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Learn about the history of Fener and Balat on a guided half-day walking trip in Istanbul. Visit the Bulgarian Iron Church, walk past the former home of a Romanian Prince, and see the Ahrida Synagogue.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
- Private or small groups available
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and learned so much about the history and present day life in Fener and Balat. Our guide was very well informed especially as a local. Yanus was helpful and thoughtful especially as there was one hill to ascend. If you would like to experience a corner of old Istanbul that is away from the hustle and bustle of Sultanahmet, then this tour is for you. It delves into the depths of the interchange between Orthodox Greeks, Muslims, Bulgarian and Armenian communities who once lived side by side in this neighbourhood. It is tourism at its best because visiting this place helps to rebuild and promote the recovery of this once great centre. I highly recommend Yanus as your guide!
I really liked walking up and down the hill amongst some of the most interesting places in Istanbul. Our guide Yunus had a great deal of knowledge to share and lead us through all places with respect to local rules in a decent pace. I'm glad that these areas are getting back in shape with all of its architecture and charm. Great tour for cat lovers as there is plenty of them around.
Experience
Itinerary
Starting location:
Fener
St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (45 minutes)
Renkli Merdivenler
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)
Special Fener Greek High School
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way (20 minutes)
Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk, Pass by (20 minutes)
Coloured Houses of Balat
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)
Balat
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)
Ahrida Synagogue
Guided tour, Walk, Pass by (10 minutes)
Balat
Walk (10 minutes)
Sveti Stefan Church
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing (30 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Fener
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Go back in time and walk around where the ancient Greek Town of Istanbul existed
- Walk past Cantemir Palace, which used to be the home of a former Romanian prince
- Admire the historic Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols that dates back to 1266
- Enter the Bulgarian Iron Church which is well-known for its cast iron adornments
- Hear facts about the Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, and Jewish heritage of Istanbul
Full description
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. Finally, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee to end your walking trip of these historical districts.
Includes
- Tour guide
- Commentary
- Entry to Greek Orthodox Patriarch
- Entry to Bulgarian church
- Food and Drinks
- Tips
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point
Meet the guide next to the Fener bus stop by the seaside. ( The last photo ) The bus stop will be 2 minutes away from Nakış Cafe. *From Eminönü you can take tram T5 to go to "Fener" Tram Station then walk 3 mins to arrive bus stop ( walking way opposite Eminönü, it will be in Balat direction) *From Eminönü you can also take (we advise you to take the tram as the number of busses are so few now.) You need to walk 300-500 meters to walk Bus station. Bus numbers 99/99A/99Y/ 36CE to bus stop of FENER ( also meeting point) * From the Taksim area you can take the underground bus 55T to Fener stop * From Karaköy please don't take the bus numbers of 99/99A/99Y as these buses' last stop is Eminönü as they restart their tour after they drop off everyone. Their restarting point will be Eminonu bus station stated previously. * From Kasımpasa, Kadıköy, Uskudar,Karaköy you can take a ferry called Haliç to come FENER bus stop. It will be just behind the bus stop. For emergency +905446089485
Open in Google MapsImportant information
Not allowed
- Short skirts
- Shorts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- This tour will take place rain or shine
- You will climb the hill of Fener on the way to the tour
- Please Be Careful about clothing regulations as it is stated for the entrance of the churches.
- They do not let people enter both women and men with shorts and sleeveless tops and mini dresses.
- We do recommend our guests to bring their scarf or long dress.