Beylerbeyi Palace
Duration
1 hr
Admission
€20
Best time
Morning
Budget
Budget
About this place
Beylerbeyi Palace is one of Istanbul's most refined and beautifully situated imperial residences, built by Sultan Abdülaziz between 1861 and 1865 on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus just below the Bosphorus Bridge. The elegant white marble palace served as a summer retreat and guest residence for visiting foreign dignitaries, including Empress Eugénie of France and the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph.
Tips
Entry is by guided tour only, so check visiting hours and book in advance to secure your preferred time slot. The interiors are remarkably well preserved, with original furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and elaborately decorated rooms offering a fascinating glimpse into late Ottoman imperial life. The palace gardens and Bosphorus waterfront setting are among the most serene and picturesque in the city. Beylerbeyi is located on the Asian shore just beyond the Bosphorus Bridge, easily reached by ferry from Eminönü or Beşiktaş followed by a short taxi ride, and pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Küçüksu Pavilion for a full day of imperial Bosphorus exploration.