Location Map >>, Located in Balat, it is a blessed church in the late 13th century and is also known as the Saint Mary of the Mongols. Do not expect to find big brands or shopping mall experiences here. He was exiled to Constantinople and lived in this house that now is turned into a beautiful and colorful caf. There is also a pretty street Burcak Sokak with Turkish flags. As I mentioned before, there are tons of cafes and restaurants where to eat in Balat. Balat has been home to Greek-speaking Jews since the Byzantines. If you want to go to Balat by bus, you can take the buses from Eminn Square towards Balat Beach. Since then Jews have been living in this neighborhood for years together with inhabitants from different faiths and backgrounds. 2009-2023 Istanbul Travel Guide. The colorful houses of Balat have become one of the symbols of the neighborhood that have been decorating it for ages. You can find variety of pretty antique and vintage shops and mirror-selling shops here. Many people who visit Balat, do it mainly for its colorful houses and Instagram worthy photos. Feel free to wander around and stumble upon unique items that you can find only in Balat. Balat is located up the Golden Horn past the Fener district and is easily accessible by bus from Eminonu pier. * Another practical way is to take the Metrobus at the Ayvansaray stop or Metro (M2 line) at Halic stop and then take a 15-minute walk along the coastal road or use the Public Buses going to Eminonu direction. But, let me share my favorite spots when in Balat. Continue reading. In this neighborhood, you will find small art galleries, secondhand and vintage clothing stores, fresh produce, and spices. Learn how your comment data is processed. All of that is in just one spot. An interesting detail is that the mihrab of the mosque is decorated with tiles brought from the famous Tekfur Palace nearby. Yes! We recommend that you enjoy a dinner here. Overall, the Balat neighborhood in Istanbul has a distinct character and charm that is not found in other parts of the city. Built by the famous Ottoman architect, Sinan. Other Balat streets with colorful houses that I love are Kiremit Caddesi, Sadik Ahmet Caddesi, and Corbaci Cesmesi Sokak. We highly recommend guided tours to best explore the Fener and Balat region. However, for first-time visitors, Balat is not the right neighborhood where to stay in for many reasons. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. This is a fantastic toy museum showcases the variety of lovely toys that will make you have a journey from the past to the present and into the future. from Eminonu, Karakoy or Eyup and we can say that you can also walk Fener and Balat from these neighborhood. The most popular street with colorful houses is Merdivenli Yokus Evleri which is also one of the most photographed places in Balat. Location Map >>. Recommended Tram Take the tram from Cibali to Balat 5 min 15 - 21 Taxi Take a taxi from Istanbul to Balat 4 min 35 - 45 Walk You will see some pictures of old Turkish artist such as Turkan Soray. Afterwards has been more resident by the poor immigrants from eastern Turkey. There are many attractions, museums, and experience zones in this magnificent city. ), Explore Fener & Balat (Top Things to Do, Sights, Where & How to Get? Recommended option Fly Istanbul to Bodrum, taxi Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Bodrum (BJV) Take a taxi from Bodrum to Balat 2h 47m WebThere are 6 ways to get from Istanbul Airport to Balat by train, tram, bus, taxi, car, shuttle or towncar Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Balat Istanbul WebFly from Istanbul (IST) to Izmir (ADB) Take the train from Izmir Airport to amlk. The neighborhood of Balat, which is adjacent to Fener, also fascinates visitors like Fener with its colorful cafes and restaurants, antique and vintage shops, traces of Jewish heritage, various synagogues and churches. The intense red color and the majestic architecture of this building make you walk around to enjoy every angle of it. However, thats not the only reason to go to this quirky neighborhood. If you are 3 Top Attractions & Sights), 36 Things to do this summer in Istanbul 2023, 2023 Top 10 Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment, Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul (2023 Sema Guide with Tickets Advice), Rhythm of the Dance Show (Turkish Dance) Istanbul: Tickets, Best Turkish Baths & Hammams in Istanbul for 2023, Prices, The Most Livable Places in Istanbul: Top 10 Districts + Neighborhoods, The Best Places to Buy Property in Istanbul with Local Expert Help, Istanbul Welcome Card (Why Buy? You wont get lost and avoid possible tourist traps. How Tos? This place is elegant, colorful, cozy, and has a home feeling. WebHow to Get There. Location Map >>, The Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal St. George Church are located in Fener on the banks of the Golden Horn and share the same courtyard. Balat has been home to Greek-speaking Jews since the Byzantines. This building was converted into a mosque in 1591, and it truly makes you travel in time when you are in the presence of a place that has been influenced and owned by different beliefs and faiths. Fener and Balat region is very famous for its antique shops and so there should be an antique auction place isnt it? WebThere are 8 ways to get from Balat to Istanbul by taxi, plane, train, bus, night bus or car. I love walking along the coast and seeing this magnificent building. You can easily get a bus from here. They serve alcohol, so back in the days only non-Muslims ran these businesses, like Armenians or Greeks. One of my favorite things is visiting religious buildings for their architectural styles and the peace they give, even though I am not a religious person. Balat The 200-year-old colorful houses, endless cafes and restaurants will give you the perfect excuse to take a break as you climb up the very steep but beautiful streets of the old Istanbul Jewish quarter. The quarter is known for its delicious food, so be sure to try a few local specialties while you are there like dibek coffee (Naftalin cafe has a good one) or Bosnian cuisine for example. They will eagerly tell you about their families and their neighborhood, and will also ask you tons of questions about your background to learn more about their welcomed guest. Check Out The Vintage And Antique Shops 6. However, another interesting feature of the mosque is that it has a sundial in the backyard. Balat is well connected to other points of Istanbul, but its feel of being hidden and remote will seem like you must travel long distances to get to all the attractions in the city. Mornings and afternoons are still the best as you can enjoy an incredible breakfast (that Balat is also famous for) and take better photos of popular streets as there will be fewer tourists. Founded in the Byzantine era, the synagogue is still open for worship. Balat Lets start with the eclectic mix of churches, mosques, synagogues, and schools: This is the oldest operating and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school. From late spring to early fall, the best time to visit Balat is in the first part of the daybefore the area becomes too crowded. How to get accommodations inside historical buildings, Guide to all neighborhoods and areas in Istanbul. Being a very impressive neighborhood, Fener offers a fantastic experience to its visitors with its authentic atmosphere including many interesting churches, Fener Greek Patriarchate, unusual architecture and splendor, Fener Greek High School for Boys, narrow streets and slopes with colorful cafes, restaurants and antique shops. Ive been to Balat numerous times, exploring it on my own and with a guide, and each time it was different and special in some ways. You will find here the most Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul after the Hagia Sophia. Remember to take the bus, metro and boats in Istanbul you will need an Istanbulkart which you can purchase from many ticket machines near stations or from small shops. Dinner: Balat Kapi, for cafe-style food; Forno, for some of the best lahmucan and pide in the city, and Sahil, a very old local established meyhane and one for the few places in the Fener Balat neighbourhood selling alcohol. When you look at Fener from a distance, you surely will catch this building on first sight that stands out with its red silhouette and magnificent architecture, which most people say should be a church. The most important feature of the church is that it was not converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and was left to the worship of the Greek Orthodox community. Things to Do in Balat & Fener and What to See Enjoy Free Entry to the Balat Toy Museum and Guided Tours with Istanbul E But, if you follow this guide and stick to places I recommend, you will visit this dreamy neighborhood while staying absolutely safe. Balat Istanbul Directions by Public Transport: How to get to Balat from Sultanahmet: Walk to Eminn bus station and then take the 36CE, 44B, 99, 99A, 99Y or 90. First of all, it doesnt have a Havaist bus Airport transfer. Walking to Balat from main touristic areas in Istanbul such as Eminn or Karaky is more than doable. When you visit Balat, we recommend you to visit this restored area within the scope of UNESCO Cultural Heritage project. Explore the Vibrant Neighbourhoods with Local Guides! From Taksim you should take a bus 55T (the stop is near Taksim tunel) and get off at Balat bus stop. Located on the Vodina Street, the Fener Antik Mezat is a perfect place that