Colour, Character, and the Joy of Wandering Alone 🎨🚶‍♀️🕌

Tucked away from the usual buzz of Istanbul’s main sights, Balat was the perfect place for a solo afternoon stroll — and honestly, one of the highlights of my trip. There’s something about walking these streets on your own that lets you really soak in the charm: the colourful houses stacked along narrow cobbled lanes, laundry fluttering from balconies, and cats lounging like they own the place (which they probably do). Every corner felt like a photo waiting to happen — pastel-painted facades, ivy-covered walls, and quirky vintage cafés tucked into quiet side streets. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you don’t need a plan. I wandered aimlessly, stopped for an iced coffee, and browsed antique shops full of character and curiosities. What made it even more special was how peaceful it felt. Balat has a gentle, lived-in atmosphere — rich in history and layered with stories from its Greek, Armenian, and Jewish heritage, yet full of creative, youthful energy too. It’s a place that rewards slow travel. No big crowds, no set route — just you, your thoughts, and the feeling that Istanbul still holds hidden corners full of wonder.#thingstodo #travel #citydaytours