The huge palace was built as a modern residence for Ottoman sultans in the 19th century.

Today, it features some of the grandest interiors in Istanbul ever. The palace is built right on the banks of the Bosphorus, with its magnificent Baroque façade reflected in the water.

View hotels overlooking the Bosphorus

Is Dolmabahçe Palace worth a visit?

I really liked the palace and I don't regret my visit.

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to see the most luxurious interiors in Istanbul (gold, crystal, European style)
• you plan to combine it with a walk along the Bosphorus (Beşiktaş - Kabataş)

❌ More likely not, if:

• you have already seen Topkapi Palace and other interiors do not attract you
• you have little time (a visit can take 2-3 hours)
• you don't want to spend a lot of money on entrance fees

💡 Alternative:
If one palace is enough for you, for myself I would definitely recommend Topkapi. More interesting interiors and incredible views.

The most interesting parts of the palace

These were my favourite parts of Dolmabahce Palace.

Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Salon)

• a huge space for state ceremonies
• the iconic chandelier - the largest crystal chandelier in the world
• 36-metre high ceiling

Crystal staircase

• one of the most photogenic parts of the palace
• combination of crystal, brass and mahogany

Harem

• the private part of the Sultan and his family
• less ostentatious but more authentic than the main halls

Clock stopped at 9:05

• commemorating the death of Atatürk
• one of the most powerful moments of the whole visit

Other rooms and gardens

But the tour route goes through all the rooms and it is impossible to turn away from it.

You will see all the rooms open to the public and the beautiful gardens around the palace.

Entrance fees and opening hours

I was surprised by the price of admission - basic entry costs almost unbelievable 2 000 try.

After all, that's more than a full admission to Versailles or the Roman Colosseum!

I really liked the interiors, but if I were deciding what to visit next in Istanbul, I would probably skip Dolmabahce Palace - just because of the expensive entrance fee.

I found Topkapi Palace much more interesting, where the entrance fee is even more expensive, but I enjoyed my visit more.

Tickets to the palace can only be bought on the spot, the ticket office closes at 5pm every day.

Accommodation at Dolmabahçe Palace

The Akaretler district above Dolmabahçe Palace is a little further away from the historic centre of Istanbul, but can still be a great choice for accommodation.

There are several luxury hotels along the Bosphorus. For example, directly across the street from the palace is the hotel of my favorite chain - Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul.

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Transportation to Dolmabahçe Palace

The easiest way to reach the palace is on foot from Kabataş Port. From the city centre you can get there by the following ways:

• by ferry - Kabataş port: ferries about 3 times an hour from the Asian side
• by tram - Kabataş stop: the T1 tram line goes to the historic Sultanahmet district in the European part of Istanbul
• buses: lines 40, 55 to Taksim Square

Read also our experience of travelling around the city:

• 🎟️ Fares and how to use Istanbulkart
• 🚇 How the Istanbul Metro works

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