[2024 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Balat (Updated Dec)
No.13 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Featured Neighborhoods
Address:
Istanbul, Turkey
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-3 hours
Colorful Muslim Countries Globally 🌍
Harar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Harar boasts 82 Qingzhen Temples and 438 Awaach (shrines for Islamic scholars). These colorful walls are an important symbol of religious and cultural preservation. The city walls, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and its even older mosques, reflect a deep historical significance.
Amman, Jordan 🇯🇴
Rainbow Street is a well-known area in the capital, home to a variety of Arabic and international restaurants. Residents often spend time here with friends and family, making it one of the best places to get insight into the lifestyle and culture of Jordanians.
Tunisia 🇹🇳
Tunisian architecture reflects Ottoman influences, particularly in coastal cities where this impact is most pronounced. European influences have also been incorporated, especially through the import of construction materials from Italy, resulting in a unique architectural blend.
Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷
One of Istanbul's gems is the neighborhood of Balat. As one of the oldest areas, it features wooden houses over 200 years old. Balat's colorful historic buildings and narrow streets offer a unique experience that feels worlds away from modern Türkiye.
#Travel #Culture #History #Ethiopia #Jordan #Tunisia #Türkiye #Harar #Amman #Istanbul #Architecture #MuslimCommunities #GlobalHeritage #ExploreTheWorld
King Raph
One-Day Istanbul Itinerary Guide
Would you like to take a tour of Istanbul, Turkey? Check out the one-day itinerary guide my husband and I followed!
First, we visited the exquisite Dolmabahçe Palace, where the entrance fee for two was 2100 lira. Next, we went to the seaside mosque. Although we couldn't enter, its exterior was captivating enough. The surrounding snacks and shopping areas were also memorable. The Balat colorful district was our favorite spot, vibrant and full of life. We had afternoon tea there, enjoying the locals' leisurely lifestyle. The Galata Tower is another must-visit, and despite the long queue, the panoramic city views were absolutely worth it. Finally, we ended up on İstiklal Street, bustling with a wide array of shopping and dining options. We had dinner there, experiencing Istanbul's nightlife.
Istanbul is indeed a beautiful city, with every corner filled with surprises. Although the cost of living is a bit high, it's all part of the travel experience. Come share your Istanbul travel stories in the comments section!
Scarlett.Robinson.68
Turkey-Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, where three empires that have had a profound impact on the world (Ancient Rome, Byzantium, Ottoman) have all established their capitals. The three thousand years of historical mist has left it with many cultural relics that never fade with time. Here you can find ferries, seagulls, street food, small towns, historical buildings, and colorful neighborhoods.
When spring comes, Istanbul turns into a colorful sea of flowers, with the entire city surrounded by colorful flowers, like a dreamy garden. Balat, a historic old town, is quite flavorful and is a neighborhood where artists and young people often hang out. The houses here retain the characteristics of Spanish Jewish architecture, with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and fairy-tale atmosphere, as well as small antique shops, cafes, and local handicraft workshops. The Blue Mosque is the only mosque in the world with six minarets and is hailed as one of the top ten wonders of the world.
The walls are made of blue glazed tiles fired in the famous Turkish porcelain town, with a white base and rich floral patterns, very gorgeous!
AdventurousSoul
Balat - Hidden Gem of Istanbul 🌈
One of Istanbul's best known place is the colourful, diverse culture and rich history neighbourhood Balat! Every corner of this street filled with colourful Ottomon era houses which has already most photographed and famous wooden houses completely painted in yellow, orange and blue. 💛🧡🩵
Definitely not to be missed as it’s a great opportunity to see a different side of Istanbul’s different array of places to visit. It feels like a bit hipster heart of Istanbul where you can find local organic cafes and restaurants. Laid back and relaxed vibes.
It’s certainly Istanbul’s quaint and local neighborhood and bucket list place whilst your stay in Istanbul.
#wecreate
#istanbul #istanbulcity #balat #visitistanbul #seltravels #awesomepic #colourful #house #turkiye #visitturkey
Selma @seltravels
COLOURFUL NEIGHBOURHOOD NAMED BALAT
One of Istanbul’s best-hidden gems is the colorful neighborhood named Balat. This old district filled with beautiful colored wooden houses and cafes will instantly give you feel-good vibes.
Balat is one of the oldest districts of Istanbul, with some wooden houses over 200 years old. Friendly local families and a cultural mix of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim people are all welcoming you to their neighborhood. Balat has Synagogues, Churches, and Mosques, something you don’t see all that often. The second you enter Balat, with its colorful historical buildings and narrow streets, you will forget that you’re in Turkey.#balat #istanbulcity #historical #oldtown #Ottomanempire #turkiye #istanbul
EM Erten
Estetik Cafe in Balat
Sehengiz Cafe is in Balat Istanbul Turkey. there's several kind of tea, dessert and main coarse.
for the price is affordable enough, and so easy to reach this Cafe.
it's a small Cafe so good for chit chat in evening with bestie.#foodie#tripblazers#urbanexplorer#cafe
Dita Anggreyni
Balat, Istanbul
Balat is a lovely area of Istanbul. It is famous for its colourful buildings and pretty cafes. You can get there by bus or by tram and have a walk around the small streets. The food and drinks are cheap there and there are a lot of little souvenir shops as well as antiqurie shops. You shouldn't miss it when you visit Istanbul. Have you been there? Do you reccomend any restaurant in that area?
