Colorful District of Istanbul: Balat Tour

How about an exceptional cultural tour that starts at the Cibali Gate, a historic part of the city walls, and takes you through the enchanting streets and historical structures of the colorful neighborhood of Balat in Istanbul?

Our tour begins at the Cibali Gate, an important part of the historical walls used for entry and exit to the city. It will lead you to the colorful houses of Balat, taking you through its vibrant streets, step by step, immersing you in Balat’s cultural heritage. Our tour includes a visit to the Fener Greek Patriarchate, the world’s oldest known Greek Orthodox patriarchate, with its magnificent architectural structure, as one of Balat’s noteworthy cultural heritage sites.

While visiting the Turkish culture’s significant legacies, such as baths, mosques, and other structures, you can enjoy breakfast or a morning coffee with a view in one of Balat’s colorful streets. The traces of its long history, influenced by various cultures and beliefs for many years, are still visible in the buildings, churches, synagogues, and other structures found in the neighborhood, which date back to the Byzantine Empire.

In the historical streets of this multicultural neighborhood, you will hear the stories of different cultural heritages at every step, witnessing how religions and cultures have left their mark on the streets of Istanbul through these works of art.

After experiencing a traditional Turkish dinner with a view, you can continue our tour with visits to significant structures, such as the Ahrida Synagogue, representing the reflection of Judaism in Istanbul. Dating back to the 15th century, this is one of the oldest known synagogues in Istanbul. Following the visit to this structure and many other important religious and historical sites, you can relax and unwind at the Molla Aşkı Terrace, enjoying the beautiful view at the end of the day.

Starting from Balat’s Cibali Gate, this Balat tour offers an opportunity to witness Istanbul’s historical and cultural richness at every step. It’s a perfect chance to create unforgettable memories, and Balat welcomes you with all its vibrancy for this unique tour!