If you are ready to enter a world where luxury meets history, then Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul is the place to be.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Bosphorus, this magnificent palace is a true gem of Turkish heritage and architecture.
This Istanbul palace has soaring domes, majestic halls adorned with crystal chandeliers, and sprawling gardens that make you feel like royalty.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.
Top Dolmabahçe Palace Tickets
# Guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace
# Dolmabahçe Palace + Audio Guide
# Dolmabahce + Spice Bazaar + Rustempasha Mosque
Table of contents
- What to expect at Dolmabahçe Palace
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Dolmabahçe Palace ticket price
- Dolmabahçe Palace tickets
- How to reach Dolmabahçe Palace
- Opening hours of Dolmabahçe Palace
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace
- History of Dolmabahce Palace
- Chandelier at Dolmabahçe Palace
- Reviews
- FAQs about Dolmabahçe Palace
What to expect at Dolmabahçe Palace
As you approach Dolmabahçe Palace, prepare to be greeted by an architectural masterpiece.
From its imposing facade adorned with intricate details to its majestic domes and towering gates, every inch of this palace is grand.
Marvel at the ornate ceilings, dazzling crystal chandeliers, and exquisite furnishings that reflect the luxury of the Ottoman era.
One of the highlights of Dolmabahçe Palace is the Ceremonial Hall, a majestic space that will leave you in awe.
Admire the grand staircase made entirely of crystal and the enormous chandelier that hangs from the ceiling – it’s a sight to behold!
Learn about the palace’s role as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and its significance in Turkish history.
Don’t miss the room where Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his final days.
Dolmabahçe also offers stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Take a moment to soak in the beauty of Istanbul’s iconic waterway from the palace’s windows and terraces.
Admire the meticulously landscaped palace gardens dotted with fountains, statues, and colorful flowers. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the serene ambiance.
| Dolmabahçe Palace Tickets | Ticket cost |
|---|---|
| Guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace | ₺2085 (€60) |
| Dolmabahçe Palace + Audio Guide | ₺2120 (€61) |
| Dolmabahce + Spice Bazaar + Rustempasha Mosque | ₺1860 (€54) |
Where to book tickets
You can buy Dolmabahçe Palace tickets online in advance or at the ticket counter.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because the attraction sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace Istanbul ticket booking page, select the date, preferred time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.
Once you purchase the Dolmabahçe Palace tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Meet your guide in front of the Dolmabahce Bufe before the security line.
Dolmabahçe Palace ticket price
The guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace is priced at ₺2085 (€60) for all visitors to the castle.
The ticket for Dolmabahçe Palace with an audio guide costs ₺2120 (€61) for all visitors above seven years old.
Children up to six years old can enter for free.
Dolmabahçe Palace tickets
There are three ways to explore the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.
You can simply book the Guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace, Palace + Audio Guide, or Dolmabahce + Spice Bazaar + Rustempasha Mosque.
Guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace
This is the cheapest and most popular ticket to explore Dolmabahçe Palace Istanbul, the biggest royal residence of the Ottoman sultans and the imperial family.
Meet and greet your guide outside the monument to enter with your skip-the-line admission ticket.
Appreciate the incredible architecture and interior design as you learn about the palace’s history from your knowledgeable guide.
Understand how the palace was built by the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid I and opened in 1856.
Marvel the greatest Baccarat and Bohemian chandelier collection.
As you continue the tour, learn about the distinct differences between the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Topkapı Palace, from their architectural style to the use of furniture.
Ticket Price: ₺2085 (€60)
Dolmabahçe Palace tickets + Audio Guide
Meet your guide after a security check at the Clock Tower; they will wear a red jacket or shirt.
Enjoy skipping the long ticket lines to enter the world’s most luxurious palace, which will help you save up to 2 hours.
Your guide will take you through a 10-minute tour inside the palace garden.
Understand the highlights inside the Dolmabahce Palace and its famous Harem, and look for the best spots to capture the most amazing pictures.
After that, receive your audio guide (available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic) to explore the inside of the palace, Harem, and Painting Museum at your own pace.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (7+ years): ₺2120 (€61)
Child Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Dolmabahce Palace + Spice Bazaar + Rustempasha Mosque
Distance between Dolmabahçe Palace and Spice Bazaar: 7.4 km (4.5 miles)
Time Taken: 16 minutes by car
Distance between Palace and Rustempasha Mosque: 5.4 km (3.3 miles)
Time Taken: 15 minutes by car
Book this combo ticket to visit three of Istanbul’s must-see attractions – Dolmabahçe Palace, Spice Bazaar, and Rustempasha Mosque.
This ticket lets you enjoy skip-the-line entry to the palace in Istanbul, including its Harem Section and the private quarters.
Your guide will take you to the Spice Bazaar and explain the miracle of Herbs in this old shopping center.
The last stop is Rustempasha Mosque, one of the most beautiful works of Architect Sinan.
Dolmabahce Palace Tour Times
Monday – No Tours (Palace is closed)
Tuesday to Sunday – 9.30 am, 11.15 am, 2 pm, 3.45 pm
Spice Bazaar & Rustempasha Mosque Tour Times
Tuesday – 9 am
Friday – 9.30 am
Saturday – 4.30 pm
Sunday – 12 pm and 4.30 pm
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – No Tours
Ticket Price: ₺1860 (€54)
Save time and money! Buy the Istanbul E-Pass to get skip-the-line access to top Istanbul attractions. Book the E-Pass for a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day pass. Your pass allows access to over 40 key Istanbul attractions, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and guided tours.
How to reach Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, on the European coast of the Bosporus strait.
Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye. Get Directions.
You can reach the palace by public or private transport.
By Bus
Board bus 121CS, BSK/1, BSK/2, or D31 to reach the nearest bus stop, Dolmabahçe Palace, a minute’s walk away from the palace.
Another bus stop, Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi, is a 4-minute walk from the palace. You can take the following bus – 22, 22B, 26, 26A, 26B, 27E, 27SE, 28, 28T, 29C, 29D, 30A, 30D, 40, 40T, 41E, 43R, 49Z, 50L, 55B, 55ET, 58A, 58N, 58S, 58UL, 62, 62G, 63, 129T, 559C, BSK/1, BSK/2, D31, or DT1.
By Ferry
Available ferries are Üsküdar Kabataş and Beşiktaş-Adalar. The nearest ferry terminal is Kabataş, a 4-minute walk from the attraction.
By Tram
Board T1 and get off at the nearest stop, Fındıklı-Mımar Sınan Ünıversıtesı. The palace is a 12-minute walk from the tram stop.
By Car
If you wish to travel by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are numerous parking garages around the attraction.
Opening hours of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul opens from Tuesday to Sunday at 9 am and closes at 4 pm.
The last admission is at 3.30 pm.
The palace remains closed on Monday, New Year’s Eve, the first day of Ramadan Feast, and Eid-al-Adha Day 1.
How long does the tour take
A guided Dolmabahçe palace tour lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
This duration allows visitors to explore the main highlights of the palace, including the impressive ceremonial hall, lavish chambers, and ornate interiors.
Visitors who wish to delve deeper into the history and architectural details of the palace explore the palace at their own pace during a self-guided visit.
The tour duration may extend to 2 to 3 hours or more.
It’s worth noting that the palace complex is vast and encompasses multiple buildings and exhibits, so visitors should allocate additional time to explore the surrounding gardens, visit the on-site museum, or enjoy other attractions within the palace grounds.
Best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace
The best time to visit the Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace is when they open for the day at 9 am.
Morning visit ensures a crowd-free experience and lets you relish the attraction without extended waiting periods.
The next best time to visit the attraction is late afternoon; it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, have fewer visitors compared to weekends.
If your schedule allows, plan your visit for a weekday to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and easier access to exhibits.
Dolmabahçe Palace may experience increased crowds during public holidays and school vacations, especially during summer and winter breaks.
Check local holiday calendars and consider planning your visit on non-holiday dates to avoid congestion.
History of Dolmabahce Palace
Commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I in the mid-19th century, Dolmabahçe Palace was envisioned as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s modernization and aspirations for Westernization.
The palace was built between 1843 and 1856 under the supervision of the renowned Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğayos Balyan.
Spread across an expansive area of 45,000 square meters (11 acres), the palace is adorned with intricate carvings, majestic domes, and ornate balconies.
The Ceremonial Hall, with breathtaking crystal chandeliers and sumptuous furnishings, was used for state ceremonies and receptions hosted by the sultans.
The palace served as the Ottoman sultans’ main administrative center and residence.
Six sultans lived at the Dolmabahçe Palace between 1856 and the abolition of the caliphate in 1924.
Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, passed away in the Dolmabahçe Palace on November 10, 1938.
The Directorate of National Palaces has been running the Dolmabahçe as a museum since 1984.
Chandelier at Dolmabahçe Palace
The magnificent chandelier hangs resplendently from the ornate ceiling in the Ceremonial Hall of Dolmabahçe Palace.
The chandelier weighs 4.5 tons and comprises 750 lamps and 10,000 crystal pieces.
It is 36 feet high (11 meters) and 26 feet in diameter (8 meters), making it the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world.
Stretching upwards towards the ceiling, its tiers of shimmering crystals catch the light and cast a mesmerizing glow throughout the hall.
The chandelier undergoes careful maintenance and preservation efforts so future generations can continue admiring its beauty.
The Dolmabahçe Palace has the world’s largest Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandelier collection.
Reviews
Dolmabahçe Palace is a highly-rated tourist attraction.
Check out two Dolmabahçe Palace Istanbul reviews we selected from Tripadvisor, which give you an idea of what to expect at this attraction.
Favorite thing I did in Istanbul
This was my favorite thing that I did while in Istanbul. I found the palace and the grounds breathtaking, and this was my second visit.
Beautiful place
Beautiful palace on the Bosforo channel for a full visit inside and outside. Three more hours are required. You can take beautiful photos and videos.
FAQs about Dolmabahçe Palace
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul:
Tickets to Dolmabahçe Palace can be purchased in advance online or at designated ticket outlets. Buying in advance can help secure your preferred entry time and avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Guided tours of Dolmabahçe Palace require separate tickets, which include admission to the palace, and the guided tour experience. Visitors can choose between self-guided exploration and guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Here are some available ticket options – Guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace, Palace tickets + Audio Guide, and Palace + Spice Bazaar + Rustempasha Mosque.
Yes, the combo ticket includes a free Spice Bazaar and Rustempasha Mosque tour and a skip-the-line entry to Dolmabahce Palace With Harem Section. This package offers savings for visitors looking to explore multiple sites during their visit to the city.
There is no specific dress code for visiting the palace. However, we recommend to dress modestly and comfortably, as you will be walking and climbing stairs during the tour. Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace’s floors can be slippery and uneven.
Photography and videography are not allowed inside the palace but without flash or tripods. Photography is prohibited in certain sections of the palace, and checking with the staff before taking any pictures is recommended.
Some notable attractions include the Crystal Staircase, Ceremonial Hall, Harem section, Glass Pavilion, and Clock Tower.
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