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Best Views of the Eiffel Tower: Photo Spots, Hotels and More

A trip to Paris is not complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Of course, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower should be on your bucket list. However, you can also get many amazing views of the Eiffel Tower throughout Paris.

From free views of the Eiffel Tower to hotels with Eiffel Tower views to the best Eiffel Tower photo spots, find the overall best views of the Eiffel Tower and add them to your list of things to do in Paris, France.

For more Paris travel tips, check out the best things to do in Paris in winter and how to spend New Year’s in Paris.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purchased made through these links earn us a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Place de Mexico has one of the best Eiffel Tower views
Views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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where to find the best eiffel tower photo spots

MAP OF THE BEST EIFFEL TOWER PHOTO SPOTS

Use this map to find the exact locations of the spots mentioned here. You can also use these to create your own Paris itinerary.

BEST FREE VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

Getting the list of the best views of the Eiffel Tower started with the best free views of the Eiffel Tower. You don’t have to spend a thing to enjoy these Eiffel Tower photo spots, making them affordable for anyone visiting Paris. As a bonus, you can capture some amazing Instagram photos in these Paris photo spots.

I would suggest walking around Paris and exploring neighborhoods around the Eiffel Tower. You may be surprised with where it pops up. Spend some time walking around to see if you can find new favorite photo spots while just out exploring on your own.

PARC DU CHAMP-DE-MARS: RELAX IN THE SHADOW OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

The list of the best Eiffel Tower views has to start with the park located at the base of the Eiffel Tower in the 7th Arrondissement. The park sretches from the Eiffel Tower all the way back to the École Militaire. This means there is plenty of room to spread out a blanket and enjoy the view.

The park is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit anytime of the day or night. When the weather is nice, the park fills up with people relaxing and enjoying the view. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic with a view for much less than any of the restaurants featuring an Eiffel Tower view.

On our first trip to Paris in the summer, we could not believe how many people were still hanging out in the park at 11 p.m. When we came back down from the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower, the park was still full of people laughing and talking and drinking with friends, family, and loved ones.

Eiffel Tower in fall from Parc du Champ de Mars
Eiffel Tower in fall from Parc du Champ de Mars

You can also explore the paths around the main strip of grass leading to the Eiffel Tower. These areas are often less crowded even in the summer. Plus you can use some of the trees and plants to frame out your shots.

In the winter, it is not as tempting to sit in the cold for hours. However, near Christmas you can enjoy the Christmas market located along the Champ de Mars. You may even get to go ice skating in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

During the spring, this is one of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Paris. Frame out your Eiffel Tower photos with the pink blossoms for beautiful photos. Limitless Secrets has lots more beautiful spring spots in her guide to visiting Paris in the spring.

While you are at the Parc du Champ de Mars, go ahead and take a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Get your ticket ahead of time to cut down your wait time and guarantee your spot on the lift. While walking under the Eiffel Tower, make sure to look up -that is another one of my favorite views of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower at night
view from under the eiffel tower
eiffel tower at night

TROCADERO: ONE OF THE BEST EIFFEL TOWER PHOTO SPOTS

Also open 24 hours a day is Trocadero, my favorite Eiffel Tower photo spot. It is not quite as close as the Parc du Champ-de-Mars, but the view is even better. If you are visiting Paris for the first time, it is a must.

Enjoy photos from the stairs and from the deck overlooking the gardens for a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. It gets extremely crowded thanks to the popularity of the spot, but it is popular for good reason.

If you want this area to yourself, get there for sunrise. Not only will you miss the crowds, you are treated to an Eiffel Tower sunrise as the sun comes up behind the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower Trocadero view
Eiffel Tower Trocadero view
Eiffel Tower trocadero gardens

This is a popular spot for photo shoots including engagements and wedding photos. However, not many others will be out in the early morning hours. In the winter, with the later sunrise and earlier sunset times, you will want to get there just before sunrise for the best chance of finding it empty.

We have visited Trocadero both when it is crowded and when it is empty. Because there are plenty of spots to get the perfect Paris Instagram shot, you can usually get a photo to yourself any time of the day. There will just be more people on the lower level later in the day and you may need to be patient.

