Beylerbeyi Palace Tickets & Tours
Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman sultans on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, invites you to experience its serene elegance and waterfront charm. The palace is a must-see for every visitor in Istanbul. Explore sunlit salons, terraced gardens, and marble fountains that reflect the refined life of the late Ottoman court.
From happy customers
Beautiful palace, luxurious staircase with crystal balustrades, giant crystal chandeliers, luxury everywhere you look. It takes two hours and a year to explore, including the arena..
It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Istanbul. It has a very nice atmosphere. I recommend you to research before going there. We never waited in line.
We recommend traveling by ferry from Karaköy or Eminönü using your Istanbul Card. The interior is very well preserved, and the audio guide explanations make it easy to transport yourself back to that era.
Très beau palais mais assez petit ce qui me ferait dire que le prix est un peu excessif même si le palais vaut le coup d’œil! Attention, actuellement la grande majorité de la façade est en rénovation!
Beylerbeyi Palace: The Bosphorus Jewel
Beylerbeyi Palace, once a summer residence and guesthouse for Ottoman sultans, offers a captivating glimpse into the empire’s refined leisure and hospitality. Nestled on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, the palace complex boasts elegant gardens, opulent reception halls, and richly adorned interiors that reflect the grandeur of the 19th-century Ottoman era. With a range of ticket options, including guided tours that reveal the palace’s historical anecdotes and hidden corners, visitors can tailor their experience to their own curiosity and pace.
Quick Information
Plan your visit to Beylerbeyi Palace
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
- Last admission: 4pm
- Closed: Mondays, New Year’s Day, first day of religious holidays
- Note: The ticket office closes half an hour before closing time.
Duration of visit: 1 to 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and the most beautiful Bosphorus views.
Address: Abdulhamit Caddesi, Beylerbeyi, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Beylerbeyi Palace sits on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, beneath the Bosphorus Bridge and close to Çengelköy.
How to Get There:
- By Marmaray: Take the Marmaray to Üsküdar station. From there, take a bus or taxi to the palace (10min drive).
- By Bus: Buses from Üsküdar, Kadıköy and Beşiktaş stop at Beylerbeyi.
- By Ferry: Ferries to Üsküdar or Beşiktaş, then continue by bus/taxi.
Main Entrance:
- The Main Gate: The only visitor entrance is through the seaside monumental gate on Abdulhamit Street.
Tickets are available at the main entrance. Groups and individuals enter from the same gate. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or on site; advance purchase recommended on weekends.
Visitor Amenities:
- Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages at the ticket office.
- Restrooms: Located near the ticket hall and within the outer gardens.
- Cafe: Enjoy snacks and tea at the palace garden’s charming cafe.
- Gift Shop: Official museum shop for souvenirs and books.
- Accessibility: Partial; some steps and historical flooring may limit access for wheelchairs or strollers. Accessible paths in gardens.
Make the Most of Your Visit:
- Buy Tickets Online: Avoid waiting, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Arrive Early: Early mornings are less crowded and cooler for a garden stroll.
- Photography: No photography allowed inside palace interiors; outdoor photos are permitted.
- Dress Comfortably: Walking shoes are recommended due to steps and gravel paths.
- Guided Tours: Highly recommended to deepen your appreciation of the palace’s history.
Dining Options:
- Cafe inside the garden: Enjoy pastries, Turkish coffee, and drinks under centuries-old plane trees with Bosphorus views.
- Nearby: Popular waterfront fish restaurants and cafes in Beylerbeyi and Çengelköy neighborhoods.
Where to Stay:
Stay in Üsküdar or Kadıköy districts nearby for easy palace access and vibrant local atmosphere. Beylerbeyi and Çengelköy offer boutique guesthouses, while the European side (Beşiktaş, Taksim) is just a short taxi ride across the bridge.
- Üsküdar: Family-run hotels and local flavor.
- Kadıköy: Trendy, artsy, great street food.
- Beşiktaş / Ortaköy: More nightlife, close to bridge.
Things to know before booking Beylerbeyi Palace tickets
- Most Beylerbeyi Palace tickets allow you to skip the ticket office queue, saving time, especially during weekends and the spring/autumn tourist peaks.
- However, all visitors must go through a mandatory security check at the entrance. Allow for an extra 15–20 minutes for security before you begin your visit.
- For a deeper and more efficient visit, you can book guided tours. These typically offer skipping the regular lines and provide expert commentary on the palace's history and Ottoman life.
- Beylerbeyi Palace is wheelchair accessible in the gardens and most ground-floor salons, but some historical interiors and upper-floor areas may not be accessible due to stairs and original flooring.
- The palace features a vast collection of period furniture, decorative art, and Ottoman artifacts. To appreciate everything, plan to spend at least 1 to 1.5 hours inside. For a quicker, less crowded experience, visit on a weekday morning.
- Photography is not permitted inside the palace rooms; you may take photos only in the gardens and outdoor areas.
- If you’re planning a day out along the Bosphorus, look for combo tickets that include Beylerbeyi Palace and other attractions nearby, such as Çengelköy or Küçüksu Pavilion.
- Children under 8 enter for free, and discounted tickets are available for students, teachers, and seniors over 65 with valid ID-making it more affordable for families and educational groups.
Why Beylerbeyi Palace is a must-visit in Istanbul
Frequently asked questions about Beylerbeyi Palace
By bus: Frequent buses run from Uskudar Besiktas and Kadikoy directly to stops near the palace.
By ferry: Arrive in Uskudar by ferry from Eminonu Karakoy or Besiktas then take a short taxi ride or bus.
Walking from Uskudar along the coast is also an option for those who enjoy scenic strolls and takes approximately 30 minutes.







