(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Galata Tower - Fener-Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry

8 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 8 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider our walking tour from Galata Tower, through backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, then across the Golden Horn to Balat and Fener neighborhoods, two of the most interesting on the old city side of the Golden Horn, followed by a ferry boat ride back to Karaköy. Once home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, Fener and Balat are fascination places, an area that is largely still "undiscovered" by tourists.

⦿ Explore the Galata tower, learning it's history and that of the area surrounding it, seeing the beautiful views from the top of the tower

⦿ Explore the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, a very architecturally colorful area.

⦿ Taking a ferry home across Golden Horn and relax on the final leg while enjoying the view.

What's Included

  • Donations
  • Galata Tower entry ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
  • Transport by Ferry, Tram, Bus
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Galata Tower
See 1 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Bereketzade
Büyük Hendek Caddesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Karaköy Meydanı
Arap Cami, Galata Köprüsü, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

The tour will end by the Karaköy Ferry Terminal very next to Galata Bridge.

What To Expect

Galata Tower

Galata is a charming, historic neighborhood in Istanbul, nestled between Karaköy and Beyoğlu. Famous for its iconic Galata Tower, this area is a blend of old-world charm and modern vibes. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.. A perfect spot for history lovers, photographers, and those seeking a lively yet quaint atmosphere!
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Kamondo Stairs

Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Visit the Iron Church (Bulgarian St. Stephen Church): Marvel at this unique Orthodox church made entirely of cast iron, located near the Golden Horn.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Balat

Explore the Balat Market: Stop by the local markets to experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for antiques, second-hand goods, and unique souvenirs.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Coloured Houses of Balat

Visit Balat: Walk to the neighboring Balat district, famous for its vibrant, pastel-colored houses and photogenic streets. Don’t miss the iconic Rainbow Stairs and Kiremit Street for great photo opportunities.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ahrida Synagogue (Pass By)

Explore the Jewish Heritage: The Ahrida Synagogue (if accessible) and learn about the Jewish community’s history in Balat.
Read more

Fener & Balat

Colorful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighborhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments; housed a mosaic of communities.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi (Pass By)

Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognized as the spiritual center (basically the “Vatican”) of the Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Read more

The Walls of Istanbul

The walls of Constantinople were the greatest fortifications of the medieval age. With various towers and gates, large sections still stand more or less intact today.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Golden Horn

Finish your day with a stroll along the Golden Horn, enjoying the serene waterfront views.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Galata Koprusu

Bascule bridge that spans the Golden Horn provides both a real and symbolic link between two important parts of Istanbul.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Karakoy

Galata is a charming, historic neighborhood in Istanbul, nestled between Karaköy and Beyoğlu. Famous for its iconic Galata Tower, this area is a blend of old-world charm and modern vibes. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.. A perfect spot for history lovers, photographers, and those seeking a lively yet quaint atmosphere!
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Galata Tower entry fee (30 EUR pp) is not included in the tour price.
  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Galata Tower – Fener-Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-66000P24

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
8 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Istanbul's Hidden Bazaars: a Self Guided Bosphorus Quest

Istanbul's Hidden Bazaars: a Self Guided Bosphorus Quest

New To The Site!
 8 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$3.55

15-day Best of Turkey From Istanbul

15-day Best of Turkey From Istanbul

New To The Site!
 15 days  Hotel pickup offered  Instant Confirmation
from
$8,500

4-Day Abant, Seven Lakes, Safranbolu & Amasra Tour from Istanbul

4-Day Abant, Seven Lakes, Safranbolu & Amasra Tour from Istanbul

5
 4 days  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$950.96

6 Days Multi City Turkey Tour

6 Days Multi City Turkey Tour

1
 6 days  Hotel pickup offered  Instant Confirmation
from
$1,783.06

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$9.51

Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide

Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide

 2 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$23.77

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$155

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

 4 to 7 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$87.94

What's Included

Activity name

  • Donations
  • Galata Tower entry ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
  • Transport by Ferry, Tram, Bus
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Galata Tower

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Galata Tower entry fee (30 EUR pp) is not included in the tour price.
  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.