Beylerbeyi is one of those places people pass through before realizing they should have stopped. You’re on the Asian side, the Bosphorus opens up, the bridge rises overhead, and suddenly the pace changes. Quieter. More breathable. Less performed.
Located just after Kuzguncuk when heading north from Uskudar, Beylerbeyi sits right under the Bosphorus Bridge, hugging the shoreline. People often call it the Ortakoy of the Asian side. We get why. Waterfront cafes. A strong neighborhood feel. Big views without the crowds.
Most visitors come for Beylerbeyi Palace and leave. That’s the missed opportunity. The palace is stunning, yes. But the neighborhood itself carries the day. Seaside walks. Tea by the water. Streets where wooden houses still feel lived in, not curated.
We’ve brought first time visitors here when central Istanbul felt heavy. The reaction is almost always the same. Relief. You still get history. You still get the Bosphorus. You just don’t have to fight for space.
If you’re building an itinerary that mixes landmarks with breathing room, Beylerbeyi fits naturally. It pairs well with Kuzguncuk. It balances busy mornings elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where you sit down “for five minutes” and stay much longer.
“We like Beylerbeyi because it doesn’t demand attention. It earns it quietly.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Beylerbeyi at a Glance
Beylerbeyi is a coastal neighborhood connected to Uskudar, shaped by layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history. Its older name, Stavros, comes from a cross placed here during the Byzantine period. Later, the area took its current name from the mansion of Mehmed Pasha, the Beylerbeyi, or governor of Rumelia, in the 16th century.
The area has long been favored for its gardens and waterfront position. According to historical accounts by the 18th century traveler Inciciyan, these shores were used as imperial gardens during both Byzantine and Ottoman times. That legacy still shows. Green pockets. Calm streets. A sense of retreat built into the place.
Today, Beylerbeyi feels residential first. You’ll see locals walking dogs, families sitting by the water, fishermen setting up along the shore. Historical mansions and wooden houses line narrow streets. Nothing feels rushed.
The standout landmark is Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman summer palace right on the Bosphorus. Elegant. Light filled. Designed for hosting foreign dignitaries and escaping palace heat. It anchors the neighborhood, but it doesn’t dominate it.
Beylerbeyi works best when you don’t overplan. Walk the coast. Sit for tea. Let the bridge frame your view. That’s the rhythm.
“For first timers, we describe Beylerbeyi as a pause with history. You still learn something, just without the noise.”
Istanbeautiful Team
No Regrets Booking Advice
Things to Do and See in Beylerbeyi (Unrushed, By the Water)
Beylerbeyi Palace (The Reason Most People Come)
The heart of Beylerbeyi is the palace. Sitting right under the Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace feels both grand and surprisingly light. Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz, it blends European Baroque style with Ottoman detail in a way that still feels elegant rather than heavy.
Inside, rooms open toward the Bosphorus. Light matters here. Windows frame the water. Decoration feels refined, not overwhelming. According to visitor feedback on TripAdvisor, most people spend around 60 to 90 minutes inside, which is just right. Long enough to appreciate it. Short enough to stay fresh.
The gardens deserve time too. Spreading across nearly 70,000 square meters, they hold old trees, shaded paths, and quiet corners where the bridge hum fades into the background. Sit for a few minutes. That pause completes the visit.
“We always suggest doing the palace slowly, then sitting in the garden before leaving. That’s where it really settles.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Beylerbeyi Pier, Mosque, and the Waterfront
Once you pass the palace, the neighborhood opens. A narrow street leads toward the pier. Small shops. Art galleries. Mussel vendors. Tea tables stretching toward the road. It feels lived in.
Right by the pier stands Beylerbeyi Mosque, also known as Hamidievvel Mosque, built in 1788 during the reign of Abdul Hamid I. It’s modest, balanced, and beautifully placed by the water. Next to it, the historic Beylerbeyi Bath offers a traditional hammam experience for those who enjoy it.
