The 10 Best Things to Do in Balat Istanbul

Where is Balat & History

Balat is located north of the Fatih district, on the European side of Istanbul along the Bosphorus Strait. The area is often referred to as Fener Balat, as the 2 neighborhoods cross each other and merge seamlessly so you can’t notice the difference. 

Balat is the former Jewish quarter of Istanbul, established at the end of the 15th century when Jews persecuted under the Spanish Inquisition were welcomed by Sultan Bayezid II. 18 synagogues were built in the quarter, but only 3 remain today. The area also welcomed Muslim, Armenian, and Greek people. Meanwhile, the Fener area mainly welcomed Greek Orthodox communities. 

The 2 districts have long been shining examples of peaceful religious coexistence. Synagogues, Orthodox churches, and mosques stand side by side, reflecting a remarkable history of religious tolerance.

The area declined following the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1955. However, it regained interest after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. In the late 1990s, restoration projects were initiated for about a hundred buildings, breathing new life into the area. 

Nowadays, Balat (and Fener) is a very charming district that has preserved its authentic character thanks to its traditional Ottoman houses, religious buildings, and small craftsmen, and merchants.

Although trendy cafés and restaurants have sprung up and are drawing tourists, this is a residential area that has remained quiet, contrasting with other Istanbul districts such as Karakoy.

How to Go to Balat 

It’s very easy to get to Balat by public transport, as the district is served by the T5 tram and several bus and ferry lines.

Here’s how to reach Balat from Istanbul’s main points of interest:

• From Sultanahmet – 30 min: tram T1 to Aksaray and then bus line 90B to Şehit İbrahim Yılmaz station
• From Taksim Square – 17 min: bus line 55T to Fener station
• From Karakoy – 20 min: bus line 90 to Şehit İbrahim Yılmaz station or Eyüp ferry line to Fener station 
• From Kadikoy –1 hour: Kadıköy-Karaköy-Eminönü ferry line to Eminönü > bus line 99A to Fener

You need to get an Istanbulkart to use the public transport. You can purchase it in the vending machines available in subway/tram stations and charge it with the amount you need.

Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or Uber, but be aware of the very heavy traffic in Istanbul. It might cost you a lot of money and time!

Getting ready to go? Make sure to check this travel tips before you visit Turkey! 

What to Do in Balat  

With its colorful facades and cute shops, strolling around this district is an enjoyable experience in itself. But here are 10 best things to do in Balat during your visit. And keep scrolling to get them all gathered on a free map!

1. Take shots of the Coloured Houses of Balat

The best way to discover Balat is to wander through the narrow hilly streets filled with magnificent, colorful wooden houses, cafés, and other small shops. You’ll discover streets full of soul, with warm hues, winding paths, and hidden viewpoints. Simply meander around, soaking in the district’s beauty.

The beauty of the district makes it a true open-air studio for photography enthusiasts! In fact, you’re bound to come across a few Instagrammers, especially in Merdivenli Yokuş, Yıldırım Caddesi, and Kiremit Caddesi, which are the most beautiful streets in the district.

Just try not to be too intrusive when you’re taking your photos, as this is a real residential area, and the people you see there really do live there. 

2. Check out the Greek High School

As you enter Balat, you can’t miss the imposing red-brick structure perched high above the neighborhood and overlooking the Golden Horn. 

Built in 1883, it’s known as the Patriarchal Academy of Constantinople or the Phanar Greek Orthodox College. It’s the oldest and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul. The school is still active to this day.

Topped by a large dome that serves as an astronomical observatory to the students, the building is like a castle and you’ll love to shoot its angles and red color.

Read more: Discover the best landmarks in Istanbul

3. Climb the Colorful Stairs

The most colorful place in Istanbul is right here in Balat! My wife Nes and I stumbled across it on our way down from the Greek High School.

This long staircase painted in all the colors of the rainbow is really cute. In the middle of the staircase, you’ll find a little coffee shop, Incir Agaci, which is also colorful and just as cute.

Sit down on the brightly colored steps for a drink, a snack, or a bite to eat. The place is usually packed with tourists though, so prefer coming early or late in the afternoon.

4. Step into Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church

On the banks of the Golden Horn stands the only iron church in the whole of Orthodox Christianity, the Saint Stephen’s Church or ‘Sveti Stefan Kilisesi’ in Turkish.

Remarkable for its construction, this church is a legacy of the Bulgarian minorities of the Ottoman period. It’s commonly known as ‘Demir Kilise’, the ‘Iron Church’, due to its supporting frame entirely made of steel and its cast-iron exterior façade. 

Crafted in Vienna and transported by boat to Istanbul, the church was inaugurated in 1898 after a year and a half of assembling. Don’t miss the chance to step inside and admire its beautiful interior, it’s well worth a look! 

5. Discover more religious monuments

Besides Saint Stephen’s Church, Balat is home to several other religious buildings, in line with its history. 

Here, you can find 2 of Istanbul’s main synagogues, Ahrida, the city’s most famous ancient synagogues on Vodina Caddesi Street, and the Yanbol Synagogue, also known as the ‘Bulgarian Synagogue’.

There is also the Fethiye Mosque, housed in what was once the church of Pammakaristos Theotokos. The side chapel of the former church now houses a museum that you can visit. And last but not least, the incredibly beautiful Chora Church, one of the oldest churches in the city turned into a mosque (Kariye Museum, currently closed for renovations).

6. Browse vintage and antique shops

One of the most striking features of Balat is the gathering of antique dealers, auctioneers, and second-hand dealers. You’ll find several antique shops, and even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth taking a look inside. 

