12 Most Beautiful Palaces In Istanbul, Turkey
Planning to travel to Istanbul soon? Here is a list of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul that you shouldn’t miss out on!
Istanbul, Turkey, is a hub for cultural activities all year round. There are many amazing things to see and do here, from incredible historical architectural wonders to blazing bazaars.
Moreover, it is home to some of the most magnificent palaces in the world. These palaces are a sight to behold, from their intricate exterior designs to the ornate interiors.
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If you’re looking for some of the most exquisite palaces in Istanbul, you’re in luck. Istanbul is one of the most charming cities in the world. It’s home to awe-inspiring palaces, and there is a sure short chance that you will be blown away by the magic.
Ready to discover them? Here are 12 of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul – each more breathtaking than the last. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit this city, make sure you see at least a few of these beauties!
Before You Go, Here Are Some Quick Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip to Istanbul
– Book your accommodation in advance. For the best stay, I suggest staying at Royal Suites Sultanahmet (9.0/10) if you’re on a budget, Meroddi Galata Mansion (8.7/10) if you’re on a mid-range budget, or the Galataport Hotel (8.6/10) for a luxurious stay. If you’d rather book an apartment, this is the apartment rental I recommend.
– Don’t miss out on popular tours and activities in Istanbul. Some of my favorites are; the Whirling Dervishes Show, this 3-hour Bosphorus cruise dinner, this Hagia Sophia guided tour, and this Topkapi palace guided tour.
– Don’t forget to take Travel Insurance. Request a free quote from my favorite insurance, World Nomads.
– To get the most out of your visit, I recommend buying this Istanbul pass. It will give you free access to popular attractions in the city, free public transportation, and a cruise on the Bosphorus.
– Plan your trip to Istanbul extensively with this Lonely Planet Istanbul guidebook.
Famous Palaces in Istanbul, Turkey
Here, is the list of 12 endearing palaces of Istanbul that are a sure-shot tourist attraction.
1. Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Istanbul and Turkey as a whole.
Originally constructed by Sultan Abdulmecid I in the mid-19th century, it served as the residence for six Ottoman sultans.
Dolmabahce Palace is known for its intricate details and pricey decor. The main highlights include a crystal staircase, the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, the use of expensive stones, Hereke palace carpets, a collection of 202 oil paintings, and more.
The key rooms inside the palace are the main entrance hall, the secretariat’s rooms, Atatürk’s room, and the harem.
Majestically standing in white across the Bosphorus strait, Dolmabahce Palace is truly one of the most beautiful Istanbul palaces.
To fully enjoy your visit to this imposing Palace, I recommend booking this guided tour with a knowledgeable tour guide.
- Location: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday closed)
Related post: Best Things to Know Before Traveling to Istanbul
2. Ciragan Palace
If you’re looking for an opulent palace to stay in while visiting Istanbul, look no further than Ciragan Palace.
This former home of the Ottoman sultans has been beautifully restored and now serves as a 5-star hotel in the Kempinski Hotels chain.
You’ll feel like royalty when walking into the beautiful Atrium with the staircase, relaxing in one of the palatial suites, or enjoying a drink on the terrace with views of the Bosphorus.
With an overnight rate going as high as $35,000, the hotel’s Sultan’s Suite is considered one of the 15 most costly hotel suites in the world. If you have that budget, you can book a room from here and sleep like a true Sultan.
- Location: Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: Open 24/7
3. Topkapi Palace
With its stunning architecture and captivating history, Topkapi Palace will take your breath away.
The beautiful architecture, stunning Istanbul views, and rich history make it one of the most incredible palaces in Istanbul.
Since 1923, the palace has been a museum with courtyards, kitchens, porcelain collections, Imperial Council, Treasury, and the Harem being the primary attractions.
The Imperial Hall, which has the sultan’s throne, has unmatched architectural beauty and the panoramic view of the Marmara Sea from the palace is also a sight to behold.
To get a full understanding of the history harbored in this palace, I recommend booking this skip-the-line Topkapi guided tour.
- Location: Ayvansaray, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM
Looking for more fun things to do in Istanbul? You can check out my recommended tours and activities in the widget below all offered by my favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide.
4. Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Sarayı)
Gryffindor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Tekfur Sarayı, popularly known as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, is one of the most ancient palaces in Istanbul.
It was built in the 13th century and was used by the Ottoman sultans as a both residence and court.
A prime example of Ottoman architecture, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Situated on a hill in the Fatih district of Istanbul overlooking the Golden Horn, the Tefkur palace is one of Turkey’s oldest and best-preserved palaces which is more reason to include it on your Istanbul itinerary.
- Location: Ayvansaray, Fatih/Istanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Related post: Free things to do in Istanbul
5. Adile Sultan Palace
One of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul, Adile Sultan Palace was built for princess Adile Sultan in the 1800s.
Interestingly, she was the only Turkish royal female poet to have a Diwan. It is currently a cultural centre and a popular luxurious event spot in the city.
The monument’s setting makes it unique and worthwhile to visit. Unlike anything you have ever seen, the Palace sits on a hill along the Bosphorus, where the city’s Asian side meets the city’s European side.
- Location: Kandilli, Vaniköy Cd No: 12, 34684 Üsküdar/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: Open 24/7
6. Aynalıkavak Palace
Aynalıkavak Palace or Aynalıkavak Kasrı as known in Turkish will give you the luxury to explore the life of the 17th-century Sultans.
