Beylerbeyi Palace on Postcard

@travelleisure

"Across the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century estate built as a summer palace for royalty. It was also used as a residence for visiting heads of state. The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive." - Travel + Leisure Editors

25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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@afar

"Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı) This beautiful 19th-century palace on the Asian shoreline near the First Bosphorus Bridge served as a summer retreat for sultans and visiting dignitaries. Designed in a French neo-Baroque style, the palace features six halls and 24 rooms adjacent to an expansive garden. Complete with halls devoted to the harem, it is also famous for being the place of house arrest of one of the last sultans, Abdülhamīd II, who died in the palace in 1918."

If you only have three days in istanbul

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@afar

"Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı) This beautiful 19th-century palace on the Asian shoreline near the First Bosphorus Bridge served as a summer retreat for sultans and visiting dignitaries. Designed in a French neo-Baroque style, the palace features six halls and 24 rooms adjacent to an expansive garden. Complete with halls devoted to the harem, it is also famous for being the place of house arrest of one of the last sultans, Abdülhamīd II, who died in the palace in 1918."

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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Cat Rose

Google

The audio tour guide was very helpful! Fascinating history. Enjoyed walking along the water and it was so cute seeing little kittens playing in the garden area.

J Andrade

Google

It's a really must see place. Here you can see how was a sultan life, places in his places and objects from his time.With an audio guide, you can have details from each room of the palace. There are a cafe and a souvenir shop, but for sure pass the shp, prices are high than others places. It's prohibited take pictures inside the palace.

Linda Suskie

Google

A very different experience from, say, Topkapi, because this was built much later, in the mid-1800s, and it reflects the styles of that period. Photos of the interior are not permitted, but the highlights include several huge, magnificent Baccarat chandeliers in a variety of colors and a pool and fountain (not operating) in the main salon. This is a good choice if you've already seen the "big" Istanbul attractions. Note: You will need to wear covers on your shoes and there are considerable steps from the ground floor to the upper floor.

Malka Dhillon

Google

This is perhaps a less visited palace, but I would recommend it because it has beautiful architecture and also the garden is lovely and you can sit outside right next to the water and the bridge! It's 350 TL for visitors who are foreigners. I would recommend going earlier in the morning to skip the queue to get in.

Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة

Google

One of the finest Ottoman palaces in Istanbul on the Asian side. You can buy tickets at the entrance, and the price is cheaper compared to some of the palaces on the European side. Upon entrance, there is a garden, the you walk adjacent to the sea to get to the palace front. Upon entering the palace, you will have to wear plastic bags on your shoes, and taking photos is disallowed inside. The palace spans across two floors. Upon exit, there is a restroom and a gift shop. Worth spending 1-2 hours here.

Hank

Google

Cant take photos inside but definitely worth it to check it out. They have a great gift shop. Imperial place during the summer time

Ferishta Sk

Google

You don't need a ticket to enter the courtyard! The ticket is for entering the palace. You aren't allowed to take pictures inside the palace.The staff is rude. Usually residence permit holders pay the local ticket price but they charged me a foreigner's ticket price. I am not a tourist and i earn lira so it was unfair to charge us a tourist fee and they were unwelcoming and unpleasant

Birhanu Mesele

Google

This is the beautiful palace. Unique architecture and very decorated inside. I wish I could take a photo of the inside part and put it here. But it is not allowed to take photos inside. It is so beautiful inside.

Cat Rose

Google

The audio tour guide was very helpful! Fascinating history. Enjoyed walking along the water and it was so cute seeing little kittens playing in the garden area.

J Andrade

Google

It's a really must see place. Here you can see how was a sultan life, places in his places and objects from his time.With an audio guide, you can have details from each room of the palace. There are a cafe and a souvenir shop, but for sure pass the shp, prices are high than others places. It's prohibited take pictures inside the palace.

Linda Suskie

Google

A very different experience from, say, Topkapi, because this was built much later, in the mid-1800s, and it reflects the styles of that period. Photos of the interior are not permitted, but the highlights include several huge, magnificent Baccarat chandeliers in a variety of colors and a pool and fountain (not operating) in the main salon. This is a good choice if you've already seen the "big" Istanbul attractions. Note: You will need to wear covers on your shoes and there are considerable steps from the ground floor to the upper floor.

