Have you ever wanted to escape Istanbul's endless hustle, soaring skyscrapers, and heavy traffic for a moment and step into a time machine? Balat is one of those magical neighborhoods that takes you on such a journey, where every corner tells a different story and time seems to stand still. So, what are the things to do in Balat, this district that captivates you from the first moment with its historical texture, cobblestone streets, and colorful atmosphere? Come, let us take you on an unforgettable walk through the narrow streets of this unique neighborhood and discover its soul together.

Photograph the historic bay-window houses on Merdivenli Yokuşu

When you think of Balat, the first image that comes to mind is undoubtedly the pastel-colored houses with bay windows, leaning against each other. The heart of this visual feast beats on Merdivenli Yokuşu (Stairway Slope) and the nearby Kiremit Street. The 2-3 story houses with narrow facades here are meticulously lined up like slices of a cake, each painted a different color. Walking up this slope, it's easy to feel like you're on a movie set.   

Most of these houses once belonged to wealthy Jewish families and owe their current stunning appearance to a restoration project initiated by UNESCO. These buildings, renovated in line with their original form, stand as living witnesses to Balat's multicultural and rich past. This successful conservation effort has made the neighborhood a favorite for social media and photography enthusiasts.   

However, this popularity has also brought about a transformation in the neighborhood's fabric. With increased interest, property prices and rents in the area have risen, which has slowly begun to change Balat's authentic social structure. Therefore, as you wander these streets, you see not only beautiful houses but also the story of how a heritage is preserved and integrated into the modern world. These colorful bay-window houses place Balat at the top of the list of Istanbul's most photogenic streets.

See the red-bricked Phanar Greek Orthodox College

As you look up from Merdivenli Yokuşu, a magnificent, red structure dominating Balat's skyline will catch your eye. That building is the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, with its castle-like architecture. Also known as the "Red School" (Kırmızı Mektep) among locals, this school is often mistaken for the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate due to its size and grandeur. The building's impressive red color comes from the firebricks specially brought from Marseille, France, during its construction in the 19th century.   

The school's history dates back to 1454, just after the conquest of Istanbul, when it was founded under the name "Mekteb-i Kebir" or "The Great School". For centuries, this deep-rooted institution, which trained diplomats, translators, and important clergy for the Ottoman Empire, was not just a place of education but also a symbol of the Greek community's cultural power and intellectual heritage. The current building, designed by architect Konstantinos Dimadis, continues to overlook the Golden Horn as an architectural monument to this profound legacy.   

If you plan to visit, it's important to remember that the Phanar Greek Orthodox College is still an active educational institution and is not open to the general public. But don't worry, you can capture the school's fairytale-like appearance from the best angles at points like Sancaktar Yokuşu. Additionally, if you happen to be there during special events like the annual bazaar, which requires a ticket, you might get the chance to enter the courtyard of this historic building.   

Try one of the neighborhood's authentic and bohemian cafes

When your walk through Balat's historic streets has tired you out, it's time to take a break at one of the authentic and bohemian cafes that reflect the neighborhood's modern spirit. These cafes are not just places to have a cup of coffee; they are venues that shape Balat's current identity, each telling its own story. They build a bridge between the area's historical texture and today's energy. Balat's unique atmosphere gives it a special place among Istanbul's best historic neighborhoods.

If you're looking for nostalgia and peace, Cafe Naftalin K. is the place for you. With its antique furniture, cute cats passing under your table, and varieties of traditional Turkish coffee, it will take you back in time.

Derviş Baba Deliler Kahvesi (Dervish Baba Coffeehouse of the Mad). This is a social responsibility project that uses its income to help those in need; every sip you take here becomes a hope for someone else.

For a different kind of experience, Velvet Cafe awaits. Here, your coffee is served in antique cups, each with a different story, and the staff will tell you which country your cup is from and what year it dates back to. This small ritual turns your coffee break into a personal journey through history. If you are a true coffee enthusiast looking for quality brews, you can visit one of the neighborhood's roasteries.

Coffee Department, to taste freshly ground coffees.   

Extend Your Balat Exploration with Neighboring Treasures

If you still have energy after a delightful day in Balat, you can extend your exploration to the adjacent neighborhoods. Fener and Cibali, which complement the spirit of Balat, are full of many more historical treasures waiting for you. In Fener, you can visit the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the heart of the Orthodox world, and the St. Stephen Bulgarian Church (Iron Church), which shines like a jewel on the Golden Horn shore and is made entirely of iron.   

A little further on in Cibali, you will be greeted by the historic Cibali Gate and the building of Kadir Has University, which was once a tobacco factory and has now been transformed into an impressive university campus. These short walks will once again show you just how layered and rich Istanbul's history is.   

Bibliography

For more official information about the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Historic Peninsula, which includes Balat, you can visit the relevant UNESCO page: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/356).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the easiest way to get to Balat? Getting to Balat is quite easy. Many bus lines departing from Eminönü, such as 55T, 99A, and 35D, go directly to Balat. You can also reach the center of the neighborhood by getting off at the "Balat" stop of the T5 Tram line, which runs between Cibali and Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı. If you prefer a pleasant journey across the Golden Horn, you can also use the Golden Horn Line (Haliç Hattı) ferries departing from Üsküdar, Karaköy, or Eminönü.   

2. What is the best time to visit Balat? The ideal times to visit Balat are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Since the neighborhood can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, we recommend planning your visit for a weekday if you want a quieter and more authentic experience.   

3. What are the best spots for photography in Balat? Balat is a paradise for photographers. For the most iconic shots, you must visit the colorful houses of Merdivenli Yokuş and Kiremit Street. The best spot to capture the magnificent view of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College is   

Sancaktar Yokuşu. Additionally, the colorfully painted stairs where İncir Ağacı Kahvesi is located also offer great photo opportunities.