Although Dolmabahçe Palace is a historical structure, it offers comprehensive accessibility features so that visitors with limited mobility and families with small children can explore this unique heritage. Thanks to specially designed ramps, elevators, and accessible routes for wheelchair and stroller users, it is possible to comfortably tour the palace’s most important sections, such as the Selamlık and the Harem. This guide aims to transform the visit of guests planning to visit Dolmabahçe with a wheelchair or stroller into a smooth and enjoyable experience by providing practical information and tips.
Things to Know Before Visiting
- Companion: It is recommended that wheelchair users come with a companion for a more comfortable trip, especially on some sloping ramps and transitions.
- The Palace’s Own Chairs: Visitors can come with their own wheelchairs, or if needed, they can obtain wheelchairs free of charge from the staff located at the palace entrance. It may be helpful to contact the Directorate of National Palaces (Milli Saraylar) before the visit regarding the availability of this service.
- Staff Assistance: Palace staff are trained to assist disabled visitors and visitors with strollers regarding routes and elevator use. Do not hesitate to ask for support from the staff around you when you need help.
Step-by-Step Accessible Palace Tour
The accessible route of Dolmabahçe Palace has been carefully planned so that visitors do not miss the most important locations.
1. Entrance and Ticket Area
Access from the main entrance gate of the palace (next to the Saltanat Gate) to the ticket offices is on a level ground and is accessible. Ticket offices and turnstiles are wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers to pass through comfortably.
2. Access to the Selamlık Section
After ticket control, visitors proceed through the garden to reach the Selamlık section, which is the palace’s main visiting area. Right next to the main entrance of the Selamlık building, which has stairs, there is a long ramp specially designed for wheelchairs and strollers. This ramp takes you directly to the Selamlık’s ground floor.
3. Touring Inside the Selamlık and Access to the Upper Floor
The ground floor of the Selamlık (Medhal Hall, the area under the Crystal Staircase, ambassador reception rooms) can be toured comfortably due to its wide corridors and level flooring. A special elevator is available for access to the Süfera Hall and the Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Salonu), which are among the most important parts of the visit and are located on the upper floor.
Elevator Use: Palace staff will direct you to this historical elevator and assist you in its use. Thanks to this elevator, you can view the famous Crystal Staircase and the splendor of the Ceremonial Hall (Muayede Salonu) from the upper floor, observing them from the most impressive angles.
4. Transition to and Tour of the Harem Section
After touring the Selamlık section, the elevator is used again to descend to the ground floor to transition to the Harem. The connecting corridors between the Selamlık and the Harem, and the main touring route inside the Harem, where the apartments of the Sultan (Padişah) and the Mother Sultan (Valide Sultan) are located, are suitable for wheelchair and stroller use. Access to some rooms on the upper floors of the Harem may be restricted, but the main and most important halls can be viewed comfortably.
5. Other Facilities
- Accessible Restrooms: Accessible restrooms, compliant with modern standards, are available within the palace complex. You can get information about their locations from the staff.
- Rest Areas: Benches and seating areas are available in the palace gardens where you can take a break and rest during your tour.
A Palace for Everyone
In conclusion, Dolmabahçe Palace, while preserving its historical texture, adopts modern accessibility standards, offering an inclusive and hospitable environment for disabled visitors and families with small children. Thanks to special ramps, elevators, and helpful staff, guests with limited mobility can fully experience this magnificent imperial heritage and the memorial place of the Republic. Dolmabahçe holds the distinction of being an “Accessible Palace,” not just through its walls, but also through its doors open to everyone.
