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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

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4 hours (approx.)
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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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Bereketzade
34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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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!
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Kamondo Stairs

Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Golden Horn

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

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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

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Galata Tower – Fener-Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry?

A: 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 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

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Activity code: C-66000P24

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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

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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