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Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi)
The basics
Ride the cable car or hike up to the hilltop of Pierre Loti Hill, from where the views span the islands and bridges of the Golden Horn. After admiring the view from the observation deck, take some time to walk around the hilltop Eyüp Cemetery, where Ottoman-era sultans and writers such as Mehmed Celebi and Mahmud Aga are buried. End your visit with a coffee or nargile (hookah) at the Pierre Loti Café with a view along the riverfront.
Things to know before you go
- A visit to Pierre Loti Hill is ideal for those looking to get off-the-beaten-track in Istanbul and explore Istanbul's northern neighborhoods.
- There is a hotel and a number of restaurants and souvenir shops at the top of the hill.
- The cable car is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Pierre Loti Hill is located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul on the European bank of the Golden Horn. The easiest way to get there from downtown Istanbul is to ride the ferry from Eminonu to Eyüp, an about 35-minute journey. Ferries dock right by the Eyup Sultan Mosque, from where it’s a 5-minute walk to the cable car.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Pierre Loti Hill is busiest on summer weekends and you need to get there early if you want a table with a view. For the most atmospheric views, head there in time to watch the sunset over the city; cable cars typically run until about 10pm, but be sure to double-check before you set out.
Exploring Istanbul’s Eyüp District
Located north of downtown Istanbul along the banks of the Golden Horn, the picturesque neighborhood of Eyüp offers intrepid travelers a glimpse of local life in Istanbul. While the views from Pierre Loti hill are the main draw, additional highlights include the Eyüp Sultan mosque, one of the city’s most important Ottoman-era mosques, built by Mehmed II in the 15th century. A stroll around the district also reveals a number of historic wooden buildings, artisan shops selling handcrafted wooden toys, and a lively bazaar by the mosque.
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