Beylerbeyi Palace: The Quiet Sibling of Dolmabahce
Address
Çayırbaşı, Abdullahağa Cd., 34676 Üsküdar/Istanbul, Turkey
Suggested Duration
1-1.5 hours
From
15 EUR
Skip the Line
Fast-track entry available with select tickets
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Free cancellation up to 24h before
Reserve now, pay later
Built as a summer house to impress visiting royalty, Beylerbeyi Palace is almost directly under the first Bosphorus Bridge, minus the queues that now define its more famous sibling across the water.
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–16:00 |
Highlights
- Go to where the Ottomans hosted visiting royalty like Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
- Walk terraced gardens cut right into the hillside above the Bosphorus
- Skip Dolmabahce's queues altogether, this palace gets a fraction of the visitors
Included / Excluded
- Guided entry to the palace's state rooms
- Terraced gardens with direct Bosphorus access
- Transport (not walkable from the old city)
- Photography restricted in some rooms
Good to Know
- Same as Dolmabahce, guided only, in timed groups
- The first Bosphorus Bridge makes a striking backdrop from the garden, almost directly overhead
- Closed Mondays and Thursdays
Available languages: Turkish, English
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Beylerbeyi Palace from the old town?
It's on the Asian side, about 25 to 35 minutes by taxi or ferry, plus a short walk from Sultanahmet.
How does it compare to Dolmabahce Palace?
Smaller, less fussy, with far fewer visitors and a really striking hillside garden that Dolmabahce lacks.
Is it necessary to reserve a guided tour in advance?
Entrance is by timed groups, with a guide. Pre-booking is recommended in summer, although the site can usually accommodate walk-ups outside peak hours.
