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Dolmabahce PalacevsBeylerbeyi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace are both recommended by experts. Overall, Dolmabahce Palace ranks significantly better than Beylerbeyi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace scores 92 with approval from 7 reviewers such as Afar Magazine, Frommer's and Let's Go.
Dolmabahce Palace
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Let's Go
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Frommer's
Dolmabahce Besiktas Istanbul, Istanbul 34357, Turkey
From $0/night
Fodor's "The name Dolmabahçe means "filled-in garden," from the fact that Sultan Ahmet I (ruled 1603–17) had an imperial garden planted here on land reclaimed from the sea." Full review
Concierge "Often overlooked by visitors, this is one of Istanbul's most lavish and extravagant attractions."
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"These days it’s fashionable for architects and critics influenced by the less-is-more aesthetic of the Bauhaus masters to sneer at buildings such as Dolmabahçe." Full review
Let's Go "It has 285 rooms, 68 toilets, 44 halls, and six hamams." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Generously deployed pomp and riches... provide a certain cohesion, in which it's possible to conjure up the decadent life of a sultan." Full review
Afar Magazine "The Dolmabahçe (“dol-ma-bah-chey”) Palace is European through and through." Full review
Frommer's "The extravagant collection of objets d'art represents just a small percentage of items presented to the occupants of the palace over the years." Full review
Beylerbeyi Palace Lonely Planet Michelin Guide Fodor's Michelin Guide Afar Magazine Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Abdullah Aga Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey
From $0/night
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Under the bridge on the European shore is the green-and-cream-coloured Balyan Usta Yalı , built in the 1860s by architect Sarkis Balyan." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This palace is one of the architectural fantasies of the last sultans."
Fodor's "Like a mini-Dolmabahçe that incorporates a similarly eclectic mix of European and Turkish styles but is smaller, less grandiose, and has more of a personal feel." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This former summer palace, clad in marble and surrounded by gardens, was built in 1865 for the Sultan Abdülaziz (1830-1876) and hosted guests such as Empress Eugénie of France." Full review
Afar Magazine "Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı)This beautiful 19th-century palace on the Asian shoreline near the First Bosphorus Bridge served as a summer retreat for sultans and visiting dignitaries." Full review
Frommer's "The grounds contain sumptuous pavilions and kiosks, including the Stable Pavilion, where the imperial stud was kept." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive."
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