8 Ottoman Palaces In Istanbul & How To Get To Each One

Here is my guide to the best palaces in Istanbul that we suggest you visit. These palaces of Istanbul are sure to delight, showcasing the grandeur and complexity of what was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the capital of the empire.

Read on to discover fascinating facts, delve into the history, and learn how you can reach each one by public transport.

Today, we are traveling to Istanbul, one of the most popular cities in the world. The city, which has hosted many nations and countries for centuries, is the capital of many cultures and civilizations and is home to millions of people. Beautiful Istanbul sits across two continents and is a crossing point of Eastern and Western culture.

If we try to describe Istanbul fully, it would be necessary to write volumes of books about this interesting city. Instead, this article will only discuss the Istanbul palaces we know you want to add to your Turkey travel itinerary. 

1. Topkapı Palace – Topkapi Palace 

After Fatih Sultan Mehmet (II. Mehmet) conquered Istanbul, he had Topkapi Palace built, which was used as a castle during the Byzantine period. Thus, the first Ottoman palaces in Istanbul emerged.

Once A Royal Residence

Topkapi Palace stands out with its slightly different architecture from that period’s Eastern and Western cultures. The palace has four central courtyards with other functions. For example, the second courtyard was used as the administrative center at that time.

If you want to learn in detail what is what and which part is used for what, you can take a guided tour by paying extra. You can visit the palace independently, but we recommend you take a guided tour.

One of the most important features of Topkapı Palace is that it was the place where the Ottoman sultans lived until the 17th century. After the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1924, the palace was converted into a museum. In 1985, this spot became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Areas of Istanbul.”

Fun palace facts: Kösem Sultan, one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history, was the Valide Sultan to her sons Murad IV and Ibrahim I and her grandson Mehmed IV. She lived in the Topkapı Palace and later in the Old Palace (Eski Saray).

What We Loved At Topkapi Palace

2. Çırağan Sarayı Palace – Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Çırağan Palace is among the prettiest palaces in Istanbul. There are many reasons we recommend you visit this palace; the most interesting reason we recommend a trip to this Istanbul palace is that here you have the opportunity to stay in this palace.

Çırağan Palace gives you the opportunity to travel in time. This palace was built at a time when every Sultan wanted to live in his own house instead of his parent’s home. You can experience things that even the Sultan could not experience in this palace, which was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. Sultan

Suite is ranked 14th on CNN’s list of “The 15 most expensive hotel suites in the world”. It comes then as no shock that Çırağan is the most expensive place for accommodation in Istanbul.

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3. Beylerbeyi Palace

You can be enchanted by stepping into this palace built in the 19th century. The word Beylerbeyi means lord of the aghas, and I think that the reason is that it is one of the best palaces of Istanbul.

The palace is located on the Bosphorus, a spectacular part of Istanbul which connects Asia and Europe. It is the last palace where the Ottoman sultans lived, as it was the place where Abdulmecid was put under house arrest. Sultan Abdulmecid II lived here under house arrest.

The construction of the palace was started during the reign of Sultan Mahmud, but it was Sultan Abdülaziz who turned it into its present form. He demolished the building and had it rebuilt after a fire.

There is a reason why Turkish President Ataturk loved to host guests at Beylerbeyi Palace, even in the early days of modern Turkey; from magnificent gardens to detailed ornate ceilings, anyone who loves architecture should not miss visiting the magnificent summer residence as a relic of the empire.

4. Dolmabahçe Palace – Dolmabahce Palace

This palace was built because the Sultan thought Topkapı Palace was old and wanted to move to a new one. The Sultan also wanted this newly built palace to rival many European palaces.

Dolmabahçe Palace was used in two different periods, 1856-1887 and 1902-1922. During the Republican period, this palace was converted into the Presidential Palace. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and leader of the Republic of Türkiye, used the palace as a summer residence and wrote some of his important works here. Another feature of this Turkish palace is that leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed away in this palace.

