Beylerbeyi Palace

Top choice


This opulently furnished 1865 building was designed by Sarkis Balyan, brother of Nikoğos (architect of Dolmabahçe Palace). It delighted both Sultan Abdül Aziz (r 1861–76), who commissioned it, and the many foreign dignitaries who visited. Its last imperial 'guest' was former Sultan Abdül Hamit II, who spent the last five years of his life under house arrest here. Look for the whimsical marble bathing pavilions by the water's edge; one was for men, the other for women of the harem.

Assisted by an informative audio tour (included in ticket price) you'll pass through rooms decorated with frescoes of naval scenes, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, Ming vases and sumptuous Hereke carpets, exploring both the grand selamlık (ceremonial quarters) and the small but opulent harem. Highlights include the downstairs hall with the huge marble pool used for cooling during summer, the elaborately painted and gilded sultan's apartment, and the wood-panelled sultan's audience room with its Baccarat chandelier, Hereke carpet and magnificent Bosphorus view. After the tour, you can enjoy a glass of tea in the garden cafe.

The easiest way to visit Beylerbeyi is to take the Dentur Avrasya hop-on/hop-off tour from Kabataş. If coming from Üsküdar by bus, alight at the Beylerbeyi Sarayı stop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Hatice Sultan Yalı

0.67 MILES

Once home to a daughter of Sultan Murat V, this red-roofed yalı under the Bosphorus Bridge functioned as a school, orphanage and sports centre during the…

2. Fehime Sultan Yalı

0.67 MILES

Once home to a daughter of Sultan Murat V, this huge yalı was built in the 1880s and extensively damaged by fire in 2003. At the time of writing it was…

3. Ortaköy Mosque

0.75 MILES

This elegant baroque-style structure was designed by Nikoğos Balyan, one of the architects of Dolmabahçe Palace, and built for Sultan Abdül Mecit I…

4. Fethi Ahmed Paşa Yalı

0.88 MILES

A wide white building with a red-tiled roof, this yalı was built in the late 18th century. Composer Franz Liszt stayed in it during his visits to the city.

5. Feriye Palace

0.98 MILES

This complex of three buildings on the Bosphorus shore was commissioned by Sultan Abdül Aziz in 1871 to house members of the royal family who could not be…

6. Kuleli Military High School

1.3 MILES

Past the small village of Çengelköy on the Asian side of the Strait is the imposing Kuleli Military School, built in 1860 and immortalised in Irfan Orga's…

7. Çırağan Palace

1.3 MILES

Not satisfied with the architectural exertions of his predecessor at Dolmabahçe Palace, Sultan Abdül Aziz (r 1861–76) built his own grand residence at…

8. Yıldız Park

1.32 MILES

This large and leafy retreat is alive with birds, picnicking families and young couples strolling hand in hand. The best time to visit is in April, when…