FENER & BALAT
It turns out that for all my Istanbul trips I had never visited Fener and Balat, the multicultural slightly hipster neighbourhoods featuring shops of friendly local artists and multiple restaurants and cafés with regional delicacies. Historically rich and with roots dating back to Constantinople times, Fener and Balat are UNESCO world heritage spots home to Orthodox Christians and Jews. The vibrant houses painted in all colours, the intricate decorative details - down to the pendants of the street cats - are a joy to see and give a unique vibe to the place. It’s like a mini universe in busy cosmopolitan Istanbul with its own laws of time and space. Friendly advice: wear a cap - there are way too many seagulls waiting on rooftops for just the right moment to make a mess out of your hairstyle and clothing.