One of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken was taken at Trocadero. Thanks to the rain when we were there and a clogged drain, we got to enjoy the reflection of the Eiffel Tower in the resulting puddle.

best view of eiffel tower - trocadero
best views of eiffel tower - trocadero
best view of eiffel tower - trocadero

RUE DE L’UNIVERSITE: UP CLOSE VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

The famous little road that leads between buildings to the Eiffel Tower is Rue de l’Universite. In recent years, it has become more popular as one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris.

You can visit this street any time of day, but expect more people to be out and about later in the day. There will likely be others in the area, both locals and tourists thanks to its proximity to the famous Tour Eiffel. There are also usually cars parked along the side of the road.

It is a shorter street and popular for a quick stop for photos. Because people do not stay here long, just give it a minute and others will clear out.

rue de l'universite eiffel tower
rue de l'universite eiffel tower
rue de l'universite eiffel tower

PLACE DE MEXICO: POPPING UP BETWEEN BUILDINGS

One of my favorite things about the Eiffel Tower is how it pops up between buildings as you walk around Paris. Place de Mexico is one of those spots.

If you stand near Rue de Longchamp and Rue des Belles Feuilles, the Eiffel Tower stands in your view down the Avenue d’Eylau. Walk down Avenue d’Eylau to get to Trocadero in just a few minutes.

This is also the location of one of the best hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Le Metropolitan. With circular windows overlooking the streets leading to the Eiffel tower, it’s worth a splurge to stay in this luxury hotel. For prices and availability, check it out on Booking.com here and on Agoda here.

place de mexico eiffel tower view

PONT DE L’ALMA: THE PERFECT EIFFEL TOWER SUNSET VIEW

If I’m being honest, most of the bridges near the Eiffel Tower have a great view. If you want one of the best sunset spots to watch the sunset in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in view, go to Pont de l’Alma.

The sun sets over the river with the Eiffel Tower off to your left. It makes for beautiful sunset pictures with the Eiffel Tower.

The nice thing is that it is not crowded at sunset. Even with people and cars using the bridge, few people stop to watch the sunset here.

We got there a little bit early to make sure we would have a spot, but we were the only ones who stayed there to watch the sunset. Others stopped for a quick picture and continued on their way.

eiffel tower sunset from pont de l'alma
Tour Eiffel - Pont de l'alma
Eiffel Tower sunset over Seine River

PONT DE BIR-HAKEIM: THE POPULAR MOVIE LOCATION

The Pont de Bir-Hakeim gained fame thanks to making an appearance in several movies and lots of Instagram photos. It is also a popular spot to enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower.

The upper level is used by the Metro, but the lower level is for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Through the steel columns, the Eiffel Tower stands above the city, making it a perfect spot for pictures.

PONT D’LENA: BRIDGE LEADING TO THE EIFFEL TOWER

Pont’ d’Lena is another bridge worth visiting in Paris. Chances are you will visit it even if you did not mean to visit it. This is the bridge leading from Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower. You cross it if you walk to the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero or vice versa.

You’ll find people on the bridge at all times of the day thanks to the great views of the Iron Lady. Visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. It’s beautiful any time of day, but I love it in the morning when the sun is rising behind the Eiffel Tower and the crowds are lowest.

Go to the end of the bridge closest to the Eiffel Tower to find the Carousel de la Tour Eiffel. Snap some photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background and the Carousel in the foreground for one of the more unique Eiffel Tower photo spots.

sunrise at eiffel tower carousel
sunrise at eiffel tower - pont d'lena
sunrise at eiffel tower carousel

PORT DEBILLY & PASSERELLE DEBILLY: JUST OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Port Debilly is a beautiful walkway along the River Seine with amazing Eiffel Tower views. The area near Pont d’Lena is the most popular spot thanks to the views of the Eiffel Tower. Instagram made it a popular spot to bring a blanket and pose with your girlfriends along the riverbank.

While you are in the area, check out the view from the Passerelle Debilly, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. You can take a walk along the Port Debilly to get there and take in the views along the way.

Eiffel Tower at night
Eiffel Tower at night

PONT ALEXANDRE III: BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

This might be the prettiest bridge in all of Paris. The Pont Alexander III is a popular spot for photos in Paris thanks to how ornate the bridge is. It also offers a great view of the Eiffel Tower as well as the Grand Palais making it a common spot to visit in Paris.