The most random and intriguing objects can be found here! Some specialize in specific areas such as toys and electronics that take people back to their childhood. And some shops hold auctions, usually at weekends.

Göç Antik Cafe is one of the fascinating shops in the area, as it’s dedicated to religious artifacts of all faiths.

7. Have a coffee break in a cool coffee shop

If all that sightseeing makes you a little tired and you fancy a little break, sit down in one of the cozy cafés you’ll find as you wander around!

Coffee shops and tea houses here are often beautifully decorated in a colorful Bohemian style, perfect for enjoying a çay or a Turkish coffee. 

Some coffee shops are really popular, like Cafe Naftalin K. It has a library full of books of all kinds, as well as a variety of desserts made in-house by the head pastry chef. Café Balatte is another excellent choice in the area.

8. Pet the street cats

You’ll find plenty of street cats all over Istanbul, and unlike other European cities, they’re relatively well looked after here. This is partly due to the cat’s status in Islam.

Balat is no exception, you’ll find lots of them feasting on kibble prepared for them by the locals, dozing in the sun, or playing with each other in the street.

You can pet them gently if they let you but don’t forget to sanitize your hands afterward as they are wild animals.

9. Try Gozleme or any other Turkish food

Visiting Balat is another chance to try Turkish food! We visited the area first in the morning, so when we finished touring it, it was time for a quick lunch break before heading off to the next stop of our itinerary. 

On our way out of the area, we saw this lady making Gozleme, so we decided to stop at her restaurant, D Migos. It was excellent, so I can’t recommend it highly enough! The lady was doing them on demand, so it was really fresh. Another lady from the same spot was making traditional Turkish coffee on hot sand, so we tried it too. And of course, it was delicious. 

You’ll find a lot of choices for eating in the area, including Turkish breakfast. I’ve gathered a small list of nice places to eat in Balat further down.

Gozleme is a savoury patty filled with Turkish cheese and a mixture of parsley and coriander. Variations exist with spinach or leeks.

10. Take a guided tour

If you like learning about the places you visit, then you should definitely take a guided tour of Balat. There’s in fact a lot to discover about the neighborhood.

Balat has a very interesting history and is still fascinating, so you’ll love learning fun facts about it. It’s also the best way to discover all its monuments, churches, synagogues, and mosques, but also its hidden gems. And if you like Turkish TV shows, then you should know Balat served as a filming location for many of them and you can discover them on the tour. 

It’s not particularly expensive (such as this one) so you should consider it. 

Where to Stay in Balat

Balat is a safe district in which to live, and well connected as you can take the ferry as well as the tram and metro nearby. It’s also cheaper than other areas in Istanbul. Here are nice accommodation options in Balat: 

✅ Best Hotel – Petrion Hotel: This hotel is located at the entrance of Fener Balat, providing easy access to the old town as well. Everything here is great, and you’ll even have an amazing rooftop terrace to enjoy Istanbul’s skyline. 

🏃 Runner up – Charming Balat Haven: This 50 meters sq apartment is perfectly located right inside Balat, and offers everything you could need during your stay. Comfy and stylish, don’t look further.

Tip: Balat is a cool neighborhood to stay, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a short trip or a first-time. It’s a bit remote from the rest of Istanbul’s highlights, so you’ll have lot of transportation time. Plus, it’s really residential and quiet after 5 pm, so you won’t find nothing to dine or have a drink.

Where to Eat in Balat Istanbul

Here’s a list of the best places to eat in Balat, cafés and restaurants included: 

• Cafe Naftalin K: This coffee shop offers delicious homemade pastries and desserts you can sample while reading a book from their library in a cozy atmosphere.
• Cumbali Kahve: This café is the best in the area for coffee lovers. Of course, you can enjoy it with a baklava or other Turkish delights if you like.
• Velvet Cafe: In this hidden gem of Balat, the vintage oriental design takes you back to the 19th century. The service here is exceptional, and their Turkish breakfast is excellent.
• Pier Café Restaurant: Located at the entrance of the neighborhood, this place offers a wide variety of Turkish dishes, from breakfast to kebabs. Portions are hearty here.
• Forno Balat: If you’re craving a pizza, just go there! But the Turkish food here is as amazing, so I’d recommend Lahmacun instead. 
• Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen: Situated on one of Balat’s main streets, this restaurant serves delicious local food. Kudos to their clay pot kebab! 
• D Migos: The service here isn’t great, but they serve the best and freshest Gozleme I had in Istanbul so I had to put it on the list. And the lady who was making them is adorable, so if you like this dish you should try it here. 

Is it Worth Going to Balat Istanbul?

Yes, Balat is definitely worth visiting! It’s one of the best places in Istanbul to marvel at the architecture of traditional Ottoman houses. It’s a must for those who like vintage shopping and for foodies who like discovering cool coffee shops with unique decorations. Very peaceful, Balat is a vibe, very different from the rest of Istanbul. 

How Long to Spend in Balat?

2-3 hours is enough to visit Balat. With Nes, we’ve spent a morning in the neighborhood, just the right time to stroll around, check the cool spots, and grab a bite.  

Is Balat safe?

Yes, Balat is safe! It used to have a bad reputation in the past, but it’s no longer the case. The area is very quiet, with mostly locals living here or working in the shops.

As it’s residential, there’s nothing here after 5 pm and it becomes even more quiet, so I don’t recommend strolling around after this hour. Also, avoid walking from Balat to the old town as some sections between the 2 areas are not so safe. 

🔍 Read more about Istanbul:

• Is Istanbul Worth Visiting?
• 1 day in Istanbul Itinerary
• 2 days in Istanbul Itinerary
• 4 days in Istanbul Itinerary

I hope you’ll love spending time in Balat. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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