Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey

Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat

Outty Ranking 46 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $258
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Outty Ranking

46/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat worth booking?

Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $258 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
46 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
4 hours
From
$258 per person

If you want a richer, deeper, and more unique experience of the character, authenticity and traditions of this multi-civilizational city, then a guided walking tour of the Fener and Balat areas in the old city is for you. You will see churches, synagogues and mosques side by side and see impressive sights of religious co-existence dating back centuries ago. Our qualified and licenced tour guides can guide you, as part of a customised tour suited to your wants and needs, through the subtle magic of the narrow, steep and winding streets, detailing their history and present day significance whilst sharing their personal insight.

What you get

    About this experience

    If you want a richer, deeper, and more unique experience of the character, authenticity and traditions of this multi-civilizational city, then a guided walking tour of the Fener and Balat areas in the old city is for you. You will see churches, synagogues and mosques side by side and see impressive sights of religious co-existence dating back centuries ago. Our qualified and licenced tour guides can guide you, as part of a customised tour suited to your wants and needs, through the subtle magic of the narrow, steep and winding streets, detailing their history and present day significance whilst sharing their personal insight.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour guide
    • Pickup transportation

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. This Greek Orthodox church is hugely important to the followers of this denomination of Christianity. Its current form was constructed in 1867 but the site has housed previous buildings of Christian worship. It holds significance for being the only church in the world to celebrate Mass on Fridays. This building, protected by an outer wall, is discreet and easily missed by unguided tourists and even locals.

      30 minutes here

    2. Surp Hresdagabet Kilisesi

      Gregorian Armenian Church.

      20 minutes here

    3. Ferruh Kethuda Camii

      The mosque of Mimar Sinan who is the most famous architect of the Ottoman period...The mosque is under construction, so we will be seeing it from the outside.

      15 minutes here

    4. Ahrida Synagogue

      One of the oldest synagogue in Istanbul which is built by the Macedonian Jews who came from Ohri. For security reasons, the synagogue can only be visited with a special permission.

      15 minutes here

    5. Fener & Balat

      The authentic backstreets of the neighborhood... We will be observing Fener & Balat districts' vintage soul by heart.

      45 minutes here

    6. Bulgarian Orthodox Church

      a.k.a. Bulgarian Iron Church. Richly ornamented neo-gothic style church is famous for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements.

      30 minutes here

    7. Moldavian Prince Dimitrie Cantemir who made great contributions to classical Turkish music in the Ottoman period was living in this house and now it's open again as a museum.

      20 minutes here

    8. Patriarchate Of Constantinople

      The Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral still in use. Fener Greek Orthodox College will be seen during the tour.

      30 minutes here

    9. The Walls of Istanbul

      Byzantine City Walls

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Via Public Transport (3-4)

      Via Public Transport: 3-4 people Pickup included

    • Via Public Transport (5-6)

      Via Public Transport: 5-6 people Pickup included

    • Mini Van (up to 4 people)

      Minivan (up to 4 people): Private Transportation and Parking Fees are included. Pickup included

    • MINIBUS (Up to 12 people)

      Minibus (up to 12 people): Private Transportation and Parking Fees are included. Pickup included

    • Via Public Transport (7-10)

      Via Public Transportation: 7 to 10 people Pickup included

    • Via Public Transport

      Via Public Transport Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ru, pt, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tourever Travel

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Authentic Backstreets of the District, Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in IstanbulPhanar Greek Orthodox College, Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in IstanbulBlachernae Church, Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in IstanbulCool cafes, design shops, vintage stores..., Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in IstanbulLocal experiences from a local guide!, Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in IstanbulBulgarian St. Stephen Church a.k.a. Iron Church, Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat in Istanbul

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    smay21t · February 2020

    Great area to visit!

    I loved the Balat neighborhood, it is absolutely stunning. We had an amazing tour with our guide who has wide knowledge about the history of the area. Worth to experience this side of Istanbul with its local people.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $258 to $600
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 46

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)11
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat cost?

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    Prices start at $258 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

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    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat?

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    Included: Tour guide; and Pickup transportation. Not included: Lunch; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 997 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat?

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    There are 6 options to choose from, including Via Public Transport (3-4), Via Public Transport (5-6), Mini Van (up to 4 people), MINIBUS (Up to 12 people). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat.

    Pick your date