Aisha A.K
Google
Tucked away in the heart of Üsküdar, the Beylerbey Museum is a hidden gem that brings the world of Sultan Abdul Hamid to life in the most elegant, mesmerizing way. It’s not a huge museum — but wow, every inch is packed with beauty, detail, and history.
The rooms are like scenes from a lost era. Breathtaking furniture, man-made masterpieces in the form of chairs, tables, curtains, even the carpets — every element speaks luxury and craftsmanship. The walls and ceilings are adorned with delicate drawings, and the lighting, the fabrics, the placement of each item… it all feels intentional and poetic.
Each room is labeled, with little sentences or quotes that give it a personal touch, as if the museum is whispering stories to you. And although there are guards everywhere, they’re polite and don’t hover too much. Photography is technically forbidden — but let’s be honest, most of us still managed to sneak a few shots. Too pretty not to!
Because it’s not a massive space, you don’t feel exhausted — the visit is smooth and fast-paced, especially since it gets a bit crowded with school tours. But it’s clean, organized, and never boring. After the museum, you can stroll through the peaceful garden outside, with trees and a fountain that just beg you to sit and breathe it all in.
One downside? The prices around the museum are no joke. I paid 200 lira for one cookie — felt more like robbery than dessert. If you’re on a budget, better walk a bit farther out to grab food or snacks.
Still, the experience was magical. I’d go again in a heartbeat, and I definitely recommend it — especially with its spot right by the coast. Watching the ships and boats glide across the water just adds to the charm. History, beauty, and a sea breeze? Yes, please.