Fener and Balat - Old Greek & Jewish Quarter
Overview
This tour is to the neighborhoods far away from main touristy parts of the city and it is about experiencing the real Istanbul. In this afternoon walking tour, we take you away for an introduction to the local life style of Istanbul. We will start with experiencing of using tram. Visiting the residential neighborhoods which will give you the chance to see how locals live in this cosmopolitan city. We will sit at the local cafes to sip cay tea and see how local get social. We will pass through the local markets, bakeries, tea houses. We will learn how the Constantinople was concurred by Ottoman in 1453.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee We will stop in Balat at a local cafe. Turkish tea or Turkish coffee is included to the tour
- Tuesdays bookings will enjoy the visit of the farmers market
- Entry to Bulgarian Church
- Visiting the residential neighborhood to see the local living
- Colorful Ottoman houses in UNESCO world Heritage listed
- Entry to St. George Church. On Fridays we don’t visit this church, it is closed due to ceremony.
- Tram tickets ( return )
- Licensed english speaking guide.
Meeting Location
Rüstem Paşa
Avrupa Yakası, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Leave the main tourist precincts behind for an afternoon and explore the outer historic western area of Istanbul with the Istanbul. This tour will take you off the normal tourist trail and show you the former Greek and Jewish heritage, 19 & 20 century houses, Golden Horn and the rich Byzantine and Ottoman history that exists near the old city walls of Istanbul.
Visit colorful Ottoman houses which located by the Golden Horn and visit the neighborhood where Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together for centuries. Discover the residential neighborhoods of Istanbul and feel the culture on the streets.
Walk by the Golden Horn; enjoy the history lesson from your guide about the fall of Constantinople
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Getting Ready for Your Fener & Balat Tour Fener & Balat is best explored on foot, with cobblestone streets, hills and some uneven surfaces, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather. Please note that we visit active churches during the tour, where a respectful dress code is required. Visitors wearing tank tops or shorts will not be allowed to enter the churches. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered if you would like to visit the interiors. We also recommend bringing a bottle of water, sun protection during warmer months, and a light rain jacket or umbrella if rain is expected.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Fener and Balat – Old Greek & Jewish Quarter?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-68538P43
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 84 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Experience the art of Turkish carpets on this guided tour, where tradition meets craftsmanship. Visit workshops, learn about designs, and see skilled artisans at work....
$115
Istanbul Dolmabahce Palace Tour
DOLMABAHCE PALACE HALF DAY TOUR You will be picked up from your hotel and go to visit Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in 19th century...
$79
Build the Istanbul itinerary of your dreams on this fully customizable 7-hour tour for up to 15 people with private guide – including skip-the-line access...
$28
A fantastic journey to Gobekli Tepe ancient city that dates back to 9000 bC to 10500 bC is 6,000 years older than Stonehenge. Incredible architecture...
$849
Experience the art of Turkish carpets on this guided tour, where tradition meets craftsmanship. Visit workshops, learn about designs, and see skilled artisans at work....
$115
DOLMABAHCE PALACE HALF DAY TOUR You will be picked up from your hotel and go to visit Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in 19th century...
$79
Build the Istanbul itinerary of your dreams on this fully customizable 7-hour tour for up to 15 people with private guide – including skip-the-line access...
$28
A fantastic journey to Gobekli Tepe ancient city that dates back to 9000 bC to 10500 bC is 6,000 years older than Stonehenge. Incredible architecture...
$849
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....
$7
With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...
$32
Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...
$143
Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...
$26
Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....
$7
With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...
$32
Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...
$143
Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...
$26
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Tea and coffee. We will stop in Balat at a local cafe. Turkish tea or Turkish coffee is included to the tour.
- Tuesdays bookings will enjoy the visit of the farmers market.
- Entry to Bulgarian Church.
- Visiting the residential neighborhood to see the local living.
- Colorful Ottoman houses in UNESCO world Heritage listed.
- Entry to St. George Church. On Fridays we don’t visit this church, it is closed due to ceremony.
- Tram tickets ( return ).
- Licensed english speaking guide.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Fener and Balat - Old Greek & Jewish Quarter is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Fener and Balat – Old Greek & Jewish Quarter will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeWe will stop in Balat at a local cafe. Turkish tea or Turkish coffee is included to the tour
- Tuesdays bookings will enjoy the visit of the farmers market
- Entry to Bulgarian Church
- Visiting the residential neighborhood to see the local living
- Colorful Ottoman houses in UNESCO world Heritage listed
- Entry to St. George Church. On Fridays we don’t visit this church, it is closed due to ceremony.
- Tram tickets ( return )
- Licensed english speaking guide.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Getting Ready for Your Fener & Balat Tour Fener & Balat is best explored on foot, with cobblestone streets, hills and some uneven surfaces, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather. Please note that we visit active churches during the tour, where a respectful dress code is required. Visitors wearing tank tops or shorts will not be allowed to enter the churches. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered if you would like to visit the interiors. We also recommend bringing a bottle of water, sun protection during warmer months, and a light rain jacket or umbrella if rain is expected.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
