Located on the Istanbul Anatolian shore of the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi is a beautiful coastal neighborhood situated right under the Bosphorus Bridge, following Kuzguncuk when heading towards the Black Sea from Uskudar. It is often referred to as the Ortaköy of the Asian side. In this article, you will find general information about Beylerbeyi, historical sites, places to visit, activities, popular dining spots, and transportation details.
About Beylerbeyi
Beylerbeyi is a unique place in Istanbul where traditional Turkish architecture meets modern life. The neighborhood, with its calm and peaceful atmosphere, is an attractive destination for both Istanbul residents and tourists.
Connected to the Uskudar district, the old name of the neighborhood is Stavros (Cross), derived from a cross erected here during the Byzantine period. The current name of the neighborhood comes from the mansion of Mehmed Pasha, the Beylerbeyi (Governor of Rumelia) during the reign of Sultan Murad III in the 16th century.
The area has been used as a settlement since the Byzantine period. According to the famous traveler Inciciyan, who lived in the 18th century, the region known as the Stavros Gardens during the Byzantine period was also used as the private gardens of the sultans during the Ottoman Empire.
One of the most prominent features of the neighborhood is its historical buildings from the Ottoman period and its location along the Bosphorus. Beylerbeyi has hosted many important events and figures throughout its history. Today, this historical texture and rich cultural heritage are felt in every corner of the neighborhood. Walking through its narrow streets, you can see historical mansions and wooden houses.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
The most important place to visit in Beylerbeyi is undoubtedly the Beylerbeyi Palace, located right under the Bosphorus Bridge. With its European Baroque architecture and oriental touch, it is one of the most magnificent palaces in Istanbul.
Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz, this stunning palace reflects the grandeur and elegance of the Ottoman Empire. The interior of the palace, with its dazzling decoration and Bosphorus-view gardens, enchants its visitors.
The palace’s gardens, covering an area of 70,000 square meters, are impressive with their historical value and contain rare trees and plants.
Besides the palace, other places to visit in Beylerbeyi include beautiful mosques, mansions, a boutique hotel, and cafes and restaurants around the ferry pier. The mansions lined along the Bosphorus also add beauty to the neighborhood.
When you pass the palace and enter the narrow street leading to the pier, you will find shops selling tourist items, art galleries, mussel vendors, fish restaurants, and tea gardens with tables spread along the pier and the road, where you can spend pleasant time.
Right next to the pier is Beylerbeyi Mosque (Hamidievvel Mosque), built in 1788 during the reign of Abdul Hamid I, which is one of the most beautiful mosques on the Bosphorus.
The Historical Beylerbeyi Bath located in the Beylerbeyi Mosque complex is also a great place for those who enjoy baths.
Another activity you can do in Beylerbeyi is taking a walk along the Bosphorus shore. The walking path along the coast offers a pleasant walk with a sea view.
Popular Places, Restaurants, and Cafes
Beylerbeyi offers a wide range of dining options for its visitors. In Beylerbeyi, you can find many options ranging from fish restaurants to cafes and patisseries. The restaurants along the Bosphorus offer both delicious meals and stunning views.
One of the most popular places in the neighborhood is Yakamoz Beylerbeyi Balıkçısı, famous for its fresh seafood and mezes. Here, you can enjoy fish with a view of the Bosphorus.
Additionally, Beylerbeyi Iskele Restaurant offers seafood and Turkish cuisine. If you are looking for an ideal place for breakfast or brunch, Çınaraltı Cafe in Kuzguncuk is a perfect choice. The century-old plane trees under which you can have breakfast make the atmosphere of this cafe even more special.
How to Get to Beylerbeyi?
Located on the Anatolian shore of the Istanbul Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi is approximately 3.5 km from Üsküdar, following the Kuzguncuk neighborhood towards the Black Sea.
The most practical and fastest way to reach Beylerbeyi:
- getting Uskudar from Besiktas, Kabatas, and Eminonu; by public ferries (also boats operating between Besiktas-Uskudar),
- afterwards, getting any midibus or public bus going in the direction of Beykoz,
- or on foot along the coast.
You can also use the below public ferry lines to get to Beylerbeyi directly by sea or by walking a short distance from the nearest pier:
- Cengelköy – Istinye line (Cengelkoy – Arnavutkoy – Bebek – Kandilli – Anadolu Hisari – Kanlica – Emirgan – Istinye)
- Anadolu Kavagi – Uskudar line (Anadolu Kavagi – Beykoz – Cubuklu – Kanlica – Anadolu Hisari – Cengelkoy – Beylerbeyi – Uskudar)
- Bosphorus line
Please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.