Malka Dhillon

Google

This is perhaps a less visited palace, but I would recommend it because it has beautiful architecture and also the garden is lovely and you can sit outside right next to the water and the bridge! It's 350 TL for visitors who are foreigners. I would recommend going earlier in the morning to skip the queue to get in.

Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة

Google

One of the finest Ottoman palaces in Istanbul on the Asian side. You can buy tickets at the entrance, and the price is cheaper compared to some of the palaces on the European side. Upon entrance, there is a garden, the you walk adjacent to the sea to get to the palace front. Upon entering the palace, you will have to wear plastic bags on your shoes, and taking photos is disallowed inside. The palace spans across two floors. Upon exit, there is a restroom and a gift shop. Worth spending 1-2 hours here.

Hank

Google

Cant take photos inside but definitely worth it to check it out. They have a great gift shop. Imperial place during the summer time

Ferishta Sk

Google

You don't need a ticket to enter the courtyard! The ticket is for entering the palace. You aren't allowed to take pictures inside the palace.The staff is rude. Usually residence permit holders pay the local ticket price but they charged me a foreigner's ticket price. I am not a tourist and i earn lira so it was unfair to charge us a tourist fee and they were unwelcoming and unpleasant

Birhanu Mesele

Google

This is the beautiful palace. Unique architecture and very decorated inside. I wish I could take a photo of the inside part and put it here. But it is not allowed to take photos inside. It is so beautiful inside.

Fred T.

Yelp

So this was just okay and unless you are in the area I would not bother trekking out here just for this. Located in the Üsküdar district, this Baroque Palace was built in 1861 as a Summer palace. The areas inside are pretty restricted and roped off and you basically wander in the hallways peering into highly, way over the top ornate rooms. It just was not my thing. I mean do I really want to see where royals dropped a deuce? but I digress. Also no photography allowed inside for???? Reasons The gardens are just okay as well. The views from the waterline of the straight and Marty's bridge are spectacular, but can be seen just about anywhere from the many parks that dot the coast. There is a significant transport hub and you can take one back (which we did) to the main ferry terminals once you are done.

Michael U.

Yelp

Located in Üsküdar The Beylerbeyi Palace is a former imperial Ottoman summer residence from the 1800s that now serves as a museum. Not far from the first Bosphorus Bridge guests can see where the Sultan, his spouse and family spent time amongst dozens of well-appointed rooms and groomed grounds. Comissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and predictably opulent interior photos are frowned upon.

Helene S.

Yelp

Beautiful Baroque style summer palace built in 1861 for Sultan Abdul Aziz. The reception hall has a pool and a fountain. Running water in Ottoman houses help cool the homes during the summer heat. Egyptian straw mats also helped to insulate the palace. The chandeliers throughout the palace are stunning. The red color in the crystals was achieved by adding gold into the crystal. Note the Baccarat and Murano masterpieces. Look up and the ceilings are also exquisite and hand painted. Many have a nautical theme. Note: no photography is allowed inside.

Carl J.

Yelp

Just incredible. This Imperial Ottoman Summer Palace is out of a storybook, with stunning decor and design that takes you right back to the 19th century. All the rooms are on view - you can walk into some of them, while others are roped off. The exterior has stunning gardens and the location by the water on the Asian side is romantic beyond belief. Wifey's favorite place. Don't miss it - it's only a 15 minute boat ride from the European ferry side!

J C.

Yelp

Beylerbeyi is an elegant Imperial Ottoman summer palace. It was built during the late 19th century displaying a tasteful combination of Eastern and Western elements of architectury. It's less visited compared to Topkapi or Dolmabahce; therefore, you'll likely have a better opportunity of avoiding major crowds. Half of the compound is open to public; yet, still a must see landmark. The water fountains within the main building which were used to keep the palace cool are quite interesting. Another important fact about the palace (if you're a history buff) is that Abdulhamid II, after being deposed, lived the last few remaining years of his life here. Many touches of the Sultan can be seen and felt throughout the palace.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace

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