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Hidden Gems of the Istanbul: From Galata Tower to Balat

7 Reviews 4.57 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Istanbul, Turkey
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from $60 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
4 to 6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Let's have an incredible journey around Istanbul's colorful streets! We will walk along the Golden Horn from the Galata Tower, through the backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, the Kamondo Stairs, one of the most spectacular staircases in Old Istanbul, and the SALT GALATA building, one of the oldest banks, to Balat and Fener, two colorful neighborhoods on the Golden Horn's old residential side.

We will visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (St. George), which is still regarded the center of faith for Orthodox Christians, as well as explore the colorful staircases, bright wooden Ottoman mansions, the Iron Church (Sveti Stefan), and Balat's medieval lanes. Then we'll take a boat to Karaköy to visit the Golden Horn, a mythical stretch of the Bosphorus.

Accompanied by a professional tourist guide, we will learn about Istanbul's full history and the locations we will visit, including exclusive admission chances and the ability to purchase tickets without waiting in line.

What's Included

  • Donations for Churches
  • All Taxes
  • Transportation by Ferry
  • Gratuities
  • Galata Tower Entry Ticket
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Şahkulu
Tünel Meydanı Sokağı, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Rüstem Paşa
34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

We will end at the Spicy Bazaar.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Galata Tower

onsidered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of İstanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Kamondo Stairs

The Camondo Stairs are Art Nouveau-style stairs in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. The stairs, completed in the 1850s, were built by the House of Camondo.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

SALT Galata, Istanbul

Salt Galata houses the Salt Research Gregory Michael Kiez Hall, a specialized library; the Salt Research Ferit F. Şahenk Hall, which researchers can use upon registration; the Auditorium, where talks and conferences are organized; and exhibition and event spaces. Salt Galata also hosts a permanent exhibition that sheds light on the 145-year history of the institution with documents from the Ottoman Bank Museum Collection.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Karakoy Rihtim

We will take our ferry.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Patriarchate Of Constantinople

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is one of the fifteen to seventeen autocephalous churches that together compose the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is headed by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Balat Colored Stairs

Balat promises you a nice day with its cute cafes, colorful streets and houses that smell of history.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Renkli Merdivenler

Balat, which has a rich Byzantine heritage, is an old Jewish neighborhood and still has a large Jewish population. In addition, the Sephardim, who were exiled from Spain in the 15th century, settled in Balat. Most of the houses in Balat, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of which have been restored, were wooden before the 18th and 19th centuries. However, due to the many fires that broke out here, most of the wooden buildings were burned down and masonry buildings were then preferred. There are very few single-story buildings and the houses are usually built in twos or threes.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church

The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church, is a Bulgarian Orthodox church in Balat, Istanbul, Turkey. It is famous for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements in the Neo-Byzantine style. The church belongs to the Bulgarian Christian minority in the city.
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Golden Horn

We'll watch the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul from the estuary. We will discover the magnificent view of Istanbul on the magnificent waters of the sea.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Egyptian Bazaar

One of the oldest bazaar in istanbul. We will taste turkish dessert and drinks free.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 9 more stops

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
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hidden Gems of the Istanbul: From Galata Tower to Balat?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-445276P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.57
7 reviews

Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hidden Gems of the Istanbul: From Galata Tower to Balat?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Donations for Churches.
  • All Taxes.
  • Transportation by Ferry.
  • Free Tasting For Drinks and Dessert.
  • Professional English Speaking Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Galata Tower Entry Ticket.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Hidden Gems of the Istanbul: From Galata Tower to Balat is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Hidden Gems of the Istanbul: From Galata Tower to Balat 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once 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 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Donations for Churches
  • All Taxes
  • Transportation by Ferry
  • Free Tasting For Drinks and Dessert
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Galata Tower Entry Ticket

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name