If you’re curious about a quieter, more soulful corner of Istanbul, Eyüp is where the city slows down just enough for you to feel its heartbeat. Tucked along the Golden Horn, this neighborhood carries centuries of stories in its streets.
You notice it the moment you arrive. The call to prayer drifting from Eyüp Sultan Mosque, families gathering in the square, and shopkeepers greeting neighbors like old friends.
Eyüp has long been one of the city’s most meaningful places, especially for visitors interested in Istanbul’s spiritual side. People come here to reflect, to pay respects at historic tombs, or simply to sit in the shade with a glass of Turkish tea and watch the day unfold.
And then there’s Pierre Loti Hill, rising above the neighborhood with a view that makes even locals pause. Take the cable car or walk up through the old cemetery and you’re rewarded with one of the most peaceful panoramas in the city.
But Eyüp isn’t only about sacred sites. Wander a little and you’ll find traditional markets, old stone fountains, quiet streets lined with Ottoman houses, and tea gardens where time feels slower. For anyone wanting to see a softer, more reflective side of Istanbul, Eyüp is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Eyup at a Glance
If you want to feel Istanbul’s spiritual heartbeat, you come to Eyup. Everything here moves a little slower, a little softer. The call to prayer echoes across the Golden Horn, families gather in the courtyards, and the air carries a mix of history and devotion you don’t quite feel anywhere else in the city.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque anchors the neighborhood, drawing visitors from across Turkey and beyond. And just above it sits Pierre Loti Hill, where the Golden Horn stretches out like a painting.
Add tea gardens, old stone graves rising on the hillsides, and a bazaar that still feels wonderfully local, and you begin to understand why Eyup lingers in the memory long after you leave.
Best Things to Do in Eyup
Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque & Courtyard
Stepping into Eyüp Sultan Mosque feels like stepping into a living story. Built in 1458, it honors Abu Ayyub al Ansari, one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. Pilgrims visit year round, and even if you’re here simply to learn, the sense of peace inside the courtyard is unmistakable.
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Intricate calligraphy wraps around the walls, fountains sparkle in the shade, and families move quietly between prayer, reflection, and tradition.
Arrive early if you can. The morning light hits the courtyard beautifully, and you’ll find moments of quiet that make the visit even more special.
Ride the Pierre Loti Cable Car & Enjoy the View
Just behind the mosque, the cable car begins its gentle rise up the hillside. It’s a short ride, but the view unfolds quickly: old rooftops, the curve of the Golden Horn, the shimmer of the water in the afternoon light.
When you reach Pierre Loti Hill, the café terrace invites you to sit and stay a while. Order tea, watch boats drift below, listen to the soft hum of conversations around you. It’s one of those places where time stretches out.
If you prefer a little adventure, walk up through the historic cemetery instead. The path winds through centuries old gravestones and offers a quiet, contemplative climb.
Explore the Ottoman Cemeteries & Tombs
Eyup’s hillsides are covered in Ottoman era gravestones, many decorated with delicate stone carvings. It’s both serene and visually striking.
Some of the most notable tombs belong to Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Lala Mustafa Pasha and, of course, Eyup Sultan himself. Walking through these cemeteries doesn’t feel somber. It feels like an intimate lesson in Istanbul’s layered history.
And if you continue upward, the path naturally guides you toward Pierre Loti Hill.
Discover Eyup Bazaar & Try Local Food
Eyup Bazaar is refreshingly down to earth. Shops sell prayer beads, religious art, textiles, sweets, and small handcrafted items you won’t easily find elsewhere. Vendors chat warmly, kids weave between stalls, and the smell of fresh simit floats through the air.
When hunger strikes, stop by Lale Lokantası or Eyup Sultan Kervansaray Restaurant for comforting Turkish dishes. And don’t leave without tasting künefe at a local dessert shop. It’s warm, syrupy, and unforgettable.
Visit Eyup Toy Museum & Explore Hidden Gems
Eyup Toy Museum surprises almost everyone who steps inside. More than a thousand toys, from old tin cars to vintage dolls, tell a nostalgic story of childhood in Turkey and beyond. It’s small, charming, and perfect if you’re here with kids.
Wander a bit more and you’ll find gems like the newly restored Rami Library, the delicate Kara Mustafa Pasha Fountain, and the atmospheric Feshane International Fair Center. Eyup rewards curiosity.
