Today we are very happy because we have come to one place in Istanbul, this is
one of the hidden gems in this city and it's called Balat.
We are going to be walking around and showing you some of the best places we have seen here
and this neighborhood is very very famous because of these colorful houses the
ones you can see behind me so hopefully you will enjoy this video and just if
you come here prepare yourself because you have to walk a lot here there are
many hills so if you come during summer just make sure to bring enough water
and take it slow, there are many places where you can see it around
so hopefully you will enjoy this video. So let's get started!
Balat and Fener are two of the oldest and most spectacular neighborhoods in Istanbul.
If you like finding different spots apart from the most touristic routes then this place is for you.
These two districts are a bit hidden from the most touristic areas, therefore, they aren't too frequented by travellers.
However, is quite easy to go from the Eminönü main bus station to Balat and Fener
just take the bus number 36CE or 44B and get off either in Fener or
Balat bus stations and you are ready to start exploring this unique and colorful location
Balat and Fener have been home to minorities in the city such as
Armenians, Greek Orthodox and Jewish families
and one example to this is the Fener Rum Lisesi also known as the Red Castle or
the Red School which was founded in 1454 and nowadays this school is still
opened and it is the oldest surviving and the most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul.
We can also find another beautiful place along the coast of the Golden Horn called
the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church also known as the Iron Church and it was
built a 120 years ago. As well, while walking along its narrow cobbled
streets we will see many churches and even synagogues showing that these
neighborhoods are the most diverse in the city.
But probably the most known part of this site are the colorful houses which are
mostly over 50 years old and some of them are up to 200 years old.
These houses are the most photographed ones by the visitors and definitely this
is a new Instagram spot.
Many colorful cafes and little shops await us in this area
and it is the perfect place to get lost for hours to have a different perspective and experience of Istanbul.
We thank you for watching our video and if you want to have more good tips and
recommendations about Istanbul from us as locals then don't forget to subscribe to our Channel.
See you next time!