Balat Travel Guide: 25+ Things To Do in Istanbul’s Colorful Neighborhood (From a Local!)

Balat is one of those increasingly rare places that feels like Istanbul past and present all at once. It’s the kind of neighborhood where every building has a story, and it’s not uncommon to find third-wave coffee shops across 300-year-old churches (with a string of Turkish flags thrown in for good measure). 

A day trip to Balat isn’t usually part of the typical tourist loop, and most travelers usually discover it on their second or third trip to Istanbul — after they’ve already crossed Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Galata Tower off their list. 

But when they do find it, Balat tends to steal hearts!

For starters, Balat is local, layered, and full of surprises. This is where you’ll lose track of time snapping photos, buying antiques from a grandpa who’s been here for decades, climbing cobblestone streets, and trying cookies from a centuries-old bakery. 

In fact, while most people come to Balat for the iconic colorful houses, it’s the unique atmosphere that makes them stick around. 

With so many things to do in Balat, it can be tricky to know where to start — so we created this mega guide (it’s over 5,500 words!) to help you experience the best of Balat. 🙂 

We’ve packed everything you need to know, including transportation, what to do in Balat (historic landmarks and photo ops included), helpful travel tips, and more. And of course, no guide to Balat would be complete without mentioning its cozy cafés — which is exactly why we included a full section on where to eat in Balat (with our favorite spots and then some!)

Even if you have one day in Balat, we’re sure you’ll love it and come back wanting more! 

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Balat Travel Tips

​How much time do you need in Balat? — At least half a day to see the main sights, but even better, we recommend a full day to truly get a taste of this neighborhood. Start with a traditional Turkish breakfast in Balat (our favorite ‘day off’ ritual!) before walking up and down its hills, popping into cute antique stores, photographing the colorful houses, and finishing off at a tavern (meyhane) in the evening. 

When is the best time to visit Balat? — The absolute best time to visit Balat is early in the morning on a weekday — you’ll have Balat all to yourself and without the crowds! Meanwhile, weekends are often crowded, especially when the weather is nice. 

In terms of season, spring and autumn have the best weather and fewer crowds, while summer can be busy and too hot to properly enjoy the neighborhood. Winter is much quieter compared to the other seasons, but can still be magical (especially if it snows!)

Is Balat Safe? — Yes, Balat is a safe and friendly neighborhood. If you stick to the main tourist areas, you’ll mostly come across locals, shopkeepers, and other travelers. Like anywhere in Istanbul, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, but overall it’s a comfortable place to explore.

Is Balat walkable? — Yes, definitely! Balat is very walkable, but be prepared for some steep hills and uneven cobblestone streets. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to spend the full day in Balat (last time we were here, we clocked around 20,000 steps!) 

Psst — short on time? 

These Balat day tours are a great way to experience the neighborhood’s history and culture with an expert guide — here are our top picks:

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A Short History of Balat

Before we begin, we’d like to note that Balat and Fener are technically two separate neighborhoods. Historically, Balat was home to Istanbul’s Jewish community, while Fener was predominantly Greek. These days, however, the borders have blurred, and most people treat them as one walkable area — in this article, we’ll be doing the same. 🙂 

Like Kuzguncuk, Balat is also famous for its multicultural roots and was home to Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities living side by side. You’ll notice Bulgarian and Armenian churches, Ottoman-era mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Greek Orthodox schools — a memento of how diverse this small corner of Istanbul has always been.

The name Balat is believed to come from the Greek word “palation”, meaning palace, likely referencing its proximity to the Byzantine-era Blachernae Palace. (Psst — you can still visit the Palace of Blachernae, albeit in its partially-restored form — it’s now 📍 this museum). 

In the late 1400s, Balat became a refuge for Sephardic Jews who fled Spain during the Inquisition. Welcomed by the Ottoman Empire, many settled here along the Golden Horn, building synagogues, homes, and schools — some that have survived to this day.

Fener, on the other hand, means “lighthouse” in Turkish, which is thought to refer to the coastal watchpoints that were once popular in this area of the Golden Horn. Fener was home to aristocratic Greeks and wealthy families, and thus became one of the most affluent areas along the Golden Horn.

