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    Dolmabahce Palace | Exploring Turkey's largest palace

    The 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace was the Ottoman Empire's administrative center for over 50 years. With lavish rooms decorated with glass, crystals, and gold, it is a masterpiece of Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, embodying Ista...

    Founded On

    1984

    Founded By

    Garabet Balyan

    Dolmabahçe PalaceDolmabahce Palace

    Quick Information

    ADDRESS

    Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

    RECOMMENDED DURATION

    3 hours

    Timings

    09:00–17:00

    VISITORS PER YEAR

    15000000

    TICKETS

    From € 33.90

    EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

    2+ hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

    EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

    0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

    Plan your visit

    Did you know?

    The construction of Dolmabahce Palace cost 5 million Ottoman gold lira, or 35 tonnes of gold. This is equivalent to nearly $2 billion in today’s times. 14 tonnes of gold was used for gilding the palace ceilings.

    “Dolmabahce” means “filled-in garden” in Turkish. The palace is located in what was originally a shallow bay of the Bosphorus. The shore was reclaimed in the late 17th century, filled in, and converted into an imperial garden.

    The Bohemian crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall of Dolmabahce Palace is the largest in the world. It weighs a massive 4.5 tonnes and has 750 lamps.

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

    Clock Tower at the Dolmabahce Palace

    Clock Tower

    Standing 27 meters tall, the clock tower was built in 1890 and has been keeping time for over a century. It features a distinctive Ottoman-style design. You can climb up to the clock tower's top and enjoy panoramic views of the palace and the Bosphorus Strait. 

    Dolmabahce Clock Tower
    Harems at the Dolmabahce Palace

    Harem

    The harem section of Dolmabahce Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman sultans and their families. You can explore their living quarters, study, and reception rooms. Look out for their stained glass windows and lavish tilework. 

    Dolmabahce Palace harem
    Dolmabahce Mosque

    Dolmabahce Mosque

    Dolmabahçe Mosque, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, is a remarkable architectural gem within the Dolmabahçe Palace complex. Completed in 1855, it showcases a fusion of Ottoman and Baroque styles, boasting an impressive facade, intricate interiors, and a unique historical significance.

    Dolmabahce Museum

    Dolmabahce Museum

    Originally Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque, Dolmabahce Mosque, commissioned in 1852 by Sultan Abdulmecid's mother and completed in 1855, blends Baroque and Ottoman styles near Dolmabahce Palace. Now part of the palace, it houses a museum with 200 paintings spanning the 16th to 20th centuries by Turkish and international artists.

    Dolmabahce Museum
    Medhal Hall at Dolmabahce Palace

    Medhal Hall

    The Medhal Hall was used as a reception area for the sultan's guests and dignitaries. It features a beautiful crystal chandelier, one of the largest in the palace, and intricate frescoes and carvings along the walls and ceiling. 

    Mabeyn-i Humayun at Dolmabahce Palace

    Mabeyn-i Humayun

    When you enter this hall, you get a sense of the power and prestige of the Ottoman Empire and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. It was used as a place of reception for ambassadors and foreign dignitaries visiting the palace. 

    Muayede at Dolmabahce Palace

    Muayede

    Muayede Hall was used for the grandest ceremonies of the Ottoman Empire, including the coronation of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1876. The hall features an impressive dome, which is adorned with stunning frescoes and intricate gold leaf decorations. 

    Zulvecheyn Hall at the Dolmabahce Palace

    Zulvecheyn Hall

    The Zulvecheyn Hall is renowned for its impressive size and stunning crystal chandeliers, which are among the largest in the world, weighing over 4 tons each. You will also find ornate gold leaf decorations and intricate carvings on its walls. 

    Library at the Dolmabahce Palace

    Library

    The library contains over 25,000 books in several languages, including Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, with the oldest book dating back to the 9th century. It also has many rare manuscripts, including one of the last handwritten copies of the Quran from the 19th century. 

    Palace Gates at the Dolmabahce Palace

    Palace Gates

    The gates are made from wrought iron and are adorned with intricate patterns and motifs. They served as the entrance to the palace during the Ottoman Empire and witnessed several crucial moments in Turkish history. 

