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Experience the Majesty of Dolmabahce Palace
Plan Your Visit to Dolmabahce Palace
Location:
- Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours:
- Dolmabahçe Palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. It's closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, the 1st day of Ramadan Bayram, and the 1st day of the Feast of Sacrifice, ensuring visitors plan accordingly for their visit.
Best Time To Visit:
- The best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace is during the morning hours on weekdays. This allows you to explore the palace with fewer crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons, offering pleasant weather for a comfortable visit.
Best Hour to Visit In A Day:
- The best hour to visit the Dolmabahce Palace is in the early mornings when the light illuminates the entire palace and is perfect for natural photography. Visitors are recommended to visit 20 minutes early from the Dolmabahce Palace timings to enjoy less crowd and enjoy the beautiful sunlight.
By Taxi:
- You can directly take a taxi from the Istanbul airport to reach the Dolmabahçe Palace. The distance is around 43 kms and you can reach it within 36 minutes.
By Bus:
- You can take a bus to Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi stop which is located 150 metres away from the palace
By Metro:
- You can take the M2 underground metro to Taksim which is 1.9 km away from the destination.
Know Before You Visit Dolmabahce Palace
- Know before you go to Dolmabahce Palace that it takes a minimum of 1 to 2 hours to explore Dolmabahçe Palace and its extensive exhibits.
- Opt for a guided tour for skip-the-line access and insightful commentary on the palace's history and hidden gems.
- Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking, as some areas may require shoe removal or protective covers.
- Respect visitor etiquette by maintaining a quiet demeanour and refraining from touching artefacts to preserve their integrity.
- Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyards for a tranquil and picturesque experience.
- Check operational hours and closures- every Monday, New Year’s Day, the 1st day of Ramadan Bayram, and the 1st day of the Feast of Sacrifice—to plan your visit accordingly.
- Follow the Rules for Photography: If you plan your visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, remember to respect posted signs and refrain from using commercial photography equipment to avoid disturbing other visitors. Certain areas may have restrictions on photography.
- Maintain Safe Distance from the Interiors: Please refrain from touching artworks, statues, or decorations within Dolmabahçe Palace to preserve these historical treasures.
- Do not Bring Outside Food: For the comfort of all guests, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the palace.
- Be Mindful of Luggage: Large bags and backpacks must be checked at the entrance as they are not allowed inside Dolmabahçe Palace, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone.
FAQ
Why visit Dolmabahce Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey and is one of the most important monuments of the Ottoman era. You can learn a lot about Turkish history and admire the European-style architecture at the palace. The Palace also has an amazing collection of Baccarat and Bohemian crystals, magnificent gifts from foreign rulers, and many artifacts you can admire.
What is the best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace?
The best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace is during the summers when the temperature is pleasant and the flora at the botanical garden in the Dolmabahce Palace is in bloom.
What is Dolmabahçe Palace known for?
The Dolmabahçe Palace is known to have the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. Another famous attraction here is the crystal staircase which is built in a shape of a double horseshoe built from the amazing Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany.
Is it worth visiting Dolmabahçe Palace?
The Dolmabahçe Palace has a lot of history from the Ottoman era and is one of the most important monuments of the Ottomans. The stunning gilded ceilings and columns, the beautiful architecture, and gifts from the Tsars of Russia and Queen Victoria are worth looking at.
When was Dolmabahce Palace built?
The Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1843 and was completed in 1856 and well known to be the first European style palace in Istanbul which costs five million Ottoman gold pounds. It was built by Sultan Abdulmecid.
Who designed the Dolmabahce palace?
Architect Garabet Balyan designed the Dolmabahce Palace along with William James Smith, Ohannes Serverian, Nigogayos Balyan, and Abdulhalim Bey. The Palace is known to be the first European styled Palace with Fourteen tons of gold leaf used to decorate the ceilings of the palace.
Can you go inside Dolmabahçe Palace?
Yes, the Palace is open to the public, however there are several sections of the Palace which cannot be entered by tourists. Visitors can visit these sections along with a professional guide during the scheduled program.
Who built Dolmabahçe Palace?
The Dolmabahce Palace was built by architect Garabet Balyan and was commissioned by Abdülmecid I, the Empire's 31st Sultan.
How much time does it take to visit Dolmabahce Palace?
You can plan your visit to the Dolmabahce Palace for a minimum duration of 1 to 2 hours. This will allow you enough time to delve into its rich history, admire its lavish interiors, and stroll through the gardens. However, the duration may vary based on individual interests and the crowd concentration.
What are the Dolmabahce Palace opening hours?
You must know before you go to Dolmabahce Palace that it remains open from 9:00 am in the morning to 6:00 pm in the evening. The last entry is allowed at 5:30 pm after which the entrance is closed. The palace remains closed on mondays, New Year’s Day, the 1st day of Ramadan Bayram, and the 1st day of the Feast of Sacrifice.
What is the best way to get to Dolmabahce Palace?
The best way to get to the Dolmabahce Palace is my metro. You can take the M2 underground metro to Taksim square which is the nearest metro station to the destination. This is not only the cheapest way to travel, but also the quickest one as it helps you beat the traffic.
Is photography permitted in the Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, photography is allowed in some areas of Dolmabahçe Palace. Visitors should observe signs indicating where photography is restricted. Using flash and commercial photography equipment is generally prohibited to avoid disruptions to other visitors' experiences.