Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century Imperial Ottoman summer residence situated in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, Turkey, that has now been converted into a museum. The palace is constructed using white marble built in the Second Empire style of architecture. It is smaller in comparison to Dolmabahçe or Topkapı, but offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus. Free audio guide is available too. Photography is prohibited inside.

It has 24 rooms and 6 halls, one of which is the reception hall with a massive marble pool and fountain. Some of the other striking features of the palace include 2 bathing pavilions (one for the harem/women and the other for the selamlik men), a spectacular twisting central staircase, a hammam and several pavilions. Interestingly, the dining chairs in the harem and selamlik were carved by Sultan Abdülhamit II while he was imprisoned in the palace. On the inside, one would find several Baccarat chandeliers from France, carpets from Hereke, French clocks, porcelain vases, paintings that hint at the Sultan’s interest in maritime pursuits and much more. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the charming garden café on the premises.