The bridge itself is beautiful with bronze winged horses standing high up on pedestals representing arts, sciences, commerce, and industry. The views and the beauty of the bridge make it one of the more popular photo spots in Paris, so try to visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

pont alexandre iii bridge in paris
pont alexandre iii bridge in paris

RUE SAINT-DOMINIQUE: SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

Similar to Place de Mexico, Rue Saint-Dominique offers surprise views of the Eiffel Tower as it peaks out from behind the buildings. Take time to walk along the street and enjoy the views. You can even stop for a meal or to take a look in one of the many shops.

One of the most popular Eiffel Tower photo spots on this street is just outside of Le Recrutement Cafe. The crosswalk outside of the restaurant gives you a cute Parisian cafe and the Eiffel Tower in the background making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris. The food is good too if you are hungry while you are there.

Another popular spot on this street is Au Canon des Invalides. Similar to Le Recrutement, the cafe is a cute Parisian cafe with a crosswalk giving you a great spot to pose with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Just remember that Rue Saint-Dominique is a popular street. Watch out for cars and make sure not to impede the flow of traffic. Try to go early in the morning or when there are less people and cars out for the best chance of the perfect Instagram photo.

best views of the eiffel tower

AVENUE BOSQUET: PARIS HIDDEN GEM WITH A UNIQUE EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

I have a funny story on how we found this one. We were on a bus going somewhere in Paris, and I was looking out the window. I saw this spot just after a bus stop and told my husband, we are getting off at the next stop. The next stop happened to be good distance away, but we exited at that stop.

I had nothing to help my husband except, “It was a cute street with the Eiffel Tower in the background.” Luckily, we found it walking back up Avenue Bosquet.

This spot is located at the intersection of Avenue Bosquet and Rue Edmond Valentin. I loved the clocktower with the Eiffel Tower behind it and that no one else was there to take pictures. It is one of my favorite views of the Eiffel Tower.

secret eiffel tower photo spots in paris
avenue bosquet eiffel tower photo spots
one of the best eiffel tower photo spots on avenue bosquet

AVENUE DE CAMOENS: POPULAR INSTAGRAM PHOTO SPOT

This former hidden gem in Paris has become more well known over the last few years as an Instagram photography spot. Featuring a balcony-type view of the Eiffel Tower, it’s become a popular spot to sit on the railing with the Eiffel Tower behind you.

To get here, follow the Avenue de Camoens down towards the Monument a Luis de Camoes (save this spot on your map). Most photos are taken from the top of the stairs here. If you come in from the Boulevard Delessert, just climb the stairs.

Get there early though. Not only is it a small area that is becoming more popular, but you can enjoy the early morning golden hour light to add some warmth to your photos.

THE TERRACE AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE: ROOFOP TERRACE WITH A VIEW

Take a trip up to the 8th floor of the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann to enjoy the views of the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame. You may also get an amazing sunset view while you are there if you time it just right.

The terrace is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. During the summer, you can also enjoy food from one of the popup restaurants. Even when the popup restaurants are not there, you’ll still enjoy the views anytime you stop by.

arc de triomphe eiffel tower view

SQUARE RAPP: PARIS HIDDEN GEM WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

Square Rapp is a relatively unknown spot to view the Eiffel Tower. Located off of Avenue Rapp, you will find a small garden featuring a fountain and an iron gate. Frame your photo of the Eiffel Tower with the iron gate for a unique Eiffel Tower photo spot.

Thanks to how unknown this spot is, you do not have to worry about getting there early to get the perfect shot. Stop by anytime of the day to find it empty or ignored by passersby.

avenue rapp eiffel tower view
Le Champ de Mars – located just one block from Square Rapp on Avenue Rapp

BEST VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER REQUIRING AN ENTRY FEE

While there are plenty of great free spots to see the Eiffel Tower, there are also some views worth paying for to see the Eiffel Tower from a new vantage point.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE: GREAT EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS OVER THE CITY

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is one of my favorite views in all of Paris. I love how the streets lead to the Arc de Triomphe with the Eiffel Tower standing proud above the city.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best Paris photo spots on its own, but it is worth the cost of the ticket to go to the top. Tickets for most adults are €13 ($15) with reduced tickets for foreign teachers, young people ages 18 – 25 from non-EU countries and tourism professionals.

