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A group of tourists in front of a historic building with a prominent dome and minaret. 1
A group of people inside a historical building with detailed frescoes on the walls and arched windows. 2
A group of people walking down a colorful street with buildings and a tower in the background. 3
A group of people sitting at a wooden table outdoors, enjoying coffee and pastries. 4
A domed ceiling with intricate mosaics and a central figure. 5

İstanbul: Balat, Chora & Tekfur Palace Hidden Gems Tour

By Globex Tour
10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €50 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Explore the colourful and historic streets of Balat with a local expert guide
  • Explore Istanbul’s most photogenic area
  • Skip the crowded tourist routes and discover a hidden side of Istanbul
  • Visit two major historical landmarks in one tour
  • Learn from a professional licensed guide

Activity location

    • Istanbul
    • Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Derviş Ali, Kariye Camii Sok. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye | Meeting Point – Chora Museum (Kariye Mosque) https://maps.app.goo.gl/kc5WC8fRdcAJAQCT8?g_st=iwb Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour departure time. Your guide will be waiting for you next to the ticket office, holding a white flag with the GLOBEX logo. Please look for the GLOBEX flag upon arrival.
    • Derviş Ali, İstanbul, Türkiye

Check availability

Balat, Chora & Tekfur Palace Tour (Exterior Visits Only).

  • Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes3h 30m
    3h 30m
  • English

A budget-friendly option that includes guided exterior visits only. Museum entrance tickets are not included but can be added on the day of the tour if desired. Optional entrance fees: Chora Museum 20 EUR per person and Tekfur Palace 10 EUR per person.

Language options: English
Starting time: 11:00
Price details
€50.00 x 1 Adult€50.00
Total
Price is €50.00

Balat, Chora & Tekfur Palace Tickets & Guide Include

  • Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes3h 30m
    3h 30m
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 11:00
Price details
€80.00 x 1 Adult€80.00
Total
Price is €80.00

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Professional licensed tour guide
  • Inclusions
    Guided walking tour experience
  • Inclusions
    Skip-the-line entrance to Chora Museum
  • Inclusions
    Skip-the-line entrance to Tekfur Palace
  • Inclusions
    Historical and cultural commentary throughout the tour
  • Inclusions
    Local tips and photo stops in Balat
  • Inclusions
    Small group experience
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Exclusions
    Food and drinks
  • Exclusions
    Personal expenses
  • Exclusions
    Tips and service charge
  • Exclusions
    Transport to the meeting point
  • Exclusions
    Additional purchases during the tour

What you can expect

  • Step away from the typical tourist attractions and discover the hidden heritage of Istanbul on this guided walking tour through the historic districts of Balat and Fener.

    Meeting Point – Chora Museum (Kariye Mosque)
    Meet your guide at 11:00 AM in front of the Chora Museum.

    Chora Museum
    Admire one of Istanbul’s most important Byzantine monuments and learn about its rich history.

    Tekfur Palace
    Visit the last surviving Byzantine imperial palace and discover its fascinating past.

    Ayazma Church
    Explore this historic Orthodox church and its religious significance.

    Colourful Streets of Balat
    Walk through Balat’s famous streets filled with colourful houses, cafés, and local life.

    Iron Church
    Visit the unique Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, built entirely of cast iron.

    Greek Orthodox College & Patriarchate
    See the famous Red School and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the spiritual centre of Eastern Orthodoxy.

    Along the way, your guide will share stories of Istanbul’s multicultural past and Byzantine heritage.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Istanbul
    • Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Derviş Ali, Kariye Camii Sok. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye | Meeting Point – Chora Museum (Kariye Mosque) https://maps.app.goo.gl/kc5WC8fRdcAJAQCT8?g_st=iwb Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour departure time. Your guide will be waiting for you next to the ticket office, holding a white flag with the GLOBEX logo. Please look for the GLOBEX flag upon arrival.
    • Derviş Ali, İstanbul, Türkiye