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
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.