Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the most elegant imperial landmarks in Istanbul. Standing directly beside the Bosphorus in Üsküdar, the palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and completed between 1863 and 1865 as a summer residence and prestigious state guest house.
With its richly decorated halls, original furnishings, waterfront gardens and refined blend of Ottoman, European and Eastern influences, Beylerbeyi offers a quieter and more intimate palace experience than many of Istanbul’s larger imperial complexes. It is especially rewarding for travelers interested in Ottoman history, architecture and the royal life of the 19th century.
Explore an imperial residence built directly on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.
See decorated halls, Hereke carpets, crystal chandeliers, porcelain and period furnishings.
Discover the palace where European monarchs, empresses and important state guests were received.
Combine the palace with Üsküdar, Çamlıca Hill and a wider two-continent Istanbul route.
Here are the essential details for planning a visit to one of Istanbul’s finest Ottoman waterfront palaces.
Located in Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar, on the Asian side of Istanbul beside the Bosphorus.
Constructed between 1863 and 1865 by order of Sultan Abdülaziz.
Most travelers spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the palace interiors and gardens.
Mabeyn rooms, Harem section, grand halls, original furnishings, Bosphorus views and palace gardens.
Discover the history of an Ottoman summer palace created for royal life, diplomatic hospitality and ceremonial prestige.
The Beylerbeyi area had been used as a residential and imperial retreat since the Byzantine period. In the early 19th century, Sultan Mahmud II commissioned a wooden palace on the site. After the earlier structure was destroyed by fire, Sultan Abdülaziz ordered the construction of the present palace.
Work began in 1863, and the new palace was officially opened in 1865. The project was organized by Sarkis Balyan, a member of the influential Balyan family of Ottoman court architects. The palace was designed as both a summer residence for the sultan and a state guest house for foreign rulers and dignitaries.
Distinguished guests associated with Beylerbeyi Palace included Empress Eugénie of France, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, King Nikola of Montenegro and German Emperor Wilhelm II. Their visits reflect the palace’s important diplomatic role during the final decades of the Ottoman Empire.
Beylerbeyi Palace also holds a deeply personal place in late Ottoman history. After being deposed, Sultan Abdülhamid II spent the final six years of his life here and died in the palace in 1918.
Today, the palace preserves a remarkable collection of 19th-century decoration and furnishings. Its combination of western architectural influence, traditional Ottoman spatial planning and an exceptional Bosphorus setting makes it one of the most distinctive royal residences in Istanbul.
Explore the palace’s most memorable spaces, decorative details and waterfront features.
The Mabeyn section formed the official and administrative part of the palace. It was used for receptions, meetings and formal palace life, and contains some of the building’s most impressive rooms.
The northern part of the main building was arranged for the private life of the imperial household, including the apartments associated with the Valide Sultan.
Beylerbeyi Palace contains six halls and twenty-four rooms, many enriched with ornate ceilings, elegant furniture and decorative objects from Europe and Asia.
The rooms are decorated with Hereke carpets, Egyptian floor mats, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, historic clocks and porcelain from Ottoman, European and Asian workshops.
The palace complex includes landscaped gardens linked by stairs and ramps, with mature trees, water features and scenic views toward the Bosphorus.
The wider palace complex includes the Sea Pavilions, Yellow Pavilion, Marble Pavilion and Stable Pavilion. These structures contribute to the character of the estate, although access to individual buildings may be restricted.
Visitors need an entrance ticket to explore Beylerbeyi Palace. The palace is administered by the Presidency of National Palaces, and ticket prices may be revised during the year.
800 TL per person.
200 TL per person.
100 TL per person for garden access.
Museum Card is accepted under the current National Palaces visitor policy.
Important: Entrance fees and ticket conditions can change. Check the official National Palaces information shortly before your visit.
Beylerbeyi Palace is normally open throughout the year except on its weekly closing day and selected public or religious holidays.
Beylerbeyi Palace offers a beautiful combination of Ottoman history, richly preserved interiors, royal gardens and one of the finest palace settings along the Bosphorus.
Beylerbeyi is smaller and often calmer than Istanbul’s largest imperial palaces, making it easier to appreciate the rooms and decorative details.
The palace stands directly beside the water, creating a memorable combination of architecture, gardens, bridges and waterfront scenery.
Original furnishings, carpets, chandeliers, clocks and porcelain reveal the refined style of the late Ottoman court.
The palace fits naturally into itineraries combining Üsküdar, Çamlıca Hill, Bosphorus viewpoints and other Asian-side highlights.
