Before You Arrıve
Planning your Dolmabahçe Palace visit? This is your curated guide to a day of unparalleled splendor.
Here, you will find every detail for an effortless experience, from securing your tickets and knowing the visiting hours to the most graceful ways to arrive at the magnificent gates on the Bosphorus.
Start Your Dolmabahçe Palace Visit: Hours & Tickets
Visiting Hours
02:48 am
12 October 2025
09:00 am
17:30 pm
Sunday
CLOSED
Tuesday
The Dolmabahçe Palace Museum is open for visitors between
09:00 and 17:30, every day except for Monday
Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace: Tickets & Guidelines
Experience the full splendor of the Ottoman Empire’s final grand era.
Choose the ticket that best suits your journey through Istanbul’s imperial heritage.
Ticket Options for Dolmabahçe Palace
(Excludes Topkapı Palace and Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area)
(Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area)
Museum Pass Information
The Museum Pass Turkey is accepted at most National Palaces locations. However, please be aware of the following exceptions where it is not valid:
Topkapi Palace: Harem and Hagia Irene sections.
Dolmabahce Palace: Selamlık section.
Other Venues: National Palaces Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum, Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area, and Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion Picnic Area.
Visitor Discounts & Policies
- Children (Ages 0-6): Admission to all palaces, mansions, and museums is free for both local and international visitors.
- International Students (Ages 12-25): A valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) must be physically presented to receive the discount.
- Thematic Tours: Special guided tours are organized for groups with a minimum of 3 full-ticket visitors.
Important Visitor Guidelines
- Holiday Closures: If a public or religious holiday falls on a palace’s regular closing day, the venue will remain closed to visitors.
- Security: For the safety and preservation of the heritage, entry with any kind of weapon is strictly forbidden for all visitors, including law enforcement officers.
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Today, that imperial standard of care and absolute discretion is the guiding principle of Medicana Health Group.
Entrust your well-being to the modern heirs of this profound legacy.
Avis: Your Chariot to the Empire
Today, that principle of sovereign freedom and immediate command is the promise of Avis.
Assume control of your exploration with a pristine fleet at your disposal and discover the empire on your own terms.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Through a Curator’s Eyes: 5 Tips for Not Just Visiting, but ‘Reading’ Dolmabahçe Palace
Capturing the Moment, Telling the Story: A Curator’s Guide to Photographing Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe for Young Explorers: Hunting the Change of an Empire in the Palace
Selamlık and Harem: A Guide to Navigating the Sultan’s Two Different Worlds in Dolmabahçe
Peaceful Moments in the Palace: Curator Tips for Avoiding Crowds, Capturing the Best Light, and Smartly Purchasing Your Ticket
You Have Seen Topkapı. Now, A Guide to Understanding Dolmabahçe
Arrival & Transport
Your Direct Route to the Imperial Gate
Nestled on the European shores of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace offers a breathtaking welcome. The palace is conveniently located next to the vibrant Kabataş transportation hub, where the city’s tram lines and ferry routes converge. The main entrance is situated just beyond the magnificent Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, a landmark in itself.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Visnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Cd., Beşiktaş, Istanbul
How to Get to Dolmabahce Palace: All Options at a Glance
While many bus lines also stop directly in front of the palace, arriving by private car is not recommended due to heavy traffic and extremely limited parking in the area.
By Tram (Recommended)
For a seamless and scenic journey to Dolmabahçe Palace, the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line is your most convenient option.
- From Sultanahmet / Eminönü: Take the T1 tram in the direction of Kabataş. Alight at the final stop, Kabataş. The palace is a 3-5 minute walk from the station.
- From Taksim Square: Take the short F1 Funicular line down to Kabataş. From there, it’s a brief walk to the palace entrance.
- Travel Time: Approx. 15 minutes from Sultanahmet; Approx. 10 minutes from Taksim.
• Tip
At the Kabatas tram station, simply walk towards the Bosphorus and turn left. You will immediately see the magnificent Dolmabahce Clock Tower; the palace entrance is just beyond it.
By Bus (Not Recommended)
Numerous public bus (IETT) lines stop directly in front of Dolmabahce Palace or at the nearby Kabataş bus hub.
- Main Stops: Look for the “Dolmabahce Sarayı” or “Kabataş” bus stops.
- Key Routes: Many buses departing from Taksim, Beşiktaş, and other central hubs pass by the palace. Check your map application for the most direct route from your location.
By Metro
The Marmaray train line offers a convenient option, especially for visitors coming from the Anatolian side of Istanbul.
- Closest Station: The nearest Marmaray station is Sirkeci.
- Connection: After alighting at Sirkeci station, cross the street to the Sirkeci tram stop and take the T1 tram in the direction of Kabataş. The palace is a short walk from the final stop, Kabataş.