Over time, both Balat and Fener began to fall into decline (especially during the mid-20th century) as many families moved to other parts of Istanbul and the old buildings started to decay.

In the early 2000s, a UNESCO/EU-funded restoration project helped preserve Balat and Fener’s historic buildings while encouraging cultural tourism. That effort played a huge role in reviving the area and turning it into the charming, photogenic district you see today.

Fun fact: Balat is often used as a location for many Turkish TV shows and dramas, so don’t be surprised if you recognize a street from your favorite series (or accidentally stumble onto a filming set!) 

How to Get to Balat

To explore Balat, you have to get here first. 😉 Thankfully with the extension of the T5 tram line, traveling to Balat is easier than ever — whether you’re coming from the Old City, the Asian Side, or somewhere in between. Here’s how:

How to get to Balat from Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town) 

Very easy! From Sultanahmet, walk or take the T1 tram to Eminönü station. From there, transfer to the T5 tram line in the direction of Alibeyköy. Get off at Balat or Fener station — both stops are in the heart of the neighborhood and just steps away from the colorful houses and waterfront.

How to go to Balat from Galata

From Galata Tower, you can either walk to Kasımpaşa ferry pier and take the Haliç Hattı ferry line to Fener pier OR walk across the Galata Bridge and take the T5 tram toward Alibeyköy and get off at Balat or Fener stop. 

How to go to Balat from Taksim

From Taksim Square, take the funicular (F1 line) to Kabataş, then go on the T1 tram toward Bağcılar and get off at Eminönü station. From there, transfer to the T5 tram toward Alibeyköy and get off at Balat or Fener stop. The full journey takes between 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the transfer wait times.

How to get to Balat from Kadıköy / Üsküdar (Asian Side) 

From Kadıköy, take the ferry from Kadıköy pier to Eminönü pier, transfer to the T5 tram heading toward Alibeyköy, and get off at either Balat or Fener station.

From Üsküdar, you have two options:

– Take the Marmaray from Üsküdar station to Sirkeci station. Once you arrive, walk to the nearby T5 tram line, hop on the tram heading toward Alibeyköy, and get off at either Balat or Fener — both stops are in the heart of the neighborhood.

– For a more scenic option, take the direct ferry from Üsküdar Pier to either Fener or Balat Pier. Just look for the “Haliç Hattı” sign at the pier (that’s the name of the route!). Ferries run about 15 times per day, leaving every hour or so, and the journey takes about 30 to 35 minutes. It’s one of the best ways to see the Golden Horn in all of its beauty! 

What to Do in Balat

Wondering about the best things to see in Balat? Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, here’s a list of our favorite things to see, do, and experience in this part of Istanbul.

Colorful Balat Houses

Of course, we had to start with the most famous tourist attraction in Balat! 😉 

If you’ve seen any photo of Balat on Instagram, chances are it featured the iconic Coloured Houses of Balat (that’s their official name on Google Maps!). From left to right, the houses are painted in vibrant shades of teal, orange, sky blue, and yellow, and feature bay windows, small balconies, and intricate cornices. Don’t they look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film? 

These colorful houses are found on Kiremit Caddesi (click here for the 📍 Google Maps coordinate) — just a short walk from Fener Pier or the Fener Tram Station. 

We recommend visiting them first thing after arriving, since there’s usually a crowd of people who want to take photos. Late afternoon is also a great time, as you’ll get that golden hour glow and soft light. For the best photo, stand across the street (up the hill a bit) and shoot straight on to capture that symmetrical pop. 

Since these are residential buildings, please be respectful, keep your voice low, and don’t peek into the windows. 🙂 

By the way, if you fell in love with these beautiful ‘Cumba Evler’ (houses with bay windows), you can also find them across many cities in Türkiye like Safranbolu (the most popular place to see them!), Ayvalık, Amasya, and Beypazarı (near Ankara). 

Colorful Balat Stairs

Just a 5-minute walk from the famous houses, another splash of color awaits… The Balat Rainbow Stairs! 

These 36 stairs (we counted) are made up of all sorts of yellow, blue, orange, purple, and green hues that are sure to put a smile on your face. 

