About this experience
Only the lazy has not heard of the staircase with colorful houses - but believe me, this is far from all that Fener and Balat are remarkable for. During the walk, we will mix in one plate the delightful Istanbul vinaigrette of winding hilly streets, churches, restaurants, movie locations, and, of course, stories. And we will complement all this with a panorama of the Golden Horn Bay from the Pierre Loti hill in the Eyup area!
What to Expect
Balat and Fener: Istanbul's Underbelly
We will explore areas where ordinary tourists rarely venture. Nevertheless, it is in Balat and Fener that you will be able to fully feel the spirit of Istanbul and immerse yourself in its everyday life. Here we will find:
- Istanbul colorfulness. Balat and Fener will reveal to you an unexpected Istanbul with colorful houses, noisy running boys, narrow streets, between which laundry dries on ropes. We will stroll past churches, nightclubs, and luxurious facades, and also visit one of the authentic restaurants for a cup of Turkish coffee.
- Cinematic locations. Fans of Turkish TV series will quickly recognize the decorations of the famous series 'Cukur' on the streets of Balat. It was after this film event that the area was transformed and began to regain its former popularity.
- We will not ignore pilgrimage sites: we will see the Constantinople Patriarchate and visit the only cast-iron Orthodox church in the world.
Eyup: View from Pierre Loti Hill
The final point of our route will be one of the best panoramic platforms in Istanbul. From Pierre Loti Hill, we will admire the curve and shores of the Golden Horn Bay, inspect the entire city from a bird's eye view. I will tell you about the famous writer, after whom the hill is named, and the history of his first novel.
Organizational Details
- I will meet you at the hotel and escort you back after the tour
- We will travel by public transport or taxi. Transport costs are not included in the price of the walk.
