Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi) Tours and Activities

Known for its views across Istanbul's natural harbor — the Golden Horn — Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi) is named after the famous French novelist and traveler. A popular spot for snapping a selfie (or three), atop the hill there are six historic mansions that have been turned into a boutique hotel. There’s also a restaurant, and the famous Pierre Loti Coffee Shop where you can enjoy the views with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee in hand. Loti used to sit here and write his novels when the cafe was known as Rabia Kadın Café. For the best views of all, test the telescope on the observation deck at Piyerloti funicular station.

The Golden Horn was once the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman navies, and it's fun to see the boats come in while enjoying the views of the parks and promenades that line the harbor’s shores.

In the Eyüp district, to get to Pierre Loti Hill there are two options: you can either take the 3-minute Eyüp-Piyerloti cable car ride, or alternatively, see that grand mosque at the bottom of the hill? It's the most important one in the district, and you can walk up to the top of this 53-meter-high hill from there by winding your way up through the graveyard.