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Backstreets of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey
Book online or call us

from $436.25 per group (up to 10)

Lowest Price Guarantee
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9 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 7 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Japanese
Instant confirmation

Overview

The tour starts in Balat, exploring the Golden Horn side of the historical peninsula. Balat was – and still is – a unique neighborhood, where the Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Jews have been living together as friends and neighbors, since the days of the Ottoman Empire.

You can see clothes, boasting a rainbow of colors, hanged to dry between balconies of opposite houses; and the inhabitants of Balat are in no way less colorful than what they wear.

İstanbul is simultaneously a historical and a modern city that offers the best for every taste. You start your second day of the tour drinking your morning coffee, at a restaurant with the breath-taking view of Bosphorus, in the trendy "high society" neighborhood of "Bebek". You will be sitting in Europe, looking at Asia: a very unique experience.

What's Included

  • Transportation from/to your address via proper, comfortable vehicle
  • Professional tour guide experience in various languages
  • Drinks and all personal expenses
  • Lunch
  • Museum of Innocence - 30 TRY/per person
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please be informed kindly that you are required to contact your agency, Travelium, at least 24 hours in advance in order to confirm excursion. If you have book this activity less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time, please contact us immediately after booking to confirm your excursion.Please bear in mind, you will be asked to present your printed voucher and photo ID when you meet with your guide.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Balat

The tour starts in Balat, exploring the Golden Horn side of the historical peninsula. Balat was – and still is – a unique neighborhood where the Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Jews have been living together as friends and neighbors since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Its identity is mainly unchanged, with old-style, narrow, colorful houses, each 3 to 4 stories, shops on the first floor, along the narrow streets. There are even some "ghost houses" waiting to be discovered. You can see clothes boasting a rainbow of colors, hung to dry between balconies of opposite houses, and the inhabitants of Balat are in no way less colorful than what they wear.
Read more

3 hours Admission Ticket Free

Museum of Innocence

If you can find the hidden street, you walk down long stairs called the “French passage,” full of colors and some statues. There, you will find Nobel Laureate Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk’s contemporary museum named after his novel “The Museum of Innocence.” Admission fee: 30 TRY/per person
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Bebek Park

İstanbul is simultaneously a historical and modern city that offers the best for every taste. You start your second day of the tour by drinking your morning coffee, at a restaurant with a breathtaking view of Bosphorus, in the trendy "high society" neighborhood of "Bebek." You will sit in Europe, looking at Asia: a unique experience. Then you walk along the Bosphorus, hop on a taxi, and reach to discover the chic streets of sophisticated Nisantasi, which is constantly buzzing with shoppers hanging around elegant cafés and classy boutiques—another trendy and modern part of Istanbul. We will find many upscale clothes and jewelry, home textile shops, and restaurants there. This place is the heart of contemporary life in İstanbul, where many celebrities congregate.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul has always been a major trade center of the world; since the city is the main junction point where sea and land routes intersect. Stepping into the Grand Bazaar feels like a journey in time, which takes you back to the golden age of the Ottoman Empire with all artisans, work, and shop owners hassling to sell the best of their products. Not only inexpensive touristic souvenirs but also upscale well-known family stores of jewelry, leather, antiques, art, replicas, ceramics, towels, home textiles, and more than you can imagine. Grand Bazaar, the oldest and most extensive "shopping mall" in the world, has 22 gates and 4000 shops. It first opened in 1461!
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Backstreets of Istanbul?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18794P86

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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Backstreets of Istanbul?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Transportation from/to your address via proper, comfortable vehicle.
  • Professional tour guide experience in various languages.
The following is NOT included:
  • Drinks and all personal expenses.
  • Lunch.
  • Museum of Innocence - 30 TRY/per person.
  • Museum of Innocence.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Backstreets of Istanbul is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Backstreets of Istanbul will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Transportation from/to your address via proper, comfortable vehicle
  • Professional tour guide experience in various languages
  • Drinks and all personal expenses
  • Lunch
  • Museum of Innocence - 30 TRY/per person
  • Museum of Innocence

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name