Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Palace
The sultans’ 19th-century palace
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, completed in 1856, replaced Topkapı as the main residence of the sultans. Its European-style halls glitter with crystal, gold leaf and chandeliers, including the enormous chandelier of the Ceremonial Hall. Atatürk spent his last days here and died in the palace on 10 November 1938. Visits are by guided route; the palace is closed on Mondays.
Why it's on our list
- Completed 1856
- Bosphorus waterfront
- Closed Mondays
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Dolmabahçe Palace before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Dolmabahçe Palace are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- Fındıklı - MSÜT11.2 km15 min walk
- TaksimM2T21.3 km16 min walk
- Hüseyin Ağa CamiiT21.6 km21 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Süleyman Seba Caddesi400 m5 min walk
- Taxi rank, Maçka Meydanı Sokağı500 m6 min walk
Key sights
- Taksim Square1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- İstiklal Avenue1.9 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Galata Tower2.6 kmWalk 32 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Galata Bridge3.0 kmWalk 38 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Topkapı Palace3.3 kmWalk 42 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Spice Bazaar3.4 kmWalk 43 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Hagia Sophia3.7 kmCycle 15 minCar or taxi 14 min
- Basilica Cistern3.8 kmCycle 15 minCar or taxi 14 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque3.9 kmCycle 16 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Grand Bazaar3.9 kmCycle 16 minCar or taxi 15 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)30 kmCar or taxi 94 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)33 kmCar or taxi 103 min