#istanbul #turkey #balat #travelphotography #travelinspiration
#café
AmandaMe
Balat Barat District
Now this neighborhood has become an art venue for young people to gather, and cafes of all sizes have become a new trend. I walked across the wooden structures on both sides of the road. They used to be the place where Jews lived and are now transformed into art galleries and shops in Istanbul.
During the Byzantine period, there were many Greeks who settled here, and there are also Orthodox churches. In the 17th century, they built a majestic stone house, decorated with ornate marble.
A strong earthquake at the end of the 19th century, rich Jewish and Greek people have withdrawn from the area. It quickly became the lowest immigrant settlement in the society.
Balat is almost one of the richest, most fascinating and characteristic areas in history.
is even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
However, even so, there are only a handful of tourists from Istanbul who come to these places. It is also very emotional.
The more you go up, the road will start to narrow into a labyrinth and the slope will be steeper. Climb a picturesque staircase to reach the top of the mountain, where the ancient walls of Constantinople were once, where it was built in the 13th century with one of the least known churches and cities.
Molly_Chang.
Bulgarian Iron Church
#100waysoftravel
Istanbul, Turkey offer numerous historical places to visit and this Church is one of them. Located in Balat, Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Kilisesi also kwon as Bulgarian Iron Church, is a Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is famous for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements in the Neo-Byzantine style. The church belongs to the Bulgarian Christian minority in the city. It’s definitely worth visiting, I sat there for 1 hours to pray and relax while enjoying the architecture. They played spiritual song that will calm you during your visit.
#churches #balat #solotravel #turkey
On cloud 9
Balat Hipster District
On the day we left Turkey, our tour guide added an extra stop
☆ Balat Hipster District
Located in the old city of Istanbul, Turkey, the Balat Hipster District is a colorful neighborhood. It has become a trendy travel destination for young people and tourists in Turkey due to its pastel-colored house exteriors and numerous hipster cafes. It is a popular Instagram spot in Istanbul, Turkey...
The last photo is a beautiful sunrise taken by a group member upon arrival in Beijing.
二寶外婆
Colorful District in Istanbul, Turkey: Unique Architecture, Food, and Handicrafts, Perfect for a Day Trip
If you're looking for a leisurely day of strolling and photography 📸 in Istanbul, Turkey, we recommend a fun spot: the Balat Colorful District. This is a very distinctive place located in the Balat district of Istanbul, known for its unique 🌈 colorful buildings. Here, you can see many buildings and houses painted in bright and vibrant colors, forming a colorful neighborhood.
While walking through the Balat Colorful District, you can admire a variety of artworks and murals, including graffiti, abstract art, and comics. The buildings and walls here have become canvases for artists, showcasing their creativity and artistic talent. It also attracts many tourists and photography enthusiasts to visit and take photos 📸.
In addition to art, the Balat Colorful District also has many small shops, cafes, and restaurants offering local food and handicrafts. You can spend a day wandering through this vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood, experiencing the local lifestyle and artistic energy.
Transportation: Take the bus or metro to Fener Station and navigate to Balatte Gelato. It's just a short walk up from there.
Trex club
Balat, Istanbul
Located on the southern shore of Golden Horn, Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of İstanbul. Famous for its historical heritage, colorful streets, various churches, and synagogue, Balat has become one of the most known tourist zones of İstanbul in recent years. Once you set foot in Balat, it surrounds you with a unique atmosphere.
The most known and distinguished part of Balat is its colorful houses. These historic wooden homes are aged between 50 and to 200-year-old.
After discovering the picturesque scenes of the neighborhood, take a break after taking lots of photos and sit at a cafe or restaurant in Balat around Vodina Street and Yıldırım Street.
ANASJO
The Vibrant Colors of Balat
Balat. The oldest and the most incredibly colorful neighbourhood in Fatih district of Istanbul.
There are places in the world that after ticking them from the list, you will never go back. This now will be forever in the bucketlist. And many more.
#summerdestinations #summervacation #balat #istanbul #turkey #travelinspiration
Myra Regner
Colourful houses in Balat, Istanbul
A very cute area to visit in Istanbul and very clise to the city center
Asier o
A fairy tail high school
This is one of the most amazing attractions i stumbled upon in my trip to istanbul and what surprised me more that it was a high school !!! The place is near balat where you can enjoy taking catchy pics
#istanbul #fatih #balat 📍Address: balat 💰Average Price per Person:free💞Reasons to Recommend:amazing place
Fawzi98
Colorful town
Visited Balat, one of the city in Istanbul just for the instagram 🥰#balat
Aaaamy
Be a 'color enthusiast' in Balat, Istanbul
Located in the historic district of Balat by the Golden Horn, it is the most culturally rich old town in Istanbul. The colors are as intense as those in Morocco, and here you can indulge yourself as a true color enthusiast
This area was once inhabited by Greeks and Jews, featuring a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and is now dotted with various modern cafes and distinctive small shops, making it a popular spot for social media check-ins.
