Why is the hill named after him?

A café on the hilltop, linked by tradition to Loti's visits, became known as the Pierre Loti café, and the hill took its name from it.

How do I get up Pierre Loti Hill?

Take the TF2 Eyüp to Piyerloti cable car from near the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, or walk up through the cemetery.

Can I use the Istanbulkart on the cable car?

Yes. The cable car accepts the Istanbulkart.

What can I see from the top?

The whole upper Golden Horn, with Fatih and Beyoğlu on either side and views toward the old city.

What is the cemetery on the hill?

A large historic Ottoman cemetery on the slope above the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, with old carved gravestones.

What is near Pierre Loti Hill?

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the market streets of Eyüp, at the foot of the hill.

Where is Pierre Loti Hill located?

Pierre Loti Hill is in Istanbul, Turkey. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.

Where can I stay near Pierre Loti Hill?

bookingMentor lists 1 place to stay in Istanbul. Rooms start from $242.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Pierre Loti Hill that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

Is there an entry fee?

No. The viewpoint is free. Cafés charge for food and drinks.

When is the best time to visit?

Late afternoon and sunset are the most popular times. Weekday mornings are quieter.

How long should I spend there?

About one to two hours, including a drink at the café and the walk or cable car ride.

How long is the cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill?

The TF2 gondola climbs about 53 metres and a trip takes under three minutes.

What is the emergency phone number in Istanbul?

In Istanbul, call 112 in an emergency. Police, ambulance and fire.

Pierre Loti Hill

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Pierre Loti Hill, Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, Turkey

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In short

Above the upper Golden Horn in Eyüp, Pierre Loti Hill is a viewpoint and café named after the French writer, reached by cable car or a walk up through an old cemetery. The viewpoint is free, while the cable car fare and café prices apply. One to two hours suits tea with a view.

Pierre Loti Hill is a hilltop viewpoint and tea garden above the Eyüp district on the western side of Istanbul, looking down the full length of the Golden Horn. It sits just above the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the city's most important Islamic shrines, and suits anyone who wants a glass of tea with a long view, especially at sunset.

Julien Viaud, the novelist who wrote as Pierre Loti

The hill is named after the French naval officer and novelist Julien Viaud, who wrote as Pierre Loti. He visited Istanbul many times from the 1870s, admired Ottoman life and spent time in Eyüp, and his novel Aziyadé is set partly in the city. A coffee house on the hilltop, said to have been one of his favourite places, became known as the Pierre Loti café, and the hill took its name from it.

Golden Horn views over an Ottoman cemetery

The café terraces and tea gardens look along the upper Golden Horn, with Fatih and Beyoğlu on either shore and the domes and minarets of the old city in the distance. The slope below is covered by a large Ottoman cemetery, with carved gravestones shaded by cypress trees. Small shops and a hotel cluster near the upper cable car station.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

⛰️View: Upper Golden Horn

✍️Named after: Pierre Loti (Julien Viaud)

🚡Cable car: TF2 Eyüp to Piyerloti

💰Currency: Turkish lira (₺ TRY)

🕕Time Zone: TRT (UTC+3)

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✦ Plan your visit to Pierre Loti Hill Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Type of attraction

Hills
Landmarks

Where it is

Istanbul
Turkey