Eyüp Cemetery Istanbul
A sacred pilgrimage site and vast Ottoman cemetery, offering serene views of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Eyüp Cemetery Istanbul
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred pilgrimage site and vast Ottoman cemetery, offering serene views of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill.
"Experience Istanbul's spiritual heart and historical grandeur at Eyüp Cemetery."
🚶♀️ Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Take the cable car for stunning Golden Horn views on your way to Pierre Loti Hill. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari
Eyüp Sultan Mosque Complex
The revered resting place of a close companion of Prophet Muhammad, a spiritual heart of Istanbul.
Pierre Loti Hill Views
Overlooking the Golden Horn
Panoramic vistas of Istanbul's Golden Horn from a historic cafe, once a muse for writers.
Ottoman Era Gravestones
Eyüp Cemetery
Wander through a vast, ancient graveyard adorned with intricate Ottoman-era tombstones.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Eyüp Cemetery
Respectful Exploration of a Sacred Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Take the cable car for stunning Golden Horn views on your way to Pierre Loti Hill. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. :pray:
📸 Capture the Vistas
The views from Pierre Loti Hill are breathtaking, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the hilly cemetery grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Take the cable car for stunning Golden Horn views on your way to Pierre Loti Hill. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. :pray:
📸 Capture the Vistas
The views from Pierre Loti Hill are breathtaking, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the hilly cemetery grounds. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Eyüp Cemetery for its profound historical and spiritual significance, offering a serene escape with breathtaking views from Pierre Loti Hill. While some find the cemetery's vastness and solemnity overwhelming, most appreciate its unique atmosphere and cultural importance.
"Eyüp Cemetery, also known as Eyüp Sultan Cemetery, is a historic cemetery located in the Eyüp district, on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is certainly an unmissable attraction of Istanbul and especially important if you are a Turkophile to experience the Turkish or Ottoman cemetery and burial method. Cats and dogs are the boss at the cemetery, and it's wonderful to see how people take care of cats and how they set up houses for them so they don't get cold."
Damir
"One of the UNESCO heritages that you must see, the Ottoman tombs with strange stones, both the hill and the cemetery, and the mosque and its surroundings, which are very alive.also its not scary , i dunno know why but it's more like relaxing"
Ali
"It is a cemetery and up the hill one can have a snack or coffee in the cafés. You can go up with teleferik and admire the landscape and the city from above. The only drawback is the long line waiting to get the teleferik in rush hours. We went in the afternoon of a summer day and waited for 40min. It was worth it nevertheless. Before entering the teleferik station at the low point there is a pazar for tourists, quite nice and less expensive than the city centre."
GIAKOUMIS MITOS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus or taxi from Sultanahmet to Eyüp. Buses like the 99A or 44B are common routes. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, you can take the Eyüp cable car (teleferik) from the base near the Eyüp Sultan Mosque complex up to Pierre Loti Hill. It offers scenic views.
While not directly to the cemetery, ferries operate on the Golden Horn, and you can disembark at an Eyüp pier and walk or take a short taxi ride to the mosque and cemetery.
Walking is best for exploring the mosque and cemetery grounds. For Pierre Loti Hill, the cable car is recommended. Taxis are readily available for longer distances.
The cemetery is on a hill and can be uneven. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque complex is more accessible, and the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill is generally accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Eyüp Cemetery and the Eyüp Sultan Mosque complex is generally free. There might be a small fee for the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill.
The cemetery is generally open 24 hours, as it's a public space. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque has specific prayer times, and the surrounding complex is usually accessible during daylight hours.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Eyüp Sultan Mosque itself. Donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
Weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, offer a more peaceful experience. Avoid major religious holidays when it can be very crowded.
While official guided tours might be limited, you can hire local guides or explore independently. Many visitors find the historical context fascinating to discover on their own.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's one of Istanbul's oldest and most revered Muslim cemeteries, housing the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, and many Ottoman dignitaries. 
The complex includes the mosque, the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, and a peaceful courtyard. It's a major pilgrimage site.
It's famous for its historic cafe and stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn, offering a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Istanbul's past.
Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the cemetery, mosque complex, and enjoy the views from Pierre Loti Hill. If you plan to dine at the cafe, add more time.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill are exceptional. The intricate Ottoman gravestones and the architecture of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque also make for great shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the cemetery and public areas. However, be discreet and respectful, especially inside the mosque or near prayer areas. Avoid photographing people without their consent.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for both the cemetery and the Golden Horn views from Pierre Loti Hill.
Drone usage is typically restricted in densely populated areas and near historical or religious sites in Istanbul. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Focus on the ancient trees, the weathered gravestones, the atmospheric light filtering through, and the sweeping views of the Golden Horn for a mystical feel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the top, the cafe offers a place to rest, and the open spaces can be good for kids to stretch their legs, though supervision is key due to the steep drops. While the cemetery itself might be less engaging for very young children due to its solemn nature, older kids might appreciate the historical aspect and the unique gravestones. Consider focusing on the cable car and the views from Pierre Loti Hill as the main attractions for a family outing. Pack snacks and water, as options can be limited outside the main cafe areas.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
+1 The cable car to Pierre Loti Hill provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy spectacular city views, a perfect spot to meet fellow travelers or simply enjoy the scenery. Reddit discussions often highlight Eyüp as a place with a 'mystical vibe,' making it ideal for those seeking unique photo opportunities and a deeper connection with the city's soul.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Eyüp Sultan
+1The atmosphere within the mosque complex is one of profound reverence. Visitors often observe people praying, reading the Quran, and reflecting. The surrounding cemetery, with its ancient trees and countless gravestones, adds to the contemplative ambiance. It's a place where history, faith, and the passage of time converge, offering a unique insight into the spiritual heart of Istanbul.
+1A Journey to Pierre Loti Hill
+1The easiest and most scenic way to reach the summit is by taking the Eyüp cable car (teleferik). As you ascend, the sprawling cemetery gives way to a stunning vista of the waterway, the historic peninsula, and the city's skyline. At the top, the Pierre Loti Cafe provides a perfect spot to relax, sip Turkish tea or coffee, and soak in the magnificent scenery. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city below.
+1Exploring the Ottoman Legacy in the Cemetery
Wandering through the cemetery is like stepping back in time. You'll encounter a diverse range of tombstone styles, from the simple elegance of early Islamic periods to the more elaborate designs of later centuries. The sheer scale of the cemetery, spread across rolling hills, is impressive. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, offering a tangible connection to Istanbul's rich and complex history.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit