begüm Balat, one of Istanbul’s oldest districts, offers a completely different atmosphere with its historic texture, colourful houses, coastal walking paths, and nostalgic cafés around every corner. For photography enthusiasts, it is like an open-air studio, and at the same time, it is a great route for those who want to take a coffee break, visit museums, or spend time by the shore. In this article, you can find everything you need—from places to visit in Balat and popular cafés to information about the coast and transport. If you’re ready, let’s explore the magical streets of Balat together!
List of Places to Visit and Cafes in Balat
- 1Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
- 2Aya Yorgi Church
- 3Fener Greek Boys High School
- 4Colorful Stairs
- 5Dimitri Kantemir (Kantemiroğlu) House Museum
- 6Virgin Mary of the Mongols Church
- 7Colorful Houses on Kiremit Street
- 8Stevi Stefan Bulgarian Church (Iron Church)
- 9Historical Balat Houses on the Staircase Hill
- 10Sancaktar Hill
- 11Historical Agora Tavern
- 12Gül Mosque
- 13Pop’s Balat
- 14Cafe Naftalin
- 15Fig Tree
- 16Nomandz House
- 17Bay Window Cafe
- 18Maide Cafe
- 19Velvet Balat
Balat Places to Visit and Cafes Map
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Balat Travel Planning
Balat Tour
The Fener Balat Half-Day Guided Walking Tour is a great opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the historic streets. Colorful houses, traces of old Istanbul, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere await you. For details, CLICK HERE.
Places to Visit in Balat
Balat Colorful Houses
Walking through Balat, the colourful houses immediately catch your eye! Around Kiremit Street and nearby areas, these wooden, bay-windowed houses beautifully reflect Balat’s historical and cultural heritage. Each house is painted in a different colour and has withstood the test of time, almost like a journey through history. As you stroll the streets, you can take photos while soaking in the old Istanbul atmosphere and enjoy a calm, peaceful vibe. Streets like Sancaktar Yokuşu and Merdivenli Yokuş are also perfect for exploration. For anyone wanting to see Istanbul’s authentic and vibrant side, this area is a must-visit!
Balat Toy Museum
Balat Toy Museum offers an unforgettable experience for children, especially with special educational programs for ages 6–9. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00–18:00 and weekends 10:00–18:30. In 2025, the entrance fee is 150 TL for children over 3, students, teachers, and visitors over 65, and 260 TL for other visitors.
Sevda Gazozcusu
While exploring Balat, make sure to visit Sevda Gazozcusu, a nostalgic soda shop offering handmade local sodas in colourful glass bottles. The place can get busy, but the queue moves quickly. Flavours like blueberry and damson plum are highly recommended, and the elderflower peach is a sweet treat. Prices are a bit high—two sodas cost around 120 TL—but the experience is definitely worth it.
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is a must-see on your Balat itinerary. Officially known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, it has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era and serves as a spiritual centre for 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. The architecture and sacred relics inside offer a captivating experience. If you visit on a Sunday, you can attend a service to feel the historical atmosphere up close. This is a key stop for anyone exploring Balat’s historical heritage.
Aya Yorgi Church
Located within the Fener Greek Patriarchate, Aya Yorgi Church is a captivating place where history and spirituality meet. An important worship site for the Orthodox world, the church surprises visitors with its magnificent icons and sacred relics, despite its simple exterior. Dating back to the 1600s, it represents a religious heritage that has survived from the Byzantine era to the present day. The atmosphere, filled with gold-embellished icons, holy crosses, and historic mosaics, offers a unique experience for those wanting to take a step back in time. If you visit Balat, don’t miss seeing Aya Yorgi Church!
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Fener Greek Orthodox High School for Boys
In the heart of Fener Balat, the Fener Greek Orthodox High School for Boys, known as the “Red School,” stands out with its red bricks and castle-like structure. Originally the Patriarchate Academy during the Byzantine era, it began operating as a school after the conquest of Istanbul with Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s approval and long served the Greek community. Its current building dates back to 1881, designed by Konstantinos Dimadis, with a tall façade, domed tower, and elegant structure visible even from the Golden Horn. The school still functions today with limited student intake, and visiting inside requires special permission. If you pass by Fener, it’s worth observing this historic building from the outside to feel its magical atmosphere.