The exact date the Balat stairs were first painted in rainbow hues is not definitively documented, but it occurred sometime in the mid-2010s as Balat was undergoing a bohemian revival. Residents and local artists took the initiative to brighten the drab concrete steps with multiple colors, turning an ordinary stairway into a cheerful public artwork. 

Over time, these colorful stairs in Balat became a magnet for thousands of people, and now it’s impossible to visit Balat and not snap a picture. 🙂 

You can find these colorful stairs at this📍 Google Maps coordinate or simply by typing the nearest landmark (📍 Incir Ağacı Kahvesi — ‘Fig Tree Cafe’)

Travel Tip: The colorful umbrellas near the stairs might look tempting, but the area is actually part of Balat Antik Cafe (sometimes known as Dimitrie Cantemir Museum Cafe), who will ask you to buy something if you want to take photos. While we don’t mind, the cafe is unfortunately very overpriced and not worth it. 

For a more relaxed (and free!) photo op, check out the umbrella street in Karaköy — our Karaköy Travel Guide has everything you need to know, including details and photos.

Check Out the Unique Balat Street Art

This neighborhood isn’t colorful just because of its houses — there’s also a ton of fantastic street art in Balat! From colorful murals to thought-provoking graffiti, splashes of color, and chaotic energy, it’s yet another reason to keep your camera on at all times. 🙂

The best way to see Balat’s street art is to just grab a coffee, start walking, and go on a little ‘art safari’ to see what you might find! Balat’s street art isn’t concentrated in one place — it’s hidden in doorways, alley walls, and even mailboxes, and changes constantly. Keep your eyes open for colorful cats (both real and graffiti), Ottoman motifs, and cheeky portraits.

If you need a starting point, we recommend Yıldırım Caddesi, which is where we took the two photos above. 

Speaking of that street… 

Relax at a Cafe Along Yıldırım Street

You’re probably tired from exploring all those hills, right? Thankfully, Balat has no shortage of lovely cafes to sit down and relax in!

In fact, there are so many great cafes that we had to give them their own dedicated section. 🙂 

The most popular street in Balat is arguably Yıldırım Caddesi, which is chock-full of colorful cafes, bistros, and restaurants. It’s also a favorite for photographers thanks to the colorful storefronts and cute details. Here are some of our favorite places around this street:

🐈 Naftalin K
Arguably the most famous cafe in Balat, and for good reason — you can always count on finding two things at Naftalin K: adorable vintage knick knacks and cats. This place is beloved for its wide selection of Turkish coffee (including some lesser-known varieties, like dibek coffee!), and the antique-filled interior that feels like a set from an old movie. Psst — don’t forget to check out the bathroom for a surprise. (trust us!)

🍝 Primi Balat
Right across from Naftalin K, Primi is a cozy little spot that reminds us of an old school Italian deli in New York City (in the best way possible). They serve pasta, mains, desserts, and great coffee, so it’s perfect whether you’re here for a full meal or just a sweet treat and a break.

🥑 Balatkapı Café
Craving something along the lines of an avocado toast or a smoothie bowl? You’ll love Balatkapı. This café leans a little more modern and hipster, especially when you see its bright interior and all-day brunch menu. The cafe is also known for its lengthy matcha menu, and Mr. Kedi (a certified matcha connoisseur) gives their drinks his full approval.

🪞 Gen Antik Café
If being surrounded by retro lamps, dusty book stacks, and vintage treasures sounds like your kind of afternoon, definitely check out Gen Antik. It doubles as both a café and an antique shop, which means your coffee might be served in a vintage cup — and yes, you can buy it if you fall in love!

Go Back in Time at Balat’s Cute Retro Shops

While ​Balat may have modernized over the years, it still retains much of its “Old Istanbul” charm — and nowhere is that more evident than in its delightful retro shops! 

One must-visit stop is Sevda Gazozcusu, a storefront that’s dedicated entirely to gazoz, a type of flavored fizzy drink (similar to cola). Sevda serves more than 100 varieties of gazoz from across the country, with flavors ranging from classic lemon to interesting regional blends you’ve probably never heard of. Gazoz shops like this are fairly rare — outside of Balat, the only other place we’ve spotted one is on Büyükada!

