What is Beylerbeyi Palace?
A white marble Ottoman palace built in the 1860s for Sultan Abdülaziz, right on the water under the Bosphorus Bridge. It was used as a summer residence and to host foreign royalty, including Empress Eugénie of France. Inside are crystal chandeliers, Bohemian glass, Egyptian straw mats used to keep rooms cool, and a pool room with a fountain. Its waterfront gardens and kiosks are lovely in themselves.
Tickets
Lira prices change often. Check the National Palaces website (millisaraylar.gov.tr) before you go. The Museum Pass Istanbul may not cover National Palaces, so confirm before relying on it.
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Getting there
Take a ferry to Üsküdar, then a bus or taxi north along the shore (about 15 minutes). Bosphorus cruises sometimes pass right in front of it.
Tips
- Photography is usually restricted inside.
- Have tea in the garden by the water.
- Combine with Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, a charming nearby neighbourhood.
What to see
Beylerbeyi Palace was built in the 1860s for Sultan Abdülaziz as a summer residence and a place to receive foreign dignitaries, on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus just north of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. Its white marble façade faces the water, and its interiors mix Ottoman and European styles.
- The Harem and Selamlık: the private and public sections, with 24 rooms and six halls.
- The Hall of the Pool: a central hall with a marble pool and fountain, used to cool the palace in summer.
- Chandeliers, carpets and clocks: Bohemian crystal, Hereke silk carpets and European furniture.
- The gardens: terraced gardens with magnolias and the seaside pavilions (kiosks).
- Famous guests: Empress Eugénie of France stayed here in 1869, and the deposed Sultan Abdülhamid II spent his last years here.
Beylerbeyi vs Dolmabahçe
Dolmabahçe, on the European side, is bigger, grander and much busier. Beylerbeyi is smaller and calmer, with a more intimate feel and lovely gardens on the water. If you only have time for one, Dolmabahçe is the headline palace, but Beylerbeyi makes a great half day on the Asian side, combined with Üsküdar and the Çamlıca hill.
Combining it with the Asian side
Beylerbeyi is a good excuse to spend a half day on Istanbul's Asian side. Take the ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Üsküdar, see the Mihrimah Sultan and Şemsi Pasha mosques by the water, then head north to the palace. Afterwards, walk or take a taxi to Çengelköy for tea and börek by the Bosphorus, or go up Çamlıca hill for views over the city.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are calmest. Weekends bring Turkish families and tour groups. Spring, when the magnolias and Judas trees bloom along the Bosphorus, and autumn are the nicest seasons for the gardens. The palace is closed on Mondays, like most National Palaces.
Hour-by-hour crowds, live status and weather: daily crowd forecast for Beylerbeyi Palace →
History
Sultan Abdülaziz commissioned Beylerbeyi from the Armenian architects Sarkis and Agop Balyan, who also worked on Dolmabahçe. It was finished in 1865, on the site of an earlier wooden palace. Used as a summer residence and guest house for visiting royalty, it hosted Empress Eugénie of France, the Shah of Persia and the King of Montenegro, among others. Its last famous resident was Sultan Abdülhamid II, who was kept here after he was deposed and died in the palace in 1918.
Is Beylerbeyi Palace worth it?
Yes: it's elegant, intimate and far less crowded than Dolmabahçe, with a beautiful Bosphorus setting.
FAQs
How much is Beylerbeyi Palace?
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About 800 TL for foreign adults, with a cheaper garden-only ticket. Under 7s are free.
Is Beylerbeyi Palace closed on Mondays?
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Yes.
Is Beylerbeyi Palace in the Museum Pass?
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It's a National Palace and may not be covered. Check before relying on the pass.
How do I get to Beylerbeyi Palace?
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Ferry to Üsküdar, then a bus or taxi along the shore.
Can you take photos inside Beylerbeyi Palace?
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No, photography isn't allowed inside.
Is Beylerbeyi Palace better than Dolmabahçe?
Heading to Beylerbeyi Palace?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
