Picture of Istanbul's Jewish Heritage Tour
5.0
274 reviews

Istanbul's Jewish Heritage Tour

Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian

Our local for this tour

Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian

Explore Istanbul's Jewish Heritage from the early days to the present on a private tour with a passionate historian. On this private tour, you will visit the Jewish Museum and many Synagogues. The best part? I can take you off the beaten path to many hidden Jewish spots in town!

Experience details

  • Destination

    Istanbul

  • Category

    City highlight tours

  • Duration

    5 hours

  • Mode of transport

    Public transport

  • Available languages

    English • Türkçe

  • What's included

    Entrance tickets • Private guide

Here’s an overview of your tour

Are you ready to discover the rich Jewish Heritage of Istanbul? I'm a historian and your expert tour guide who was born and raised in this colorful city with all its different communities. Although I'm not Jewish, I have a deep passion for the history and culture of Istanbul's Jewish community and their significant contributions to the city's cultural and architectural landscape.

For centuries, Istanbul has been a city that has attracted Jewish people from all over the world. Despite being a minority group, they have left a significant mark on the city's culture, history, and architecture.

Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just someone curious about the Jewish community in Istanbul, this private tour is perfect for you. I will take you to marvel at many beautiful sites and their stories, and you'll be amazed to see how the Jewish community coexisted peacefully with Islam and Christianity for centuries.

One of the highlights of the tour is the recently renewed Jewish Heritage Museum, located next to Istanbul's most prestigious synagogue, Neve Shalom. It's a must-see attraction that will give you a deep insight into the history and culture of the Jewish community in Istanbul. Please note that these sites are closed to visitors on Saturdays due to the Shabbat.

We will also visit two old Jewish quarters, Balat and Galata, which are located on the shores of Istanbul's natural harbor, the Golden Horn. These neighborhoods will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the Jewish community and why Istanbul has become an attractive place for them to settle.

The tour is fully customizable to suit your preferences and interests, and we can also arrange a convenient meeting point for cruise passengers. By the end of the tour, you will have gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Jew in Turkey and the rich Jewish Heritage of Istanbul.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Istanbul's Jewish Heritage with a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide who is passionate about the city's history and culture. Contact me today to book your tour!

Your itinerary

  • Meeting point

    Books & Coffee
  • Galata

    Exploring the multicultural layers of the area through the remainings of the Jewish Heritage. Furthermore we will follow the traces of an important family: Camondos
  • Jewish Museum of Turkey

    Marvel at rare samples of Jewish Heritage in Turkey
  • Neve Shalom Synagogue

    A Temple with many memories of happiness and grief
  • Jewish Neighborhood

    After a 10 minutes ride across the Golden Horn we are now on another old Jewish neighbourhood inside the historical city walls. Now a very vivid part of the second hand and antique shops, Balat helps us understand the vibrant Jewish culture in Istanbul.
I have a teen daughter with us - is it possible to plan a drinks and bites tour with her?
Me13:42
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Of course! I can definitely tailor our tour for you and your daughter! :)
Local host Maria13:44
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Do you know all our tours are private & personalised?

Did you know that Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs? What you see here is a base itinerary that you can modify! Simply get in touch with your selected local and let them know what you would like!

Select your local guide

Explore the city with our diverse Withlocals hosts—passionate storytellers offering unique perspectives on every tour.

  • Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian

    Kadir Celal

    The Passionate Historian

    Kadir Celal
    5.0
    274 reviews
    I speak
    English • Türkçe

Good to Know

  • Tips

    • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic
    • Be mindful of sharing the real secret spots - let's keep them a secret
    • Be aware of cultural norms & be mindful
  • Included

    • Entrance tickets
    • Private guide
  • Cancellation

    • Receive a full refund for cancellations done 7 days before the experience date.
    • Your experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase.

Why should you book a Withlocals tour?

  • Customizable IllustrationMarker IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Gear

    100% customizable

    Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

  • Private IllustrationMessage Bubble IllustrationSparkleSparkleMan pointing illustratorWoman in dress Illustration

    Private guided tours

    No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

  • Sustainable IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration right hand upIllustration Left Hand UpPlant Illustration

    Responsible

    Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind.

Questions?

We are here to help!

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    When you make a booking you will receive a full refund when you cancel more than 7 days before the start of the booking.

    When you make a booking that starts within 7 days and cancel within 24 hours after purchase you will receive a full refund.

    When you make a booking that starts within 24 hours your booking is not refundable.

    Read more
  • What payment methods are available?
    During checkout you can choose from a number of different payment methods based on your location. We accept a variety of payment methods such as Credit Card, iDeal and many more.
  • Can I pay in any currency?
    Payment is always done in Euro but you can view the total amount in your local currency. Your bank might charge you a conversion rate fee from your local currency to Euro. No extra fees apply.
  • Is this tour always private?
    All our tours are 100% private, only you and your host.

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your tour.

€83.42per person
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Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian

Our local for this tour

Kadir Celal - The Passionate Historian

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