Once you get to the top, the side facing the Eiffel Tower is the most crowded. Head to the other sides first and get your photos there. As the crowd thins out on that side, you can return to get the photos you want featuring the Eiffel Tower.

If you visit Paris at New Year’s, the Arc de Triomphe is closed down around the holiday for the light show and fireworks, so check ahead of time to know when it is open.

arc de triomphe eiffel tower view
arc de triomphe eiffel tower view
arc de triomphe eiffel tower view
arc de triomphe eiffel tower view
arc de triomphe eiffel tower view

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS WITH GARGOYLES

Due to the fire in Notre Dame, the cathedral itself is closed right now. The reopening date has not been set yet.

However, still make the time to go see the exterior of this beautiful church. Don’t just take time to see the front of the cathedral which is where the crowds are for pictures. Wander around to the back of the cathedral as well. The back is just as beautiful and has very few people most of the time.

When the cathedral reopens and you are allowed to go to the top of the bell towers, climb the 380 steps to the top and find your reward in the views of the city. I love this view because of the way you can frame the Eiffel Tower with the gargoyles.

Get your tickets ahead of time as it often sells out during the summer and holidays. You can get last minute tickets when people do not show up, but you will need to be able to get there fast.

We got tickets that way one time and had 10 minutes to get there to use them once they popped up. Thankfully we are both runners, so we took off running and got there with 38 seconds to spare. If you will be in the area and do not have tickets, keep an eye on the site and be ready to run!

eiffel tower gargoyle view from notre dame cathedral
eiffel tower view from notre dame cathedral
eiffel tower view from notre dame cathedral

PANTHEON: THE EIFFEL TOWER VIEW FROM THE DOME

If you have time, check out the beautiful interior of the Pantheon. Plus, you can climb to the dome for an incredible view of the city including the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Couer and Notre Dame.

The Pantheon is open every day except January 1 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is not handicap accessible to visit the dome, so be prepared to climb 276 steps to the top. They limit the number of people at the top, so it makes it much easier to get your photos without having to wait forever for your turn.

SACRE-COEUR: VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER FROM INSIDE AND OUT

The nice thing about the Sacre-Coeur is that you can get Eiffel Tower views for free. You can also pay to go up in the dome. Because the Sacre-Coeur already sits above the city, you can enjoy a great view of the city with the Eiffel Tower in the distance from the steps.

If you want to go in the Basilica, that is also free. However, there is a cost to climb the 300 steps to the dome. The view from the dome is not all that different from the view on the steps. It does give a different vantage point with views of the streets of Montmartre and most of the famous landmarks of Paris though.

In our three visits to Paris, we have yet to make it up to the Sacre-Coeur, but it is definitely on our list for next time!

looking up at tour eiffel from champ de mars

MONTPARNASSE TOWER: THE VIEW FROM THE PARIS MONTPARNASSEE OBSERVATORY

Go 210 metres up (689 feet up) for a view from the tallest building in Paris (other than the Eiffel Tower). Located in the 15th arrondissement on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower, tickets start at €16 for adults.

However, they also offer a special ticket you may want to consider. If you want to enjoy the view during the daytime and at night, you can get a Night & Day ticket. This ticket is good for two visits in a 48 hour period and starts at €22.50 ($25.50) for adults.

Their Macnicity app allows you to learn about the city as you enjoy the 360 degree views. Plus, once you are up there, you can take all the time you want to enjoy the views.

Get your ticket ahead of time so you can skip the line. The observation deck is open until 10:30 p.m. most nights and on 11:30 p.m. on select nights.

POMPIDOU CENTRE: ROOFTOP VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

You can enjoy the museum as well as the rooftop view here. If you want to skip the museum, you can purchase a ticket to go straight to the rooftop. There you can enjoy the views of the city and Eiffel Tower. This makes for a great spot to take in the sunset over the city while also enjoying another beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE: EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS FROM THE WATER

Taking a Seine River cruise is a relaxing way to get a unique view of Paris from the water. Enjoy a dinner cruise to have a meal as you pass by the best Paris landmarks or take a sightseeing cruise to focus on capturing photos and enjoying the views.

There are countless options for Seine River cruises depending on how much time you have and if you want to enjoy a meal or not. They are also a popular option for New Year’s Eve and other holidays.