Just around the corner is Balat Merkez Şekercisi, a charming little family-run candy store that’s been around for over 140 years. The jars, the scent of sugar in the air, the glass counter — it all feels deliciously frozen in time!

The shop especially specializes in akide candy (a type of hard candy), which played an important role in Ottoman history — the word ‘akide’ means loyalty, and Janissaries would present these candies to the Sultan as an affirmation of their allegiance. Cool, huh?

Go Antique Shopping!

Speaking of retro things… Balat is also famous for its cute antique stores that are way more fun to browse than your average tourist shop!

Much like Istanbul’s other hip neighborhoods (such as Kadıköy and Cihangir), you’ll find a lovely variety of antique stores here, each brimming with unique pieces that tell stories of their past.

🪄 Büyülü Fener — A cozy little treasure cave where you’ll find retro radios, quirky lamps, and all sorts of oddities. Perfect for curious browsers and serious collectors alike.

🪞 Göç Antik Cafe — Blink and you might miss it — this spot is quietly tucked in a basement right across the famous Sancaktar Yokuşu building! The owner, Yasin, has filled the space with religious antiques, cups, and cute mismatched antiques from every corner of Turkey. 

🖼️ Antik Sofra — Another cute spot that’s half antique store, half cafe, that specializes in paintings, vases, and furniture. 

☕️ Raf Raf — Looking to add some style to your kitchen? Raf Raf is a sweet store that sells all sorts of cute antique cups! 

👘 Kulis Vintage — When in Balat, definitely don’t miss Kulis Vintage — it’s a huge secondhand clothing store that has an excellent variety for both men and women. Don’t take our word for it, though — one reviewer noted, “By far the best boutique In Istanbul in my opinion!”

🎵 Hmk Dönence Plak — A charming little record shop offering new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.

📚 Balat Sahaf — We’re not done with CDs just yet 🙂 While this second-hand bookstore is renowned for its extensive collection of rare and vintage books, Balat Sahaf also offers cassettes and vinyl records.

See the Phanar Greek Orthodox College

This beautiful building is hard to miss, especially when you arrive via ferry. 

With its castle-like façade, turrets, and skyline silhouette, it’s no wonder that this iconic building is nicknamed the “Red Castle” or the “Red School.” Actually, many people mistake it for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate (St. George Cathedral) because of its size, but nope, this is actually a high school!

Phanar Greek Orthodox College has quite an interesting history — after all, it’s the oldest surviving Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul! 

The school itself was originally founded in the 1450s and soon became the most prestigious school for prominent Greek and Orthodox families across the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, it served as the main school for the children of the Greek aristocracy, clergy, and intellectual elite.

However, the current building that you see today was designed by Konstantinos Diamadis and built in 1881. The distinctive red bricks were imported from Marseille, France, and the architecture blends neo-Byzantine and neo-Gothic elements — which is why some locals jokingly call it the “Harry Potter School” (you’ll see what they mean when you stand in front of it!).

Despite its grandeur — it’s even been jokingly called “the fifth-largest castle in Europe” — it’s still a functioning co-ed school today, with about 60 students.

Unfortunately, you can’t go inside because the school is closed to the public (sorry 🥲). However, the school occasionally opens its doors to the public — typically once or twice a year during Easter or Christmas, when it hosts a winter market.

But even from the outside, it’s absolutely worth the uphill walk for the views (and the photos!)

Check Out Balat’s Museums

Balat isn’t *just* about cafes, cats, and colorful houses — it’s also got a surprisingly cool little museum scene to mix up your itinerary! 

🏛️ Haliç Sanat Art Houses — One of the newest additions to the neighborhood are the Haliç Sanat Art Houses, a trio of small galleries set inside beautifully restored brick homes.

Each ‘house’ features a small rotating exhibit (mostly modern and contemporary art), so it’s perfect for a quick wander without feeling like you have to commit to a “serious” museum visit. Best of all, entrance is free and each house is just a short walk from each other!