The monument was originally commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I but every rein added its own touch to achieve what it currently looks like.
Aynalıkavak Palace translates to “the Palace of the Mirrored Poplars” due to the number of mirrors sent by the Venetians to the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet III as gifts.
While the exterior may be less striking compared to other ottoman palaces on this list, the interior is worth making a stop for.
It has towering ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, beautiful gardens to relax in, and a lovely cafe to enjoy the views of the Golden horn from.
If you love Turkish music, there is a Museum of Turkish Music with historical musical instruments to learn more about Turkey’s music history. Being a museum today, it holds a number of exhibits that are fun to see.
Though Aynalıkavak Palace is a little bit away from the center, it’s still one of the Istanbul palaces worth visiting.
- Location: Keçeci Piri, Donanma Cd., 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday and Thursday closed)
Related Post: How to travel to Istanbul on a Budget
7. Kucuksu Palace
Kucuksu Palace is one of Istanbul’s minor Ottoman palaces, located on the Asian side of the city.
Though smaller compared to other Istanbul palaces, it is a world unto itself in opulence.
It is surrounded by an ornate steel fence covering the garden and has gates on all four sides that lead to the interior.
Plus, it being right on the shore of the Bosphorus, gives it the fairytale look any royal would want in a summer place.
Though initially commissioned by Sultan Abd-ul-Mejid I in 1857, a number of intricate decorations were added to the facade during the rule of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz.
The pavilion was later on used as a state guest house at the start of the Republican era but later transformed into its current state as a museum in 1944.
On your visit to the palace, you can witness some of the most spectacular Bohemian crystal chandeliers, Italian marble fireplaces, and the original Hereke rugs that grace the hallways.
And the fact that the palace is not overly crowded like other Turkish palaces is one of its unique features.
- Location: Göksu, Küçüksu Cd., 34810 Beykoz/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday and Thursday closed)
8. Ihlamur Palace
Chapultepec, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
If you want to enjoy some greenery and quiet time without leaving the city centre, then Ihlamur Palace is the palace for you. The palace gardens are sprawling and impeccably well-maintained.
The palace was constructed during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I to work as an Ottoman summer palace.
There are 2 buidings on the grounds which together form the Ihlamur Pavilions.
You can take in the beauty of its architecture, enjoy the serenity of the gardens in the centre of a rather busy city, or even sit down for a Turkish coffee at the onsite cafe.
With architectural features that resemble those of the Dolmabahce Palace, it might be confused as a minor Dolmabahce Palace, after all, both these Istanbul palaces was constructed by the same architects; the Baylan brothers.
- Location: Teşvikiye, Nişantaşı Ihlamur Yolu Sk., 34357 Şişli/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: Monday and Thursday closed
Related post: Best things to do in Istanbul at night
9. Beylerbeyi Palace
Regarded as one of the finest Turkish palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in the mid-19th century as a summer residence and a place to welcome royals and great leaders from other countries.
Many royals from around the world have visited Beylerbeyi Palace, with the Empress Eugénie of France being notably impressed by its architecture as she was on her way to open the Suez Canal in Egypt.
It was also the last place of captivity of the deposed Sultan Abdulhamid II when he was put under house arrest.
Though not as grand as the likes of Dolmabahce Palace, its still equally beautiful with its well-mainted gardens and detailed interiors.
- Location: Beylerbeyi, Beylerbeyi Kavşağı, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday closed)
10. Hidiv Kasri (Khedive’s Palace)
Hidiv Kesri, or the Khedive’s Palace, is located one the Asian side of Istanbul.
This majestic property offers visitors a unique and memorable experience with its ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and prime locations, and a monumental fountain.
The best month to visit this palace is April, when it hosts the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival.
- Location: Çubuklu Mah, Hidiv Kasrı Cd. No. 1 D:1, 34805 Beykoz/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 11 PM
Related Post: Best Cafes in Istanbul
11. Beykoz Mecidiye Kasrı
Beykoz Mecidiye Kasrı is a stunning palace located in Istanbul that was built in the 19th century as a gift by Egyptian Governor Mehmed Ali Pasha.
The walls and exterior of this Palace are covered in coloured stones, unlike those of other Ottoman palaces and pavilions.
Everything about this property has a fairytale vibe, from the crimson carpets to the heavy curtains and the double balconies.
Today, it operates as a museum for the public and is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions.
- Location: Yalıköy, Beykoz Kasrı, 34820 Beykoz/İstanbul
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday closed)
12. Maslak Pavilion
As soon as you lay eyes on Maslak Pavilion, you’ll be mesmerised by its grandeur and beauty.
This magnificent Palace is situated in Istanbul, and features intricate Turkish architecture that will take your breath away.
Inside, the Palace is lavishly decorated with the finest furnishings and materials, and no expense was spared in ensuring that every detail is perfect.
Sultan Mehmed II built the first-ever structures on the site in the early nineteenth century, and they are known as the Maslak Pavilions. A visit to this specific monument is a must-do for anyone visiting Istanbul.
- Location: Darüşşafaka, Büyükdere Cd., 34457 Şişli/İstanbul
- Entry Fee: 30 TL
- Visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday closed)
Final Thoughts on the Best Istanbul Palaces
From Topkapi Palace to Hidiv Kasri, each of these palaces in istanbul has something unique to offer.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about their history and significance since each one is truly a masterpiece on its own.
So, if you ever find yourself in Istanbul, be sure to visit at least one of these fantastic Istanbul palaces and you won’t regret it!
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