DOLMABAHÇE PALACE

Information

Dolmabahçe Palace is a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the grandeur and engineering expertise of the Ottoman Empire. Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait, it served as both the administrative center and royal residence for Ottoman sultans from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, later symbolizing modernization and reform.
On this page, you'll find essential details for planning your visit to this historic palace.

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours

• Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
  

2) Combo Tickets

• Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Ticket Line & Bosphorus Cruise
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show & Dolmabahce Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
  

3) City Passes

For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.

>> View all available passes here.

Exhibitions & Collections

• The Crystal Staircase: A grand, double-curved staircase made of crystal, brass, and mahogany, one of the palace’s most iconic architectural elements.
• The Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Salonu): The largest hall in the palace, featuring a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, gifted by Queen Victoria, and used for imperial ceremonies.
• The Harem Section: A private residential area where the sultan’s family and concubines lived, featuring luxurious yet secluded chambers.
• Atatürk’s Room: The bedroom where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, spent his final days in 1938. The clock in this room remains stopped at 9:05 AM, the time of his passing.
• Bosphorus Views & Gardens: The palace's ornamental gardens and waterfront terraces offer panoramic views of the Bosphorus, reflecting the opulence of Ottoman palace life.

How to Get There

• By Tram: Take the T1 tram line to Kabataş Station, which is a short walk from the palace entrance.
  
• By Bus: Several public buses stop near Dolmabahçe from Taksim, Beşiktaş, and Eminönü. Check local routes for the most convenient option.
  
• By Metro: Take the M2 metro line to Taksim Station, then transfer to the F1 funicular to Kabataş and walk to the palace.

Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information

• Photography: Photography is not allowed inside the palace but is permitted in the gardens and outdoor areas.
  
• Accessibility: The main sections of the palace are wheelchair accessible, though some areas have stairs and uneven surfaces.
  
• Best Visiting Times: Dolmabahçe Palace is most enjoyable to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). The weather is pleasant during these months, making it ideal for exploring the palace's extensive gardens and enjoying the outdoor spaces. Furthermore, crowds are less during these times, giving you more space to explore and appreciate the splendour of the palace.
  

History of Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1843 and completed in 1856 as a modernized replacement for Topkapı Palace. Designed with European neoclassical, baroque, and rococo influences, it symbolized the Ottoman Empire’s shift toward Westernization in the 19th century.

The palace remained the official residence of Ottoman sultans until the fall of the empire in 1922. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic, it was used as a presidential residence, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk staying there during his visits to Istanbul. He passed away in Dolmabahçe Palace on November 10, 1938. 

Today, the palace operates as a museum, preserving its historical, architectural, and political significance.