You can find all three on Google Maps: 📍 Haliç Sanat 1, Haliç Sanat 2, and Haliç Sanat 3 (click on each name to be taken to the map) 

🏛️ Rezan Has Museum — Housed in what was once a tobacco factory and now part of Kadir Has University, this museum is technically two museums in one: the ground floor talks about the building’s history (as the aforementioned tobacco factory), while the basement is a collection of archaeological finds and bits of daily life from bygone empires. When we were there, they had a special exhibit about belts from the medieval ages. 

🏛️ Balat Toy Museum — This adorable museum is a compact but whimsical spot filled with vintage toys, dolls, and board games from different decades. Perfect for kids and nostalgic adults. 🙂 

🏛️ Camera Museum — One of the lesser-known attractions in Balat, the Camera Museum (📍 Başalan İstanbul Kamera Müzesi) is a four-story building that includes a cafe, library, and two floors of cameras and photographs. It’s a nice dose of inspiration if you’re planning to shoot photos in Balat! 

🏛️ Palace of the Porphyrogenitus — We’ve saved the best for last! Tekfur Palace (also known as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus) is one of the last remaining examples of a Byzantine-era palace in Istanbul. 

It was recently restored and now houses a museum dedicated to Turkish culture, including ceramic arts, Iznik tiles, pottery, and more. As a nice bonus, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Chora Mosque/Chora Church (another must-visit!) 

Visit Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church 

Perhaps the most famous church in Balat, Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church is also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church — and for good reason! This entire structure was made from prefabricated cast iron pieces that were shipped all the way from Vienna in the 1890s and assembled right here along the Golden Horn.

It’s one of the only surviving iron churches in the world, and after a full restoration in 2018, it’s never looked better. Between the bright white facade, Neo-Gothic details, and colorful stained glass inside, this is one of those places that feels peaceful and grand all at once.

Be sure to go inside (it’s free!) and walk up to the second floor to admire the details. The stained glass windows are absolutely beautiful! 

Discover the Spiritual Side of Balat

If you’re interested in religious buildings, you’ll find no shortage of them in Balat — from centuries-old churches to hidden synagogues and Ottoman mosques. Here are some of the most famous: 

📍 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate (St. George Cathedral) — Tucked away in the quiet backstreets of Fener, this unassuming complex is actually one of the most important religious sites in the world! 

The Fener Patriarch is the spiritual headquarters of the Eastern Orthodox Church (kind of like the Orthodox equivalent of the Vatican) and has been here since the 1600s. 

The complex is made up of several buildings, including the Patriarchal Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi), a historic library, an ayazma (holy spring), and the official residence of the Ecumenical Patriarch himself — which is currently Bartholomew I, who has held the position since 1991.

If you visit the building, you might notice that the middle gate is closed — and that’s no accident. According to tradition, the gate has remained shut since 1821, when Patriarch Gregory V was executed at that exact spot by the Ottoman authorities. In his memory, the gate was welded shut and has remained closed ever since.

📍 Yavuz Selim Mosque — Located on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this mosque was built in the 16th century and offers one of the best panoramic views over the Golden Horn. 

📍 Balat Surp Hireşdagabet Armenian Church — This 17th-century Armenian Apostolic church is typically closed to the public (unless you visit during service hours), but the architecture is worth admiring even from the outside.

Interestingly, this one of the rare Armenian churches in Istanbul with a holy spring (ayazma) because it used to be a Greek church. 

 Fun fact: The grand double doors of the church were actually made from wooden panels discovered during 1740s excavations at Topkapı Palace! They were bought by the palace blacksmith, turned into doors, and later added to the church — interesting, right?

📍 Ahrida Synagogue — One of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul, Ahrida was built by Sephardic Jews who migrated from Ohrid in the 1400s. The standout feature is the wooden bimah (Teva), which is shaped like a ship and said to symbolize either Noah’s Ark or the boats that brought Jews to safety. 

Worship has continued here for over 550 years (uninterruptedly!), and while the synagogue is not open for regular visits, tours through the Chief Rabbinate are possible if arranged in advance.

Take a Photo at Sancaktar Yokuşu

New York City has the Flatiron Building, and Balat has Sancaktar Yokuşu! 😉 

Sancaktar Yokuşu is home to one of the most unique buildings in Balat — a perfectly wedge-shaped beauty that anchors the corner. If you love interesting architecture, don’t forget to stop by this spot on your way to the Colorful Houses! 

