Galata Antique Hotel Istanbul - Taksim, Beyoglu

Built in the reign of Sultan I Abdulmecit during the 19th century, this over-ornate palace lies along the European coast of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856, mixing different European artistic influences and built by Abdulmecit’s architect, Karabet Balya. It was built over three levels, and symmetrically planned, with 285 chambers and 43 halls. The palace has a level of luxury not present in most other palaces, with walls and ceilings decorated with gold, and European art from the period. Top quality silk and wool carpets, southeast Asian hand-made artifacts, and crystal candlesticks adorn every room. The men’s hamam (public bath) is adorned with alabaster marble, and the harem also contains the Sultan’s bedrooms and the women and servants’ divisions.

Open: 09:00 - 16:00 (Mar-Sept), 09:00 - 15:00 (Oct-Feb) - closed on mondays and thursdays
Admission: USD 10.- for Selamlik, USD 7.- for Harem; USD 14.- for both
Getting there from hotel: You can either take the nostalgic street tram to Taksim square, or walk through the pedestrian istiklal street to Taksim square. From Taksim Square, take a bus to "Besiktas" about one km later you will see the Dolmabahce Palace across from the football stadium.