Plan your visit to Dolmabahce Palace | Explore Istanbul's Ottoman heritage

Dolmabahce Palace strives to accommodate wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. There are ramps on the ground floor and at the main entrance of the palace, making these areas accessible for those using wheelchairs or who have mobility issues. However, there are no accessibility features on the upper floors of the palace.

• Cafe: The Dolmabahce Palace has a cafe near its border. You can enjoy refreshments and Turkish delicacies while taking in the views of the Bosphorus Strait, 
• Gift Shop: There is a gift shop within the palace complex, offering a range of souvenirs, books, and cultural items related to the palace and Turkish history. You can purchase mementos to commemorate their visit. 

• Plan sufficient time: Dolmabahçe Palace is a large complex with extensive exhibits, so allocate ample time for your visit. We recommend spending at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the palace and its surroundings fully.
• Take a guided tour: Opting for a Dolmabahce Palace guided tour not only allows you to enjoy skip-the-line access, but also to have an informative touring experience. Your tour guide will help you explore hidden gems and share anecdotes about the history of the palace.
• Wear comfortable footwear: The palace involves considerable walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Additionally, keep in mind that some parts of the palace may require visitors to remove their shoes or wear protective shoe covers to preserve the historical interiors.
• Follow visitor etiquette: Respect the palace's rules and regulations, including maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanour inside the exhibits. Avoid touching any artifacts, as this can cause damage.
• Explore the gardens and courtyards: Dolmabahce Palace has perfectly manicured gardens and beautiful courtyards on its premises, which offer a tranquil and picturesque setting. Make sure to visit these to soak in the surroundings.

• Photography: You cannot take pictures in every area or section of Dolmabahce Palace. Look for cautionary signs and do not use commercial equipment. It may obstruct the view of other visitors. 
• Interiors: Please do not touch the artworks, statues, or ornamentations inside Dolmabahce Palace. 
• Outside food: Visitors are not allowed to bring outside food and drinks to the palace. 
• Luggage: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the palace and must be checked at the entrance.

• Dolmabahce Palace Cafe: It is located on the borders of the Dolmabahce Palace and offers amazing views of its surrounding gardens. The cafe is wheelchair-accessible. You can enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages. 
• Milli Saraylar Idaresi: They are best known for their pleasant ambiance, quick bites, and coffee. (0.3 km)
• Sabrosa Restaurant: When you visit this restaurant, make sure to try their grilled meals with fries and brunch dishes. They also have vegan options and gluten-free dishes. (0.3 km)
• Chalet: The place is wheelchair accessible and offers valet parking, free Wi-Fi, and highchairs for children. It is a genuine classic Swiss mountain chalet in the heart of Istanbul. (0.3 km)
• 16 Roof: From Peruvian to Mediterranean to Turkish, you can have any dish of your choice in this restaurant.  (0.3 km)
• Gabbro-Restro Bar: It is one of the best places to relax and grab a bite. They can whip up any cocktail to your liking. (0.3 km)

• Budget stays:
  Wabi Sabi Hostels (1.5 km)
  Levantan Hostel (1.6 km)
  Taksim Green House Hostel (1.6 km)
• Comfort stays:
  Puffin Suites (2.8 km)
  Ruby Otel (2.8 km)
  Sunrise Istanbul Suites (2.7 km)
• Luxury stays:
  Shangri-La Bosphorus (2.9 km)
  The Ritz-Carlton (1.5 km)
  Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus (3.2 km)

• Hagia Sophia: With a history spanning over a millennium, Hagia Sophia has served as a church, a mosque, and a museum, and is now declared a church again. Its grand dome, stunning mosaics, and impressive size make it an iconic symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural fusion. 
• Topkapi Palace: Built in the mid-15th century, Topkapi Palace served as the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for many centuries. With its intricate architecture, sprawling courtyards, and stunning views of the Bosphorus, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
• Blue Mosque: Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque derives its name from the stunning blue tiles adorning its interior walls. With its elegant architecture, multiple domes, and graceful minarets, it stands as a masterpiece of Ottoman design. 
• Galata Tower: Dating back to the medieval period, the Galata Tower has served many purposes, from a watchtower to a lighthouse. It has a beautiful observation deck from where you can catch stunning views of the city.