Yildiz Chalet Museum

Tucked inside Yıldız Park, this 64-room 'chalet' is actually a palace in disguise — built by Abdül Hamit II to receive visiting heads of state, including Kaiser Wilhelm II. The grand hall has a carpet so enormous it had to be brought in through the far wall before the building was finished. Far less crowded than Dolmabahçe but equally fascinating.