Overlooking the entire neighborhood from its elevated position, this beautiful dark red structure is one of the city’s few remaining Greek orthodox schools. Established in 1454, the school educated the children of prominent Greek and Bulgarian families of the Ottoman Empire. Nowadays, the school, by law, applies a full Turkish curriculum, but also continues to teach some Greek subjects.
Phanar Greek Orthodox College, Sancaktar Yokuşu No.36, Balat, Istanbul, Turkey
Phanar Greek Orthodox College | © Feride Yalav
The café belonging to the Kinfolk-inspired Cooklife magazine really reflects the magazine’s Scandinavian minimalism-inspired aura. Really a great place to have a coffee and a freshly baked treat, while you leaf through their latest issue or get some work done on your laptop. If you’re there during breakfast or brunch, make sure to try the delicious pancakes.
Cooklife, Akçin Sokak, No. 2, Balat, Istanbul, Turkey
Pancakes at Cooklife | © Feride Yalav
With its colorful tiles and big oven, Forno Balat is one of the best places in the neighborhood to get a freshly made and crispy lahmacun. Make sure to add a spritz of lemon, some tomatoes, and parsley to your lahmacun before you roll it up and eat it.
Forno, Fener Kireçhane Sokak No.13, Balat, Istanbul, Turkey
Forno Balat | © Feride Yalav
If you’re on the hunt for vintage finds, Rag’n Roll Vintage is a great place to stop by to browse through colorful outfits from the 70s and 80s, as well as accessories such as cool sunglasses, bags, and shoes. You won’t miss this shop because of the pretty bike parked outside.
Rag’n Roll Vintage, Yıldırım Caddesi No.31-A, Balat, Istanbul, Turkey
Rag’n Roll | © Feride Yalav
Open since 1890, Agora Meyhanesi is a real standout among Turkish taverns because of the Armenian, Greek Orthodox, Turkmen, and Zaza chefs in the kitchen. As such, the selection of mezes are always a multi-ethnic culinary journey that is anything but ordinary.
Agora Meyhanesi, Mürselpaşa Caddesi No.185, Fener, Istanbul, Turkey
Agora Meyhanesi | © Feride Yalav
You’ll find some of Istanbul’s best köfte in this very laid back, unassuming restaurant that’s easy for people to just walk past. Another house special at Çanak are the delicious kuru fasülye (baked beans), so it’s recommended to get both dishes, as well as some delicious manda yoğurdu (yogurt made from water and buffalo milk) and pickled vegetables.
Çanak Mangalda Köfte, Ayvansaray Caddesi No.25, Fener, Istanbul, Turkey
Köfte at Çanak | © Feride Yalav