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Free tour

Balat and Fener, walking tour in Spanish: the diverse and colorful neighborhood of Greeks, Sephardic Jews, and Armenians.

4.88
Excellent(217)
Duration: 3 hours
Languages: Spanish
PRO
Registered on 6 April 2021
Guru Avatar Image
Hi ! I am Nadir . I can describe myself as a very friendly, easy going, fun, tenacious,helpful guy :) I am a licensed spanish tour guide. I am looking forward to meeting new people on my tour :)
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Exploring Balat on a walking tour exclusively in Spanish takes us to discover much more than the corner that has become popular as the most "bohemian" in Istanbul. Fener-Balat is the place where history transports us to the late 15th century, when two historical events occurring at both ends of the Mediterranean Sea gave rise to the most colorful and intense neighborhood in the city.
We will visit spectacular Orthodox Christian temples such as the Church of St. Stephen and the Orthodox Cathedral of St. George. We will have the opportunity to take photos next to the impressive Fener Orthodox College and the Instagrammable Colorful Houses. You can visit the garden of the old Dimitri Cantemir Palace, now a café, and the famous Colorful Stairs. We will see the Ahrida Synagogue and delight in the cafes, vintage shops, and antique stores that have breathed new life into its historic streets. We will witness the rebirth of a neighborhood.
A melting pot of peoples and religions, the steep streets of Balat hold secrets and stories that we invite you to discover with us.

NOTES:
~Istanbulkart is recommended for public transportation~
~appropriate footwear is advised for the steep cobblestone streets of the neighborhood~
~appropriate attire is required to enter Christian temples, especially during hot weather. Specifically, legs, arms, and shoulders should not be overly exposed~ATTENTION MEN: the Orthodox Patriarchate requires long pants up to the knee for men. 
The expected payment for the guide is €15 per person, however, it is reminded that the payment is voluntary due to its nature as a free tour. 
~for groups of more than 6 people (adults) there are particular conditions. Consult with the provider~
The final part of the tour involves climbing a steep hill and then descending it. It does not require much physical effort as it is only about 200 or 300 meters in total. The rest of the tour is completely flat. 



Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Eminönü, Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
We'll be at tram stop T5, which is next to the waterfront, near the gold-domed boats selling mackerel sandwiches, at the beginning of the Galata Bridge on the Constantinople side.
1
Outside visit
Balat
2
Outside visit
Yavuz Sultán Selim
3
Outside visit
Balat
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour reviews

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Excellent(217)
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or card payment accepted.
Balat and Fener, walking tour in Spanish: the diverse and colorful neighborhood of Greeks, Sephardic Jews, and Armenians.
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