Spend a day in Istanbul, Turkey | FREE Guide
Istanbul's more than just the Blue Mosque and bustling Taksim Square! This city brims with a rich mix of cultures and history waiting to be discovered.
Sure, spend a day soaking up the grandeur of Sultanahmet's world-famous sites, but then dive deeper! This free guide unlocks this beautiful gem - Balat, a truly unique corner of "Old Istanbul."
Here, you'll experience the authentic charm of the city beyond the popular areas and skyscrapers.
You can definitely take your time and spend 3-4 hours around this area.
Make sure to check out all the small shops, streets and coffee shops/restaurants.
Balat is definitely an area where you can comfortable "get lost" in the streets and be mesmerized at every turn.
*** This guide was prepared assuming that you're staying in Sultanahmet.
*** The area is relatively small so feel free to switch up the order of the activities based on your needs!
Take the funi (tram) from Sultanahmet to Eminönü to Balat
Skip the boring buses and hop on the coolest ride in town – the funicular railway! This cute little tram will whisk you up the hill from Eminönü, with killer views of the Golden Horn the whole way.
Here is how you can travel step by step:
🔹 Purchasing Tickets: Before boarding, grab an Istanbulkart (reusable travel card) or a single journey ticket from the vending machines at the station.
🔹 Locate the Sultanahmet Tram Stop: This stop is conveniently located near major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Look for the red tram stop sign with a white "T" symbol.
🔹 Catch the T1 Tram: Board the tram with the "Eminönü" destination sign. This tram line runs frequently, so you shouldn't wait too long.
🔹 Get Off at Eminönü: This is the final stop on the T1 line. You'll find yourself right next to the Galata Bridge and the Eminönü port, a lively hub bustling with activity.
🔹 Head Towards the Spice Bazaar: The Eminönü station for the T5 tram is conveniently located near the famous Spice Bazaar. Look for signs or ask friendly shopkeepers for directions.
🔹 Identify the T5 Tram: You'll be looking for the tram line labelled "T5 Cibali – Alibeyköy." This tram travels eastward along the north shore of the Golden Horn, taking you directly to Balat.
🔹 Your Stop: FENER - Keep an eye out for the "Fener" station. This stop is located right in the heart of Balat, putting you within walking distance of the colorful houses, charming streets, and historical churches.
**You can also use Google Maps to make sure you're on the right track and see where you have to get off!
**The stops are announced in Turkish, but most trams display the upcoming station name electronically as well, just pay attention!
Breakfast
No adventure starts on an empty stomach! Balat's got tons of cozy cafes and yummy local restaurants. Fluffy menemens (turkish scrambled eggs with veggies and spices), Simit (turkish sesame seed bread) and many more – the perfect fuel for exploring!
Here are some restaurants you can try:
MUST see sights:
Renkli Evler (Colored Houses):
These are the rockstars of Balat! Get ready to whip out your camera because you'll be tripping over rows of houses in every color imaginable. Balat is basically an open-air art gallery!
Renkli Merdivenler (Colorful Stairs):
Don't miss out on this attraction! Tucked away on some streets are these super cool, colorful staircases. They're perfect for that Insta-worthy shot (or just a memory that makes you smile) but be prepared it will be PACKED.
Historical Churches:
Balat's history is as rich as its coffee!
Immerse yourself in the past by checking out two of the most beautiful churches in the area. "Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church" and "The Bulgarian St. Stephen the Martyr Church" are stunners, with architecture and artwork that'll make you feel like you've traveled back in time.
Coffee Break
We all need a pick-me-up, right? Luckily, this area is crawling with cool coffee shops! You can find your basic Turkish Coffee anywhere, but I love these spots that have special beans and blends from all over the world.
Here are some of the most popular spots:
Lunch
If you do get hungry, for lunch, you absolutely have to grab a Gözleme, it's the king (or queen!) of local flatbreads.
Imagine a savory explosion of flavor with cheese, spinach, or minced meat all wrapped up in a delicious flatbread.
Here are some of the best spots:
Walk back to the tram by the water
When you're ready to leave, instead of walking straight back to the tram, enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. You can take the same route you came on to get back to your next stop. Or, if you're like me and love to walk, you can extend your adventure with a scenic walk back to Eminönu (it takes about 45 minutes).
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