Fener-Balat Cultural Walking Tour: Explore Diverse Heritage and Religions in Istanbul
5.0
79 Ratings
Fatih
Embark on a captivating Fener-Balat Cultural Walking Tour in Istanbul and explore the diverse heritage and religions that have shaped this historic neighborhood. Discover the remnants of two empires, witness the coexistence of mosques, churches, and synagogues, and learn about the clothing regulations for visiting the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - Greek Orthodox Patriarchate :
    History dates back to Hagia Sophia to their new location after many stops. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is a fresh start after leaving their beloved most incredible temple of history.
  • Ozel Merkez Rum Lisesi - Greek Orthodox Highschool : A school holding on to its roots standing on top of Fener like an eagle.
  • Church of St. Mary of the Mongols - Church of St. Mary of the Mongols : A church including the story of a brave woman who was sent from Constantinople to the lord of steps, Mongolia.
  • Renkli Merdivenler - Colorful Stairs :
    Now, it is time for the updating your Instagram account with the hot spot of taking photos of colorful stairs.
  • Renkli Merdivenler - Dimitrie Cantemir House of Romanian Prince and Lord of Bogdan (Moldovia )
  • Balat - Panagia Paramythia Church :
    Orthodox church standing for its last days about to vanish from the history before its last visitors see it .
  • Balat Agora Meyhanesi - Jewish essence within an alcohol seller store which was once hot place for many rich and youngs..
  • Kiremit Caddesi - Colorful Houses: For every visitor of Fener-Balat to never miss taking their photos.
  • Ahrida Synagogue - Ahrida Synagogue :
    The biggest synagogue of Balat with its special praying area reminds everyone of how Jewish people came all the way from Spain to the lands of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Sveti Stefan Church : The Masterpiece of Bulgarians and their secrets to making their own church in front of the eyes of the Greek Patriarchate.
What's Included
  • All applicable taxes and fees included.
  • Entrance fees to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Bulgarian Church.
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Tips
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Glad to have you here! We’re a family of expert tour guides operating in Istanbul.

Take part in our Fener-Balat walking tour, on land previously home to diverse nationalities before and after the Ottoman Empire’s reign. From Greeks, Armenians, and Jews to Bulgarians, and even the Prince of Romania in Fener.

Come with us and explore regions that have witnessed the fall of two empires, over 20 invasions, Latin incursions, and combinations of nationalities and faiths where a mosque, a church, and a synagogue coexist side by side.
Guest Advisory:
To gain entry to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, there are dress codes in place prohibiting mini shirts and skirts, sleeveless tops, and tank tops for both males and females.

  • For the entrance of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate there will be clothing regulation as they will not allow people with mini shirts and skirts , sleeveles tops and tank tops to enter the church for both men and women .
Location
Fener
The meeting point is the Fener Bus Stop by the seaside in front of Beltur Cafe. 3mins of walk from Fener Tram Station. Across the road of Nakıs Cafe
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(79 Ratings)
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Luze754
Jun 1, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR - YUNUS, was Excellent Tour Guide, he possess a lot knowledge about the Estambul history, friendly person and he responded and clarify our questions, Highly recommend 5 stars
Review provided by Tripadvisor
147maiar
May 31, 2024
Excellent Experience in Fener-Balat! - - Excellent Experience: The guide contacted me via WhatsApp a day before the excursion, providing details about transportation options to the meeting point and even included a photo, which was very helpful for recognizing the location. - Pre-Tour Introduction: Before starting the tour, the guide introduced himself, memorized our names, and explained how the tour would proceed. - Tour Pace and Stops: The tour began at a pace that was neither too slow nor too fast. We made several stops at different locations to take advantage of the shade and to observe the landscapes and houses the guide was discussing. - Knowledgeable and Patient Guide: The guide was very patient and could answer our questions about Turkish history, culture, and society. It was evident that he knew what he was talking about. - Photography Tips: He also advised us on where to take Instagrammable photos, which was a nice touch for those interested in capturing the experience. - Highly Recommended: Overall, it was a highly recommended experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer58409059243
May 28, 2024
Great tour! - Thank you so much to Yunus for this energetic and interesting tour!! We've seen a lot of places and learnt something new!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Remy
May 24, 2024
More than excellent guide and itinerary - Thank you so much for this more than amazing tour. The guide has put so much effort into explaining the history of every stop in the itinerary, his enthusiasm is one of a kind. Please do not miss this tour while you're in Istanbul. 🥰
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliana456
May 22, 2024
Great tour - I enjoyed the tour of Yunus, it had a lot of stories, pretty places to take pictures, and good moments, he loves the place and that makes you feel good feelings about it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shan_c
May 20, 2024
Not your average your - Yunus was very knowledgeable, the knowledge he holds made the tour that much more interesting. The interaction from Yunus from before the tour ensuring we were able to find the starting point based on where we were staying was really helpful and those little personal touches are really appreciated when traveling solo. It is very good value for money and I learnt so much. I would definitely recommend if you're visiting Istanbul.
Review provided by Viator
Rosa_b
May 19, 2024
Perfect Tour - The Guide was so entusiastic and an excellent storyteller. It was so much fun to explore fener Balat with Kübra. Big recommandation for this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Carol
May 18, 2024
Yunus was an excellent guide. - Yunus was very knowledgeable about the history of the Balat-Fenner neighborhood and shared the information enthusiastically. Our visit would not have been so enjoyable without his stories. He made sure we knew how to find the return bus stop since we wanted to wander the area at the end of the tour. We highly recommend his tour company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
2melanien
May 17, 2024
Fener and Balat with Yunus - Amazing tour! Fener and Balat tour was fantastic with Yunus! The guy is passionate and a real history buff. Also gives great food recommendations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass597216
May 17, 2024
Local history tour - Yunus is a very knowledgeable and caring tour guide. He remembers every name in the group and he looks after everyone. He makes the tour a very enjoyable experience. I have learned so much about Istanbul and it's history. Thank you, Yunus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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