Dolmabahce Palace is an architectural masterpiece, a standing testament to the opulence and engineering knowledge of the Ottomans. Situated on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahce Palace has served as an administrative center and residence for prominent Sultans, later becoming a symbol of modernization and reform.
Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Last Admission: 5:30 PM
Closed On: Mondays, New Year’s Day, 1st day of the Ramadan Bairam, and 1st Day of the Feast of Sacrifice
Duration of Visit: Around 1 to 2 hours
Address: Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
Nearest Landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar
The most economical way to reach the Dolmabahce Palace is to get on the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or the Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train or take the M2 metro or the T1 tram. The Dolmabahce Palace is an 8-minute walk from the Sultanahmet station. If you take the train from Fatih, you have to get down at Sirkeci station, an 11-minute walk from the palace. You can also board any of the buses between 46C, 66, 70FE, 77A, 99A, EM1, and BN1. You have to get down either at Eminonu-Ekspres Yonu or Eminonu-Sahil Yonu, both 11 minutes away from the Palace.
The Istanbul Airport is only around 42.9 km from the Dolmabahce Palace. It takes 34 minutes by car via D020. Get on the D020 in Ihsaniye and continue down the road for about 8 minutes. Then, take the exit towards Kagithane from Hasdal-Okmeydani Baglantisi. Continue for around 28.4 kilometers. Then, take the Kagithane- Piyalepalesa tunnel and Bomonti-Dolmabahce tunnel to Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. in Visnezade. After driving for around 7 to 8 more minutes, you will see the Dolmabahce Palace.
The Dolmabahce Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.
The summer months of March to May are the best months to visit the Dolmabahce Palace. The weather is ideal for strolling around the palace courtyards and exploring other attractions in the city. To enjoy comparatively lesser crowds, choose weekdays and reach early in the morning.
Yes, you have to book Dolmabahce Palace tickets. You can enter any time during the operating hours.
We recommend you spend at least 1 to 2 hours inside the palace to explore the interiors and halls of the Dolmabahce Palace to the fullest.
Yes, you can visit the Dolmabahce Palace with a group. However, you must inform the authorities in advance and secure permission to ensure that you can visit the palace comfortably.
The Dolmabahce Palace is located in Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas in Istanbul, Turkey
The most budget-friendly way to reach the Dolmabahce Palace is to get on the Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or the Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze) train or take the M2 metro or the T1 tram. The Dolmabahce Palace is an 8-minute walk from the Sultanahmet station.
The Dolmabahce Palace has two entrances- the main entrance or the Imperial Gate and the Gate of Treasury. If you use a wheelchair, use the main entrance. It has ramps and elevators to make navigation easier for visitors with limited mobility.
While there is no fixed dress code that you have to follow at the Dolmabahce Palace, if you are visiting the Dolmabahce Mosque, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
No, strollers are not allowed inside the Dolmabahce Palace. Since there are no elevators to the second floor, you will find it difficult to navigate the palace with a stroller.
Yes, you may click pictures inside the Dolmabahce Palace, however, there are restrictions on some sections. Please be mindful and refrain from taking pictures of those areas.
You can leave your luggage at the Sirkeci train station. If you are coming from Havastas or staying in Taksim, consider using the Bagaj luggage service, a few minutes away from the Havastas station to store your belongings.
Yes, if you reserve around 2 hours, you will be able to explore all the halls and interiors of the Dolmabahce Palace to the fullest.
Yes, if you are interested in history and architecture, the Dolmabahce Palace is a must-visit. The palace is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, blending various styles such as Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo. Look out for its ceremonial halls, including the Crystal Staircase, the Ceremonial Hall of the Valide Sultan, and the Medhal Hall.