attracts the attention of visitors with its auctions that start after 3 pm. Fener, on the other hand, is mostly a Greek Orthodox neighborhood and is known for its historic churches and monasteries. Public transport. The iron molds used in the structure were brought from Vienna in 1871 by ship. Balat Istanbul There is a UNESCO/EU project in the region to restore the many buildings together with Balat. So, keep reading to find answers to the most common questions about Balat Istanbul as well as about the most popular places to visit. With guided tours you can learn the story of the region from the past and today, and have a detailed look the each detail and story of the sights. There is also a number of charming streets lined with cafes and restaurants where you can try traditional Turkish cuisine and drinks. A relaxed and quaint place. The church was built for the Bulgarian minority that left the Fener Greek Patriarchate. Anything you order, pair it with Raki (a licorice alcoholic Turkish beverage). Instead, get a small one or even individual glasses to try. In addition, the Agora Tavern, located in the Balat market area, is also one of the most famous and historical taverns of Istanbul. With its colorful houses, nostalgic streets, different works of art from different periods and cultural heritage, Balat in Istanbul is one of the most interesting neighborhoods to visit. Early spring in Istanbul and Istanbul winter are not those seasons when Balat sees too many people. Balat, Istanbul is actually fairly easy to get to. And during this, Full Article 15 Interesting Facts About Turkish Culture That You Need to Know Before VisitingContinue, Last updated on December 6th, 2022If on your trip to Istanbul you are planning to go to the Adalar archipelago and wondering which Princes Island to visit, I highly encourage you to take a, Full Article Burgaz Island Near Istanbul: The Most Romantic Princes Island Among AllContinue, Last updated on August 7th, 2023I know, I know, many people think that Turkey is exclusively a summer destination. And one more location which is extremely popular with tourists is the colored staircase at the cafe Incir Agaci Kahvesi and the decor of the cafe itself. Take some time to sit and relax in one of the restaurants and soak up the atmosphere. Istanbul You shoud go by bus until Balat stop and then continue you trip by step. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. Also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church. Since then, it has undergone a process of gentrification with many of its old houses being renovated and converted into trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Be aware that this place is quite famous so make a reservation during peak season and weekends if you want to enjoy your time at one of the outside tables. Weekends are always busy which can be a challenge for some people. This is an old church from the 9th century that was first named Aya Thekla. One difference between them is that Balat has a more diverse population and a mix of different cultures and religions. As for accommodation; there are not much opportunities in the regions. You may see the public bus routes and timetables as well as make a route/station search from theIstanbul Municipality Public Busseswebsite. Don't turn right on the Galata bridge but keep on walking straight. Check Out Merdivenli Yoku Evleri 4. Here are some of my favorites: Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. Balat is a beautiful place to stay, where you can find astonishing accommodations inside historical buildings and even a 5-star hotel. 4h 17m. The museum is open every day of the week between 10:00 and 20:00. So that you do not get lost in all these offers, we have selected the best for you and created the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Some of the bus lines you can take are 33, 35D, 36CE, 41Y, 44B, 99A, 399B and so on, they are marked as the yellow lines and you can take them to/from Nisantasi, Karakoy, Eminonu, and the north of Istanbul. Overall, both neighborhoods are worth visiting for their charming streets, colorful houses, and rich cultural history, especially considering how close they are next to each other. Fares & Insider Tips), Istanbul Tourist Pass Review: Is It Worth It? If you are visiting Balat from the Asian side of Istanbul, the best way to get to Balat is by boat to Fener Ferry Terminal. All Rights Reserved. Great for brunch and Turkish breakfast with a huge selection of coffees. Most establishments are beautiful and even though I havent tried them all, I will share my favorites with you here. Location Map >>. Once the citys Jewish quarter, Balat is still dotted with centuries-old synagogues, as well as historic churches and mosques. Alternatively, take the T1 tram to Eminn and then