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Offered languages
- German
- English
- French
- Dutch
- Spanish
Discover Balat on a self-guided tour via WhatsApp on your smartphone. Walk through the city’s historic streets, exploring landmarks such as the Edirnekapi Walls, Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church, and the Coloured Houses of Balat.
Along the way, find hidden gems like charming local cafés, historic churches, and scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the Golden Horn. Learn about the stories behind these sights as you explore at your own pace. Start and stop the self-guided tour whenever you like and enjoy secret tips to experience Istanbul beyond the usual tourist spots.
How does this work?
1. Book a tour through Viator.
2. Receive a ticket with the link to start the tour in the "Special Instructions".
3. Copy and paste the link in your browser.
4. Start the tour whenever you want!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This is the first stop of the tour. After you receive your Viator ticket, copy the link provided in the notes to begin the tour. The tour includes GPS guidance that will direct you to this first location.
This is the last location of the tour. After this you can explore the city with all of the tips you've received during the tour.
Itinerary
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1Edirnekapi Walls
At this stop, you’ll see a striking section of the Theodosian Walls — once the mighty defenses of Byzantine Constantinople. This is a historic and strategic point offering insight into the city's ancient past.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Merdivenli Yokus Evleri Balat
This picturesque stair-street in Balat is known for its colorful houses and lively charm. It’s a popular photo spot and gives you a feel for local life in this historic neighborhood.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3gen antik cafe
A cozy vintage café filled with antiques and nostalgic decor. While not a traditional tourist site, it’s a fun stop to peek inside or take a unique photo.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Tarihi Balat Amasra Lokumcusu
This historic sweet shop specializes in Turkish delights (lokum). It’s a great chance to sample traditional flavors and experience local culinary culture.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church
A rare and fascinating church built entirely from cast iron, blending neo-Gothic and baroque styles. One of the few remaining iron churches in the world.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Balat Kultur Evi
A small cultural center often hosting exhibitions and events. Even if it’s closed, the building itself and its location in vibrant Balat are worth seeing.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Coloured Houses of Balat
These iconic, brightly painted houses are the face of Balat. A perfect photo opportunity and a glimpse into Istanbul’s colorful side.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
A reminder of Istanbul’s once-thriving Greek community. Even if you can’t go inside, the architecture and history make it worth a stop.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Private Fener Greek High School
This imposing red-brick building looks like a castle towering above Balat. Still in use as a school, it can only be viewed from the outside — but it’s an architectural gem.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Haliç Surları
A quieter area to see remnants of the ancient walls overlooking the Golden Horn. A good place to understand the city's geography and historical defenses.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George
This is the spiritual heart of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Historically and religiously significant, it’s open to visitors and offers a peaceful, reflective stop.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12View Point
Enjoy a stunning view over the Golden Horn and Istanbul’s skyline. It’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on everything you’ve seen.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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