Tour of the Fener & Balat Neighborhoods, Istanbul

Details

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide
Admission tickets

When to book

You can book up to 45 minutes in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Reviews of our customers

10.0

Exceptional 87 Travelers·7 reviews

February 21, 2026
Jesper Poulsen
Copenhagen, Denmark
The tour was great and the neighborhoods vibrant and interesting. Kūbra was so nice. She answered all of our questions and was friendly and aware of...
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August 24, 2026
Martina
Italy
We really enjoyed it! The guide was amazing in explaining all the little secrets about the areas
As a couple
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December 30, 2025
Azahara
Spain
Yunus was an excellent guide. It has been one of the best experiences of the trip. Highly recomended :)
With friends
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August 31, 2025
Leticia
El Segundo, United States
He was so knowledgeable and fun. We lived to know more about Fenet and Balat and their history. He was so helpful. I will recommend to my friends.
With friends
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February 11, 2025
Roderick Fricker
Poland
The tour was excellent, thanks mainly to Yunus. He was a great guide, interesting, clear, calm and very friendly. We saw some interesting sights and l...
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Are you interested in discovering Istanbul's most colorful neighborhoods? On this tour of Fener and Balat, you'll explore these historic and charming neighborhoods.

Tour Details

At the designated time, we'll meet at the Fener bus stop to begin this tour of the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Did you know that people of many different nationalities lived together in these neighborhoods both before and after the Ottoman Empire arrived in Istanbul? Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Bulgarians, and others have witnessed the collapse of two empires, over 20 conquests, and numerous Latin invasions. Now it's time to uncover the rich history hidden within their streets!

Our first stop will be at the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. Did you know its origins track back to Hagia Sophia? This is the official site of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, considered one of the most important figures within the Orthodox Church worldwide.

Next, we'll stop at the impressive Phanar Greek Orthodox College, a school that continues to be a symbol of the perseverance of the Greek community in Istanbul. We'll then visit the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, the oldest active Orthodox Church in Istanbul, and head to the famous colorful stairs of Balat. How about a picture at this ideal spot?

After, we'll visit the Palace of Dimitrie Cantemir, a renowned aristocrat of Moldavia who resided in Fener. This site reflects the neighborhood's rich multicultural history. Our next stop will be at the Panagia Paramythia Church, where we'll find the last remaining vestiges of this Orthodox Church. It's a unique opportunity to witness this site before it vanishes!

Continuing our tour, we'll walk along the charming and iconic colored houses of Balat. Every corner here is a perfect opportunity to take unforgettable pictures. Afterward, we'll wrap up our tour in the Church of Sveti Stefan, also known as the Iron Church. Did you know this church is a masterpiece created by the Bulgarian community?

Finally, after exploring the rich history and cultural diversity of these Istanbul neighborhoods, we'll conclude our three-hour tour of Fener and Balat.

Tour Details

Finally, after exploring the rich history and cultural diversity of these Istanbul neighborhoods, we'll conclude our three-hour tour of Fener and Balat.

Tour of the Fener & Balat Neighborhoods