Are you looking for a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and history in Istanbul? If so, you should not miss Dolmabahçe Palace. This magnificent palace was the last administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the sultans and the president. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Dolmabahçe Palace, from its history and highlights to its tips and tickets.
History of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was built between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I, who wanted to replace the old and modest Topkapı Palace with a more modern and lavish one. The palace was designed by Armenian architects Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğayos Balyan, who combined Ottoman, European, and Asian styles in a unique way. The palace covers an area of 110,000 square meters and has 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets. It is divided into two main sections: the Selamlık, where the sultan received his guests and conducted state affairs, and the Harem, where the sultan and his family lived. The palace also has a large garden, a clock tower, a mosque, and a bridge that connects it to the Bosphorus.
The palace witnessed many important events in the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. It was the place where Sultan Abdülhamid II was deposed in 1909, where the Ottoman Parliament met for the last time in 1920, and where the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in 1923, which recognized the independence of Turkey. It was also the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, spent his last days and died in 1938. His room is preserved as a museum and his clock is stopped at 9:05, the time of his death.
Highlights of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design, with many impressive and beautiful features that will amaze you. Some of the highlights of the palace are:
The Gate of the Sultan: This is the main entrance to the palace, where the sultan welcomed his guests and where ceremonies and parades were held. The gate is decorated with gold and marble and has a large imperial monogram on top.
The Ceremonial Hall: This is the largest and most splendid hall in the palace, where the sultan held official receptions and celebrations. The hall has a huge dome, a crystal chandelier that weighs 4.5 tons, and a 150-square-meter carpet that is the largest in the world.
The Crystal Staircase: This is a stunning staircase that connects the ground floor and the first floor of the palace. It is made of crystal, brass, and mahogany and has the shape of a double horseshoe. The staircase has 56 steps and 80 balusters, each with a different design.
The Blue Hall: This is a beautiful hall that was used as a dining room and a music room by the sultan and his family. The hall is named after its blue color scheme, which contrasts with the gold and white of the other halls. The hall has a large fireplace, a piano, and a painting of the Bosphorus by the famous Turkish painter Ayvazovsky.
The Harem: This is the section of the palace where the sultan and his family lived, away from the public eye. The harem has many rooms, such as the sultan’s bedroom, the sultan’s mother’s room, the concubines’ room, and the children’s room. The harem is decorated with rich fabrics, carpets, paintings, and furniture, and has a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
How to Visit Dolmabahçe Palace
If you want to visit Dolmabahçe Palace, here are some useful information that will help you plan your trip:
Opening hours: The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 16:00. It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. The last admission is at 15:00.
Ticket prices: The palace has two separate tickets, one for the Selamlık and one for the Harem. The ticket for the Selamlık costs 90 TL and the ticket for the Harem costs 60 TL. You can buy both tickets for 150 TL. The tickets include an audio guide that is available in 10 languages. You can also book a guided tour for an extra fee. You can buy the tickets online or at the ticket office near the Gate of the Sultan.
How to get there: The palace is located on the European side of Istanbul, on the shore of the Bosphorus. You can get there by public transport, such as tram, bus, ferry, or metro. The nearest tram stop is Kabataş, which is a 10-minute walk from the palace. The nearest bus stop is Dolmabahçe, which is right in front of the palace. The nearest ferry stop is Beşiktaş, which is a 15-minute walk from the palace. The nearest metro station is Taksim, which is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride from the palace.
Experience: Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace is a wonderful experience that will take you back in time and show you the splendor and glory of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. You will need at least two hours to explore the palace and its garden, and you will need to follow some rules, such as wearing shoe covers, leaving your bags at the cloakroom, and not taking photos or videos inside the palace. You can also enjoy the view of the Bosphorus from the palace and the bridge, and visit the nearby attractions, such as the Dolmabahçe Mosque, the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, and the Atatürk Museum.
Best Time to Visit Dolmabahçe Palace
The best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace depends on your preferences and budget. Generally, the palace is less crowded and cheaper in the low season, which is from November to March, except for the holidays. However, the weather can be cold and rainy, and some attractions may be closed or have shorter hours. The high season is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is full of events and festivals. However, the palace can be very crowded and expensive, and you may have to wait in long lines or book in advance.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the palace in a more relaxed way, you can try to visit it early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is less busy. You can also check the official website of the palace for any updates or changes in the opening hours or ticket prices.
Places Nearby Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is not the only attraction in the area. There are many other places nearby that you can visit and enjoy, such as:
Dolmabahçe Mosque:
This is a beautiful mosque that was built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1855, next to the palace. The mosque has a neoclassical style and a symmetrical plan, and it can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers. The mosque is open to the public, except during prayer times, and it offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus.
Dolmabahçe Clock Tower:
This is a striking clock tower that was built by Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1895, in front of the palace. The clock tower has a neo-baroque style and a height of 27 meters, and it has four clocks that show the time in different parts of the world. The clock tower is also a symbol of the modernization and westernization of the Ottoman Empire.
Atatürk Museum:
This is a museum that was established in 1942, in the former residence of Atatürk, near the palace. The museum displays the personal belongings, photos, and documents of Atatürk, as well as the history of the Turkish Republic. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 to 16:00, and the entrance is free.
Beşiktaş:
This is a lively and cosmopolitan district that is located near the palace, on the Bosphorus. Beşiktaş is known for its cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural venues, as well as its football team and stadium. Beşiktaş is a great place to experience the local life and culture of Istanbul, and to enjoy the nightlife and entertainment.
Places to Stay Near Dolmabahçe Palace
If you want to stay near Dolmabahçe Palace, you have many options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay near the palace, for different types of travelers:
Families:
If you are traveling with your family, you may want to stay at Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul, a five-star hotel that is located next to the palace, on the Bosphorus. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and the water. The hotel also offers a variety of facilities and services, such as a spa, a fitness center, a pool, a kids’ club, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is family-friendly and pet-friendly, and it has a high rating and excellent reviews from previous guests.
Solo travelers:
If you are traveling solo, you may want to stay at W Istanbul, a four-star hotel that is located in Beşiktaş, a short walk from the palace. The hotel offers stylish and cozy rooms and suites, with modern amenities and decor. The hotel also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a gym, a lounge, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is ideal for solo travelers who want to enjoy the vibrant and trendy atmosphere of Beşiktaş, and it has a high rating and great reviews from previous guests.
Couples:
If you are traveling with your partner, you may want to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, a five-star hotel that is located on the Bosphorus, a short drive from the palace. The hotel offers luxurious and romantic rooms and suites, with breathtaking views of the water and the city. The hotel also offers a variety of facilities and services, such as a spa, a pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is perfect for couples who want to treat themselves to a memorable and relaxing stay, and it has a high rating and superb reviews from previous guests.
Groups:
If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, you may want to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, a five-star hotel that is located in Taksim, a short bus ride from the palace. The hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms and suites, with stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city. The hotel also offers a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is ideal for groups who want to enjoy the convenience and comfort of a luxury hotel, and it has a high rating and wonderful reviews from previous guests.
Activities and Experiences Near Dolmabahçe Palace
If you want to make the most of your visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, you can also try some of the activities and experiences that are available near the palace, such as:
Bosphorus Cruise:
One of the best ways to admire the beauty of the palace and the city is to take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. You can choose from different types of cruises, such as a short tour, a full-day tour, a sunset tour, or a dinner tour, and enjoy the views of the palace, the bridge, the mosques, the castles, and the mansions that line the shore. You can also learn more about the history and culture of Istanbul from the guide or the audio commentary. You can book your cruise online or at the pier near the palace.
Turkish Bath:
Another way to relax and pamper yourself after visiting the palace is to experience a Turkish bath, or hamam, a traditional ritual of cleansing and rejuvenating the body and the soul. You can choose from different types of hamams, such as a historical hamam, a modern hamam, or a luxury hamam, and enjoy the services of a masseur or a masseuse, who will scrub, wash, and massage you. You can also enjoy the facilities of the hamam, such as the hot room, the cold room, the sauna, and the steam room. You can book your hamam online or at the reception of the hamam.
Cooking Class:
If you want to learn more about the Turkish cuisine and culture, you can join a cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare some of the most delicious and authentic dishes of Turkey, such as kebabs, mezes, baklava, and more. You will also learn about the ingredients, the spices, and the techniques that are used in the Turkish kitchen, and you will get to taste your creations at the end of the class. You can also meet other travelers and locals who share your passion for food and culture. You can book your cooking class online or at the venue of the class.
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most beautiful and important attractions in Istanbul, and a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. The palace will dazzle you with its architecture, design, decor, and features, and will tell you the stories of the sultans and the president who lived and died there.
If you are planning to visit Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to visit Dolmabahçe Palace and discover its secrets and wonders. Book your tickets now and enjoy this unforgettable experience.
