Istanbul Jewish District: Explore Turkish History and Culture on a Walking Tour
5.0
14 Ratings
Beyoğlu
Discover the Istanbul Jewish District on a captivating walking tour, immersing yourself in Turkish history and culture. Explore charming streets, marvel at architectural gems, and learn about Jewish Turkish culture and heritage.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Karakoy - Karaköy, Istanbul
  • The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews - Jewish Museum in Istanbul
  • Ashkenazi Synagogue of Istanbul - Ashkenazi Synagogue
  • Beyoglu - Beyoğlu Istanbul
  • Kamondo Stairs - Camondo Stairs, Beyoglu
  • Balat - Jewish Apartments, Istanbul
What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Exploring a city by walking is an intimate way of getting to know it, and there is no better way to learn about the Karaköy Jewish District than to the walk around it. You will go on a group walking tour around modern day Galata and be charmed by its colorful streets, all while learning about daily life over there as you walk by the Jewish Apartments. You will also walk up and down the famed Camondo Steps, an architectural marvel constructed using a quirky combination of Art Noveau and Neo-Baroque artistic styles. Be regaled by the stories and commentary of a fun and knowledgeable English-speaking guide, especially when you drop by the Jewish Museum where you will learn about the culture and history of Jewish Turks. Venture into the consecrated grounds of the district’s synagogues such as the Ashkenazi and Schneider synagogues, bask in their calming and holy atmospheres, and understand how religion has influenced the lifestyles of the district’s inhabitants.

Location
Caribou Coffee
Rıhtım Caddesi
Caribou Coffee Karaköy
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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1 star
Jenny_f
May 20, 2024
The cobbled streets came to life with stories of the Jewish families over time - The tour revealed the rich history of the Jewish community, or rather, communities, of Istanbul over time… from their presence in the Byzantine era, to their significance in Ottoman times, to the more recent history. Our guide described the stories of individuals and families, the social and economic contribution as well as their cultural practices and daily lives. A terrific your with an excellent guide!
Review provided by Viator
Jennyferber
May 19, 2024
The streets came alive with stories! - Our guide led the way through the complex streetscape bringing to life individual houses, shops and districts with tales of the lives of the families who had lived there. Over the centuries whole communities rose, fell, came and went, and the stories of their businesses, from pirates to hat makers, from bankers to shoemakers enrich the experience of the ancient streets, once again alive with new industry. In just a few hours you feel like you’ve traveled through time and met our adventurous and enterprising ancestors! What fun! A terrific tour with a brilliant guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
May 11, 2024
Great trip to see the Old Jewish Quarter - I enjoyed visiting the old Jewish quarter in Istanbul. My guide duscussed the old homes owned by famous Jews, and the Jewish Museum and Synagogue were great@.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_t
May 11, 2024
Interesting tour - Our guide Burak was very well informed about a variety of topics including Turkish and Ottoman history, architecture, Jewish history in Istanbul and the surrounding regions. He showed us the difference between gentrified parts of the city and completely ungentrified areas which gave us a real sense of how things have changed over time. Learned a lot. Thanks Burak
Review provided by Viator
62brucel
May 10, 2024
Great tour of Historic Jewish area and Synagogue... - Burak was a friendlly, smart, and helpful guide. He spoke a lot about the history of the area, and the various minorities who have lived here. He gave useful history at the Jewish Museum and an Ashkenazi synagoge. He fave useful suggestoons for cafes and nearby museums.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mari649
May 6, 2024
Jewish History in Istambul! - Great Tour! Burak is extremely knowledgeable, both w Turkish and Jewish history. He’s patient and explains in detail if needed. And he has a great sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryn_f
Apr 12, 2024
Walking through history - Barac was an amazing guide through the narrow streets of Istanbul. He met us at our hotel and began the tour right outside our doors. His knowledge of the city, particularly the Jewish area, was comprehensive. Not only did we learn a lot about his city, we also learned about the culture through Barac's candidness. His enthrousiam and knowledge base made the city come alive. We were the only two on the tour so it became a private tour with lots of extras. We have been on many walking tours and would highly recommend this one!!
Review provided by Viator
Bbjoylove
Apr 12, 2024
Perfect guide, will be booking his services on our next trip to Istanbul! - Burak is a wonderful guide. Full of information, and this has to be one of the best walking tours we have been on. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and would not hesitate to contact Burak to take us on other tours of Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith
Mar 31, 2024
Traveling back in time with Burak - Burak is an incredible guide. One of the best walking tours we have been and that in and of itself is high praise. Burak is the consumate professional guide. He has a wealth of knowledge which he shares and we learned so much. The pace of the tour was perfect. He goes far and beyond in terms of providing assistance. Absolutely take this tour you will be sorry if you don’t.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paolau980
Mar 12, 2024
Totally recommended! Exhaustive tour! - Visiting the Galata neighborhood with Burak was very interesting. The tour lasted 4 hours and it included the visit of the jewish museum and of a synagogue. The museum is small but they have a great collection of artifacts and many newspapers in ladino. Burak is an excellent guide and adapts the tour to your previous knowledge and to your interests. He knows a lot about the history of the city and its buildings. It was great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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