Balat is a simply beautiful little colorful town in Istanbul. Here you’ll find many wonderful tea houses, small shops and restaurants. We had a typical Turkish breakfast here and loved it. Most of all, I loved the quaintness and smallness of the town with a mix of people of different religions, the shopping is great because the stores are all small and authentic. If you come to Istanbul, I would highly recommend visiting Balat.

Our 2nd visit to Balat. We love this area. Wander the streets and see small Cafes, beautiful bakeries selling mouthwatering treats, shops selling local produce, small boutiques etc ... The best part is obviously the colourful houses and stairway/area with colourful umbrellas, seats etc... It can get a little crowded with all the tourists taking photos etc so I'd recommend going early to avoid crowds. We enjoy walking through the streets, marvelling at the different colour house, cobbled streets and laid back auiteness

Balat: A Charming Yet Gritty Istanbul Neighborhood Wandering through Balat's steep, winding streets reveals a captivating slice of old Istanbul. Colorful houses line the narrow lanes, their vibrant facades a stark contrast to the weathered, sometimes crumbling structures nearby. The neighborhood's character is evident in its eclectic mix of trendy cafes and traditional shops nestled among historic buildings. As you ascend the hilly terrain, you'll encounter pockets of abandonment—small, cobwebbed houses that hint at Balat's complex history. While the area's authenticity is part of its appeal, it's hard to ignore a general sense that cleanliness and hygiene standards may not be up to par in some areas. Despite its rough edges, Balat offers a unique and memorable experience for those willing to explore its charms and quirks.

Balat is certainly beautiful, although perhaps not enough to spend an entire day. It's definitely worth a visit at least once. The colorful houses are charming, although I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.