    Inside Dolmabahce Palace >

    History of Dolmabahce Palace

    History of Dolmabahce Palace

    The construction of Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843 under the orders of Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid I and was built to replace the Topkapi Palace as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the palace took 13 years to complete and cost the equivalent of 35 tons of gold. Many important political events took place at the palace, including the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which established the modern borders of Turkey. Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, with over 285 rooms, 46 halls, and 6 Turkish baths. It served as the residence of the sultan and his family until the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1922. Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of Ottoman history and culture.

    Dolmabahce Palace history

    Who built Dolmabahce Palace?

    Dolmabahce Palace was built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid I in the mid-19th century to replace Topkapi Palace as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Armenian architect Garabet Balyan along with his son Nigogayos Balyan ideated the design and construction of the Palace in 1843. It took about 13 years to complete the construction of the Palace. 

    Architecture & design of Dolmabahce Palace

    Architecture of Dolmabahce Palace

    Dolmabahce Palace features a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. While the exterior facades, domes, and ceilings have Neoclassical features, the Crystal Staircase, adorned with Baccarat crystals takes one on a trip down the bygone days. The palace also houses a variety of notable artworks and statues, such as the colossal Crystal staircase and the impressive painting of the world-famous Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Additionally, you can explore the palace's extensive gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Palm Garden, and the Camellia Garden, which provide breathtaking views of the Bosphorus River.

    Dolmabahce Palace architecture

    Frequently asked questions about Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul

    What is Dolmabahce Palace?

    Built in the mid-19th century, Dolmabahce Palace served as the primary administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It features both European and Ottoman architectural elements. The palace is renowned for its opulent interiors adorned with exquisite chandeliers, grand staircases, and extravagant artwork. 

    Why is Dolmabahce Palace famous?

    Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I, the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Thousands of tourists visit the palace every year because of its opulent interiors and historical significance. It served as the primary administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and features a combination of European and Ottoman elements. 

    How much are Dolmabahce Palace tickets?

    Dolmabahce Palace tickets start from €29. There are different experiences to choose from, including skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tours. Audio guides are also available for a more informative experience.

    What can I do at Dolmabahce Palace?

    When visiting Dolmabahce Palace, look out for its magnificent halls and opulent interiors. The Crystal Staircase, Medhal Hall, and the Ceremonial Hall of the Valide Sultan are some popular rooms that you must check out. Also, make sure to walk around in the palace gardens and enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus River and the Eastern side of Istanbul. 

    Who designed Dolmabahce Palace?

    Dolmabahce Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I. It was designed and constructed by Armenian architect Garabet Balyan, along with his son Nigogayos Balyan. 

    When was Dolmabahce Palace built?

    The construction of Dolmabahce Palace began in 1843 and took around 13 years to complete. The architect Garabet Balyan along with his son Nigogayos Balyan ideated the construction, blending traditional Ottoman elements with European styles.

    What is the main purpose of Dolmabahce Palace?

    In 1843, Sultan Abdulmecid I commissioned Dolmabahce Palace to serve as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, taking over from Topkapi Palace. The blend of European and Ottoman architectural elements showcases the transcultural influences and is an attempt to modernize the administrative center. 

    Where is Dolmabahce Palace located?

    Dolmabahce Palace is located on Visnezade, Dolmabahce Cd., 34357 Besiktas in Istanbul, Turkey.  

    How can I get to Dolmabahce Palace?

    The most economical way to reach 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. Dolmabahce Palace is an 8-minute walk from the Sultanahmet station.

    What are Dolmabahce Palace's timings?

    Dolmabahce Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every Tuesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays. 

    How many entrances does Dolmabahce Palace have?

    Dolmabahce Palace has two entrances- the main entrance with wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators, also known as the Imperial Gate, and the side entrance or the Gate of Treasury. 

    How long should I spend at Dolmabahce Palace?

    You should expect to spend around 2 hours in fully exploring the ceremonial halls, grand interiors, and vast gardens of Dolmabahce Palace. 

    Is Dolmabahce Palace worth visiting?

    Yes, if you love history and art, you must visit Dolmabahce Palace. It served as the official administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from the mid-19th century and has borne witness to several crucial events in Turkish history. The palace is also known for its grand interiors, crystal staircase, and well-manicured gardens. 

    More Reads

    Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours

    Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours

    Inside Dolmabahce Palace

    Inside Dolmabahce Palace

    Dolmabahce Clock Tower

    Dolmabahce Clock Tower