Galata Tower, Fener & Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry
Trade the crowds for the character of Istanbul's old quarters on this walking and ferry tour. Starting at the Galata Tower, a Genoese watchtower from 1348 with some of the city's finest panoramic views, you will follow your local guide through backstreets that most visitors never find.
The route slips down to the waterfront and crosses the Golden Horn by ferry, arriving in the kaleidoscopic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Here, painted timber houses, antique shops and centuries of Greek and Jewish heritage sit side by side. Along the way you will see the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the remarkable cast-iron Saint Stephen's Church shipped from Vienna in 1896, and the elegant Kamondo Stairs.
A stop for Turkish tea and sweets gives you a chance to rest and soak up the atmosphere before the day winds down. It is a relaxed, story-rich way to experience the lived-in side of Istanbul.
What's included
Good to know
Is the Galata Tower entry fee included?
Galata Tower admission is included only with the all-inclusive option. With the standard option, entry is paid separately on site.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The route involves a fair amount of walking on hilly cobbled streets, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What language is the tour in?
The tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide.
What happens in bad weather?
In cases of extreme weather the tour can be rescheduled to keep your experience comfortable.