• About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result

Dolmabahce Palace – 19th Century Ottoman Imperial Grandeur

TheOtherTour by TheOtherTour
February 16, 2025
in Istanbul Attractions, Istanbul Museums, Istanbul Travel Blog
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
0

Dolmabahce Palace is a magnificent example of Ottoman-era architecture that has played a significant role in Turkey’s history. Dolmabahce Palace is a special place, also because it was home to Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Dolmabahce is the largest palace in Turkey with an area of 45,000 m² and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths (hamam) and 68 toilets. It was home to six sultans, and the last Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed VI, signed the Ottoman Empire‘s official dissolution papers here in 1922.

dolmabahce palace 2023
Photo by Kayra Sercan on Unsplash

During his tenure as president, Ataturk hosted many important events and figures at Dolmabahce Palace, including French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

History

The palace was constructed from 1843 and 1856 at an enormous cost, which caused financial difficulties for the Ottoman Empire. Legend has it that the palace’s crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall was so expensive that it cost the equivalent of the price of a battleship.

dolmabahce palace
Photo by Berkin Üregen on Unsplash

Built by the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace served as the main residence for the Ottoman sultans until the empire’s collapse. Designed by Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nigoğayos Balyan of the prominent Balyan family of Ottoman Armenian architects, the palace became the official residence of Ataturk in 1920s and remained so until his death in 1938. It was also used as the presidential residence until 1949.

Architecture

Dolmabahce Palace is a fusion of Ottoman, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles. The palace is an impressive example of the Ottoman Empire‘s late period and is considered one of the world’s most significant examples of neoclassical architecture. Its ornate interiors are adorned with crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and exquisite paintings, while the palace’s exterior is a stunning mix of domes, columns, and arches.

The Turkish Baths (hamam)

Cultural Significance

Dolmabahce Palace is not only a magnificent piece of architecture but also a significant cultural site. The palace reflects Turkey’s history, from the Ottoman Empire to the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Visitors can get a glimpse into Ataturk‘s life and the political changes that shaped modern Turkey. The palace is also a symbol of the country’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world.

dolmabahce palace
Photo by color.art ist. on Unsplash

In conclusion, Dolmabahce Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Turkish history, culture, and architecture. Its stunning neoclassical design and connection to Ataturk make it a truly unique destination. So, if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, make sure to add Dolmabahce Palace to your itinerary.

ENTRANCE FEE (UP-TO-DATE, JANUARY 2025)

The entrance fee for the whole Dolmabahce Palace is 1500 Turkish Liras. This ticket price covers the Main Building, the Harem Rooms and the Palace Collections sections of the palace.

SEE ALL THE ENTRANCE FEES OF ISTANBUL’S ATTRACTIONS

There are discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.

Dolmabahçe Palace
Opening Hours Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm (until 3 pm in winter)
Closed Days Mondays
Entrance Fee 1500 Turkish Liras
Ticket Includes Main Building, Harem Rooms and Palace Collections

Istanbul Museum Pass is NOT valid here.

However, Istanbul Tourist Pass Premium works here. This package includes admission to more than 35 attractions and tours in Istanbul including Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more. Prices start at €149.

Tags: AtaturkBeyogluEuropean SideHistoric LandmarksHistoryIstanbul TripIstanbul VisitMuseumsOttomansPalaceTurkey pictures
Share149Tweet93

Related Posts

A Passionate Istanbul Guide: Ece Duluk
Tour Guide

A Passionate Istanbul Guide: Ece Duluk

Explore Istanbul with Ece Duluk, a knowledgeable tour guide offering engaging storytelling and a true local’s perspective.

Istanbul Short Breaks
Istanbul Travel Blog

Istanbul Short Breaks

Istanbul is one of the most exciting and satisfying cities in the world that can leave an ever-lasting effect on you in just...

spice bazaar
Istanbul Attractions

Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Market – Silk Road’s Final Stop

A true feast for the senses, visiting Istanbul's Spice Bazaar (or Egyptian Market) is an essential part of any trip to Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul Shore Excursions
2025

Istanbul Shore Excursions

Istanbul, a city rich in history and culture, offers numerous options for shore excursions, especially for those arriving by cruise ship.

