Pierre Loti

Restaurant · Eyup Merkez ·

Pierre Loti

Restaurant · Eyup Merkez ·

Panoramic Golden Horn views from a historic cafe named after a writer

Information

Merkez, İdris Köşkü Cd., 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

12 Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Istanbul | Condé Nast Traveler

"Perched at the top of the Eyüp gondola, the café offers peaceful tranquility and sweeping views across the Golden Horn and Bahariye Islands—a spot made famous by Pierre Loti’s love of the place and the nearby Eyüp cemeteries—and I recommend trying both the café’s coffee and its traditional Turkish breakfast of fresh cheeses, vegetables, eggs, olives and cured meats." - Amelia Dhuga

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-cafes-in-istanbul

Pierre Loti

@foodandwine

6,596 Postcards · 1,705 Cities

Where to Eat Turkish Breakfast, Baklava, Turkish Delight, and More in Istanbul

"Perched above the Golden Horn and reached via the Eyüp gondola, this scenic cafe offers breakfast with panoramic views and a literary atmosphere tied to a famous French novelist, making it a popular spot for leisurely Turkish kahvaltı and people-watching." - Amelia Dhuga

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-restaurants-in-istanbul-8689956

Pierre Loti

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

Pierre Loti Hill – Istanbul, Turkey - Gastro Obscura

"Pierre Loti Hill is a lovely tea garden with a spectacular view over the Golden Horn that happens to be located inside one of Istanbul’s oldest and biggest graveyards. If sipping tea in a cemetery sounds a touch macabre, rest assured that the ambiance is far from it. This serene spot is popular with locals of all ages. The hill is named after the French author and navy officer Pierre Loti, who fell in love with Istanbul after his first visit in 1876. Instead of settling in the Pera district like most Europeans, Loti moved to the holiest neighborhood of the city, Eyüp. He was captivated by the view from the hill, which he described as “thousands of gilded caiques dancing on the water; then the whole of Stamboul foreshortened, mosques, domes, and minarets, all huddled together in one confused blur.” To reach the hill, take the cable car from the Eyüp Sultan complex. For a more adventurous approach, take a 15-minute walk through the graveyard to reach the top. It’s not as creepy as it sounds. Along the way, you’ll see the graves of some of Istanbul’s most famous politicians, writers, scientists, and public figures. As you arrive, you will be greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sound of people chatting and laughing. The large café area is filled with people sipping tea and eating gözleme. If all the best tables are taken, go to the vista point. Located northwest of the Golden Horn, the view from Pierre Loti Hill is surprisingly different from the Bosphorus classics. With the tranquil waterway, lavish greenery, and peaceful residences, visitors can see a different side of Istanbul. Know Before You Go While Pierre Loti Hill is well-known for its spectacular views, the Eyüp Sultan complex located below is a place to experience Istanbul’s holiest scene. The Eyüp Sultan complex is named after Ebu Eyyub el-Ensari, who was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and died during a failed Arab siege of Constantinople. The mosque and tomb are open to visitors and are considered one of the most sacred destinations for Muslim pilgrims." - Yao

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pierre-loti-hill

Pierre Loti

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Loving Life at Pierre Loti Hill Overlooking the Golden Horn in Eyüp, Pierre Loti Hill offers a spectacular panoramic view of Istanbul's seven hills. Linger here for a while and partake in keyif—the Turkish art of idle relaxation—at one of the rustic teahouses and restaurants that immerse you in one of Istanbul's most captivating locations. The hill is named after Pierre Loti, a French novelist and naval officer who wrote his first novel, Aziyadé, after sojourning in the teahouses here in 1876. The novel, originally published anonymously, detailed a semi-autobiographical story about Loti’s forbidden affair with a Circassian harem girl named Aziyadé. The love between the 27-year-old officer and the 18-year-old woman was so enduring that Aziyadé died of a broken heart when Loti left Istanbul. Legend also says Loti always wore a gold ring inscribed with her name. Loti’s subsequent novel, La Turquie Agonisante (Turkey in Agony), went on to win the hearts of the new Turkish Republic, which then named a cafe and avenue on Eyüp hill in honor of the author. The name has stayed, the tales remain, and the view continues to inspire the artist within many. To get there, take a bus or ferry from Eminönü to Eyüp, then take the cable car near Eyüp port to the top, or wander past the Eyüp mosque and up through an old Ottoman cemetery. Avoid going on the weekends when crowds vie for the best seats in the house. Alcohol is forbidden due to the proximity to Eyüp mosque."

If you only have three days in istanbul

Pierre Loti

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Pierre Loti

Andri F.

Google

I visited Pierre Loti and really enjoyed the experience. The view over the Golden Horn is absolutely beautiful, making it a perfect spot to relax and take photos while enjoying the scenery. I came by cable car, which was a fun way to reach the hill and added to the overall experience. The atmosphere is very pleasant, and I even brought spicy chili sauce from Indonesia with me, which made the snacks I tried there feel even more special and memorable.

TheIntrepidTraveller

Google

Nice place to have a casual lunch. Fun going on the cable car & fantastic views across Istanbul. You can use your travel card.

ady B.

