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Dolmabahce Palace

Built for the Ottoman sultans to live in once the Topkapi Palace was considered out of fashion, the Dolmabahce Palace lies on the water's edge of the Bosphorus.

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Dolmabahçe Palace is an opulent and historically significant palace located on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Built between 1843 and 1856 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I, it served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The palace combines various architectural styles, such as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical, reflecting Western European influences, which were prominent during the era of modernization in the Ottoman Empire.

The palace is known for its grandeur and luxury. It boasts 285 rooms, 43 halls, and 6 baths. One of its most striking features is the Crystal Staircase, made of Baccarat crystal, as well as the lavish furnishings, chandeliers, and artwork. The palace's design also incorporates traditional Ottoman elements, harmoniously blending with Western aesthetics.

Dolmabahçe was not only the residence of the sultans but also the site where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, passed away in 1938. Today, the palace is a museum and an important cultural landmark in Istanbul, offering visitors a glimpse into the splendour of the Ottoman Empire and the legacy of Turkish modernization.

Nearby Attractions

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Ciragan Kempinski Palace

Now a 5-star hotel, the former palace along the Bosphorus has an exterior made entirely of marble and maintains its original baroque architecture.

Related Tours

Dolmabahce Palace & Ortakoy: Private Full-Day Istanbul City Tour

Enjoy a private, full-day tour of some of Istanbul’s grandest buildings. On your private tour, you will:

Enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
Be accompanied by a private tour guide, who will guide you throughout the day;
Begin with a guided visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace of the 19th century, with tickets included;
Then, explore one of the oft-missed residences of the former Sultan at Yildiz Park, with tickets included;
Rest during your lunch break along the water in the Ortaköy district, where your guide will recommend different lunch spots for you;
In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the charming Ortaköy neighborhood, known for its stunning views and tiny streets;
Lastly, visit Ortaköy’s Mosque, which is one of the city’s most recognizable sites;
After, your driver-guide will take you back to your hotel.

See some of the best sites throughout Istanbul with the comfort of a private driver-guide, navigating you through the city and in each of the sites included. Your tour begins with hotel pick-up, and from there you’ll be whisked away to the stunning Dolmabahçe Palace, known for its mix of architectural styles, including Rococo, Neoclassical, and modern Ottoman. See the way the styles all come together, as your guide points out each of the intricate details hidden in plain sight.

From there, your guide will take you to Yildiz Park, another residence of the sultans, which is often missed by travelers. You’ll be wowed by the spectacular pavilions and sprawling green spaces –one of the city’s best-kept secrets. After, your guide will take you to the Ortaköy district, where you’ll stop to enjoy lunch along the waterfront at a place your guide recommends based on your preferences. In the afternoon, stretch your legs as you enjoy a walking tour through the district’s narrow streets, hidden passageways, and many cafes. Your last stop will be Ortaköy’s Mosque – one of the skyline’s most recognizable features. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide will take you back to your hotel, where you can rest after your full day of touring.