Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Palaces

Topkapi Palace

Towering over the Bosphorous and Marmara Sea in what was once ancient Constantinople, Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet is one of Istanbul’s most visited tourist attractions. ...more »

  • Location: Sultanahmet
  • Type: Palaces

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace was the last administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Built between 1843 and 1856, its stunning location on the banks of the Bosphorus is best enjoyed from a boat. ...more »

  • Location: Dolmabahce
  • Type: Museums

Palace of the Porphyrogenitus - Tekfur Sarayi

***CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION*** Though largely in ruins, the fact that this Byzantine palace is the last of its kind to survive in Istanbul gives it special significance. ...more »

  • Location: Edirnekapi
  • Type: Palaces

Yildiz Palace

A lavish reminder of the decadence of Ottoman times, Yıldız ('star') Palace was one of the last places of residence of the sultans. This large complex lies adjacent to Yıldız Park. ...more »

  • Location: Yildiz
  • Type: Palaces

Beylerbeyi Palace

One of the loveliest palaces on Istanbul’s Asian shores, Beylerbeyi Palace was constructed between 1861 and 1865 during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz. ...more »

  • Location: Beylerbeyi
  • Type: Palaces
  • Tel: +90 216 321 9320

Aynalikavak Pavilion

Situated on the site of what was once referred to as the 'Shipyard Palace Complex', the double storey Aynalikavak Pavilion is all that's left of this historic summer residence. ...more »

  • Location: Haskoy
  • Type: Palaces
  • Tel: +90-212-2273441

Kucuksu Palace

This small neo-baroque palace or pavilion was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecit I to serve as his summer residence. It was designed by imperial architect Nigogos Balyan and completed in 1857. ...more »

  • Location: Anadolu Hisari
  • Type: Palaces
  • Tel: +90-216-3323303

Our Local Experts say:

Istanbul's lavish palaces are a tribute to Ottoman grandeur. Almost all enjoy spectacular positions on the water and have been lovingly restored to their former glory.

The most famous of Istanbul's palaces is undoubtedly Topkapi Palace. Once home to Ottoman sultans, this immense complex is packed with treasures just waiting to be discovered. There are also a number of smaller palaces worth checking out around the city.

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"The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time" - Bill Bryson