Kucuksu Palace (Küçüksu Kasrı)

Explore Opulent History at Kucuksu Palace

Istanbul is packed with buildings of history and opulence, but some certainly more than others. If you want to stand and stare in awe at some of the most intricate architecture you’ve ever seen, whilst also enjoying a more laid-back feel to what is a very busy city, then Kucuksu Palace is the spot for you to head to.

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, on the road between Uskudar and Beykoz, you will find this historic building, one which served as a summer residence for those in power for many years.

What is Kucuksu Palace?

Intended for day use only, Kucuksu Palace is different in that it has no bedrooms. What it lacks in bedrooms however, it makes up for in other areas, as this is one building that really didn’t scrimp on wonder. Consisting of nine rooms, Kucuksu Palace is an Ottoman era hunting lodge for royalty and those in power, and it is located directly opposite the seaside town of Bebek. If you get the chance to venture over towards this beautiful spot, then do so after you’ve spent an hour or so wandering around Kucuksu Palace itself.

The place was built in1857, during Mahmud I’s reign. If you look closely, the architecture is quite similar to what you will see on the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, showing the Ottoman style quite clearly. After its construction, Kucuksu Palace was used by several Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for their days off and for a base during hunting expeditions. The structure is baroque in style, and the inside is just as opulent as the outside! The several rooms are all decorated with ornate furniture, art, and silk carpets, huge crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces. You can just imagine the Sultans sat discussing their day, surrounded by such opulence and grandeur. That’s the great thing about Kucuksu Palace, it really does give you a window back in time.

Another plus point of visiting this stunning building is that it is rarely crowded. Perhaps this is because it is a little further away from some of the main sights, and it does take an extra bus to get there. Do not let this put you off however, as the quiet, chilled out experience will allow you to really explore history and architecture, without having to wait in line for every room. That is certainly the experience when you visit the bigger palaces, such as Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace!

Visiting Kucuksu Palace

There are several ways you can visit Kucuksu Palace, but we should mention that it is closed on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as public holidays. Every other day however, the palace is open between 9am and 5pm, however you should check during adverse weather, as this does have a habit of halting proceedings!

You can easily reach Kucuksu Palace via the bus from Uskudar. To reach Uskudar from the European side, you simply need to jump on the ferry over the Bosphorus from Eminonu or Besiktas, or you can take the Marmaray train under the water – it depends on how cold it is outside! From there, simply take the number 15 bus, and it will stop a few metres away from the palace itself, in Beykoz. If you want to add another palace to your day, there is another one nearby – Beylerbeyi Palace. Again, Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays too.

You may also be able to visit Kucuksu Palace via a boat trip, as some do stop for you to hop on and off. This is something you will need to research at the time, but it is a possibility if you don’t really want to do battle with Istanbul’s traffic!

Admission to the palace is just a few liras, and this does change regularly, so we’re unable to give you an exact cost. It is very minimal however, and more than worth it for the stunning experience you’ll have, in relative peace and quiet.

On your way back to Uskudar, be sure to stop by and watch the sunset over the Golden Horn. This is certainly one of the best viewing spots in the entire city, and you’ll be able to capture that sunning golden glow. There are several cafes along the waterside where you can sit on some cushions and drink tea whilst watching the sunset, and this is a must do for a few liras! Remember you camera for both the palace and the sunset, and you’ll pack that memory card in just one day.