with the most professional tour service you need. This way, you can learn the story of each rare piece and the purpose of its existence in the palace, the ways of using it, and you can directly be teleported to the palace days. The main building of Dolmabahce consists of three parts: Selamlik (Mâbeyn-i Humayun), Ceremony Hall (Muâyede Hall) and Harem-i Humayun. Each of these parts represents systematic living spaces in itself. 

The interior and exterior works of the state, Mâbeyn, fascinates its visitors as the most magnificent part of the main building. Medhal Salon is located at the entrance; Dolmabahce Palace Crystal Staircase with access to the upper floor; ambassadors entertained the Suferâ Hall and the Red Room, where the sultan accepted the visitors, the must-see areas of the palace. There is also the Zulvecheyn Hall on the upper floor of this section, which allows the sultan to enter his private room.

The most curious part of the palace, which has been the subject of series and movies, is the Harem. Dolmabahce Palace Harem which was used by 6 sultans and 1 Ottoman Caliph from 1856 until its completion in 1924, was arranged to be a part of the main building. 

The Pink Hall, also called Valide Sultan Divanhanesi and Balcony Sofa in Ottoman times, stands out with its rich interior decoration. The hall used by Valide Sultan and the sultans for invitations is decorated with full-size Hereke carpets and women portraits drawn by European painters.

The Hall of Salam between the Selamlik and the Harem is quite magnificent thanks to its area of over 2,000 square meters and its 36-meter high dome. The chandelier brought from England in the middle of the hall is especially worth seeing.

Other places that travelers are interested in during the Dolmabahce Palace tour are the Kugulu Pool in the garden and the lounges where the libraries and collections are exhibited. During your visit to Dolmabahce, you will have the opportunity to see collections of watches, lighting tools, calligraphy, and writing sets that contain very valuable pieces.

Among the 285 rooms and 43 halls of the Dolmabahce Palace, the most exclusive part is the bedroom of the Republic of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This room, where he passed away on November 10, 1938, is preserved as if it had stopped in time.

How to Visit Dolmabahce Palace

You can use the Bosphorus cruise to Kabatas or Besiktas piers, buses to Besiktas, and the tram to reach the building on the coast for the Dolmabahce Palace tour. You can get to Dolmabahce by taking a short walk from Kabatas by bus or tram. If you plan to go to Kabatas with your own vehicle, there are many parking lots available in the area. Taksim Square is also a 20-minute walk away. You can also get to the Dolmabahce Palace by taking the 25T Sarıyer-Taksim, 559C Rumelihisarustu - Taksim, 110 Kadıkoy - Taksim, 112 Bostancı - Taksim, DT2 Ortakoy - Taksim buses and getting off at Inonu Stadium bus stop. It is a faster option for those coming from the Anatolian Side to come to Besiktas or Kabatas by motor or ferry and walk from there. 

Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

For those who want to visit Dolmabahce Palace Selamlik, the full price is 650 TL and the discounted price is 50 TL. If you want a National Palaces Full Pass; Dolmabahçe Palace+ Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of Asian Side + Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of European Side (Except Topkapi Palace And Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area): Ticket Price For Foreign Visitors is 650 TL.

For disabled people, the entrance fees are free of charge. At the same time, according to the law, there are no fees for people accompanying disabled persons.
Dolmabahce Palace's opening hours are between 09.00-18.00 every day of the week except Monday. The last visit time can be brought forward depending on the intensity. Photo or camera images are not allowed during the visit.

The best way to visit Dolmabahçe Palace is to purchase your Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from istanbul.com. Click here to Book your Guided Tour right away. 

Dolmabahce Palace Tickets Online

If you want to visit Dolmabahce with professional guides and have an awareness of Dolmabahce Palace Istanbul's history while you visit, you can book your tour online. Dolmabahce Palace tickets online price offers are just a click away. In addition, as a Dolmabahce Palace visit and Bosphorus cruise choice, you can reach the palace by crossing the Bosphorus and turn your trip into a blue and fascinating journey by booking the related tour program. 

Frequently Asked Question

Why Is The Palace Called “Dolma Bahçe”?
Since the land obtained from the bay, which was filled in to create a more suitable area for ceremonies, was later called "Dolma garden" and gradually turned into a private garden.
When Was Dolmabahçe Palace Turned Into a Museum?
The Palace, which was partially open to protocol and visits between 1926-1984, has been opened to tour as a “museum-palace” since 1984. A museum was opened in 2004, in the former Internal Treasury building in the Dolmabahçe Palace Harem Garden, where clocks belonging to the National Palaces Clock Collection are exhibited. It has become one of the important examples of "museum within a museum" not only in Turkey but all over the world.
Why should I Visit Dolmabahçe Palace Museum?
It’s worth it to see the amazing synthesis of East and West in a literal historical atmosphere. In addition to its architecture, the palace still serves the visitors with the valuable exhibits opened in the harem and the mabey. Exhibits in a contemporary arrangement the items used in the ceremonies and in the daily lives of the sultans and their close circles, which have been meticulously kept until today.
Dolmabahçe Palace Museum Opening Hours?
The palace can be visited throughout the week between 9 AM and 18 PM, except for the first days of the religious holidays and the new year’s day.