walk to Eminn bus station. Being an old Jewish quarter, it always have been a poor one than Fener. It is not on the list of free museums with a museum pass but the entrance fee is low. Location Map >>, Located in the Cember Street, the mosque takes the attraction of the visitors with its cute brick structure. Location Map >>, Ferruh Kethuda Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan (famous Ottoman architect) in 1562, is a very small mosque compared to Sinans other magnificent and great works. See the historic Greek Orthodox church the Balat Church, located in the heart of the neighborhood. If you want to go to Balat by metro bus, you can get off at the Ayvansaray stop and walk along the beach to reach Balat. The Hotel Troya Balat, Balat House veFener Suit Apart Hotelare the popular mid-range hotels in the region at first sight. Like here: The Balat quarter in Istanbul smoothly flows into the neighboring Greek quarter of Fener, but you wont even feel the difference between them. Just walking along Balat streets and along the Golden Horn is an experience. The Balat Toy Museum welcome its guests in a 1000m historical building and has 17.000 pieces of toys in 15 categories. The T5 tram will take you to the beginning of Balat Park from where you can either walk to the heart of the Balat neighborhood along the boardwalk or make a transfer near the Ataturk Bridge in Eminonu and hop on a bus to ride a couple of stops. Eat and drink in Balat as the number of dining establishments is high and many of them offer excellent food. Visit ncir Aac Kahvesi 5. Visiting Balat will be definitely a wonderful addition to your Istanbul itinerary no matter if your trip is long or short! Visit The Phanar Greek Orthodox College 7. Balat is part of the old town on the European side of Istanbul. Second, staying in Balat will not give the right presentation of Istanbul as a city. In 1490, it was converted into a mosque by Atik Mustafa Pasha. Frequent buses no problem at all. The iron casting was made in Vienna and the belfry tower was a gift from Russia. The most noteworthy part of the synagogue is the Holy Chest, which is covered with magnificent tapestries. to Balat I would recommend having breakfast or coffee/cay in this location. If you want to go to Balat by bus, you can take the buses from Eminn Square towards Balat Beach. Balat and Fener From here you can take any of the above buses to Balat. Visit the Balat Museum which is a small museum located in a historic house. It is also called as the Miracle Church, due to a belief that it has a healing power for the patients attending the rite on the Day of the Saint. But within the last couple of years, it has risen a lot and turned into a real center of attraction just like Karakoy, Arnavutkoy, and Moda neighborhood in Kadikoy. Some neglected and poor areas on the border of Balat with Ayvansaray and Fener are not the colorful houses you see online. Location Map >>, When you go to the center of Balat, to the pretty small square where the Synagogue is, you will reach the impressive and authentic Cifit Bazaar, on the Leblebiciler Street. Balat to Istanbul Airbnbs in Balat are somewhat average. Even with the blue details contrasting the white walls and the garden outside, this mosque is very simple compared to other Sinans constructions. Here youll enjoy the great toy collections gathered from the various parts of the world, as well as specially produced toys and workshops suitable for every age group. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts. Insider Tips, Istanbul E-Pass (Worth It? Here you can find a wide range of antiques at a reasonable price and purchase for your loved ones. The decorations exemplify the character of Balat. Address: Yavuz Sultan Selim Mahallesi, Required fields are marked *, Quick Introduction to the Balat Neighborhood in Istanbul, Cool Things to Do in Balat, Istanbul on Your Own, Fener Greek High School and the Virgin Mary Church (Bloody Church), 15 Interesting Facts About Turkish Culture That You Need to Know Before Visiting, Burgaz Island Near Istanbul: The Most Romantic Princes Island Among All, 8 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Turkey in Winter, 11 Best Thermal Pools & Hot Springs in Turkey to Visit on Your Trip, Istanbul Airport Transfer: Guide on How to Get From Istanbul Airports to the City, 13 Unique Places to Stay in Istanbul Historic Mansions, Ottoman Houses, Palaces & More. And the Bazaar took this name due t the Jewish tradesmen that once have been in the area. Istanbul Tourist Pass is a digital sightseeing pass, and upon you order, you will receive an instant confirmation mail and be able to use the Pass right away or store the details saved in your mail to use when you arrive in Istanbul.

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