Yildiz Palace Museum (Yildiz Sarayi Müzesi) Tours

Initially used as a hunting lodge for Ottoman sultans in the 19th century, Istanbul’s Yildiz Palace Museum (Yildiz Sarayi Müzesi)—aka the Star Palace—became a secure option when Sultan Abdulhamid II feared an attack on the seaside Dolmabahce Palace. Located in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, the current Yildiz Palace is the result of an expansion and serves as a museum.
The Basics
The large Yildiz Palace Museum property contains lovely pavilions and gardens. The museum itself, housed in the former carpentry workshop section of the palace, contains exhibitions about Ottoman sultans and the governmental history of Turkey, and has a collection of objects from the palace.
Some private and small-group Istanbul tours visit the Yildiz Palace Museum. These tours usually also include Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Pierre Loti Hill, and a Bosphorus cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Yildiz Palace Museum is most easily accessed by bus or minibus from Besiktas, or by taxi. You can reach Besiktas by ferry or bus, and the museum is a short walk from the end of the Kabatas tram line. For the most convenience, take a taxi to the museum or choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The Yildiz Palace Museum is open from 9am to 7pm between April 16 and October 31, and to 7pm from November 1 to April 15. Arrive early in the day on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Other Ottoman Palaces in Istanbul
Yildiz Palace briefly became the center of Ottoman power when Sultan Abdulhamid II chose to move there, fearing a seaside attack. Before and after, Ottoman sultans resided at Dolmabahce, an elaborate 19th-century palace on the shores of the Bosphorus. Predating Dolmabahce Palace was Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century imperial residence on Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
The Basics
The large Yildiz Palace Museum property contains lovely pavilions and gardens. The museum itself, housed in the former carpentry workshop section of the palace, contains exhibitions about Ottoman sultans and the governmental history of Turkey, and has a collection of objects from the palace.
Some private and small-group Istanbul tours visit the Yildiz Palace Museum. These tours usually also include Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Pierre Loti Hill, and a Bosphorus cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yildiz Palace Museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
- The museum is surrounded by extensive gardens that are a popular spot for picnics.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore Yildiz Palace Museum and the surrounding grounds.
How to Get There
The Yildiz Palace Museum is most easily accessed by bus or minibus from Besiktas, or by taxi. You can reach Besiktas by ferry or bus, and the museum is a short walk from the end of the Kabatas tram line. For the most convenience, take a taxi to the museum or choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The Yildiz Palace Museum is open from 9am to 7pm between April 16 and October 31, and to 7pm from November 1 to April 15. Arrive early in the day on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Other Ottoman Palaces in Istanbul
Yildiz Palace briefly became the center of Ottoman power when Sultan Abdulhamid II chose to move there, fearing a seaside attack. Before and after, Ottoman sultans resided at Dolmabahce, an elaborate 19th-century palace on the shores of the Bosphorus. Predating Dolmabahce Palace was Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century imperial residence on Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
Address: Yıldız Mh., Yıldız Cd. No:62, Beşiktaş/İstanbul 34349, Turkey
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Yildiz Palace Museum (Yildiz Sarayi Müzesi)
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Evening Sunset Cruise in Istanbul
Witness the beauty of Istanbul at dusk on this evening sightseeing cruise and watch the sunset over both the European and Asian sides. Marvel at all the sights as you sail past; keep a look out for Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, Ortaköy & Mecidiye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge and Cıragan Palace.
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Suleiman the Magnificent Tour in Istanbul
Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest imperial mosque and one of the best-known sights of İstanbul. The mosque crowns İstanbul on a hilltop dominating Golden Horn. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets.
Hippodrome, the centre of sportive events and political activities of the old city.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is housed in the former palace of İbrahim Paşa, the grand vizier to Süleyman the Magnificient.
Afternoon visit to Yıldız Palace overlooking the Bosphorus which became the fourth administration centre of the empire following the Old Palace, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. You will enjoy the gorgeous colours of the flowers of the Yıldız Palace Gardens and will have the chance to experience a marvellous view of the Bosphorus through the peaceful green of this public site. Freetime for a tea break at the Sale Kiosk, former Sultan’s residence from the Ottoman Period.
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Suleiman the Magnificent Tour in Istanbul Lunch Included
Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest imperial mosque and one of the best-known sights of İstanbul. The mosque crowns İstanbul on a hilltop dominating Golden Horn. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets.
Hippodrome, the centre of sportive events and political activities of the old city.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is housed in the former palace of İbrahim Paşa, the grand vizier to Süleyman the Magnificient.
Afternoon visit to Yıldız Palace overlooking the Bosphorus which became the fourth administration centre of the empire following the Old Palace, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. You will enjoy the gorgeous colours of the flowers of the Yıldız Palace Gardens and will have the chance to experience a marvellous view of the Bosphorus through the peaceful green of this public site. Freetime for a tea break at the Sale Kiosk, former Sultan’s residence from the Ottoman Period.
…More
From
$68.79
From
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Istanbul Highlights Full-Day Private Tour with Guide
Enjoy this Full Day Private Luxury Tour of Istanbul including the most important highlights like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and continue with a 2-Hours Bosphorus Cruise with one of the best VIP Luxury Yacht of Istanbul.
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From
$279.00
Price varies by group size
From
$279.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Istanbul Highlight Full-Day Tour with Cruise
Explore the most important hightlights of Istanbul like Hagia Sophia Museum , Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and continue with a 2-Hours Bosphorus Cruise with one of the best VIP Luxury Yachts of Istanbul.
…More
From
$269.00
Price varies by group size
From
$269.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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