Balat Slope Stairway Houses

It’s no secret that the Fener and Balat neighborhoods are famous for their hills and stairs — in fact, one particular stair-y street has even become an attraction in its own right! 

The Merdivenli Yokuş Evleri (literally translated to Houses with Stairway Slopes) are a group of cute pastel-colored houses situated along a steep cobblestone street. This hidden gem in Balat reminds us a bit of the Victorian Houses in San Francisco — albeit, on a much steeper hill. 😉

The Merdivenli Yokuş houses were originally constructed by Greek aristocrats residing in the nearby Fener district and showcase an interesting blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles, featuring narrow facades, multiple stories, and characteristic bay windows (like those in the Colorful Houses of Balat that we mentioned above).

Browse the Storefronts at Çıfıt Bazaar…

Since we’re talking about lesser-known spots in Balat, let’s check out the Çıfıt Bazaar! This marketplace dates back to the early 1500s, and was rumored to be founded by Jews who settled from Europe. Their entrepreneurial spirit transformed the area into a bustling hub of commerce, earning it the name “Çıfıt,” an Ottoman term for a Jewish person.

The heart of the bazaar is Leblebiciler Street, and, despite the name (which translates to Roasted Chickpea Seller Street), the shops here sell everything from ornate mirrors and metal goods to antiques, tailored clothes, and freshly baked pastries. Some of the storefronts haven’t changed in decades!

… Or Shop at These Cute Spots

If you’re looking to take a little piece of Balat home with you (besides a full camera roll), check out these local shops in Balat:

🐾 Rawcraft — This cute little spot sells handmade souvenirs with a local twist: colorful magnets, prints, crochet goods, and accessories featuring Balat’s famous street cats! Everything is made by local artists and features super cute designs. 🙂 

🎨 Balat Sanat Evi — Translated to ‘Balat Art House,’ this is a great place to browse local art and souvenirs that go beyond the usual touristy items. The store is especially famous for its cute ceramic houses.

☕️ ilitya ceramic studio — If you’re after a souvenir that’s both beautiful and practical, stop by this cozy ceramic studio run by a local artist named Hakan. He handcrafts unique mugs and cups, and also offers workshops where you can make your own. (Fun fact: we bought a coffee mug here and it’s now our go-to when writing blog posts for this site 😄).

Walk Along Balat’s Coastline

When you’re done exploring Balat’s backstreets and colorful hills, make your way down to the water and enjoy a stroll along the coastline. This stretch runs right along the Golden Horn and is a surprisingly quiet and peaceful escape from the busier parts of the neighborhood.

You’ll see locals fishing, couples sharing tea on benches, and colorful boats bobbing in the water. It’s also a great place to rest your feet before hopping on the T5 tram or catching the Haliç ferry, which runs straight across the Golden Horn — one of the most scenic (and underrated!) rides in the city.

Where to Stay in Balat

If this isn’t your first time in Istanbul and you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels a little more local and laid-back, Balat is a great place to stay. It’s close enough to the historic sights (you can reach Sultanahmet in about 20 minutes) but far enough from the tourist crowds to give you a totally different experience of the city.

We originally planned to write a list of the best hotels in Balat here, but there were so many that we ended up putting together a separate post 😅

Click the link below for our favorite Balat hotels, guesthouses, and apartments:

Where to Eat in Balat

From flaky pastries and nostalgic bakeries to third-wave coffee shops and waterfront meyhanes, Balat has something for everyone — here are our favorites:

🥞 Happie Balat — If you’re in the mood for crepes (both sweet or savory), Happie is your spot. It’s a cheerful little place with friendly staff and a cute, bright interior — hence the name! 😉 

🍫Beatrice Chocolate Coffee — Formerly known as Popstel, this cafe is best known for two things: delicious homemade chocolate and one of the best views in Balat. You’ll need to climb three flights of stairs (four if you want to reach the terrace), but the view of the Greek Orthodox School is absolutely worth it! 

