Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

TOP SIGHT DOLMABAHÇE PALACE

This 19th-century residence with its formal garden and waterside location marks a final flourish of the imperial dynasty and is a clear crowd favourite.

OZGUR GUVENC/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Entered via an ornate imperial gate, the palace is divided into three sections: the over-the-top Selâmlık (Ceremonial Quarters), the slightly more restrained Harem and the Veliaht Dairesi (Apartments of the Crown Prince), now home to the National Palaces Painting Museum. The Selâmlık and Harem are visited on a compulsory – and dreadfully rushed – combined guided tour; the Veliaht Dairesi can be visited independently. The tourist entrance to the palace is near the ornate Clock Tower, built between 1890 and 1894. There’s an outdoor cafe nearby with premium