Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)

The Basics

Designed to echo the contemporary style of luxurious European palaces, Dolmabahce Palace was the idea of Sultan Abdulmecid I. The last six sultans of the Ottoman Empire and the first president of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, all lived in the palace. Today it’s preserved as an extravagant museum, with the gilded details of the early 20th century still visible.

Tours are required to visit the palace, and many Istanbul half- and full-day sightseeing excursions combine Dolmabahce Palace with Topkapi Palace or a Bosphorus cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Dolmabahce Palace is a must-see for architecture and history buffs.

• You can visit the palace only with a guided group tour.

• In order to protect the carpets, the palace provides plastic covers for your shoes.

How to Get There

Dolmabahce Palace is on Istanbul’s European side of the Bosphorus, walking distance from the Kabatas tram and bus stops, and ferry terminal. It’s also a short walk from the Besiktas bus stops and ferry ports. Taxis are another convenient option.

When to Get There

Dolmabahce Palace is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday. A few major national and religious Turkish holidays affect opening times; check before visiting. Make sure to arrive with enough time to begin the palace’s required group guided tour, which usually takes about 45 minutes.

Art in the Palace

Be sure to take time to admire the large collection of oil paintings that hang on the walls of Dolmabahce Palace. Toward the end of the Ottoman Empire, European-style portraiture become more popular, and sultans would often commission portraits by artists for the residence. There is an annex to the palace that contains much of the oil painting collection.

Is it worth visiting Dolmabahce Palace?

Yes, Dolmabahce Palace is worth a visit if you’re in Istanbul and have at least a couple of hours to dedicate to the landmark’s over-the-top Ottoman aesthetics. From the palace’s neoclassical façade to the gardens to the opulent interiors—there’s plenty to feast your eyes on as you explore.

How much time do you need at Dolmabahce Palace?

Plan to spend around 2–3 hours at Dolmabahce Palace during a visit. While tours generally last around two hours at most, there are often lines for entry and around popular palace sites such as the Imperial Harem during busier times. Skip-the-line tickets are a good idea during peak months.

Is there a dress code for Dolmabahce Palace?

There’s no specific dress code for Dolmabahce Palace, but as with any visit to a religious or spiritual monument, it’s wise to be respectful of what you wear. Clothes should cover your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes would be a smart choice to cope with lots of walking.

Which is better, Dolmabahce Palace or Topkapi Palace?

If you’re more interested in architecture and history that feels closer to home, you’ll likely think Dolmabahce Palace is the better site. However, fans of Topkapi Palace may say that Topkapi’s colorful stories of sultans and concubines, cooler temperatures, and open spaces make this palace a better pick.

Can you buy tickets for Dolmabahce Palace?

Yes, entry tickets to Dolmabahce Palace can be bought spontaneously at the door or in advance online. If visiting in the warmer months between April and October (especially in the peak summer season), buying skip-the-line tickets in advance to cut out long ticket lines is a good idea.

What’s inside Dolmabahce Palace?

As one of the largest palaces in Turkey, Dolmabahce Palace has a lot of stuff to see. Tours focus on interior highlights such as the ceremonial quarters (the Selamlık Section) and the private quarters (the Harem), the two most interesting areas. The Clock Museum is another noteworthy sight.