Beylerbeyi Palace

Istanbul's Pearl on the Anatolian Side

Beylerbeyi Palace, nestled on Istanbul's Asian Bosphorus shore, epitomizes Ottoman splendor. Built in the 1860s under Sultan Abdulaziz, this former summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans and guesthouse for foreign heads of states seamlessly blends European and Ottoman architectural styles. The palace features 25 rooms, six halls, a hamam, and a bathroom across two floors, adorned with Bohemian crystals, fine porcelain, Hereke carpets, and exquisite oil paintings. 

Today, visitors can explore the main palace building, including the Mabeyn and Harem, wander through the lush palace garden, admire the kiosks favored by sultans for their scenic views, and take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus themselves.

This page provides essential visitor information, tickets, historical highlights, and fascinating facts about Istabul's magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace.

Bestseller Beylerbeyi Palace Ticket

Explore the opulent summer residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and beautiful gardens. Bypass the queues and gain immediate access to Beylerbeyi Palace, saving valuable time for exploration. + more details

Best Value Combo Pass for Istanbul

The MegaPass is covering all top museums in Istanbul like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Harem, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace. Besides these top attractions you enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque tour and you can benefit of the Hop On Hop Off Bus, Asian Side walking tour. + more details

Visitor Information

Open: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Tuesdays to Sundays

CLOSED

Mondays

 BEST TIME TO VISIT

Least crowded days: Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Least crowded time: From 9 to 11 AM, and from 4 to 5:30 PM

Beylerbeyi Palace: Opening Hours & Admission

Opening Times: Beylerbeyi Palace is open daily except Mondays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Last admission: Last entry is at 5:00 PM. 

Closing Days: Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on every Monday, New Year’s Day, 1st Day of Ramadan Bayram and 1st Day of The Feast of the Sacrifice.

Entrance Fee: 350 TL for foreign visitors; and 70 TL for domestic visitors

Admission Fee for the Palace Garden: 70 TL

Interesting Facts About the Beylerbeyi Palace



Quick Facts

  • Original Name: Beylerbeyi Sarayı (lit. the palace of the Lords of Lords)
  • Address: Beylerbeyi Mah. Abdullah Ağa Cad. No:12, Beylerbeyi/Üsküdar
  • Built: From 1863 to 1865
  • Architect: Sarkis Balyan 
  • Architectural style: Fuses Western neoclassical, baroque, and Renaissance influences with traditional Ottoman interior design.
  • Area: approx. 3000 square meter 
  • Number of Visitors per year: 513,100 [2023] 



Fun Facts

Film Location: Beylerbeyi Palace has been used as a location for several Turkish films and TV series, making it a popular site for capturing the grandeur of Ottoman-era settings.


Innovative Design: The Marble Kiosk, one of the palace's auxiliary buildings, features a pool and a fountain inside, a rare and luxurious feature for its time.

Animal Motifs: The Stable Kiosk at the palace is uniquely decorated with horse and animal motifs, reflecting the Ottoman's deep appreciation for their equestrian culture.


Lush Gardens: Spanning seventy thousand square meters, the palace gardens feature a variety of trees such as magnolias, chestnuts, and the iconic Judas trees, which symbolize the Bosphorus region.

History of the Beylerbeyi Palace

HISTORY

Origins and Legacy

Commissioned during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II in the early 19th century, the original wooden palace on this site epitomized Ottoman elegance amidst the scenic beauty of the Bosphorus.

After a devastating fire, Sultan Abdulaziz undertook the task of rebuilding between 1863 and 1865, crafting the current Beylerbeyi Palace as a symbol of sophistication and cultural convergence.

 

Welcoming Royalty and Dignitaries

Throughout its storied past, Beylerbeyi Palace has hosted esteemed guests such as Emperor Wilhelm of Germany,  Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, Nikola, King of Montenegro, and Eugenie de Montijo, consort of Emperor Napoleon III of France. 

 

Architectural Grandeur

Beylerbeyi Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, features 25 regal rooms, six expansive halls, and traditional Turkish bathing facilities. Its interiors are adorned with Bohemian crystal, Hereke carpets fine porcelain, and illustrious oil paintings, continue to captivate visitors with their timeless allure. 

Additional structures like the Marble Kiosk, Yellow Kiosk, and Stable Kiosk, along with expansive palace gardens, further enrich the visitor experience, showcasing the palace's historical significance and opulent design.

Preserving Heritage

In 1984, Beylerbeyi Palace opened its doors as a museum, inviting guests to delve into its opulent history and appreciate its role as a cultural beacon in Istanbul. Today, it remains a cherished destination where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the splendor of Ottoman palace life.

How to Get to the Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is located in the Üsküdar neighborhood on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, right next to the 15 July Martyrs Bosphorus Bridge. See below your transportation options:

Adress: Beylerbeyi, Abdullahağa Cd., 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul

By Ferry

To reach the palace, visitors can take a ferry to the Beylerbeyi pier from Eminönü, Besiktas or Kabatas on the European side. >> Go to the Official Istanbul Ferry Website 

By Marmaray

Alternatively, visitors can use the Marmaray line to Üsküdar, followed by a short taxi or bus ride (lines 15, 15Y, 15U, 15R, 15P, or 15S). >> Marmaray Departure Times and Stations

By Car

It's also accessible by car via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, offering a scenic drive.

Video & Photo Gallery of Beylerbeyi Palace