If you enjoy palaces, architecture, decorative arts and Bosphorus scenery, Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the most rewarding cultural stops on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Beylerbeyi Palace is located at Beylerbeyi Mahallesi, Abdullah Ağa Caddesi No:12, Üsküdar, Istanbul, close to the Asian-side entrance of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge.
Take a bus, minibus or taxi north along the Bosphorus toward Beylerbeyi and Çengelköy. Travel time depends on traffic.
Cross to Üsküdar by ferry or Marmaray, then continue by taxi or public transport to Beylerbeyi.
A taxi or private vehicle is the most direct option, but Bosphorus bridge traffic can significantly affect travel time.
Beylerbeyi Palace is included in selected private two-continent and Asian-side Istanbul itineraries.
Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays, so check your Istanbul itinerary carefully.
Morning visits are usually more comfortable for exploring both the palace interiors and waterfront gardens.
Photography may be restricted inside palace rooms. Follow the instructions displayed at the entrance and inside the museum.
Istanbul’s bridge and coastal roads can be busy, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
The visit includes palace floors, garden paths, stairs and outdoor areas, so comfortable footwear is useful.
Continue to Üsküdar waterfront, Çamlıca Hill or another Asian-side district for a fuller day.
Ideal for travelers interested in imperial life, diplomacy and the final century of the Ottoman Empire.
Perfect for visitors who appreciate decorative ceilings, furnishings, carpets, chandeliers and palace planning.
A rewarding choice for travelers who have already explored Sultanahmet and want to discover the Asian side.
The gardens, palace façade and Bosphorus setting create some of the most elegant outdoor views in the city.
Beylerbeyi Palace can be combined with waterfront neighborhoods, panoramic viewpoints and other imperial landmarks on both sides of the Bosphorus.
Explore Istanbul’s defining waterway, lined with palaces, mansions, fortresses, bridges and unforgettable city views.
Enjoy mosques, cafés, ferry views and the lively atmosphere of one of Istanbul’s most historic Asian-side districts.
Continue to one of Istanbul’s best-known panoramic viewpoints for broad views over the Bosphorus and city skyline.
Compare Beylerbeyi with the grand administrative palace of the late Ottoman Empire on the European shore.
Discover the later imperial residence most closely associated with Sultan Abdülhamid II.
See another magnificent 19th-century Ottoman palace positioned directly beside the Bosphorus.
Beylerbeyi Palace is famous as a 19th-century Ottoman summer residence and state guest house, known for its elegant interiors, original furnishings, gardens and waterfront Bosphorus setting.
The present palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and constructed between 1863 and 1865, with the project organized by Sarkis Balyan.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the palace and gardens.
Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Üsküdar district beside the Bosphorus.
The palace is normally closed on Mondays.
The palace normally welcomes visitors from 09:00 to 17:30, while the ticket office closes at approximately 17:00.
Yes. Museum Card is accepted under the current National Palaces visitor policy.
Indoor photography rules may be restricted or updated. Follow the signs and instructions provided by palace staff during your visit.
Beylerbeyi Palace is especially photogenic outdoors, where imperial architecture, historic gardens and the Bosphorus come together in one elegant setting.
The palace’s richly detailed exterior is one of the finest architectural views along the Asian shore.
Decorative gates facing the Bosphorus create beautiful frames combining stonework, metalwork and water views.
Pools, trees and palace façades offer excellent reflection photography in calm weather.
Capture ferries, bridges and the European shoreline from the palace’s waterfront gardens.
Garden paths, mature trees and elevated viewpoints reveal different perspectives of the palace complex.
Columns, windows, carvings and decorative façades are ideal for close-up architectural compositions.
Beylerbeyi Palace can be visited throughout the year. The interiors are rewarding in every season, while spring and autumn are especially pleasant for enjoying the gardens and Bosphorus views.
One of the best periods for mild weather, greener gardens and comfortable Asian-side sightseeing.
Visit earlier in the morning to avoid stronger heat and heavier afternoon traffic.
Excellent for calmer weather, softer light and combining the palace with Bosphorus neighborhoods.
A good indoor cultural visit, although the waterfront can feel cold, rainy or windy.
April – June & September – October
Morning, shortly after opening
Avoid Monday and allow extra transport time because of Istanbul traffic
Discover Beylerbeyi Palace as part of a carefully planned Istanbul itinerary combining Ottoman history, the Bosphorus, panoramic viewpoints and the city’s European and Asian sides.
Ideal for travelers who want a flexible route, private guide and comfortable transportation.
A full-day private Istanbul experience combining a Bosphorus cruise, Beylerbeyi Palace, Çamlıca Hill and highlights on both sides of the city.
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A multi-day private journey combining Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace and some of western Turkey’s most important cultural destinations.
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