Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most magnificent landmarks on the shores of the Bosphorus, reflecting the Ottoman Empire’s final golden era in the 19th century. With its dazzling crystal chandeliers, grand ceremonial halls, and a unique blend of European and Ottoman architecture, it offers visitors an unforgettable journey into history.
Dolmabahce Palace ticket price is 1800 Turkish Liras in 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here. The palace is open daily between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. (Last checked and updated on September 12, 2025 — you’ll find extended details below under the relevant headings.)
If you would like to buy a skip-the-line ticket for Dolmabahce Palace, 👆 book your official fast track ticket here . These online tickets can save you from waiting at the ticket booths during the spring and summer months.
As a licensed tour guide with over 20 years of experience in Istanbul, I have prepared this article to help you make the most of your visit. Here you will find practical information, visiting hours, ticket options, and insider tips that only a local expert can provide.
Whether you explore the palace on your own or join a guided tour, Dolmabahce Palace will fascinate you with its rich history and breathtaking details. Let’s discover together why this iconic palace is a must-see for any Istanbul itinerary.
Dolmabahce Palace 2025 Visitor Summary
Below you can find the Dolmabahce Palace visitor summary updated for 2025, including entrance fees, visiting information, and skip-the-line tickets.
• Ticket Price: 1800 TL (approx. 38 Euros)
• Audio Guide: Audio guide system is included in the ticket price.
• Ticket Includes: Main Building, Harem Rooms & Palace Collections
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Museum Pass: Not Valid
• Skip-the-line: Online tickets recommended. (yellow box below)
• Location: Kabatas, Istanbul
• Last Updated: September 2025
The History of Dolmabahce Palace
The history of Dolmabahce Palace begins with Sultan Abdulmecid leaving the traditional Topkapi Palace in the 19th century. A new palace was built on the shores of the Bosphorus under the influence of westernization in the Ottoman Empire.
1. Ottoman Istanbul in the 19th Century
Westernization gained momentum in the Ottoman Istanbul in 19th Century. For the Ottoman people who lived in Istanbul Old City, “Europe” was in the northern bank of the Golden Horn.
Life quality in the other part of the city surpassed the Historical Peninsula after Sultan Abdulmecid left Topkapi Palace in 1856 and moved into Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in the western architectural style.
While Muslim population in the Historical Peninsula was living a modest and conservative life, Pera (Beyoglu) quarter was regarded as “Paris of the East” due to parties, balls and art events held there.
2. Beyoglu and Bosphorus
Beyoglu and Bosphorus became the symbols of the new lifestyle. Neo-Classical and Baroque-style buildings were built and French-style cafes and restaurants were opened in Beyoglu, which was known as “Pera” at that time.
Pera became a place where foreigners lived. French and Italian merchants (levantines) and Ottoman citizens, Greeks, Armenians and Jews created a new culture in this district. The Ottoman bureaucracy and sometimes even the Sultan himself participated in the events in the Pera district.
Foreign embassies, noble families and merchants in Pera had mansions on the shores of the Bosphorus. Thus, the shores of the Bosphorus underwent a great change in the 19th century and were filled with colorful mansions.
Observing the change in the city, Sultan Abdulmecid decided to build a new palace to replace the traditional Topkapi Palace. Thus, the construction of the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus began.
Want to skip the lines at Dolmabahce Palace?
You can purchase a fast-track entry ticket (including Harem access) in advance to avoid long waits and enjoy a smoother visit.
Book your fast-track Dolmabahce Palace ticket here
The Architecture of Dolmabahce Palace
The architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace is nothing like the previous Ottoman palaces. Especially those who visit Topkapi Palace will notice the difference between Classical Ottoman Architecture and 19th century buildings.
“Dolma” means filled or stuffed and “Bahce” means garden in Turkish language. The site of the Dolmabahce Palace was obtained by filling the small bay on the Bosphorus giving the palace its name.
Chief architect Garabet Balyan managed to combine the Oriental and European styles. The lifestyle and protocol were Oriental but the architectural plan was taken from European palaces. Balyan also combined various architectural styles forming the eclectic architectural outcome.
The Palace consists of 285 rooms and 46 halls. The massive building covers an area of 25 hectares / 62 acres. There are nearly 600 unique paintings and very beautiful huge Turkish carpets specially woven for this elegant court.
The palace’s equipment was equipped with the highest technical standards of its age. Gas lighting and water-closets were imported from Great Britain, whereas the palaces in Europe were still lacking these features at that time. Later, electricity, a central heating system and an elevator were installed.
Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee 2025
The entrance fee for Dolmabahce Palace in 2025 is 1800 Turkish lira. This combined ticket includes access to the Main Building, the Harem Rooms, and the Palace Collections sections of the palace. Information about ticket prices was last updated on September 12, 2025.
