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Beylerbeyi Palace Tickets & Tours


4.5
(28,1K Ratings)

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

Lia
Lia
May 2025
5/5

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..

Nova
Nova
April 2025
5/5

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.

Thomas
Thomas
Jun 2025
5/5

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.

Sophie
Sophie
France • Jan 2025
5/5

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!

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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

Address
Abdulhamit Caddesi, Beylerbeyi, 34676 Uskudar/Istanbul, Turkey
Recommended Duration
1–1.5 hours
Timings
9:00 am–5:00 pm
Visitors Per Year
Approx. 150,000
Tickets
From $10 (see the official website for current prices and discount options)
Number of Entrances
1
Expected Wait Time – Standard
15–30 mins (Peak), 0–15 mins (Off Peak)
Expected Wait Time – Skip the Line
0–5 mins
Accessibility
Partially accessible

Plan your visit to Beylerbeyi Palace

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
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
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.
Visitor Tips
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
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.
Hotels
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

Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Uskudar district, right on the Bosphorus shoreline just beneath the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. This prestigious location offers panoramic views of the European side and is easily visible from the water. The palace sits in a peaceful residential neighborhood away from the busier tourist hubs which adds to its serene atmosphere.

The palace is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm with the last admission usually at 4:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to enjoy the halls and gardens with fewer crowds especially during weekends and summer months.

In 2025 the entrance fee for foreign visitors is 700₺. In some seasons there may be a reduced price ticket for visiting only the gardens. The Museum Pass Istanbul is accepted at Beylerbeyi Palace. Visitors should check the latest information before their visit to confirm prices possible discounts for students and seasonal offers.

By Marmaray: Take the Marmaray train to Uskudar Station then continue about 10 minutes by taxi or a coastal bus heading towards Beykoz.
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.

The palace’s main building includes the Mabeyn State Apartments and the Harem. Visitors will find gilded ceilings Bohemian crystal chandeliers patterned carpets and ornate marble staircases. Bosphorus facing terraces provide stunning views while landscaped gardens create a tranquil backdrop. Some structures such as the Marble Pavilion the Yellow Pavilion and the historic stables are located on the grounds though not all are open to visitors.

Accessibility is partial. Ramps provide access to certain outdoor areas and the gardens but several rooms have stairs narrow passages or uneven flooring. Wheelchair users may need assistance in some interior sections. It is best to notify staff upon arrival so they can suggest the most accessible route and assist where needed.

Photography is generally not permitted inside the palace’s rooms to protect the artifacts and maintain the visitor experience. Outdoor photography in the gardens and terraces is allowed. Visitors are encouraged to check for any seasonal changes to the photography policy.

Guided tours are available with knowledgeable staff who share the history architectural details and anecdotes about the sultans and their guests. Audio guides may also be offered in multiple languages depending on the season and visitor demand. Availability should be checked at the ticket counter upon arrival.

Yes. Children are welcome and the gardens provide open space for families to relax together. While inside younger visitors will enjoy spotting ornate decorations and large chandeliers. Many times children and students are eligible for free or discounted entry with valid ID. Parents should note that some indoor areas have delicate furnishings and require supervision for younger children.

Yes. A garden only ticket is sometimes available giving visitors the chance to enjoy the landscaped terraces Bosphorus views and peaceful pavilions without entering the main building. Availability and hours may vary with the season or during private events so it is wise to confirm at the ticket counter.

Beylerbeyi Palace is closed every Monday. Certain rooms or areas may be temporarily closed for restoration preservation work or official events. Before planning your trip it is recommended to check the official museum website or contact the visitor information service for updates.

The palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and built between 1861 and 1865 by the Armenian Ottoman architect Sarkis Balyan. It served as a summer residence for the sultans and hosted high profile state guests including Empress Eugenie of France. Its design blends European Neo Baroque elegance with traditional Ottoman elements making it one of Istanbul’s most refined waterfront landmarks.

Beylerbeyi Palace has 26 rooms and 6 grand halls spread across three floors. Each space features unique decorative themes from hand painted ceilings to intricately carved wooden panels. While smaller in scale than Topkapi Palace its interiors offer a more intimate look at royal life.

Weekdays are generally quieter especially in the mornings. Arriving at 9:00 am allows visitors to explore the rooms without large crowds. Late afternoons after 3:30 pm are particularly pleasant for enjoying the gardens when the Bosphorus light creates a golden glow over the water.

There is limited street parking near the palace especially around the base of the bridge. Finding a space can be challenging on weekends and holidays. For convenience most visitors prefer public transportation taxi or ride sharing services.

An active internet connection is required to stream the audio guide. However you can download it in advance while connected to Wi Fi and listen offline during your visit. This is recommended for international visitors to avoid roaming charges.