balat istanbul: the ultimate guide to a must-visit neighborhood
Balat is one of Istanbul’s hidden gems. It’s a charming and historic neighbourhood that’s filled with colourful streets, rich cultural heritage, vibrant art and food scene and lively nightlife. It offers a unique blend of old and new, making it a must-visit destination for everyone’s Istanbul itinerary.
As you wander through the narrow alleys, you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era. The area is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, many of which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. From grand Ottoman mansions to colourful wooden houses, the architecture here is a feast for the eyes.
In this guide, I’ll cover some key information such as the location, how to get there and the history of the neighbourhood. I’ll then get into the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay. At the end of the guide, you’ll find some frequently asked questions, however, if you have any further questions then drop a comment at the bottom of the page.
WHAT IS BALAT KNOWN FOR?
Balat is best known for its colourful houses, diverse culture and rich history. It’s riddled with narrow streets, charming coffee shops, and in recent years, it’s become popular for its street art and galleries.
Whilst it’s a quirky neighbourhood that seems to be attracting more tourists by the day, it’s still very much an authentic area of Istanbul. Many of the residents living here have done so for years and are still trying to adjust to the influx of visitors in what used to be fairly quiet streets.
IS BALAT SAFE?
Although Balat was once known as being a fairly dangerous part of the city, in recent years it has undergone significant redevelopment with a number of new cafes, restaurants hotels and shops opening up in the area and is now considered very safe.
Whilst you should always be cautious of your belongings when visiting a new place, it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself in any trouble in this part of the city.
That being said, if you’re considering walking back from Balat to Istanbul city centre after dark then you may want to rethink the decision, as parts of the journey lead through less-touristic neighbourhoods which are not as safe.
WHO LIVES IN BALAT?
Balat has always been a very multicultural part of the city and historically had a large Jewish community which is still represented by the number of synagogues in the area today.
Whilst it’s still home to a number of different ethnicities and religions, today it’s one of the most popular places to live for young professionals and artists living in Istanbul.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Balat depends on what kind of vibe you like the most.
Below is what you can expect during different times of the year.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Balat in Istanbul depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip. Regardless of when you go, you’re sure to fall in love with this vibrant and historic neighbourhood.
THINGS TO DO IN BALAT
ADMIRE THE COLOURFUL HOUSES
As with most cities, there are a lot of grey buildings across Istanbul, but this quirky-looking neighbourhood adds a big dollop of colour. With houses every shade of the rainbow, these colourful properties in Balat are certainly one of the main attractions for tourists who seek the perfect Instagram pictures.
Although almost every building in this area is painted with a bold colour, there are some which are much more desirable than others to photograph - the most popular location is Kiremit street.
If you’re looking for the perfect image, then you’ll want to beat the crowds that flock to Kiremit street to get the classic photo of this area. I’d recommend heading here before 9 am if you can.
FIND A BARGAIN AT AN ANTIQUE SHOP
When it comes to hunting for antiques in Istanbul, this area is a goldmine. Whether you’re looking for unique furniture, ancient ceramics or collectables, you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount on offer here.
BAG YOURSELF SOME VINTAGE CLOTHES
Similarly to finding fabulous antiques, if you’re looking for vintage clothes in Istanbul then this is the area to be in. There are tonnes of incredible vintage clothes shops scattered around the cobbled colourful streets of Balat, but there is one clear winner that never fails to produce some excellent garments:
VISIT İSTANBUL HALIÇ BULGAR KILISESI
Istanbul Haliç Bulgar Kilisesi, also known as the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, is a historic Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the edge of the neighbourhood and overlooks the water. Unlike the rest of the neighbourhood which is bright and colourful, the church is white and gold with grand architecture.
6 сен 2024
