Dolmabahçe Palace

#istanbultrip We visited Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul today and it was an unforgettable experience. It costs 650 Lira to enter and you can buy tickets at the entrance. There were no queues when we visited so it was easy getting in. The blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles of the palace creates a uniquely majestic ambiance. Inside, the lavish decorations, stunning crystal chandeliers, and intricate gold leaf details bring ottoman living to life. The palace is where Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his last days so it has that historic significance. The palace's gardens are well manicured, with the Bosphorus providing an amazing backdrop. I would have given it 5 stars, but they're not allowing photography inside except a few selected rooms which was disappointing given the ticket costs almost the same as Topkapi palace where photography is allowed.