Colorful Stairs
The Colorful Stairs are one of Fener Balat’s most eye-catching spots, charming visitors not only with their bright steps but also with the surrounding atmosphere. Each step reflects Balat’s history and culture, while nearby cafés like İncir Ağacı Coffee offer a warm break. A paradise for photographers, this location provides unforgettable views blending the city’s historic texture with vivid colours.
Dimitri Kantemir (Kantemiroğlu) House Museum
The Dimitri Kantemir (Kantemiroğlu) House Museum, although currently closed to visitors, is a historical building worth seeing from the outside. Dating back to the 17th century, it belonged to the prominent intellectual Dimitri Kantemir and reflects Ottoman and Russian architectural influences. The colorful umbrellas in front of the house add a popular photo spot, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of Fener’s streets. Walking around, observing the façade, and enjoying a nearby café lets you feel the spirit of Balat even more deeply.
Church of Our Lady of the Mongols
In the historic streets of Balat, the Kanlı Kilise (or Church of the Mongols’ Mary) tells a tragic story. In the 13th century, Maria, daughter of Emperor Michael Paleologos, went to marry Hülagû Khan but returned to Istanbul after tragic events, commissioning the church and living as a nun. It was the only church not converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul and is notable for its four-leaf clover plan. The garden allows a step-by-step exploration of history, though doors may be closed, photography is prohibited, and opening hours should be checked. With luck, you can visit before 16:00.
Stevi Stefan Bulgarian Church (Iron Church)
Another remarkable spot to explore in Balat is Stevi Stefan Bulgarian Church, also known as the Iron Church. True to its name, the church is entirely made of iron, which is why it earned this nickname. Built at the end of the 19th century, the church is significant both for its construction technique and for being a place of worship for the Bulgarian Orthodox community. If you visit Balat, this unique structure is a must-see. It is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Staircase Hill Historical Balat Houses
One of the most photogenic spots in Balat is Merdivenli Yokuş! This slope is notable not only for its historic buildings but also for the colourful Balat houses restored under the UNESCO Cultural Heritage programme. If you want to share amazing photos on Instagram, this place should definitely be on your list. Walking along Merdivenli Yokuş, you will discover both the traces of history and the vividly coloured houses. For a calm photo session, consider visiting on weekdays or early in the morning at the weekend. This way, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and capture beautiful shots.
Sancaktar Yokuşu
Located in the heart of Balat, Sancaktar Yokuşu is one of the city’s most eye-catching and Instagram-worthy streets. If you’re looking for that famous shot with the pink buildings often seen on Instagram, this is the very slope! As you climb, you’ll feel the historic texture and lively atmosphere of Balat. This area is special both for its proximity to touristic spots in Fener and its colourful houses. Looking upwards along Sancaktar Yokuşu, the streets split and the colours of the buildings blend together like a painting. If you’re exploring Balat, don’t miss this spot!
Tarihi Agora Meyhanesi
If you want to dine in a nostalgic atmosphere in Balat, you must visit Tarihi Agora Meyhanesi. This traditional meyhane has been serving unchanging flavours of Istanbul for years. Its old-style interior and variety of mezes will make every moment feel like a journey back in time. Especially in the evening, you can gather with friends in this historic venue and enjoy delicious mezes alongside pleasant conversations. If you come to Balat, this nostalgic spot is a great stop to catch a piece of the city’s past.
Gül Camii
When in Balat, you should definitely see Gül Camii. Originally built as a church, this mosque is impressive both for its historic value and peaceful atmosphere. The tranquillity inside the mosque gives a sense of relaxation as soon as you step in. Gül Camii reflects Balat’s historic texture perfectly and is visited by both locals and tourists seeking a quiet spot. If you’re looking for some calm, this is definitely a place to go.
