Discover Yıldız Palace, the last imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. Learn about its history, visiting hours, ticket prices, and unique pavilions.
Located on a hill between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy with a stunning view of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, Yıldız Palace is the last grand palace built by the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. With its vast grounds, elegant architecture, and historical significance, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and culture.
The origins of Yıldız Palace date back to the reign of Sultan Selim III (1789–1807), who commissioned the first pavilion in the area. However, it was Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876–1909) who turned Yıldız into a full-fledged palace complex. He renamed it Yıldız Sarây-ı Hümâyûnu and ruled the empire from here for 33 years, making it the last administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
Spanning an area of approximately 500,000 square meters, Yıldız Palace is divided into three main sections:
The palace complex also included various facilities such as a library, pharmacy, zoo, theatre, museum, and workshops (e.g., carpentry, ironworks, a porcelain factory), making it function almost like a small self-sufficient city. Sultan Abdulhamid II even stationed the 2nd Division of the 1st Army nearby for added protection.
Some of the original buildings have survived to this day, including:
These reflect the elegance and architectural refinement of the late Ottoman period.
Children aged 0–6 enter for free. Students between 7–25 years old (with valid ID) are eligible for discounted tickets. ISIC cardholders (International Student Identity Card) can also benefit from student pricing.
Note: Museum Pass is only valid in some parts of Yıldız Palace (excluding Harem, Hasbahçe, and Küçük Mabeyn).
| Holiday | Status |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Closed |
| April 23 (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day) | Open |
| May 1 (Labor Day) | Open |
| Ramadan Feast Day 1 | Closed |
| Ramadan Feast Day 2–3 | Open |
| May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day) | Open |
| July 15 (Democracy and National Unity Day) | Open |
| Sacrifice Feast Day 1 | Closed |
| Sacrifice Feast Day 2–4 | Open |
| August 30 (Victory Day) | Open |
| October 29 (Republic Day) | Open |
