Dolmabahçe Palace

Palace Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey

What to expect

Dolmabahçe Palace is a palace located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. The palace was built between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmedjid and was the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. The palace is a blend of various European architectural styles and has 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 hamams, and 68 toilets. It is considered one of the most magnificent palaces in the world, with its original decorations, furniture, and silk carpets and curtains still intact. The palace has a large ballroom with a 36-meter-high dome and a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier. The palace also has a harem section, which was used by the sultan and his family, and a section reserved for the crown prince. Today, the palace is managed by the Directorate of National Palaces and is open to visitors

Plan your family visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace with these blog insights 👇

Istanbul with Kids: Galata Tower, İstiklal Cd, and Dolmabahçe Palace

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the palace grounds, which were massive, and saw the Harem area and the Selamlık area

Highlights: Kids and I went through at their pace and then hung out outside waiting for my inlaws ✨

What did we see in a week in Istanbul with a child in an uncomfortable stroller?

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Dolmabahçe Palace, which is often called the Turkish Versailles. The palace is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, with a blend of Baroque and Turkish ornamentation

Highlights: We enjoyed the grandeur and royal look of the palace, which was reminiscent of the Habsburg monarchy. It was a fascinating experience to see how the Ottomans incorporated Western influences into their architecture ✨