Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of Istanbul. The second you step foot along its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, you sense an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Istanbul, and indeed the world. The district is genuinely hidden away a little bit, set past the shores of Eminönü along the Golden Horn. It's quite close to the metro stop along the Golden Horn (called Haliç in Turkish), within comfortable walking distance. Perhaps the most iconic part of Balat is the district's colorful houses along sloping cobbled streets. These homes are mostly over 50-years-old, and in some cases are up to 200-years-old. These historic wooden homes are amongst the most photographed buildings in the city. The neighborhood itself is incredible welcoming, with many family having lived here for generations. Balat is a district that has traditionally been home to minorities in the city, with many Jewish families and Greek Orthodox families making it their homes. The stunning massive Fener Greek High School is still in operation here and you can see it from many different angles all over. You'll see tons of churches and even a synagogue in the neighborhood. Along the coast is a Bulgarian church, with iron castings manufactured in Vienna and a belfry tower that was a gift from Russia. The diversity of the district has bled into the food options available, and the cafés and restaurants are truly spectacular. It's the kind of district where you can't really go wrong – turn a corner and you're walking past one of the oldest cafés in the city. You won't find any big brand names in Balat, but you'll find things the likes of which you can find anywhere else in the world.