Where to Stay in Eyup
Staying in Eyup Istanbul feels a little different from staying in central neighborhoods like Sultanahmet or Taksim. The rhythm here is calmer, the streets feel more rooted in everyday life, and mornings often begin with the sound of prayers drifting from Eyup Sultan Mosque.
If you’re looking for a stay that connects you more closely with the historical and spiritual side of the city, Eyup is a memorable choice.
What surprises many travelers is how convenient the area actually is. You’re only a short ride from the Golden Horn, a cable car away from Pierre Loti Hill, and well connected to the rest of Istanbul by buses and the T5 tram line.
And while the neighborhood doesn’t have the dense cluster of hotels you’d find in Sultanahmet, the ones here tend to be peaceful, friendly and built around authentic local experiences rather than tourist buzz.
Most hotels sit either near the mosque, where you feel the full atmosphere of old Eyup, or closer to the waterfront, where the Golden Horn opens into sweeping views. The small boutique hotels are particularly charming. You’ll often find wooden details, warm colors and staff who treat you more like a guest of the neighborhood than a visitor passing through.
If you prefer quiet nights, Eyup is a wonderful alternative to central Istanbul’s busier districts. You step outside your hotel and instantly feel a softer, slower pace. Cafes open early, families head to the park, and the streets begin their day without hurry.
Istanbeautiful Team tip:
“Eyup is perfect if you want your mornings to start gently and your evenings to stay calm. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you return to your hotel and feel like you’ve stepped into a different century.”
Nearby Attractions
One of the things we love about Eyüp Istanbul is how many interesting places sit just a short walk or ride away. Once you’ve visited the mosque, climbed to Pierre Loti, and wandered through the bazaar, you’ll find plenty of spots that reveal even more of the Golden Horn’s character.
Some are peaceful, others full of energy, but all of them help you understand this side of the city a little better.
Golden Horn Park
Stretching along the waterfront, this park offers long, quiet paths where locals come to walk, cycle or simply breathe in the salty air coming off the Golden Horn. Early mornings are especially beautiful; the light reflects softly over the water and you hear more birds than cars.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Set in a former Ottoman shipyard, Rahmi Koc Transport Museum is a favorite among families and anyone curious about Istanbul’s industrial past. You’ll see everything from old tram cars and vintage bicycles to submarines and classic boats. It’s playful, hands on and surprisingly nostalgic.
Miniatürk
A short ride from Eyüp, Miniaturk open air museum gathers miniature versions of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. You stroll through a downsized country in under an hour, and it’s more charming than it sounds. Kids love it, and adults find themselves pointing out places they’ve visited or want to see next.
Fener and Balat
If you continue along the Golden Horn, you’ll reach two of Istanbul’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Fener and Balat. Colorful wooden houses lean into narrow streets, cats sun themselves on doorsteps, and little cafes tempt you to sit for “just one more tea”. It’s easy to spend an hour here. It’s even easier to spend three.
Vialand Theme Park
When you’re in the mood for something a little louder, Vialand delivers. It’s the biggest amusement park in the city, full of rides, shows and shops. Families often pair a morning in Eyüp with an afternoon here, giving everyone a balance of culture and fun.
Istanbeautiful Team tip:
“If you have time, do Fener Balat in the late afternoon. The colors feel softer, the cafes get lively, and the Golden Horn breeze makes the walk unforgettable.”
How to Get to Eyup
Getting to Eyup is easier than most people expect. The neighborhood sits right along the Golden Horn, and several transport routes connect directly to the mosque and Pierre Loti Hill. You’ll feel the shift in atmosphere the moment you arrive. The city noise softens, replaced by the hum of daily life around the mosque.
You can reach Eyup in three simple ways:
By Tram
The T5 Eminönü Alibeyköy tram line drops you right at Eyup Sultan Station, just steps from the mosque. It’s smooth, quick and feels like the most effortless option, especially if you’re staying around Eminönü or Balat.
By Bus
Several buses head straight into Eyup. Routes like 39, 39A, 39Y, 55T and 99 make frequent stops, so you rarely wait long. It’s a good choice if you’re coming from Şişli or the northern side of the Golden Horn.
By Ferry
This is the most scenic route. Take the Golden Horn ferry from Eminönü and glide your way toward Eyup Pier. The ride gives you one of those calm Istanbul moments when the water reflects the skyline just right.
Istanbeautiful Team tip:
“The Pierre Loti cable car works with your Istanbulkart, so you don’t need anything extra. It’s one of the most fun and surprisingly peaceful ways to reach the hill.”