Turkey · Walking Tours

1-Day Private Istanbul Walking Tour with Balat, Fener and Karaköy

1 Day Round trip from Binbirdirek Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Unearth the history of the Hippodrome of Constantinople and Karaköy, the old Jewish town
  • 02 Enjoy a local kebab-tasting session and explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar
  • 03 Explore the hidden gems of the Balat and Fener neighbourhoods
  • 04 Visit the gorgeous Süleymaniye Mosque and admire fantastic views of Istanbul

Embark on this dynamic exploration of Istanbul's must-see highlights and hidden gems. Marvel at the Egyptian Obelisk, the Blue Mosque, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, then venture through the hidden corners of the city with stories of local life and history along the way. Continue to Balat and Fener, the old Greek neighbourhoods, and take a ferry to Karaköy, the old Jewish town, where your guide shares anecdotes about the city's Jewish heritage.

We'll visit the gorgeous Süleymaniye Mosque, a great masterpiece, with thorough explanations.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Istanbul
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Hidden Corners, Historic Landmarks, and Local Neighbourhoods

  • Firstly, we'll meet in front of the German Fountain. It is in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, right next to the Blue Mosque. Here, you will also see the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column.
  • Afterwards, we'll start exploring back streets and hidden corners. Along the way, your guide will show you a cistern from the Roman period and explain the history, local life, little stories, and anecdotes. We will also see local restaurants and cafes.
  • Then, we'll visit the Column of Constantine the Great, a 500-year-old bathhouse, the 600-year-old Grand Bazaar, and a 400-year-old handicraft centre.
  • Next, we'll have a kebab-tasting session and view Istanbul University from the outside.
  • We'll visit the gorgeous Süleymaniye Mosque, a great masterpiece, with thorough explanations. We'll stop at a viewpoint and a terrace cafe to enjoy some of the best views of Istanbul and walk through local markets.
  • Continue to the Spice Bazaar. After enjoying the bazaar, we'll cross the road to take the bus or taxi to the old Greek town.
  • Explore Balat and Fener, the old Greek towns. Here, we'll see charming apartments and hipster-like cafes and restaurants.
  • Finally, we'll take a ferry and finish in Karaköy, the old Jewish town. This neighbourhood also has a hipster-like atmosphere. We'll end at the Galata Bridge with fantastic views of Istanbul.
Balat and Fener, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge

Where this trip takes you

Balat and Fener, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Binbirdirek 1 city · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide

What's Not Included

  • Cost of transfers (bus/ferry)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Entrance fees (if any)

Know before you go

  • This is a walking tour of the off-the-beaten-path areas of historical Istanbul. We will generally be walking, but we will also use trams, buses, and ferries. This way, we will make a big circle around the old city.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour start
Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Binbirdirek.

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