Discover the multicultural heart of Istanbul on a guided walking tour through the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Wander through colorful streets and explore districts shaped by centuries of Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Bulgarian, and Ottoman heritage. Visit a historic Greek Orthodox church, admire the striking Phanar Greek Orthodox College, and see the famous colorful stairways. Continue to the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols and other important religious landmarks. In Balat, stroll among beautifully preserved Ottoman houses, visit the remarkable Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), and learn about the area's Jewish heritage near the historic Ahrida Synagogue. End your journey with a traditional Turkish coffee at a local café while soaking in the unique atmosphere of these vibrant neighborhoods.
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.
10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map
Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map
The historic center of the Greek Orthodox community.
10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map
The Great School of the Nation
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 minutesAdmission freeSee on map
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.
10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map
The building where Balat and Fener Greek High Schools
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.
Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map
Ahrida Synagogue, located in Istanbul, Turkey,
Ahrida Synagogue, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a significant attraction that holds both historical and cultural importance.
Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map
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."
20 minutesAdmission includedSee on map
10 minutesAdmission free
In front of "Balat Merkez Şekercisi". Look for the guide holding a flag with the "Tourmania" logo.
The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| If you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| At least 1 days before | 100% |
| Between 0 and 1 days before | 0% |
Ratings from Viator 4.4 (7) · Tripadvisor 4.9 (85)
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From
$40$36per person