The only Ottoman palace hotel on the Bosphorus, Ciragan Palace Kempinski occupies a stunning 19th-century palace built for Sultan Abdulaziz on the Bosphorus waterfront. The 313 rooms and suites span both the historic palace and a modern wing. The outdoor pool floating on the Bosphorus is iconic.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only surviving Ottoman palace to operate as a hotel on the Bosphorus waterfront. Built in 1863 for Sultan Abdulaziz and partially reconstructed after a fire in 1910, the palace occupies a prime stretch of the European Bosphorus shore in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, Turkey. The property comprises 313 rooms and suites split between the historic palace building and an adjacent modern wing. Palace suites — the most coveted accommodations in Istanbul — are housed within the restored imperial chambers, featuring high ornate ceilings, silk furnishings, antique-style decor, and direct Bosphorus views from arched windows; some retain original architectural detailing from the imperial era. Rooms in the modern wing are equally luxurious and all carry Bosphorus views. The hotel's most photographed feature is its outdoor pool, which appears to float directly on the Bosphorus — a spectacular visual that has made this one of Istanbul's most-shared hotel images. A second indoor pool and an extensive 3,000-square-meter spa complex featuring traditional hammam, sauna, steam rooms, and 12 treatment rooms cater to guests seeking comprehensive wellness. Dining at Ciragan Palace is anchored by Tugra Restaurant, one of Istanbul's most acclaimed venues for classic Ottoman cuisine, where dishes are prepared according to historical imperial recipes in an opulent imperial dining room. The Laledan Brasserie offers more relaxed all-day dining. An outdoor terrace bar above the Bosphorus serves cocktails throughout the day. The private pier allows direct access to Bosphorus boat transfers and private cruises. Tennis courts on the grounds provide additional recreational facilities rare in central Istanbul. The concierge team is experienced in arranging cultural tours of the Besiktas area, connections to Dolmabahce Palace a short walk away, and transport to Taksim, Nisantasi, and the Sultanahmet historical peninsula.
Amenities
- Bosphorus pool
- Spa
- Multiple restaurants
- Bar
- Private pier
- Fitness center
- Concierge
- Tennis courts
Location
Ciragan Cd. No:32, 34349 Besiktas/Istanbul
Highlights
- Only operating Ottoman palace hotel on the Bosphorus — 19th-century Abdulaziz-era architecture
- Iconic outdoor pool appearing to float on the Bosphorus waterfront in Besiktas
- Tugra Restaurant: acclaimed Ottoman imperial cuisine in a historic dining room
- Extensive 3,000 sq m spa with hammam, indoor pool, and 12 treatment rooms
- Private Bosphorus pier for boat transfers and exclusive excursions
Tips for visiting
- Tugra Restaurant requires a reservation several days in advance, especially on weekends.
- The Bosphorus-facing palace suites book out months ahead in summer — reserve early for July or August.
- Non-guests can access the hammam and spa by prior appointment — a well-regarded day-experience option.
- The Besiktas ferry terminal is a short walk for affordable connections to the Asian shore.
- Afternoon tea in the palace lobby is a less expensive way to experience the imperial interiors.
Accessibility
The hotel's palace wing includes grand staircases alongside elevators serving all guest floors. Flat pathways and ramps connect the palace building to the modern wing and pool area. Guests requiring wheelchair access or specific mobility accommodations should contact the reservations team in advance to arrange suitable rooms and routing through the property.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a palace room and a modern wing room?
Palace rooms are in the restored 19th-century imperial building and feature ornate ceilings, antique-style furnishings, and historical architectural details. Modern wing rooms have a more contemporary design but are equally spacious and all carry Bosphorus views.
Can the hotel arrange private Bosphorus boat tours?
Yes. The concierge can arrange private boat tours and transfers from the hotel's private pier on the Bosphorus, including sunset cruises and crossings to the Asian shore.
Is the famous outdoor pool available year-round?
The outdoor Bosphorus pool is open seasonally, typically from May through September depending on weather conditions. The indoor pool in the spa complex is available year-round.
How far is Dolmabahce Palace from the hotel?
Dolmabahce Palace is approximately a 10-minute walk north along the Bosphorus shore. The hotel concierge can also arrange timed-entry visits and private guided tours of the palace.