ISTANBUL · THE OLD CITY
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular fener & balat walking tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Walk Istanbul’s Fener and Balat on a 3-hour guided route featuring the Bulgarian Iron Church and Ahrida Synagogue, plus coffee.
Most Popular“Kübra was the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly guide I've ever had. Her excitement made it all the more wonderful!! It was an amazing tour, the hike up is a bit strenuous but ample time to rest while climbing!! Don't miss Balat!!”
Eat your way through Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar and Kadıköy with 8-9 tastings, a Bosphorus ferry ride, and dondurma in Moda.
“I did this tour mid December and loved it! Great tour to start your time in Istanbul. Absolutely loved all the wonderful food. Met some lovely people and had a great local guide who shared lots of information regarding the city and food culture”
Half-day walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat with churches, synagogues, rainbow stairs, and colorful houses for about 3 hours.
“This tour was really enjoyable and informative. Our guide ensured we were having a great time and she is so pleasant and accommodating! Will highly recommend .”
Walk Istanbul’s Fener and Balat with an expert guide, from the Iron Church to the Ahrida Synagogue, ending with Turkish coffee.
“Local friendly guide with lots of useful facts and answered lots of questions”
3-hour tram tour of Istanbul’s Fener & Balat: Ottoman houses, Greek and Jewish stories, church visits, and tea for $59.
“I had a great experience on this tour with guide Burak. We explored the Fener, Balat areas of Istanbul. I had no idea about this area and was glad I went to see it. I was impressed with the tour guide's deep knowledge of Turkish and Istanbul history. He had a very welcoming personality and…”
Cross to Istanbul’s Asian side by intercontinental ferry, then stroll Kadıköy with a local guide for markets, bars, and sunset views.
“Hal was a fantastic guide. He gave us great information and showed us all the perfect spots on the Asian Side of Istanbul. This is a great tour and it is a “Must” to come and visit the Asian sise of Istanbul. It’s a great way to experience what the locals do on a Saturday…”
Walk Fener and Balat’s colored streets with a historian guide, stepping into Orthodox churches and St. Stephan’s prefabricated icon.
“Yunus was a great guide, fun and entertaining, and informative. We had a great time.”
A 7-hour private guided walk through Istanbul’s Old City, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar.
“Highly recommended. Our guide Nací showed us around the Old City. He spoke fluent English and was extremely knowledgeable and informative and as a result we were able to fully appreciate all the historic sights we visited including the Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia , Basilica Cistern ,Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.”
A private 8-hour Istanbul walking day through Sultanahmet and beyond, with priority access, expert guides, and flexible route planning.
“This day tour was extremely informative and enjoyable. Our guide absolutely made it, Ali was really wonderful. I highly recommend him. English was great and very accommodating. He really knew his history and made the day very smooth and fun!”
Walk Istanbul’s Greek and Jewish quarters in Fener and Balat, cruise the Golden Horn, and sip tea at Pierre Loti.
“Tour was wonderful. Guide very knowledgeable and personable. It is fast paced. Lots if walking up and down cobblestone streets. Worth visiting these areas away from crowded touristic spots.”
A 2-hour guided walk through Istanbul’s Fener and Balat, with colorful streets, Orthodox sites, Jewish landmarks, and stairs made for photos.
“In our Tour we were just 2 people. Furkan was our guide. He is a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide in religion and history. He is kind and caring. He was concerned if we were ok. He helped with picture and help me with my request of the Turkish coffee experience. He exceed the experience…”
A fast 1.5-hour Sultanahmet walk with tickets included: German Fountain, Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square, and the Blue Mosque.
“Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Provided a great tour of key parts of Istanbul. Would recommend to anyone wanting an efficient tour”
Skip the ticket line and walk the Basilica Cistern with a live Spanish guide, entry included, starting at the German Fountain.
5.5-hour guided walk through Galata Tower, Camondo Stairs, Golden Horn views, Fener & Balat, then Spice Bazaar shopping.
Walk Üsküdar and Kadıköy, ride Marmaray under the Bosphorus, see Ottoman mosques, enjoy included lunch, plus a return boat ride.
“Tuncer our guide contacted us prior to tour date to verify pickup location and time. He was prompt on time and place to start tour. It was interesting to use the mass transit systems, like taking the train under the Bosphorus to Asia. Seeing the contrast in cultures from conservative Uskudar versus metroplitan Kadikoy was…”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
