Our guide, Pepe, not only made the tour excellent but also shared many interesting details. The three hours flew by, and...
Patricia Yoza
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.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
Fener Bus Stop
You can book up to 45 minutes in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.
If you have other questions, contact us
Adeline
Pamplona, SpainOur guide Pepe was very interesting and provided us with all sorts of explanations related to Orthodox and Jewish religion and culture. It's a differe...
Patricia Yoza
Lima, PeruOur guide, Pepe, not only made the tour excellent but also shared many interesting details. The three hours flew by, and the walk was very comfortable...
Fabian Yudchak
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWandering through places with hidden histories that shape the present of a destination as important as Istanbul, without an expert guide, is to miss o...
Javier
Madrid, SpainAn excellent, interesting, and unique visit to Fener and Balak. Our guide, Bruga "Pepe the Tour Leader," gave us a very enjoyable tour with a stop for...
Irene Fernandez Gonzalez
Oviedo, SpainOur guide, Bugra, was very attentive and made sure to answer all our questions. It's clear he enjoys what he does, as he demonstrated a deep knowledge...
Ana Rodriguez
Montevideo, UruguayWe took the tour with Burga, who gave us a very comprehensive overview and a very well-prepared itinerary. She made sure everything was clear the day ...
Carlos
Guadalajara, SpainOur guide, Bugra (Pepe), was fantastic. It's clear he has a lot of experience and made the tour very enjoyable. At the end, we asked him how to get to...
Sara
Madrid, SpainOur guide, Bugra, was delightful! He explained everything very well, speaks Spanish quite well, and made the tour very entertaining and enjoyable. He ...
Pilar Martinez
Manchester, United KingdomPepe (bugra) is a fantastic guide, and the tour is super interesting and fun. You don't get tired because of the strategic stops where the guide takes...
Sandra
Sant Boí De Llobregat, SpainToday we took the Fener and Balat neighborhood tour, and we loved it! It was a fantastic experience, very interesting and entertaining. The guide expl...
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.
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.
You can book up to 45 minutes in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.
If you have other questions, contact us
Fener Bus Stop
Adeline
Pamplona, SpainOur guide Pepe was very interesting and provided us with all sorts of explanations related to Orthodox and Jewish religion and culture. It's a differe...
Patricia Yoza
Lima, PeruOur guide, Pepe, not only made the tour excellent but also shared many interesting details. The three hours flew by, and the walk was very comfortable...
Fabian Yudchak
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWandering through places with hidden histories that shape the present of a destination as important as Istanbul, without an expert guide, is to miss o...
Javier
Madrid, SpainAn excellent, interesting, and unique visit to Fener and Balak. Our guide, Bruga "Pepe the Tour Leader," gave us a very enjoyable tour with a stop for...
Irene Fernandez Gonzalez
Oviedo, SpainOur guide, Bugra, was very attentive and made sure to answer all our questions. It's clear he enjoys what he does, as he demonstrated a deep knowledge...
Ana Rodriguez
Montevideo, UruguayWe took the tour with Burga, who gave us a very comprehensive overview and a very well-prepared itinerary. She made sure everything was clear the day ...
Carlos
Guadalajara, SpainOur guide, Bugra (Pepe), was fantastic. It's clear he has a lot of experience and made the tour very enjoyable. At the end, we asked him how to get to...
Sara
Madrid, SpainOur guide, Bugra, was delightful! He explained everything very well, speaks Spanish quite well, and made the tour very entertaining and enjoyable. He ...
Pilar Martinez
Manchester, United KingdomPepe (bugra) is a fantastic guide, and the tour is super interesting and fun. You don't get tired because of the strategic stops where the guide takes...
Sandra
Sant Boí De Llobregat, SpainToday we took the Fener and Balat neighborhood tour, and we loved it! It was a fantastic experience, very interesting and entertaining. The guide expl...
Free cancellation
Free cancellation