About Balat, Istanbul
Balat is one of the oldest districts of Istanbul with some wooden houses over 200 years old. Friendly local families, a cultural mix of Jewish, Christians, and Muslims people are all welcoming you to their neighborhood. Balat has Synagogues, Churches, and Mosques, something you don’t see all along that often. The second you enter Balat with its colorful historical buildings and narrow streets, you will forget that you’re in Turkey.
Best of Istanbul? Join the popular Istanbul tour.
What Do To in Balat, Istanbul
Wander around the quiet sloping streets of Balat. The area is slowly transforming into a hipster area where old neglected buildings are renovated into cool cafes, restaurants, and design shops.
One of the places to have a delicious lunch is Forno. Delicious Turkish pide’s and other goods baked freshly in front of you.
Also read: Things To Do in Istanbul
After lunch, walk up to the rainbow stairs of the cafe: Incir Agaci Kahvesi. Follow the extremely colorful steps uphill towards our next location.
Tip: Wear good shoes, as these sloping streets are steep!
Colorful Houses Istanbul
One of the iconic and most photographed places in Istanbul are the houses in Kiremit street. Pastel-painted houses that make a lively street scene. It is such a quiet and relaxing area to stay in, in between the locals, away from the busy city.
While making your way back down, pass the Phanar Greek Orthodox College. This beautiful red school over overlooking the entire neighborhood. Locals told you should be able to visit the inside, but unfortunately, we couldn’t figure this out.
Hotels in Balat
As a lot is being renovated, hotels or guesthouses are very limited here. The only places you could stay are Akin, Balat House, Educa Suites, and Hotel Troya.
How to visit Balat, Istanbul
Balat is best to reach by bus or ferry. The ferry point named Fener is direct across the main street of Balat. At that same location is a bus stop where many buses stop. Use Google Maps to plan your trip.
Tip: Save on expenses in Istanbul with the Welcome Card.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.