10 Things to Know Before you Go Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahce Palace was constructed between the years 1834 and 1856 at the orders of Sultan Abdulmedic I. It was made to replace the Topkapi Palace as the primary administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. This palace is inspired by Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles and still stands as a contemporary of the European-style palaces. This palace remained the residence for six sultans until the monarchy was abolished. Later, the palace was used as the presidential residence, famously housing Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder of modern Turkey.

Know more: Dolmabahce Palace History

Here are the Facts About the Dolmabahce Palace -

• The palace ground covers around 45,000 square metres in area, making it the largest palace in Turkey.
• It contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets.
• The palace houses the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, which weighs around 4.5 tonnes.
• Gold leaf covers 14 tons' worth of ceilings and decorations in the palace.
• The clock in Atatürk's room is stopped at 9:05 AM, which is the time of his death.
• The palace grounds include an opulent clock tower and beautiful imperial gardens.

The opening hours of Dolmabahce Palace are from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays and on official Turkish holidays. It is better to visit the palace during the day hours if you want to avoid standing in the long queues.

Sections of the palace like the Harem and Selamlik, get closed before the general entry hours of the palace so make sure to visit them before they close and plan your visit accordingly.

The entry ticket for Dolmabahce Palace is TRY 2300, which is approximately INR 4800. Also, children under the age of 6 enter free of cost. This ticket comes with an audio guide, but you can also hire a certified tour guide at an additional cost for a more elaborate experience.

The best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace is in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November), as the weather is pleasant and crowds are fewer. Mornings are the best time to visit in a day, especially on weekdays. It is best to visit on weekdays, as weekends and public holidays tend to be very crowded.

To preserve the historical nature of this palace, photography is not allowed inside the main palace buildings, including the Selamlik and the Harem sections. Equipments like tripods and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited. You can click pictures of the outdoor areas like the gardens and the courtyard.

There is no strict dress code to follow, but it is suggested to dress in modest attire out of respect for the palace's cultural and historic significance. You have to walk a lot to cover the vast palace grounds, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised. If you are visiting during the rainy season, do remember to bring a small umbrella.

Here are the top things to do in Dolmabahce Palace -

• Walking up the Crystal Staircase is like stepping into a world of luxury, as the double horseshoe design sparkles with Baccarat crystal and gleaming brass.
• Visit the Ceremonial Hall, which features the massive 4.5 ton chandelier.
• You can explore the Harem, which was once home to the Sultan’s family, and it features private chambers, elegant halls, and lavish, ornate décor throughout.
• Take a stroll through the Clock Museum and admire antique timepieces.
• You can relax in the imperial gardens that face the Bosphorus.
• You can also visit the Atatürk room, which is preserved as it was during those days.
• Witness the beautiful landscape views from the Bosphorus-facing terrace.

If you are wondering how to reach Dolmabahce Palace, here are some ways:

• By Tram: Take the T1 tram to Kabatas Station. From there, the palace is just a short, pleasant walk away.
• By Metro: Use the M2 metro line to reach Taksim Station, then transfer to the F1 funicular, which will take you directly to Kabatas. From there you can walk to the palace, which is a short distance away.
• By Bus: Several public buses stop near the Besiktas and Kabatas areas, making it easy to reach the palace from different parts of the city.
• By Taxi or Ride-Share: Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available throughout Istanbul, offering a convenient and direct way to reach Dolmabahce Palace, especially if you prefer a more comfortable, hassle-free journey.

It can take around 2-3 hours to explore the whole palace, including the Selamlik, Harem, gardens, and museum area. For your convenience you can opt for a guided tour or an audio guide, but this will extend your visit by 30-45 minutes more. Make sure to allocate time in your schedule for breaks, photos, and souvenir shopping.