Walking along the Bosphorus shore here is simple and rewarding. Flat paths. Open views. Ferries sliding past.
Tea, Breakfast, and Seafood by the Bosphorus
One of the best things to do in Beylerbeyi is sit and eat without rushing. Tarihi Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi works for tea and long pauses.
Beylerbeyi Profiterol is known for desserts, especially profiteroles. Villa Bosphorus offers seafood with wide Bosphorus views.
Weekends fill fast. Arrive early if you want the best tables.
Wander the Streets
Beyond the water, Beylerbeyi’s narrow streets reward wandering. Wooden houses. Local bakeries. Small markets. Photogenic corners appear naturally.
“Beylerbeyi works best on foot. No route. No checklist. Just walk and notice.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Where to Eat and Drink in Beylerbeyi
Eating in Beylerbeyi is tied to the water. That’s the draw. Tables sit close to the Bosphorus, ferries slide past, and meals stretch longer than planned. You don’t come here for fast bites. You come to sit.
Seafood by the Bosphorus
If you want a classic Beylerbeyi experience, start with Yakamoz Beylerbeyi Balıkçısı. It’s one of the most talked about spots in the neighborhood, known for fresh fish and generous mezes. The view does a lot of work here. Evening light reflects off the water. Plates arrive steadily.
According to traveler comments on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, consistency is the reason people return. Order simply. Let the fish lead.
Another reliable option is Beylerbeyi Iskele Restaurant, close to the pier. The menu mixes seafood and Turkish staples, which helps if not everyone wants fish. Seating by the water fills quickly, so earlier hours feel calmer.
“Our rule is simple. If the restaurant faces the Bosphorus in Beylerbeyi, sit down and give it time. The food tastes better when you slow the pace.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Cafes and Sweet Breaks
For lighter moments, cafes near the shore work well for tea or dessert. Beylerbeyi Profiterol is a favorite stop for sweets, especially after a long walk. It’s casual and quick, perfect between plans.
For breakfast or brunch, many visitors pair Beylerbeyi with nearby Kuzguncuk and head to Çınaraltı Cafe. Sitting under the old plane trees with tea and a simple breakfast feels timeless. Weekends fill early. Arrive before late morning if you want a good table.
How to Get to Beylerbeyi
Getting to Beylerbeyi is easier than it looks on a map. The neighborhood sits right between Uskudar and Kuzguncuk, directly under the Bosphorus Bridge. Once you know which side you’re coming from, the route is straightforward.
From Uskudar
Uskudar is the easiest starting point. From Uskudar Square, buses running along the Bosphorus coast stop near Beylerbeyi in a few minutes. Many visitors also choose to walk.
The coastal walk from Uskudar takes around 25 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, with the Bosphorus beside you the entire way. According to Google Maps data and traveler feedback, this walk is one of the most enjoyable approaches.
From Sultanahmet
From the historic peninsula, take the Marmaray from Sirkeci to Uskudar. The ride itself is short. Once in Uskudar, continue by bus or taxi toward Beylerbeyi. This route stays predictable and avoids unnecessary transfers, which matters on busy sightseeing days.
From Taksim or Galata
From Taksim or Galata, ferries make sense. Head to Kabatas or Besiktas and take a ferry to Uskudar. According to Sehir Hatlari schedules, crossings usually take about ten to fifteen minutes. From the pier, Beylerbeyi is a short bus ride or taxi away.
Please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.
Suggested Itineraries for Beylerbeyi
2 to 3 Hours: Palace and Waterfront Reset
This works if you’re short on time or pairing Beylerbeyi with Kuzguncuk or Uskudar. Start with Beylerbeyi Palace. Give it a full, unhurried visit. Inside rooms, then gardens. Most visitors finish in about 90 minutes and feel satisfied.
After the palace, walk toward the pier. Sit by the water. Order tea at a nearby café. Let ferries pass. Keep it simple. End with a short Bosphorus walk before heading back.