What is impressive in this palace in Istanbul is that the crystal chandeliers weigh several tons and also that Dolmabahçe Palace witnessed the late Ottoman period and the early modern era. This palace is not only interesting because of its physical and visible features but also because the palace was in operation over both the Ottoman period and the Republican period. 

5. Yıldız Palace – Yildiz Palace Museum

The name of this palace in Istanbul translates to Star Palace. In addition to being recognized by UNESCO, this palace has an architecture that combines the west and east. It can be said that the palace, which was built by the Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco, was influential in the unification of this east-west culture.

Yıldız Palace is also close to Dolmabahçe Palace, but the palace does not face the Bosphorus. Although certain mansions date back to Sultan Abdülaziz’s reign, Abdülhamid used this building between 1876 and 1909. In those years, the Sultan expanded the mansions and created a small city with an opera house, carpentry shop, and even an imperial porcelain factory.

Suppose you are interested in music, art, and literature. In that case, I recommend you visit Yıldız Palace because the palace has a library that exhibits books and photographs, which you should definitely see.

6. Küçüksu Palace – Küçüksu Kasrı

Technically a pavilion

Küçüksu Palace, built in the mid-19th century by the Sultan, stands as a testament to the architectural marvels along the Bosphorus strait on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Originally used as a hunting lodge and a resting place by several sultans, this summer palace invites you to travel back in time with its European-style furniture, crystal chandeliers and mirrors alongside ceiling decorations and marble that speak volumes of the opulent lifestyle.

It’s one of the palaces in Europe where you can immerse yourself in the splendor of the last residences of the Ottoman elite. 

7. Ihlamur Palace – Ihlamur Kasrı

Technically a pavilion

Ihlamur Palace, ordered by Sultan Abdulmecid, sits in a large park of flowers and serves as a prime example of palaces and pavilions designed for leisure and relaxation. 

Nestled in Beşiktaş, this summer residence of the Sultan Abdülmecid features lush gardens and two main pavilions that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. It was a favored lodge and a resting place, reflecting the blend of Ottoman and European decorative arts. 

8. Aynalıkavak Palace – Aynalıkavak Kasrı

Technically a pavilion

Aynalıkavak Palace, once a residence of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, now serves as a cultural beacon in the Hasköy neighborhood on the Golden Horn’s shores.

This palace was the first to be built with the intention of hosting cultural events and concerts, opening as a museum to the public. Its architecture and gardens were the brainchild of an Ottoman governor, showcasing shipyard palaces’ grandeur.

As one of the last residences of the Ottoman dynasty, it played a pivotal role as a resting place and venue for high society events. 

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Istanbul’s Beautiful Palaces FAQs

How many palaces are there in Istanbul?

Istanbul is home to a significant number of palaces, each with its unique history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance. These residences were the homes of Ottoman Sultans.

What is the significance of the palaces along the Bosphorus?

The palaces along the Bosphorus strait were the places that Ottoman Sultans used as residences, and they showcase traditional Ottoman architecture.

What is the Ihlamur Pavilion?

The Ihlamur Pavilion is a traditional Ottoman pavilion located in Istanbul. It was initially built as a lodge and resting place for several sultans.

How can one get to the Palace of Kempinski Istanbul?

Palace Kempinski Istanbul can be accessed by various modes of transportation, such as taxis and public transport. Jump on bus numbers 129T, 22, 30D, 42T, 57UL, DT1, or U1. You can take the Metro and look for lines M2 and M7.

Which Sultan ordered the construction of the first palace in Istanbul?

Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, ordered the construction of the first palace in Istanbul. Known today as Topkapi Palace.

What can visitors expect to see in the palaces in Istanbul?

Visitors to the palaces in Istanbul can expect to see traditional Turkish architecture, ceremonial halls, audience halls, Turkish baths, and rooms used by the Ottoman Sultans.

Are the palaces in Istanbul open to the public?

Yes, some of the palaces in Istanbul have been converted into museums and are open to the public for visitation and exploration of Ottoman history. All of the ones in this guide can be visited all year round. 

Now that you have a list of the palaces of Istanbul tell us which one of these Istanbul palaces you will set foot in first.