Fener Balat Walking Tour

Tour Highlights

• Go back in time and walk around where the ancient Greek Town of Istanbul existed
• Walk past Cantemir Palace, which used to be the home of a former Romanian prince
• Admire the historic Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols that dates back to 1266
• Enter the Bulgarian Iron Church which is well-known for its cast iron adornments
• Hear facts about the Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, and Jewish heritage of Istanbul

Tour Details

See another side of Istanbul in an area of the city with Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Bulgarian heritage. Stroll around Fener and Balat districts, which are popular with locals for having breakfast and coffee. Pass by churches, synagogues, mosques, and many other historic sites.

Begin your walking tour in the district of Fener to see a Greek church and a Greek primary school, followed by lots of colorful stairs. Then, see the house of Romanian prince Dimitrie Cantemir, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, built in 1266, and Phanar Greek Orthodox College.

After this, go to the Panagia Paramythia Church. Continue to the district of Balat, where you can see the Bulgarian Church, also known as the Iron Church due to the cast iron used in its production. Next, check out the famous timber houses in the area.

Finish up your tour at the Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the city, dating back to the 15th century. Finally, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee to end your walking trip of these historical districts.

Tour Include

• Tour guide
• Commentary
• Entry to Greek Orthodox Patriarch
• Entry to Bulgarian church

Tour Exclude

• Food and Drinks
• Tips
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Important Notes

Know before you go

• This tour will take place rain or shine
• You will climb the hill of Fener on the way of the tour

Meeting point

• Make sure to check your email for instructions and credentials to access the tour 

The tour is not suitable for

• Children under 3s are not allowed.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals aged 60 and above.