“This is the version we give to first timers who want history without exhaustion. Palace first. Sitting second.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Half Day: Beylerbeyi at Its Best Pace
Half a day is the sweet spot. Begin late morning with the palace to avoid early queues. Afterward, walk the coastal path toward the pier and mosque. Visit Beylerbeyi Mosque briefly. The setting does most of the work.
For lunch, choose a seafood restaurant by the water. Yakamoz Beylerbeyi Balıkçısı or Beylerbeyi Iskele Restaurant both fit the mood. Order lightly. Stay longer than planned.
Finish with a slow neighborhood walk. Narrow streets. Old houses. No destination. That’s intentional.
Full Day: Beylerbeyi Plus One
A full day suits travelers who want depth without crossing the bridge. Start with the palace. Walk the coast. Eat by the water. Then add one nearby stop.
Head south to Kuzguncuk for cafes and the orchard. Or go north to Cengelkoy for tea gardens and calm evenings. Choose one. Let Beylerbeyi remain the anchor.
Nearby Attractions to Visit from Beylerbeyi
Beylerbeyi works best when you let it anchor the day, then add one nearby stop. These places sit close enough to feel connected, not tacked on.
Cengelkoy
Head north along the coast and you reach Cengelkoy, a waterfront district known for old tea gardens and a slower evening rhythm. Cafés sit right by the water. Locals linger. According to Google Maps reviews, many visitors come here specifically to sit, not to sightsee. It’s ideal if you want your day to taper gently rather than spike with another landmark.
Kuzguncuk
Just south of Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk feels intimate and creative. Colorful houses, small galleries, bookshop cafés, and the community orchard give it a village-like mood. Many first-time visitors pair Beylerbeyi with Kuzguncuk because the transition feels natural. Palace history first. Neighborhood life after.
“We often suggest Beylerbeyi in the morning and Kuzguncuk later. One gives structure. The other softens the day.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Uskudar
If you want something more iconic, Uskudar delivers. Large waterfront squares. Historic mosques like Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Semsi Pasha Mosque. Ferry activity. More movement. It’s a good contrast if your day in Beylerbeyi felt very quiet and you want a little energy back.
Bosphorus Bridge Viewpoint
As evening approaches, look for spots along the coast where the Bosphorus Bridge comes fully into view. At night, the illuminated structure reflects on the water and changes color. It’s a favorite for casual photography. No setup needed. Just timing.
Kuleli Military High School
You can’t enter, but the exterior of Kuleli Military High School is worth a pause. Long, stately, and directly on the waterfront, it adds a sense of scale to your Bosphorus walk. A few minutes is enough.
Common Traveler FAQs About Beylerbeyi
Is Beylerbeyi worth visiting if I’m short on time?
Yes. Beylerbeyi works well in a 2 to 3 hour window. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, walk the waterfront, sit for tea. That alone feels complete. Many visitors say this short visit balances busier days elsewhere.
How much time do I need for Beylerbeyi Palace?
Plan 60 to 90 minutes. That covers the interiors and the gardens without fatigue. The gardens matter. Don’t skip them.
Is Beylerbeyi touristy?
Less than central areas. You’ll see visitors around the palace, then mostly locals along the shore and side streets. The mood stays calm, even on weekends.
Can I visit Beylerbeyi with kids or strollers?
Yes, with a plan. The waterfront paths are flat and easy. Palace interiors involve stairs. Strollers work better along the coast than on inner streets.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
Late morning or early afternoon works well for the palace. Evenings suit the waterfront and dinner. For quiet walks, weekday afternoons feel easiest.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
For popular seafood spots by the water, reservations help, especially on weekends. Cafes and tea gardens rarely need booking.
Can I combine Beylerbeyi with nearby neighborhoods?
Yes. Pair it with Kuzguncuk for cafes and streets, or Cengelkoy for tea gardens. Choose one add-on to keep the day balanced.
Is Beylerbeyi easy to reach without a car?
Yes. Marmaray to Uskudar plus a short bus or walk works smoothly. Ferries to Uskudar followed by a short ride are popular too.