Attraction
Hagia Sophia
Justinian's sixth-century domed basilica, now the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, with a separate visitor route through its upper galleries above the prayer hall.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The Bosphorus-front palace of the later Ottoman sultans, completed in 1853, blending European styles and holding the room where Atatürk died in 1938.
At a glance
- Type
- Palace museum
- Area
- Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Official site
- millisaraylar.gov.tr
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Selamlık
- Harem
- Painting Museum
- Clock Museum
Why we recommend it
Completed in 1853 for Sultan Abdülmecid, Dolmabahçe replaced Topkapı as the main imperial residence and shows the late Ottoman court looking firmly towards Europe. Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical touches fill its 285 rooms, culminating in the Ceremonial Hall and its enormous crystal chandelier. The palace later served the Republic, and Atatürk died here in 1938; the clocks still show 09:05.
The main ticket covers the Selamlık, the Harem and the Painting Museum, and the Selamlık does not accept the Museum Card. The palace is closed on Mondays and the ticket office opens at 09:00, so arrive early. Combine it with a stroll along the Bosphorus shore towards Beşiktaş.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Dolmabahçe Palace FAQs
Which day is Dolmabahçe closed?
Mondays, plus New Year's Day and the first day of each of the two main religious holidays.
Does the Museum Card work here?
It is valid at most of the National Palaces' sites, but not for the Selamlık section of Dolmabahçe.