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Beylerbeyi Palace vs Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace are both highly recommended by expert writers. Overall, Topkapi Palace is the choice of most reviewers compared to Beylerbeyi Palace. Topkapi Palace ranks #1 in Istanbul with recommendations from 9 reviewers like Travel + Leisure, Let's Go and Concierge.

Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace
8 / 10
Abdullah Aga Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Lonely Planet 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 Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"This palace is one of the architectural fantasies of the last sultans."
Fodor's 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 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 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
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Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
9 / 10
Babıhümayun Caddesi , Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Few other royal residences match this hilltop compound when it comes to mystery, intrigue, and the lavish intricacies of court life." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"If you're stuck for time, limit yourself to the main palace and the harem, the most intimate and personal rooms used by the sultans and their many, many women."
i
Avoid going on weekends or during peak periods of the day so you miss the busloads of people who move in flocks around the grounds in a veritable babel of chattering languages.
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"This opulent palace complex is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's royal residences put together." Full review
Let's Go Let's Go
"The views are luxurious, the buildings overwhelmingly crafted, and the treasures outrageous. " Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"In the harem of Topkapi Palace visitors are plunged into a mythical Orient of a thousand and one treasures and as many fantasies." Full review
i
Visit the unmissable Treasury and its masterpiece: a 250kg solid gold throne encrusted with diamonds and emeralds.
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