Dolmabahce Palace Tickets

Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours

Summer Season (April 1 - October 31): The palace opens earlier (around 9:00 AM) and closes later (around 5:30 PM) to accommodate the higher tourist numbers.

Winter Season (November 1 - March 31): In winter, the palace opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 4:00 PM.

Closing Days: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays

How to Get There

Dolmabahce ...

Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours

Summer Season (April 1 - October 31): The palace opens earlier (around 9:00 AM) and closes later (around 5:30 PM) to accommodate the higher tourist numbers.

Winter Season (November 1 - March 31): In winter, the palace opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 4:00 PM.

Closing Days: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays

How to Get There

Dolmabahce Palace is situated in the Besiktas district, on the banks of the Bosphorus, and therefore easy to reach.

By Tram From Sultanahmet: Take the tram T1 and go 7 stops to Kabataş station. From here, it is just 4 minutes.

By Bus: The nearest bus stops to Dolmabahce palace in Beşiktaş is Beşiktaş Peronlar. It’s a 1 min walk away.

By Metro (from Taksim): The easiest way to reach Dolmabahce Palace is to walk about 10 minutes to the tram stop “Fındıklı Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi” and take tram line T1. Go 3 stops to the Kabataş station.

From here, it is only 4 minutes.

By Ferry (from Kadıköy): The nearest ferry station to Dolmabahce palace in Beşiktaş is Beşiktaş. It’s a 5 min walk away.

Accessibility

Dolmabahce Palace offers good accessibility for wheelchair users. All four courtyards are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps provided at the main entrance and many doors to navigate marble thresholds.

Additionally, disabled-friendly toilets are available within the palace complex. However, wheelchair rentals are unavailable. Keep in mind that the cobblestone-covered hills might be challenging for disabled travelers.

Please note: Disabled visitors and one accompanying first-degree relative receive free admission.

What's Inside

Dolmabahce Palace is functionally divided into three areas:The Selamlık section, where government business was once conducted.

The Harem, the former private area of the Sultan and his family, which can also be visited for an additional entrance ticket.

The Ceremonial Hall, which was reserved for the important state ceremonies of the Sultan and is located in the Selamlık section.

Selamlık Section: A secluded domain for the sultan's family and concubines, complete with living quarters, administrative spaces, and verdant gardens.

Harem Section: Inside the Harem, you can visit the apartments of the royal family, which transport you back to the Ottoman times. Here are the chambers of the Sultan’s Mother, concubines, wives and favorites of the sultan.

The harem is also home to one of the most important rooms of the palace, especially for the Turkish people.

Here you can find the Room of Atatürk, who spent his last days in a bedroom in the former Harem and died on 10.11.1938. Notice that all clocks in the palace have been set for 09:05, the time he passed away.

Palace Gardens: A must-see for any visitor are the picturesque Palace Gardens. They are divided in four sections: Selamlık Garden (Hasbahce), Crown Garden, Bird Garden (Kuşluk), and Harem Garden.

The Dolmabahce Gardens are a true masterpiece with their natural beauty and tranquility. Walk along exquisite marble pools, beautiful statues and geometric hedge formations and admire the influence of European garden design.

With its beautiful location at the Bosphorus, you can also enjoy a unique view of the famous strait.

Clock Museum: Marvel at the impressive clock collection, which features 71 Ottoman, British and French clocks from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The collection, previously kept in the storerooms, came to light with the opening of the Clock Museum. It has been open to visitors since the renovation of the former Interior Treasury Building in the Harem Garden of the Dolmabahce Palace.

National Palaces Painting Museum: Art lovers should pay a visit to the Painting Museum. It is housed in the Veliahd Residence, which has been turned into a museum after seven years of restoration work. Most of the paintings were previously stored in the Crown Prince Room of the Palace.

The Painting Museum is made up of 11 sections in thematic integrity. Surrounded by a noble setting, you can enjoy about 200 works by Turkish and international artists of the 19th century.

Gates: Be sure to take a look at the magnificent gates of the palace, which are decorated with golden leaf appliqués and inscriptions. The ornate gates, especially the ones overlooking the sea, are a popular backdrop for pictures.

In total, there are 10 gates, but the most stunning ones are the Treasury Gate at the entrance of Dolmabahce Palace and the Sultanate Gate overlooking Dolmabahce Avenue. Both are adorned with tugras (signature of the sultan) and popular photo motifs.

Dolmabahce Clock Tower: Don’t miss the clock tower in the middle of the square, next to Dolmabahce Palace. Built under Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1895, it is considered one of the most famous clock towers in Turkey.

It shows not only the time, but also the weather. The clock tower is now a popular photo spot.

Ticket & Tour Options

You can purchase your Dolmabahce Palace tour tickets online by visiting this link.

Facilities

Audio Guide App: All tickets & tours booked with Istanbul Welcome Card comes with a free Audio Guide App from YourMobileGuide, just download at your smartphone and keep on exploring Topkapi Palace at your own pace.

Restrooms: Easily accessible restroom facilities are available throughout the palace grounds.

Food

Within the palace complex, you'll find several restaurants and cafes, perfect for a refreshing break while you explore.

Nearby Attractions

Bosphorus Cruise: Embarking on a Bosphorus cruise unveils Istanbul from a novel vantage point. As you sail along this renowned waterway, the city's silhouette, adorned by its iconic bridges, unfolds before you. You can book your Bosphorus Cruise ticket from this link.

Dolmabahce Palace FAQs

What is the significance of Dolmabahce Palace?

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, used the palace as a presidential residence during the summers and enacted some of his most important works here.

Atatürk spent the last days of his medical treatment in this palace, where he died on November 10, 1938.

Do I need a Separate Ticket for the Harem?

Yes,for the entrance to the Harem section, you need a dedicated ticket.

How Much Time Should I Plan to Visit Dolmabahce Palace?

Typically, visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the Dolmabahce Palace. If you have an avid interest in historical landmarks, you may want to spend a while longer at the Palace. Make sure to explore its various rooms such as the Ceremonial Hall and the Imperial Harem.

Can I Buy Dolmabahce Palace Tickets Online?

Yes, you can book your Dolmabahce Palace tickets online by visiting this link.

Is Dolmabahce Palace accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, Dolmabahce Palace offers good accessibility for wheelchair users.

Is Dolmabahce Palace entrance free for children?

Dolmabahce Palace provides free admission for children under the age of 6. Do not forget to carry their IDs.

Need to Know/Tips for Dolmabahce Palace

Guided/Audio Tours: Exploring Dolmabahce Palace is enhanced with a guide who can provide insightful context. For independent exploration, consider a self-guided audio tour. Yet, for a richer experience, opt for a historian-led guided tour. You can book your Historian Guided Topkapi Palace tour by visiting this link.

Unofficial Guides: Be cautious of unofficial guides within the Palace Complex. Secure guided tour tickets from official operators in advance. Official guides should display a badge. We recommend booking the tour in advance

Photography: Photography is restricted within the museum, but permissible in other palace areas.

Shoes: Given the vast 700-hectare expanse, comfortable shoes are advisable for the considerable walking involved.

Dress Code: No specific dress code applies when visiting Dolmabahce Palace.

Harem: Note that regular Dolmabahce Palace tickets might not encompass the harem area.

Free Admission: Entry is complimentary for disabled visitors and one accompanying first-degree relative. Children under 6 also enter free; do not forget to carry their IDs.

Early Arrival and Security: Estimated security queues; arriving early allows ample time for this process.