Travel Guide

Istanbul has been the capital of many empires throughout its history and has hosted many palaces reflecting the splendor of these empires.  

The first palaces of Istanbul were built by the Byzantine Empire. The most important of these is the Tekfur Palace, which serves as a museum today. After the conquest of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapı Palace became the new residence and administrative center of the empire. In the 19th century, European-style palaces such as Dolmabahçe Palace were built as part of westernization efforts. 

Here are the 9 most important palaces in Istanbul, each telling a different story and era: 

1 -  Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, which was the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, is one of the most important historical buildings of Istanbul. The palace, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1459, housed the divan, treasury, harem and various government offices as well as being the residence of the sultans. Topkapi Palace, which serves as a museum today, is a treasure that reveals the splendor and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. 

You can visit it every day except Tuesday, between 09:00 - 17:00. 

2 - Dolmabahçe Palace

Built in the 19th century in emulation of the royal palaces in Europe, Dolmabahçe Palace is an indicator of the Ottoman efforts to westernize. Decorated in western style and home to many European works of art, the palace reflects the luxurious and ostentatious lifestyle of the late Ottoman period. 

You can visit the palace every day except Monday between 09:00 - 17:00.  

3 - Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, was used as the summer palace of the Ottomans. Built in the 19th century, the palace attracts attention with its elegant architecture and gardens. The palace was also used to host important guests from European royal families and statesmen. 

You can visit the palace every day except Monday between 09:00 - 17:00. 

4 - Küçüksu Pavilion

Located on the shores of the Bosphorus, Küçüksu Pavilion was built in the 19th century as a rest and entertainment pavilion for the sultans. Decorated in European style, the pavilion attracts attention with its elegant architecture and gardens. Küçüksu Pavilion was also used to host important guests from European royal families. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00.  

5 - Tekfur Palace

Tekfur Palace, one of the oldest palaces of Istanbul, was used as the residence of emperors during the Byzantine period. A part of the palace has survived to the present day and serves as a museum. Tekfur Palace is an important source of information about Byzantine art and architecture. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00. 

6 - Ihlamur Pavilion

Ihlamur Pavilion was built in 1849 by Sultan Abdülmecid and used as a rest and entertainment pavilion for the Ottoman sultans. Located in Beşiktaş, the pavilion is spread over an area of 110 acres. Ihlamur Pavilion is furnished with European-style furniture and Ottoman works of art. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00. 

7 - Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion

Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion was built in 1855 by Sultan Abdülmecid and used as the residence of the Ottoman sultans on the Bosphorus. Located in Beykoz, the pavilion is spread over an area of 45,000 square meters. Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion is furnished with European-style furniture and Ottoman artworks. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00. 

 8 - Aynalıkavak Pavilion

Aynalıkavak Pavilion was built in 1875 by Sultan Abdülaziz and used as a hunting lodge for the Ottoman sultans. Located in Beykoz, the pavilion is spread over an area of 4000 square meters. Aynalıkavak Pavilion is furnished with European-style furniture and Ottoman artworks. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00.  

9 - Maslak Pavilion

Maslak Pavilion was built in 1908 by Sultan Abdülhamid II and used as a hunting lodge for the Ottoman sultans. Located in Sarıyer, the pavilion is spread over an area of 120,000 square meters. Maslak Pavilion is furnished with European-style furniture and Ottoman artworks. 

You can visit it every day except Monday, between 09:00 - 17:00. 

The palaces of Istanbul not only reflect the splendor and lifestyle of the empires, but also provide important information about the history and culture of the city. By visiting these palaces, you can open a window to the past and follow the traces of the Ottoman Empire.