City: Fener & Balat
Top Things to do in Fener & Balat
Top 10 Things to do in Fener & Balat, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By ctsounis - New York City, United States
Visiting the historical Church of St. Mary of Blachernae or Panagia Blachernae Church in Constantinople (Istanbul) known to Greeks made history more alive. Traveling with a middleclass Tripolis travel group projected the positive Greek point of view of Byzantium in August 2019. The Akathist hymn to the Defender General Panagia Mary is sung on 5 Fridays of Lent. The name means everyone stands in reverence during the service. Historically, it is taught in Greek education as a Victory hymn thanks for protecting Constantinople from the Avars (Asian invaders). The miracle of the city is a historical fact. The Church is a shadow of its Byzantine glory. Built in 1867 by the Greek Orthodox furriers, it encloses the holy spring. Bottles were at the spring for all to take, without asking for a donation. This piety and lack of commercialism was present in other Greek Orthodox churches in Istanbul.
2. Mihrimah Sultan Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Noted for its interesting construction and exceptionally high dome, this mosque was built in 1557 for the daughter of a Sultan.
Reviewed By Ivankuntara - Jakarta, Indonesia
Must visited mosque in Istanbul, to see the architect of Islam and the beautiful of Bosphorus Straits. You may see "beautiful" of the acoustic and air circulation technology here
3. Chora Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,989 reviews
The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.
Reviewed By CHMbM
Chora, restored by Metochites, the ‘prime minister’ of the time, contains the most outstanding and beautiful mosaics ever executed, most especially those in the narthex, including an inspired and unusual Deesis.
4. Fatih Mosque and Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Named for the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, this mosque was part of a large religious complex atop one of the city's many hills. Among the other original buildings in the complex were a school, library and hospital.
Reviewed By doofvfood
Was gutted when I realised we would miss the Wednesday market near the mosque which the guidebook mentioned. It's a bit further out but worth a visit. On first sight of the mosque, the marble square is really impressive and the interior of the mosque is beautiful. Was interested to learn the architect for the original mosque was not Mimar Sinan but Atik Sinan. The present mosque was rebuilt in 1700s after an earthquake destroyed the original. It was a good view from the women's area in the terrace. Istanbul has no shortage of stunning mosques & Fatih is one of the best we have visited. A visit is definitely recommended.
5. Hatice Sultan Mosque
6. Balat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
This neighborhood of Istanbul was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Today you can still find many synagogues here, as well as a more diverse group of residents.
Reviewed By RamonaGuide - Paris, France
Balat with Öner, licensed Tour Guide I had a great half day tour in Balat, the Fatih district that used to be the traditional Jewish quarter of Istanbul, with a private guide. Balat is considered conservative, but it is full of colour, and even though it was and still is a poor area of the city, today it is a tourist attraction, due to its atmosphere. Cute narrow and cobbled streets, typical houses, small art galleries cafes, restaurants and shops with souvenirs, this is Balat ! I visited the area many years ago and I wanted to see it again. And with Öner it was really different. I enjoyed every moment! He showed me the renovated old Imperial Palace and the former Byzantine churches of Fanar. When I saw the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus years ago (a late 13th-century Byzantine structure called Tekfur Sarayi today), it was just a ruin. They did a good job regarding the restoration, as good as could be done with the few remains, after so many centuries. Öner was a great guide! I even visited a church closed to the public due to his connections. In the winding, tangled alleys of Fanar/Balat, it is really good to go with a local. Öner is a patient person, very attentive and very kind. I highly recommend him and his tour in Balat. Thank you Öner for such a wonderful day!
7. Zeyrek Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By N8335RPandyd
I accidentally discovered that the second largest standing Byzantine structure, after Hagia Sofia/Aya Sofya is the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly a double church and chapel of a Byzantine Monastery and that it was recently restored by the World Monument Fund. After taking a tram to Aksaray and walking up towards the main square and then down past the Valens Aqueduct, I found the church/mosque two streets over on the left side as you go towards the Golden Horn. You will need to ask locals for Zeyrek Camii (the mosque) and they will gladly help you. The building is very large, beautiful, and is a functioning mosque which means it is open. It is free of charge and the building has been magnificently restored. The structure is obviously Byzantine by the architecture, columns, capitals, etc. There are no mosaics or Byzantine frescoes remaining, other than a hint near the main entrance. And I mean a hint. The rest is restored, early-Ottoman frescoes which are simple, gorgeous, and screaming to be photographed. If you are into architecture, Byzantine and/or Ottoman history, this is a must-see.
8. Cathedral Church of St George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
