Pierre Loti Hill rises above the Eyüp district at the far end of the Golden Horn and offers one of the most peaceful views in Istanbul. It is named after the French writer Pierre Loti, who loved to sit in a café on the hilltop and look out over the water. Today the café carries his name, and the hill is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, especially at sunset.
Who Was Pierre Loti?
Pierre Loti was the pen name of Julien Viaud (1850–1923), a French naval officer and novelist. His career took him around the world, and he spent time in Istanbul on several occasions. He fell in love with the city and its Ottoman way of life, and wrote about it in novels such as Aziyadé, set in Istanbul.
Loti was a regular at a coffee house on this hill above Eyüp, where he spent hours watching the Golden Horn. After his death, the café and the hill became known by his name. He remains well loved in Turkey, and a street in the old city is also named after him.
The View From Pierre Loti Hill
From the terrace you look down the length of the Golden Horn towards the historic peninsula. On a clear day you can follow the water past the old neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat to the domes and minarets of the old city in the distance. Below the hill lie the cypress trees and tombstones of the Eyüp cemetery.
The Pierre Loti Café is the centre of the hilltop. Order a glass of Turkish tea or a Turkish coffee and take your time: that is exactly what Loti did. There are other cafés and small restaurants nearby. Read about local drinks in our guide to traditional Turkish drinks.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the Historic Cemetery
Pierre Loti Hill stands on the slopes above the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most important religious sites in Istanbul. The mosque contains the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Sultan), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and draws pilgrims from across the Muslim world. As a working mosque, it closes to visitors during prayer times, and modest dress is required.
The slopes between the mosque and the hilltop have been used as a cemetery since Ottoman times, which is why the hill is so green and wooded. Many notable Ottoman figures are buried here, and the carved tombstones are beautiful in their own right.
How to Get to Pierre Loti Hill
First get to Eyüp, at the northern end of the Golden Horn:
- By ferry: the Golden Horn ferry line stops at Eyüp and passes Fener, Balat and other old neighbourhoods on the way.
- By bus: buses run to Eyüp from Eminönü and other central hubs.
- By taxi: around 20 to 30 minutes from Sultanahmet or Taksim, depending on traffic.
From Eyüp you have two ways up the hill:
- Cable car (teleferik): a short ride from near the Eyüp Sultan Mosque to the top, with views over the cemetery and the Golden Horn.
- On foot: a stone-paved path climbs through the cemetery in around 15 to 20 minutes. It is steep in places, so wear comfortable shoes.
Many visitors take the cable car up and walk down, stopping at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque at the bottom.
Tips for Your Visit
- Go in the late afternoon and stay for sunset, when the light over the Golden Horn is at its best.
- Weekends are busy with local families, so a weekday visit is quieter.
- Combine the hill with a walk through Fener and Balat, home to some of the city's historic churches.
- Allow two to three hours for the mosque, the cable car and the café without rushing.
To explore the city's Ottoman and Islamic heritage with a guide, see our Islamic Istanbul tour. For more ideas around the city, see our Istanbul trip ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Pierre Loti Hill?
It is named after the French writer Pierre Loti (Julien Viaud), who often spent hours at a café on the hilltop looking out over the Golden Horn.
How do you get to Pierre Loti Hill?
Travel to Eyüp by ferry, bus or taxi, then take the cable car to the top or walk up the stone path through the cemetery.
Is Pierre Loti Hill worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a calm view of the Golden Horn away from the busiest sights. It combines well with the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and a walk through Fener and Balat.
When is the best time to visit Pierre Loti Hill?
Late afternoon and sunset give the best light. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.
More from our Istanbul guide
- Churches to Visit in Istanbul: Byzantine, Orthodox and CatholicIstanbul sights
- Palaces in Istanbul: Ottoman Palaces and Pavilions to VisitIstanbul sights
- Grand Bazaar Istanbul: History, Shopping Tips and How to VisitIstanbul sights
- Top Things to Do in Istanbul: 13 Experiences Worth Your TimeIstanbul sights