Discover Fener and Balat on a 3-hour guided walking tour. Visit historic churches, synagogues, and colorful Ottoman houses, ending at the unique Bulgarian Iron Church.
- Explore the Ecumenical Patriarchate & St. George Church
- See the Red School overlooking the Golden Horn
- Stroll through vibrant stairs & colorful Balat houses
- Visit Ahrida Synagogue & Armenian Church of Balat
- End at the iconic Bulgarian Iron Church
Embark on a cultural journey through Istanbul’s historic districts of Fener and Balat with a professional guide.
Begin at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, home to the Church of St. George, then admire the 19th-century Red School towering over the Golden Horn. Continue to the Merdivenli Yokuş and capture its famous colorful steps before visiting the 13th-century Church of St. Mary of the Mongols. Stroll past charming Ottoman-era houses with bright facades, a highlight for photography lovers. Discover the Ahrida Synagogue, the oldest in Balat, with its ship-shaped bimah, followed by the Surp Hiraşdagabet Armenian Church, reflecting the district’s multicultural spirit. Conclude your tour at the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, the world’s only fully iron Orthodox church.
- 3-hour guided walking tour
- Professional English-speaking guide
Meet your guide at Fener Bus Stop at 10:00 AM. The tour runs every Thursday and lasts 3 hours. During peak times, an additional session may be available at 14:00. The tour ends at Balat near the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, where participants may disperse. Children under 7 join free of charge; ages 7+ require a standard ticket. Reservations are required in advance.
Program & Timing
- 10:00 – Ecumenical Patriarchate & St. George Church
- 10:25 – Fener Greek Orthodox College (Red School)
- 10:45 – Colorful Stairs
- 11:00 – Church of St. Mary of the Mongols
- 11:20 – Colorful Houses of Balat
- 11:45 – Ahrida Synagogue
- 12:10 – Surp Hiraşdagabet Armenian Church
- 12:30 – Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (tour ends at 13:00)
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Cenker was a fantastic guide!! He is very nice and gave us many details
Fantastic tour with Cekar, good information and effective answers of the questionsss