What is Beylerbeyi Palace?

Beylerbeyi Palace is an Ottoman imperial summer palace located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdülaziz, it served as the sultans' summer residence and a guest palace for visiting foreign dignitaries. Empress Eugénie of France and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany were among its famous guests.

Is Beylerbeyi Palace better to visit than Dolmabahce?

They complement each other well. Dolmabahce is grander in scale and has more historical significance (Atatürk's death). Beylerbeyi is smaller, quieter, and often less crowded — and many visitors find its intimate scale makes it easier to appreciate the details. If visiting Istanbul for the first time, Dolmabahce is the priority; if you have time for both, Beylerbeyi is a genuine reward.

Is Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side of Istanbul?

Yes. Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Üsküdar district (sometimes associated with the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood). Crossing the Bosphorus to visit it is part of the experience — you can take a ferry from Beşiktaş or Eminönü, or cross the Bosphorus Bridge by taxi or bus.

How long does a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace take?

The guided palace tour takes approximately 1–1.5 hours. Including the garden and time to enjoy the Bosphorus views, budget around 2 hours for a relaxed visit. Beylerbeyi is smaller than Dolmabahce and works well as a half-day excursion.

What is Beylerbeyi Palace?

Beylerbeyi Palace is an Ottoman imperial summer palace located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdülaziz, it served as the sultans' summer residence and a guest palace for visiting foreign dignitaries. Empress Eugénie of France and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany were among its famous guests.

Is Beylerbeyi Palace better to visit than Dolmabahce?

They complement each other well. Dolmabahce is grander in scale and has more historical significance (Atatürk's death). Beylerbeyi is smaller, quieter, and often less crowded — and many visitors find its intimate scale makes it easier to appreciate the details. If visiting Istanbul for the first time, Dolmabahce is the priority; if you have time for both, Beylerbeyi is a genuine reward.

Is Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side of Istanbul?

Yes. Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Üsküdar district (sometimes associated with the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood). Crossing the Bosphorus to visit it is part of the experience — you can take a ferry from Beşiktaş or Eminönü, or cross the Bosphorus Bridge by taxi or bus.

How long does a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace take?

The guided palace tour takes approximately 1–1.5 hours. Including the garden and time to enjoy the Bosphorus views, budget around 2 hours for a relaxed visit. Beylerbeyi is smaller than Dolmabahce and works well as a half-day excursion.

Beylerbeyi Palace Visitor Guide

Everything you need to plan the perfect visit: opening hours, tips, what to see, and how to get there.

Key Facts

•Location: Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar, Asian side of Istanbul, on the Bosphorus

•Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday 09:00–16:00

•Closed: Monday and Thursday

•All visits by guided tour only

•Getting there: Ferry to Asian side + taxi/bus, or Bosphorus Bridge by taxi

•Time needed: 1–2 hours

•Famous for: Bosphorus views, polar bear pelt collection, bathing pavilions

Prices and hours marked must be confirmed before site launch.

Opening Hours

MondayClosed

TuesdayToday09:00 – 16:00

Wednesday09:00 – 16:00

ThursdayClosed

Friday09:00 – 16:00

Saturday09:00 – 16:00

Sunday09:00 – 16:00

Note: Closed Monday and Thursday. All visits by guided tour only. Last admission approximately 1 hour before closing.

Seasonal: Hours may vary by season. Check the official website before visiting.

Last verified: 1 April 2025

Best Time to Visit

Morning (9:00–11:00)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lowest crowds. Arrive at opening for the best experience.

Mid-morning (11:00–13:00)

⭐⭐⭐

Groups arrive. Consider skip-the-line if visiting now.

Afternoon (13:00–16:00)

⭐⭐

Busiest time, especially Jun–Aug. Skip-the-line essential.

Late afternoon (16:00–close)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crowds thin out. Beautiful light for photos.

Essential Visitor Tips

✓Take a ferry from Beşiktaş or Eminönü to the Asian side — the crossing is part of the experience
✓Visit on a weekday to avoid tour group crowds
✓Combine with a walk through Üsküdar's market streets for a full Asian-side day
✓The terraced garden and bathing pavilions are often overlooked — don't rush through them
✓Look for the polar bear pelts in the main reception room — a genuine curiosity
✓The palace is smaller than Dolmabahce — allow yourself to slow down and notice the details
✓Photography inside is restricted — check current rules on arrival
✓The view back across the Bosphorus to the European side from the garden is exceptional
✓Book your tour slot in advance in summer — slots are limited
✓Comfortable shoes recommended — the garden paths are uneven in places