Istanbul's Best-Kept Secret: the Colorful Neighborhood of Balat

Beautiful Balat, Istanbul's most colorful neighborhood

Wander through Balat, and you’re stepping into one of Istanbul’s most storied districts—a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and centuries-old traditions. Once home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, Balat’s winding streets are lined with vibrant facades, hidden courtyards, and layers of history waiting to be uncovered. Here, the past isn’t confined to museums—it’s alive in the scent of freshly baked simit, the laughter spilling from family-run cafés, and the echoes of Ottoman-era synagogues and churches. With a Context expert, go beyond the Instagrammable facades and uncover the stories of resilience, migration, and identity that have shaped this neighborhood for generations.

Are you ready to spend an afternoon in Istanbul's most colorful hidden gem of a neighborhood?

Here's where to visit in Balat (and why):

Kiremit Street

The street is home to all the beautiful historical houses, most of which are between 50 - 200 years old. Kiremit Street is the most popular area in Balat.

Phanar Greek Orthodox college

Also known as the Red Castle, or Red School, this college was known as the Great School of the Nation to the Greeks. This school opened in 1454 and is still open till this day. Because of its castle-like shape, Phanar Greek Orthodox College is often referred to as "the 5th largest castle in Europe".

Yanbol Synagogue

One of the two remaining ancient synagogues in Balat, the Bulgarian Synagogue was built by Bulgarian Sephardi Jews during the 18th century and is now only open for Shabbat services.

Bulgarian St. Stephen church

This Bulgarian Orthodox church is over 124 years old and is best known for being made of prefabricated cast-iron elements in the neo-Byzantine style.

Chora Church and Museum

Built with a Byzantine style of architecture, this medieval Greek Orthodox church was converted into a mosque, then a museum. In 2020, the Turkish government had plans to turn it into a mosque again but failed to because of the lack of Islamic cultural significance (compared to the Hagia Sophia).

While the neighborhood is best known for its colorful houses, keep in mind that the streets are narrow and the neighborhood is at a steep incline. We suggest you pack a comfy pair of walking shoes and lots of water! But don't worry, walking through Balat isn't a hike in the woods - even though it may feel like it! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants with seating indoor and out, giving you a different piece of the town whenever and wherever you need to take a break.

Balat isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a testament to Istanbul’s layered history and ever-evolving identity. To walk its streets is to step into a living narrative, where cultures have converged for centuries. But beyond its vibrant facades lies a deeper story—one that’s best uncovered with an expert who can bring its past and present into focus. With Context, you’ll leave not just with beautiful photos, but with a true understanding of the forces that shaped this extraordinary corner of Istanbul.

Ready to see Balat through a new lens? Let’s explore together.