Explore the streets of Galata on a 3-hour walking tour of Istanbul’s Jewish Quarter, and learn about the Jewish community that has occupied the historic area for more than 1,000 years. Visit the Jewish Museum, Ashkenazi Synagogue, apartments, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: Pickup is available from centrally-located hotels within Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih neighborhoods in Istanbul
Small group: Limited to 4 participants

Highlights

See old photographs and documents that chronicle Jewish life in Istanbul at the Jewish Museum
Learn about the Jewish financier Abraham Camondo
Wander the colorful streets of Galata
Visit the Jewish Apartments and the Kamondo Buildings

Full description

Istanbul has had a vibrant Jewish community for more than 1,000 years. After the Turkish conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet II encouraged immigration to repopulate the city. Over half a million Jews persecuted in Spain and Portugal were encouraged to establish themselves within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire. In Istanbul, the new immigrants settled mostly near Galata – a quarter on the northern bank of the Golden Horn – where a Jewish community had existed since the early days of the Ottoman Era in Istanbul. On this tour, you'll walk around Galata, exploring its intriguing streets full of colorful life. The tour includes synagogues, the Jewish Museum, Jewish Apartments, the amazing story of Abraham Kamondo, and other Jewish heritage sites. Monday – Friday: Jewish Museum, Ashkenazi Synagogue, Schneidertemple Synagogue, and outer visits to Georgian Synagogue, Neve Shalom Synagogue, Italian Synagogue, Jewish Apartments, Kamondo Buildings.

Includes

English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Transportation
Hotel pickup
Entrance fees and donations

Hotel drop-off
Lunch and beverages
Personal expenses

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Important information

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags
Pets

Know before you go

Please bring copies of your passport or fax them to the number on your voucher.
To be able to get permission to enter the synagogues you need to make reservations 4 days prior to departure, otherwise visits inside the synagogues will not be included on the schedule.
This tour may not run during Jewish and Muslim religious holidays.
This tour will not run on Saturdays and Sundays.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 14 reviews

Review summary

Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
4.7/5
Service
4.7/5
Organization
4.7/5

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Very informative and interesting tour Our guide was very proficient in English, knowledgeable about the history and customs. He was able to answer all our questions and was patient while we went through the museum and gift shop. The only complaint was that when I called to inquire about the transportation I was told we would be picked up at the hotel and dropped off after the tour . We were picked up in time but after the tour we were told we would have to find our own transportation back to the hotel. That was somewhat a challenge. Our guide said he would talk to the company in the US because return transportation was not included as part of the tour. I would highly recommend this tour!

August 24, 2018

Insight into Jewish Istanbul

Our guide was very knowledgable and good company. Despite some steep walking it was manageable. The time went quickly as we visited synagogues and learnt about the Jewish community in Istanbul past and present. We would thoroughly recommend this tour if you want to find out more about this fascinating city.

August 30, 2014

Interesting slice of history

Sanem was my guide & she is very knowledgeable & enthusiastic about her subject. We visited the Ashkenazi synagogue, but walked past many other notable buildings & synagogues, as well as the beautiful Kamodo steps. Sanem gave a taste of many aspects os Jewish life & history, making it informative & balanced. Just a note, which was my mistake. It says that transportation is included & mentions hotel pick up, so I assumed that I would be dropped off at my hotel. It wasn't a problem as the tour finished at the Museum, so I was able to take my time. If you have time, or have been to Istanbul before & have already seen the main sights (as I have), this is definitely worthwhile.

May 20, 2014

Istanbul: Jewish District 3-Hour Walking Tour

Istanbul: Jewish District 3-Hour Walking Tour

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Insight into Jewish Istanbul

Interesting slice of history

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