Google

Pierre Lotti Hill is a lovely viewpoint in Istanbul that gives you one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Golden Horn. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the sky changes colors and the city lights begin to sparkle. The hill feels peaceful, surrounded by trees and small cafés where you can sit, enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, and soak in the view. The funicular ride up to the hill adds to the experience, and once you’re at the top, the view makes it worth the trip. It’s a great place to relax after exploring the busy streets of Istanbul and perfect for taking photos with a scenic backdrop.

p p

Google

It’s another great spot to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Golden horn You can sit back, sip some tea, and take in the scenery — it’s very relaxing. There’s a cable car that takes you up the hill, and the price is quite reasonable. However, the management could be improved. The café doesn’t have many tables, the staff seem to be short-handed, and some of them don’t speak much English. Service can be a bit slow. Still, if you’re not in a hurry and just want to chill and enjoy the view, I definitely recommend coming here

Norsa'adah

Google

We took the Eyüp–Piyerloti Aerial Cable Car, also known as the Eyüp Gondola, from the Golden Horn coast in Eyüp to the top of Piyer Loti Hill. The ride took about 10 minutes. After that, we climbed numerous stairs to reach the hilltop. The panoramic view of Istanbul from the top is breathtaking. There are several cafés, souvenir shops, a mosque and a hotel. On the hills to the left, you'll see cemeteries. It's fascinating to imagine how the deceased are transported up the hill and how graves are dug into the rocky terrain. At the base of the hill, you’ll find the Eyüp Sultan Cemetery and Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

Mo S.

Google

When we arrived it looked like a long wait, but luckily for us it didn't take that long. (About 20min) we went on a sunday afternoon and it was just a little bit before it got really busy. The view was awesome and I would recommend going on a day with clear weather and a nice sun to really be able to enjoy the view and make nice pictures. The food wasn't anything super crazy but definitely not bad.

Chu M.

Google

The main attraction here is the views of the Golden Horn and the city below. Menu is very limited and even then they didn’t have half the coffees on the menu so we only had option of instant coffee and Turkish tea. It wasn’t overly busy yet the service was poor. I guess they rely on the fact that this place is popular regardless so don’t seem to bother with customer service. The view was the only saving grace and still worth the trip. It was funny to watch tourist race for the tables on the edge of the terrace where there is uninterrupted views. The walk back down via the cemetery was unusual but interesting nonetheless.

Khairi M.

Google

Ok I came here just a bit earlier then everyone else. Around 11am-12pm. So the place is not crowded at all. I don't even need to queue to get into the cable car. The view is superb. Especially considering you just need to pay 35 lira for the cable car. The drinks are acceptable, not what I'm expecting that this is a specialty café, but i was surprised their prices are very acceptable, just 2-3 lira more expensive than what it is at other place. Considering their superb view, this is really worth it.

Sara G.

Yelp

You know what pairs perfectly with centuries of imperial history? A sweeping view of the Golden Horn. Pierre Loti Hill delivers with just enough haze to make you question if you're in a 19th-century French travel memoir. This Hill was named after the French naval officer/romantic writer who had an Ottoman obsession. The hill now offers Istanbul's most melodramatic lookout spot. Take the cable car up if you're feeling lazy or full of baklava. Once there, sit under ivy-laced trellises at a café and gaze at the Bosphorus. If you squint, you can see minarets, ferries, rooftops, and centuries layered like baklava sheets. Just try not to Instagram it immediately, this view deserves at least a moment of hushed awe before the filters swarm in and take over.

Sudipto G.

Yelp

Usually I don't give out 1 star reviews but the food in this place was truly bad. Just to be clear lot of folks will go here for the views and those are great. The food however, is really bad, just reheated stuff and not even fresh. The kebab wrap I got was over salty and not fresh. The pizza was a store bought frozen pizza that was heated up. Honestly it's worse than convenience store food. Save your money and have food elsewhere, just go for the views..

Eugenio L.

Yelp

My wife and I plus our 1 yr 8 mo baby boy climbed up the steep inclines that run by a cemetery to get up to scenic Pierre Loti. That was a pain in the ass and it probably would have been less of a pain if we didn't have to push him & his stroller all the way up to the highest point. When we arrived at the top, which took awhile, there are scenic views of the Bosphorus river and Istanbul, with many mosques that can be seen. We waited a short while to be seated at a small table which afforded us a place to sit while we took in the views and ordered "cai" also known in English as black tea. The views were fantastic ! Even though it was a super crowded. Slightly touristy, but nonetheless spectacular just because of the amazing views of Istanbul that one can get when one is that high above the city. Take my advice and pay for and use the gondola lift to take you back down to the street level. You'll thank me. It's worth the long line and costs. :)

Burak S.

Yelp

Great location with nice view of the Golden Horn and old cemetaries around, it's a historic landmark in Istanbul for both locals and tourists. You can climb there from a path going thru the cemetary, or by cable car from Eyup, or by taxi. Especially on a clear and sunny day you'll have a great view while having your Turkish coffee or tea. Don't forget to visit the tiny cafeteria with old photos of Istanbul and Pierre Loti. The only (and biggest) downside of this cafeteria is that it's too touristy and busy therefore the service is weak and also the quality of the coffee is "medium". I must say that I have had better coffees around. But of course, the views here are unique.

Karlie M.

Yelp

This cafe is at the top of the hill in Eyüp, overlooking the Golden Horn. Yes, the views are spectacular, but the service is poor and they only serve drinks. I asked if they had food and all they have is bland cheese-filled Turkish pancakes ("toast"), which I'm sure they get from around the corner and then double the price of. There are dozens of tables outside, so if you're lucky enough to get one with an unobstructed view it would be a very nice place to sit and enjoy a glass of Turkish tea, as long as being surrounded by tables full of smokers doesn't bother you. Personally, I don't see any reason to visit this cafe as you can enjoy the spectacular view from several lookout points immediately next to it.