Fener and Balat - Old Greek & Jewish Quarter

4.8 (91 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

This tour is to the neighborhoods far away from main touristy parts of the city and it is about experiencing the real Istanbul. In this afternoon walking tour, we take you away for an introduction to the local life style of Istanbul. We will start with experiencing of using tram. Visiting the residential neighborhoods which will give you the chance to see how locals live in this cosmopolitan city. We will sit at the local cafes to sip cay tea and see how local get social. We will pass through the local markets, bakeries, tea houses. We will learn how the Constantinople was concurred by Ottoman in 1453.

What's included

  • Tuesdays bookings will enjoy the visit of the farmers market
  • Entry to Bulgarian Church
  • Visiting the residential neighborhood to see the local living
  • Licensed english speaking guide.
  • We will stop in Balat at a local cafe. Turkish tea or Turkish coffee is included to the tour
  • Colorful Ottoman houses in UNESCO world Heritage listed
  • Entry to St. George Church. On Fridays we don’t visit this church, it is closed due to ceremony.
  • Tram tickets ( return )

What to expect

Leave the main tourist precincts behind for an afternoon and explore the outer historic western area of Istanbul with the Istanbul. This tour will take you off the normal tourist trail and show you the former Greek and Jewish heritage, 19 & 20 century houses, Golden Horn and the rich Byzantine and Ottoman history that exists near the old city walls of Istanbul.

Visit colorful Ottoman houses which located by the Golden Horn and visit the neighborhood where Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together for centuries. Discover the residential neighborhoods of Istanbul and feel the culture on the streets.
Walk by the Golden Horn; enjoy the history lesson from your guide about the fall of Constantinople

  1. Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
  2. Balat
  3. Halic
  4. Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Our meeting point is in front of the İtimat Fabrika Satış Mağazası which is a diary store located at the right side of the entry gate of the SPICE/EGYPTIAN MARKET ( Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish ) Please stay in front of the shop and our guide will come and find you.

End point

Our meeting point is in front of the İtimat Fabrika Satış Mağazası which is a diary store located at the right side of the entry gate of the SPICE/EGYPTIAN MARKET ( Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish ) Please stay in front of the shop and our guide will come and find you.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Getting Ready for Your Fener & Balat Tour Fener & Balat is best explored on foot, with cobblestone streets, hills and some uneven surfaces, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather. Please note that we visit active churches during the tour, where a respectful dress code is required. Visitors wearing tank tops or shorts will not be allowed to enter the churches. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered if you would like to visit the interiors. We also recommend bringing a bottle of water, sun protection during warmer months, and a light rain jacket or umbrella if rain is expected.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.8 (91)
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€50.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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