Beşiktaş – The Pulse of the Bosphorus
Istanbul Neighborhoods

Beşiktaş – The Pulse of the Bosphorus

Explore Beşiktaş: Istanbul’s most vibrant district, where history, football, food, and Bosphorus views collide in perfect rhythm.

Istanbul’s Best Nightclubs for 2025
2025

Istanbul’s Best Nightclubs for 2025

Best Istanbul Nightclubs: a vibrant party atmosphere or a more relaxed vibe, there's a nightclub for every taste in Istanbul in 2025.

Next Post
The Grand Bazaar – World’s Most Popular Market

The Grand Bazaar - World's Most Popular Market

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Commented Articles

  • Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    15 shares
    Share 668 Tweet 417
  • Is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

    16 shares
    Share 1952 Tweet 1220
  • The Other Tour Itinerary

    17 shares
    Share 518 Tweet 324
  • Ideas for a layover in Istanbul

    7 shares
    Share 138 Tweet 86
  • Istanbul Layover Tours – All You Need to Know in 2025

    67 shares
    Share 235 Tweet 147
  • Private Istanbul Tours

    25 shares
    Share 307 Tweet 192
  • The Mystery of Turkish Language

    46 shares
    Share 555 Tweet 347
  • It’s a church. It’s a mosque. It’s Hagia Sophia.

    431 shares
    Share 172 Tweet 108
  • Best Places to Run in Istanbul

    415 shares
    Share 166 Tweet 104
  • Every Siege of Constantinople in Chronological Order

    378 shares
    Share 151 Tweet 95

Tags

Aegean Sea Ancient City Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Architecture Arts & Culture Asian side Beach Best Tours in Turkey Bosphorus Byzantine Legacy cappadocia Church Constantinople Cruise Culture Day trips Environment European Side Events and Happenings Fun Hagia Sophia Historic Landmarks History Hotels Istanbul Istanbul Tours Istanbul travel Istanbul Trip Istanbul Visit Mediterranean Museums Nature Ottomans Recommendations Religion restaurants Reviews Sultanahmet The Other Tour Turkey Turkey Travel Turkish Cuisine Turkish Culture Water

About us

2025 Itinerary

https://youtu.be/hCPhlFh9N8Q

We offer a unique, immersive city tour experience in Istanbul that explores lesser-known areas, engaging participants in cultural activities like local home visits, market explorations, and Bosphorus cruises.

In addition to our signature tour ‘The Other Tour‘, our travel agency also provides a variety of custom guided tours, private itineraries, and specialized tours covering historical, cultural, and niche interests like Jewish heritage, vegan spots, and bird-watching. We also offer transportation services with professional guides for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Newsletter

The Other Tour is an immersive Istanbul experience, taking you beyond tourist spots to explore local culture with activities like home-cooked meals, school visits, and Bosphorus cruises. As a travel agency, we also offer personalized travel planning in Istanbul and Turkey, crafting custom itineraries and unique experiences tailored to each traveler.

Company

  • Explore
  • 2025 Itinerary
  • Services
  • F.A.Q.
  • Blog
  • Philosophy
  • About
  • Contact

Our Services

  • Private Tours
  • Private Tour Guides
  • Airport Transfers
  • Made-to-order
  • Hotel Selection
  • Culinary Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • Unique Activities

Turkey

  • Destinations
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Ephesus
  • Pamukkale
  • Bodrum
  • Antalya
  • Mediterranean
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Jobs
  • Get in touch

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • F.A.Q.
    • About us
    • Reviews
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tours
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Neighborhoods
    • Food
    • Stay
    • The Bosphorus
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel Planning
    • Unique Activities
    • Hire a tour guide in Istanbul
    • Layover Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Hotel Selection
    • Family Time
    • Event Planning
    • Corporate Group Tours
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Read
    • Events
    • News
    • Turkey
    • Documentary
    • Turkish Food
    • Turkish Music
    • Istanbul Videos
    • All Categories
    • All Posts

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.