Dolmabahçe Palace Frequently Asked Questions

While tickets can be purchased at the gate, we highly recommend buying them online in advance. Lines can be very long, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), and advance tickets guarantee your entry on a specific date.

Yes. Discounted rates are available for students and visitors under 25 (with valid ID). Free admission is granted to children under 6, citizens of the Republic of Türkiye holding a Museum Pass (Müzekart), and visitors with disabilities plus one companion. Please bring valid identification to claim these benefits at the ticket office.

No, the standard Istanbul Museum Pass (for tourists) does not cover Dolmabahçe Palace, as it is administered by the Directorate of National Palaces, not the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. However, the domestic Müzekart for Turkish citizens is accepted.

The palace is open from 09:00 to 17:00. The ticket booths close at 17:00, and final entry is permitted up to 17:00. We recommend arriving before 15:00 to ensure sufficient time for a full tour.

No. Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays. It is also closed on the first day of major religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) and on 1 January.

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the palace buildings (Selamlık and Harem). This rule is enforced by guards in every room to protect the artefacts and maintain flow. You are welcome to take as many photos as you like in the exterior gardens and courtyard areas.

While there is no strict religious dress code — this is a palace, not a mosque — visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Extremely revealing clothing may result in denied entry at the discretion of the guards.

Visitors may tour the palace independently using complimentary audio guides, which are included in the ticket price (ID or passport deposit required). Guided tours by official palace staff are occasionally run, but self-guided audio tours are the standard format.

Only partially. Because of its historical architecture, just the ground floor of the Selamlık can be reached by wheelchair; the Harem and the upper floors require stairs. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the entrance, subject to availability.