• Good to Know
The Metro does not take you directly to the palace gates. Taksim is your transfer hub. The Funicular (F1) is the crucial link connecting the Metro network to the Bosphorus shore and Dolmabahce Palace.
By Train (Marmaray)
If you are arriving from the Asian side, the Marmaray line is your best option.
• Take the Marmaray to Sirkeci Station. From there, it is a scenic 15-minute uphill walk through Gülhane Park to the palace entrance.
• Alternatively: You can take the T1 tram from the Sirkeci stop (opposite the station) one stop to Gülhane or two stops to Sultanahmet.
• Why Choose Marmaray?
This option is ideal if you are traveling from Üsküdar or Kadiköy. The Marmaray offers a fast underwater journey to the historical peninsula, where you can easily connect to the tram for the final leg to the palace.
Travel Card: To use any public transport in Istanbul, you will need an Istanbulkart. You can purchase and top up this card from the yellow vending machines located at every station.
Reliable & Easy Taxi Service
Taxis offer a direct and convenient way to reach the palace, especially if you are traveling with luggage or in a small group. You can easily hail a yellow taxi on the street or use ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi.
Please be aware that traffic in the historic peninsula can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Always ensure the driver uses the taximeter.
The Ultimate Comfort & Convenience
For a truly seamless and stress-free arrival, a pre-booked private transfer is the ultimate choice. This service is ideal for visitors arriving from the airport (IST or SAW) or anyone seeking a comfortable, fixed-price journey.
A professional chauffeur will meet you at your designated pickup point, handle your luggage, and bring you directly to the palace entrance in a premium vehicle, allowing you to begin your imperial experience from the moment your journey starts.
Accessibility for Visitors
Accessible Palace: Guide to Visiting Dolmabahçe with a Wheelchair and Stroller
Thematic Journeys Through Splendor
The Crown of the Bosphorus & Its Neighbors
Your Imperial Story Begins Before You Land
Turkish Airlines: Your Journey to the Empire’s Gates
The journey to the heart of the empire deserves a beginning worthy of its destination.In the spirit of world-class travel, we salute the storytellers who capture the soul of Istanbul.
Watch this stunning tribute, and see where your own story will begin.
İstanbul: The City of Empires
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Dolmabahçe Palace Visit
What does the main ticket for Dolmabahçe Palace include?
The standard combined ticket offers the complete experience, granting you access to all three main sections: the official Selamlık, the private imperial family quarters of the Harem, and the magnificent National Palaces Painting Museum.
Should I buy my ticket online in advance?
It is highly recommended. Purchasing your ticket online allows you to bypass the often long queues at the ticket booths, saving you precious time and ensuring a smoother, more elegant start to your visit.
What are the visiting hours, and is the palace open every day?
Dolmabahçe Palace is open to visitors every day of the week except for Mondays. Visiting hours are typically from 09:00 to 17:00, but it’s always best to check the official site for seasonal changes or announcements on public holidays.
How much time should I set aside for a complete tour?
To fully appreciate the grandeur of the palace, we recommend allocating at least 2.5 to 3 hours. This allows for a comfortable tour through the Selamlık, Harem, and the Painting Museum without rushing.
Is photography permitted inside the palace?
Photography and video recording are strictly forbidden inside the rooms and halls of the palace to preserve the priceless artifacts and historic interiors. You are welcome to take photos in the beautiful palace gardens.
Is the Museum Pass Turkey valid at Dolmabahçe Palace?
The Museum Pass is valid for certain sections, but not all. It grants access to the Harem and the Painting Museum. However, a separate ticket is required to enter the main Selamlık section.
Is the palace accessible for visitors with mobility issues or wheelchair users?
Due to its historic nature, some areas of the palace have limited accessibility. However, there are designated accessible routes for wheelchair users. We advise contacting the visitor services department in advance for detailed information to best plan your visit.
What is the most convenient way to reach Dolmabahçe Palace?
The palace is easily accessible via public transport. The most scenic route is by taking the T1 tram line to the Kabataş station, which is a short and pleasant walk from the palace entrance. Ferries to Kabataş also offer a beautiful approach from the Bosphorus.
Can I bring a baby stroller or large bags into the palace?
For the safety and preservation of the historic interiors and artifacts, baby strollers, large backpacks, and luggage are not permitted inside the palace buildings. A cloakroom is available at the entrance for you to store your items.
If I am short on time, what is the one thing I absolutely must see?
The Crystal Staircase in the Selamlık. Its breathtaking Baccarat crystal and brass construction is a world-renowned masterpiece of 19th-century design and the very symbol of the palace’s opulent elegance. It is an unforgettable sight.
