Istanbul in Colors Fener and Balat Districts Walking Tour

4.8
(50 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

See another side of Istanbul in an area of the city with Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Bulgarian heritage. Stroll around Fener and Balat districts, which are popular with locals for having breakfast and coffee. Pass by churches, synagogues, mosques, and many other historic sites.

Begin your walking tour in the district of Fener to see a Greek church and a Greek primary school, followed by lots of colorful stairs. Then, see the house of Romanian prince Dimitrie Cantemir, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, built in 1266, and Phanar Greek Orthodox College.

After this, go to the Panagia Paramythia Church. Continue to the district of Balat, where you can see the Bulgarian Church, also known as the Iron Church due to the cast iron used in its production. Next, check out the famous timber houses in the area.

Finish up your tour at the Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the city, dating back to the 15th century.

What's Included

Entrance fees
Guided walking tour
Transfer

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Kafi Center

front of Kafi centre

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Patriarchate Of Constantinople

    The Ecumenical Patriarchateis one of the fifteen autocephalous churches that together compose the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is headed by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals in the Orthodox Church's Hierarchy, currently Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople. The Patriarchate has been located at the Phanar (Fener) district of Istanbul since the late 16th century."

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Colorful Stairs

    Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Private Fener Greek High School

    The Great School of the Nation was the life-giving breath of the ancient Greek language, ancient philosophy and history, but also the most important legacy of Orthodox. After 560 years of operation (with certain role the education of the Greek homogenous young students) this Academia is endanger of closing up.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

    The building where Balat and Fener Greek High Schools are located is still standing today and stands out as a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Coloured Houses of Balat

    Colorful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighborhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments; housed a mosaic of communities.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Ahrida Synagogue

    Ahrida Synagogue, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a significant attraction that holds both historical and cultural importance.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church

    The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church, is yet another lovely monumental building which is still in use in Istanbul.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Tourmania

Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
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Excellent Quality
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 50 50 reviews
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