☕️ Posa Coffee Roastery — Posa is a favorite among locals who take their coffee seriously — and it’s no wonder. Posa was founded by award-winning barista Muhammed Karaman, who was born and raised in Balat and has spent over a decade perfecting his craft. If you’re into pour-overs, single origins, and chill minimalist interiors, you’ll love it here.

☕️ Coffee Department — A third-wave cafe that’s serious about coffee (just look at their name!). Expect everything from Japanese iced coffee and cold brew to expertly-made cortados. A great stop if you’re craving caffeine. 

🫒 Barba Vasilis Rum Meyhanesi — An authentic Greek meyhane (tavern) with a nostalgic vibe and delicious meze. It’s part of the Troya Hotel (mentioned in ‘Where to Stay’ above), and perfect for dinner if you’re looking for something traditional with a side of live music and rakı.

☕️ Pops Balat — This café is as cute as they come, with a spacious light-filled interior, great coffee, and a solid food menu (such as omelets, burgers, and all-day breakfast plates). There are also stacks of magazines to flip through while you wait for your order — or while sipping your coffee and enjoying the vibe!

🇮🇹 Mare Mosso — A cute Italian-inspired cafe with two seating areas facing each other across the street. It’s a classic Balat cafe that’s been here for over a decade! 

🥨 Evin Unlu Mamülleri — This is one of the oldest bakeries in Balat and has been here since 1923 (since the Turkish Republic was created!). A local told us that their crackers are so famous that Greeks who moved to the Prince Islands would often come back to the ‘mainland’ and go straight to this bakery to stock up on galeta. We’ve tried the crackers and agree — they’re worth a trip to Balat! This bakery has two spots across the street from each other (one is a cafe and the other is the actual bakery), so be sure to go inside the one that looks older. 🙂 

☕️ Pianto Coffee — Located on a quieter street, Pianto has great coffee — the cortado was one of the strongest that I (Miss Kedi) had in Istanbul! We also love the little outdoor terrace on the second floor. 🙂 

🍴Smelt & Co. — A more upscale dining experience with inventive, seasonal dishes and beautiful presentation. Great for a date night or special lunch if you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated.

🍈 Haliç Meze — This is our go-to for classic Turkish meze in Balat with a welcoming vibe. Sit outside if the weather’s nice — the view of the Golden Horn is the real bonus dish here!

Balat Questions & Answers

Is Balat, Istanbul worth visiting?
Absolutely! Balat is one of Istanbul’s most charming and colorful neighborhoods and definitely warrants a visit. If you love street art, cute cafés, old houses, and a cozy atmosphere, you’ll love Balat.

How long should I spend in Balat?
At least half a day — but ideally a full day. There’s a lot to see: colorful houses, antique stores, museums, and cozy cafés to linger in. If you’re into slow travel and photography, you’ll want the whole day.

How to spend a day in Balat?
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, then wander through the streets and alleys and snap photos of the famous colorful houses.  Stop for coffee on Yıldırım Caddesi, grab lunch at a cozy bistro, and end the day watching the sunset from a traditional meyhane.

What is Balat famous for?
Balat is known for its colorful Ottoman-era houses, multicultural history, and local vibe. It was once home to Istanbul’s Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, and today you can still see traces of that rich past in its churches, synagogues, and mosques — all in one neighborhood! It’s also famous for its cafés, antique shops, street cats, and photo-friendly corners.

Where to take pictures in Balat, Istanbul?
The most iconic photo spot is the Colorful Houses on Kiremit Street, but don’t stop there! The Rainbow Stairs, Sancaktar Yokuşu (the wedge-shaped yellow building), Yıldırım Caddesi with its cute cafés, and the view from Yavuz Selim Mosque are all great picks.

Where can I eat in Balat?
Yıldırım Caddesi is the main café street, but there are great options all around. Our ‘Where to Eat in Balat’ section (above) has some of our favorite recommendations! 

Is Balat good for families or kids?
Yes! It’s walkable, relaxed, and full of fun photo spots. There’s even a toy museum in the area if you’re traveling with little ones.

What’s the best time of day to visit Balat?
Mornings are best, especially on weekdays when the streets are quiet and peaceful. If you want golden hour photos, late afternoon is also lovely — just expect more people on weekends.