Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) Tours and Tickets

Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, this opulent 19th-century palace was once the summer residence of Ottoman sultans. Today, you can step inside and see the sumptuously decorated private apartments, the harem section of the palace, and terraced gardens that offer sweeping views over the Strait of Istanbul.

Yes. Beylerbeyi Palace is included on many half-day and full-day tours of Istanbul that typically include other stops on the city’s Asian side. Some tours may include panoramic Camlica Hill (about 10 minutes away by car), or Dolmabahce Palace, another Ottoman residence located along the Bosphorus—but on the European side.

On a typical tour of Beylerbeyi Palace, you would see the main living areas and state rooms where visiting dignitaries were hosted. Particular highlights include chandeliers made from Bohemian glass, the mosaic-covered imperial hammam, and furniture handcrafted by Sultan Abdulhamīd II. Certain areas may be off-limits for ongoing restoration work.

It depends. Children may enjoy running around the seaside gardens and outdoor spaces. But, the lavish interiors—with their silk carpets, Chinese porcelain, and maritime paintings—may not hold kids’ attention, appealing more to adults with an interest in history or interior design.

No, photography and filming are strictly forbidden in the stunning 26 rooms on display. Don’t be tempted to sneak a pic, either: There are security cameras and guards in each room. If you take a picture, you may be given a warning or be asked to delete the photo.

Plan to spend at least an hour at Beylerbeyi Palace, which you can visit with a group or independently with an audio tour. There’s an on-site café with Bosphorus views, as well as a gift shop, so factor in additional time for browsing souvenirs or relaxing with a tea.