If you will be visiting Paris for any holidays, book your cruise ahead of time. If you plan to go on weekends or evenings, it’s also a good idea to book early to make sure you get the one you want.

seine river sunset cruise with views of the eiffel tower

BEST VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER AT NIGHT

Most of the places listed here offer amazing views of the Eiffel Tower at night and during daylight hours. However, some of them are better than others.

Whether you plan to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower or just enjoy the views of it from the ground, make sure to check out the Eiffel Tower light show. The best time to see the Eiffel Tower is any time of the day or night and anytime of the year, but at night the magic reaches a whole new level.

Every night, starting at sunset and ending at 1 a.m., the light show plays for 5 minutes at the start of every hour. The entire Eiffel Tower sparkles with lights covering the tower. I lost track of how many times I stopped to watch the show because I loved it so much.

Here are the best spots to see the Eiffel Tower at night (all included above as well):

  • Trocadero – you can’t go wrong with Trocadero views anytime of the day or night. It offers unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower for the light show. However, it does get quite crowded in the earlier evening hours.
  • Parc du Champ-de-Mars – with so much room to relax and spread out a blanket, the Parc du Champ-de-Mars is a popular spot to gather and watch the Eiffel Tower light show. People bring a bottle of wine, spread out a blanket, and gather together to enjoy the Eiffel Tower at night all lit up.
  • Pont d’Lena – The streets on either side of the Pont d’Lena including Port Debilly offer additional space to spread out and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower along the Seine River in the nighttime hours.
  • Any of the bridges – any of the bridges along the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower will offer a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower at night, so find the one closest to where you will be to enjoy the light show.
champ de mars has one of the best views of the eiffel tower at night

BEST HOTELS WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS

Many of these hotels are not cheap. Some are a little more affordable, but many luxury hotels offer the best views of the Eiffel Tower. However, there are also lots of Paris Airbnbs you can consider for views of the Eiffel tower. There are also lots of cheaper hotels with partial views of the Eiffel Tower.

Peninsula Paris HotelOffering views of the Eiffel Tower from the rooms and the private terraces and rooftop gardens, the Peninsula Paris may be worth a splurge. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: Located just 300 meters (0.18 miles) from the Eiffel Tower, you can’t get much closer or much better views of the Eiffel Tower. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Le Metropolitan Paris Tour Eiffel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: This hotel has become more and more famous thanks to Instagram posts posing in front of the oval windows overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Ibis Paris Tour EiffelWith a 15-minute walk to the Eiffel Tour, the Ibis is another of the more affordable hotels with a view. As always, make sure to request or book a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile: Located a few miles from the city center, the Hyatt Regency offers a lower price option for an Eiffel Tower view. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

La Clef Tour EiffelFor opulence and luxury with a view of the Eiffel Tower, La Clef Tour Eiffel is your hotel. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Hotel Plaza AtheneeAnother of the top luxury hotels in Paris, Plaza Athenee features gorgeous Eiffel Tower views. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Mercure Paris Center Tour EiffelThe Mercure Paris Center Tour Eiffel is just a 5 minute walk from the Seine and one of the more reasonably priced hotels with an Eiffel Tower view. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

Shangri-La Hotel ParisThe name Shangri-La is synonymous with luxury throughout the world, but this location features Eiffel Tower views on top of the luxury amenities. Check prices and availability on Agoda.com or on Booking.com.

eiffel tower views
eiffel tower photo spots
best views of the eiffel tower over the city

TIPS FOR VISITING THE BEST EIFFEL TOWER PHOTO SPOTS

In general, try to get to the best Eiffel Tower photo spots earlier in the day. In the summer, you have a little more time to play with thanks to an early sunrise and late sunset. However, in the winter, you have less time before people are up and moving around, so try to get there close to sunrise.

Be patient, and you can get your Instagrammable shot at any of these places. Others usually want a quick photo and to move on to their next spot, so a little bit of patience can go a long way.

For more Paris travel tips, check out our related post on visiting Paris in the winter and our post on spending New Year’s in Paris. If you want more of the most Instagrammable places in Europe, check out our related posts on Instagram spots in London, Instagram spots in Lisbon, and Instagram spots in Barcelona.

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where to find the best eiffel tower photo spots

Joseph Wheeler

Friday 31st of December 2021

Thank you for the informative information. Looks like we need to add it to our bucket list. Thanks again.

Christine Wheeler

Friday 31st of December 2021

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful :-)