Note: It should also be noted that in the past, separate tickets were sold for each section of Dolmabahce Palace. As an alternative to these, there was a combined ticket covering all sections. However, as of 2025, the combined ticket became the only option.
In short, with a combined ticket, you can visit the main halls of the palace called the Selamlik (the official reception and state rooms), as well as the Harem Rooms (the private living quarters of the sultans and their families). The ticket also includes access to the Palace Collections Museum, where you can admire a remarkable selection of imperial paintings, including portraits of the sultans and works by renowned court artists.
After receiving the ticket you will see the turnstiles at the entrance of the palace. You can get a free audio guide system from the office on the left before you pass the turnstiles. If you bring a wired headset for your audio guide, it will be easier for you to listen and you will not disturb other visitors around you.
Dolmabahce Palace Skip-The-Line Tickets
During the high season from April to November, ticket lines at Dolmabahce Palace can be very long. Since Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here, the best option is to secure your skip-the-line ticket.
Book Your Fast-Track TicketTickets are provided by GetYourGuide and include free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours 2025
Dolmabahce Palace is open daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM in 2025. Please note that the palace is closed on Mondays. Information about visiting hours was last updated on September 12, 2025.
Museum visiting hours in Istanbul may change due to various restorations and special occasions. Before going to the museum, I recommend you to visit the official website of the palace and review the latest situation.
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How to Get to the Palace?
Dolmabahce Palace is located in the district of Besiktas and right next to the stadium of the Besiktas Football Team (namely Vodafone Arena). It is very easy to get to the palace from Taksim Square and Sultanahmet, which are the most touristic districts of Istanbul.
You can use the tram to get to Dolmabahce Palace from Sultanahmet. When you take the Tram T1 from Sultanahmet Tram Station in the direction of “Kabatas”, you can get off at the last stop, Kabatas. It takes only ten minutes to walk from Kabatas Tram Station to the palace.
In order to go to Dolmabahce Palace from Taksim Square, you can take Funicular F1 to reach Kabatas in minutes. You can reach the palace in a few minutes by following the coastline from Kabatas Tram Station.
Conclusion
Dolmabahce Palace is a great place to get to know Ottoman Istanbul in the 19th century. Because in this period, Istanbul had undergone a great change with the effect of Westernization.
The palace has an inspiring beauty both from the outside and inside. Especially the furniture, chandeliers and wall decorations in it perfectly reflect the decoration style of a period.
You can also take great Instagram photos thanks to the various fountains, statues and monumental gates in the large courtyards of the palace. In the background, there will always be a magnificent Bosphorus view.
Skip the lines at Dolmabahce Palace and enjoy its magnificent halls without waiting!
Book Your Fast-Track Ticket Here
Tickets are provided by GetYourGuide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Written by Serhat Engul
Does it needed Negative PCR test to visit the Palace?
No, there is no Covid control at the entrance to mosques and museums in Istanbul. At least that’s the case with the big museums affiliated with the state, and Dolmabahce Palace is one of them. Some private museums may have a different procedure.
Serhat, thank you so much for your swift responce and useful articles!
You’re welcome, Marina. I wish you a nice trip in Istanbul.
Hello! Can we visit the palace with our dog?
Thank you
I don’t think you can visit with a dog. I have never come across anyone visiting the palace with a pet before. They probably don’t allow it. Inside the palace, there are 150-year-old carpets and priceless items.
You need to update the ticket price. It has almost tripled now
Hi Andrew, thanks for the warning. Yes, as of May 1, prices have changed. As far as I can see, they have combined the Palace and Harem tickets, and on top of that, there is a 50% price increase.
In fact, the issue is not only Dolmabahce Palace. There are 50 museums from Turkey on the site, and all of them need updating their ticket prices.
Although I try to keep the site up to date as much as possible, sometimes I can’t keep up because the prices change so frequently due to post-pandemic inflation.
Yes, the prices have really shot up. I paid 300 TL a week back.
Hello Manali, I have started to update the ticket prices of Istanbul museums on the site. Very soon, the latest entrance fees of Dolmabahce Palace will be added. Thanks for information.
Hello! Is it possible to take amateur pictures during the visit?
Thank you!
Hi Maria, unfortunately it is forbidden to take photos indoors of the Dolmabahce Palace. But you can take pictures in the courtyards.
Hi, is it free just to walk around the garden of this palace? ( just visiting the outside of building)
Hi Jerry, the outer garden of Dolmabahce Palace can be entered without a ticket. But I can’t say that part is very attractive. There is only the palace cafe and ticket offices there.
The main garden of the palace, decorated with flowers and a pool, remains inside. You can’t get there without going through the ticket turnstiles.