Local Side of Istanbul
Balat and Fener are districts with a fascinating history, having served as Greek Orthodox and Jewish quarters in Istanbul. Today, these neighborhoods are renowned for their charming, colorful old houses, picturesque streets, and religious sites such as churches, synagogues, and mosques. Our next stop will be the Eyüp Sultan district, where we’ll savor Turkish tea or coffee while taking in the stunning aerial views of the Golden Horn.
About this activity
- Free cancellationCancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund minus the payment processing fee (up to 5%)
- Duration5-6 hours
- Live tour guideEnglish
- Pickup includedIf your hotel is centrally located, your guide meets you at your hotel
- On foot & public transportOr a private van for the whole tour (+$150)
Where you’ll visit
- Balat & Fener neighbourhood: A colorful historic area known for its narrow streets, vibrant houses, old churches, and strong multicultural heritage.
- Pierre Loti: A scenic hilltop café offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn, named after the French novelist who admired Istanbul.
- Eyüp Sultan district: A sacred area for Muslims, home to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and tomb, often visited for prayer and reflection.
What’s included
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Private Tour
- Meet at your hotel (if centrally located)
- Lunch
- Public transportation fees (tram,metro)
- Private car
- Tips for your guide — not mandatory, but recommended if you are happy with the tour
Good to know
- Walking level: moderate. 5–6 hours on foot and by public transport, on the steep, cobbled streets of Balat and Fener and up to the Pierre Loti viewpoint. Prefer to walk less? Add the private van (+150 USD for your group) when booking. If your hotel isn't in Taksim, Galata, Karaköy or Sultanahmet, you'll reach the meeting point by tram or metro.
- Mosque dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women also cover their hair — bring your own scarf if you can (covers are available at the entrance, some mosques charge 2–3 USD). Shoes come off inside mosques.
- Prayer times: mosques close to visitors for a short time during each prayer, and for longer at Friday noon prayer — your guide plans the route around them.
- Photos: welcome everywhere; Balat's colorful houses are people's homes, so please respect the residents, and don't photograph people praying in mosques.
Prices
| Group size | Price for the group |
|---|---|
| 1–8 people | $240 |
| Private vehicle for the whole tour (optional) | +$150 per group |
Private tour: the price is for your group only, no strangers join. Your exact total is shown in the booking form before you pay.
Groups of more than 8 people: please contact us
Guest reviews
- Alan DavisAugust 2022
We are so glad we purchased this tour. It is a great place to see and not so touristy. We took a lot of good pictures. Places are a bit hilly, but we didn’t struggle much walking.
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