PassportTales
Spring Travel in Turkey | Colorful Districts of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey is so suitable for citywalk!
Of course, don't miss out on the Balat district during your citywalk, a place of art and vibrant colors!
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⭕️ 'About Balat District':
The origin of the district dates back to 2013, when an art team carried out a colorful neighborhood art project here, painting the originally dilapidated buildings with bright colors, renovating old to new, turning it into a lively and distinctive neighborhood, attracting many people to come and take photos.
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⭕️ 'Recommended Activities':
✔️ Photography:
Coming here, of course, the must-do is taking photos! The colorful district really makes for great pictures!
Especially recommended are the rainbow stairs, the colorful houses and alleys near the roadside, and the higher views as you walk up.
✔️ Coffee and Cuisine:
The whole district is actually quite artistic and petty-bourgeois, with many cafes and restaurants.
It's very pleasant to find a street corner cafe in the afternoon, have a cup of Turkish coffee, really cozy!
✔️ Shopping:
In addition to coffee and cuisine, there are also many exquisite shops, antique shops, workshops, etc., which are also great for strolling around.
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⭕️ 'Transportation Tips':
You can take a bus to the 'Fenre' station from within the city, and it's within walking distance after getting off.
There is also a ferry dock 'Fenre' nearby, and you can take a ferry from farther away.
WanderlustAbroad_5
The colorful neighborhood of Balat
Wandering through #Balat is like stumbling upon Istanbul's best-kept secret. The neighborhood, tucked along the Golden Horn, unfolds in a burst of color that's nothing short of enchanting. As you navigate its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll find pastel-hued houses adorned with laundry swaying in the breeze – a picturesque scene that feels like a local secret. ✨
Balat's charm goes beyond aesthetics; it's a living tapestry of diversity. From quirky boutiques to inviting cafes, every nook tells a different story. The markets buzz with life, and ancient synagogues and churches add a touch of history to this modern canvas.
Exploring Balat is a personal journey, where each turn reveals a slice of local life. It's a vibrant patchwork of #Istanbul’s past and present, making every visit a colorful adventure into the heart of the city's soul. 😍
The most #colorful houses can be found at 📍Kiremit street. Another beautiful spot are the rainbow stairs of the cafe 📍Incir Agaci Kahvesi and also the📍Phanar Greek Orthodox College.
TakeMyHeartEverywhere
Seven magnificent bridges in the world
👀Do you know where is the longest bridge in the world? I bet you never heard of this one! 🥰
🌉Bridges have always been considered as the magnificent work by humans, as well as essential parts of regional infrastructures across the world. Bridges of various kinds include the beam, truss, arch, suspension, cantilever, and cable-stay. Some bridges are famous for their design and history, while others are engineering #wonders worldwide. Today I I’ve brought you a collection of the magnificent bridges mainly used for automotive transportation.
📍#SydneyHarbourBridge, #Australia
👀The world’s largest steel arch bridge
📅Open: 1932
📏Total Length: 1,149m
📷:Christopher Burns (@christopher__burns)
📍#LondonTowerBridge, London, #UnitedKingdom
💕A combined bascule and suspension bridge
📅Open: 1894
📏Total Length: 244m
📷:Charles Postiaux (@charlespostiaux)
📍#GoldenGateBridge, San Francisco, #UnitedStates
🚩Suspension bridge
📅Open: 1937
📏Total Length: 2,737m
📷:@uwo
📍#DanyangKunshanGrandBridge, #China
🔥The longest bridge in the world
📅Open: 2011
📏Total Length: 165,000m
📷:Unknown
📍#MillauViaductBridge, #France
👏The tallest cable-stay bridge in the world
📅Open: 2004
📏Total Length: 2,460m
📷:Sies Kranen
📍#VascodaGamaBridge, #Portugal
💝Cable-stayed bridge
📅Open: 1998
📏Total Length: 17,000m
📷:Stefania Chihaia (@steph.annia)
📍#SzéchenyiChainBridge, #Budapest, #Hungary
⛓️Chain bridge
📅Open: 1849
📏Total Length: 375m
📷:Chris Yang (@chris.yang.film)
🪐“The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn”, David Russell said.
TravelTips
🌆 Explore the Vibrant Colors of Balat, Istanbul! 🌈✨
#wecreate
Welcome to Balat, Istanbul's hidden gem! 📍 This picturesque neighborhood will enchant you with its vibrant streets, colorful houses, and rich history. 🏘️🎨 Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the unique blend of Ottoman and Greek influences. Don't miss the iconic Balat Balconies and the awe-inspiring Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. 🕌🔔 Capture unforgettable moments and wander through the narrow alleys filled with charming cafés and antique shops. 💫✨
#Balat #Istanbul #ColorfulStreets #HiddenGem #OttomanHistory
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
Must visit in Istanbul
Getting There - balatte #istanbul #balat #photography