Balat Cafes
Pop’s Balat
Pop’s Balat stands out with its high ceilings, numerous potted plants, and spacious interior. Guests are welcomed by a nostalgic wood stove and, especially in winter, chestnuts roasted on the stove. The café offers a wide range of coffee for third-wave coffee lovers. Unfortunately, there are no food or snack options, but it wins hearts with its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Ayan Caddesi No:62/A, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 531 16 16
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Cafe Naftalin
Cafe Naftalin K., located on the corner of a nostalgic building, is one of the favourite spots in the neighbourhood. Unlike third-wave coffee shops, this café stands out with traditional Turkish coffee varieties such as dibek coffee, mastic Turkish coffee, and Mardin coffee. In addition, it offers a selection of different teas to its guests. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Yıldırım Caddesi No:22/A, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0535 643 80 98
Balat İncir Ağacı Kahvesi
True to its name, this café is famous for its fig cake and gözleme, and is also one of the popular breakfast spots in Balat. The café is closed on Mondays, but you can enjoy a pleasant experience thanks to its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Merdivenli Mektep Sokak No:1, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0553 685 65 86
Nomandz House
Nomandz House offers visitors a home-like experience with its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Popular for a coffee and dessert break, this café is especially known for the delicious chocolate cake. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Yıldırım Caddesi No:29, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0536 066 39 24
Cumbalı Kahve
Cumbalı Kahve offers visitors a home-like experience with its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Popular for a coffee and dessert break, this café is especially famous for its moist cake and desserts served in jars. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Ayvansaray Mahallesi, Kürkçü Çeşmesi Sokak No:12, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0539 415 80 80
Maide Cafe
Maide Cafe stands out with its friendly atmosphere and homey environment. Serving daily olive-oil dishes and home-cooked meals, the café is well-known for its welcoming and attentive staff.
Among Maide Cafe’s highlighted dishes are the beetroot cake and tiramisu, and its breakfast options are also highly appreciated. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Yıldırım Caddesi No:26A, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0531 497 52 65
Velvet Balat
Velvet Cafe offers visitors a home-like experience with its warm atmosphere and friendly staff. This café stands out particularly for its breakfast options and extensive menu, and it is also famous for its un helvası and kaymaklı helvası. Click here for the Tripadvisor link!
Address: Balat Mahallesi, Çimen Sokak No:8A, 34087 Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: 0545 225 05 28
Balat Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
Where to start your Balat trip?
The ideal point to enter Balat is generally from Ayvansaray or Eminönü. From there, you can explore the historic streets and head towards the beach and cafes.
How to get to Balat colored stairs?
The Colorful Stairs is one of Balat’s most photogenic spots. You can easily reach it on foot from Kiremit Street and the surrounding area. The streets are narrow but pleasant; don’t forget to take a photo break.
Which stop do you get off at to visit Balat?
If you’re arriving by public transport, the Eminönü or Ayvansaray tram/bus stops are convenient. From there, you can begin exploring the streets of Balat on foot.
Which churches are there in Balat?
Among the important churches you can visit in Balat are the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Church of Our Lady of the Mongols, the Bulgarian Church of Stevi Stefan (Iron Church) and the Church of St. George.
Is Fener Greek High School open to visitors?
Fener Greek Boys’ High School is usually seen from the outside. It’s often impossible to visit the interior, but its architecture and historical fabric are quite impressive even from the outside.
Balat History
Balat is one of Istanbul’s districts that stands out with its historic and cultural texture. Since the Byzantine period, this area has hosted different communities and has a rich past. In Fener and Balat, it is possible to see traces of Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Turkish communities. For example, the bay-windowed and colourful houses carry the marks of various cultures from the past. The name Balat comes from the Greek word “palation”, meaning “palace”, and in the 15th century, it became a large Jewish neighbourhood with the settlement of Sephardic Jews from Spain. In the streets of the district, it is possible to see mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side. At every corner, a different story awaits you.
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This concludes our article on Balat’s Places to Visit and Cafes. See you in the next article.
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