In Paris and looking for the best Eiffel Tower photo spots? I’ve got you covered.
When people think of Paris, they think of the Eiffel Tower. For some reason, this metal structure has become a symbol of romance- ironically it was to be torn down for being an “eyesore” back in the day.
But what would Paris be without its Eiffel Tower? It is iconic!
Of course, being a travel blogger in Paris, I had the need to capture all of the different possible angles of this gorgeous monument!
From personal experience and helpful tips from my Parisian native friends, I’ve compiled this list of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots!
Without further ado, here are the best places to view and the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
1. Trocadero
The Trocadero is probably the best Eiffel Tower photo spot for getting that picture-perfect snap of the tower. Directly across the Seine from the Iron Lady, it offers a perfect view. In fact, most of the Eiffel Tower photos you’ve seen on Instagram are from this well-known location.
If you have your heart set on capturing Eiffel Tower photos at Trocadero, know that you will probably have to be patient with other people trying to get their own photos!
The best way to avoid crowds is to go early (but even then, expect some photo traffic!).
2. Sacre-Coeur
This is personally my favorite view of Paris, hands down. With 360-degree views of the city, dreamy columns, and wide passageways, the Sacre-Coeur is the perfect Eiffel Tower photo spot!
Just know that the Eiffel Tower will appear small since it is quite a ways away. But regardless, the view is magnificent! Sacre-Coeur is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris (check here for my full list of photo-worthy spots!).
Other things to note:
- You have to pay a small fee to climb up the Sacre-Coeur.
- There are lots of steps too- around 300- to get to the top of the dome! Definitely not handicap-accessible.
- Bring a zoom lens if you have one! That will make it so the Eiffel Tower appears larger, making it stand out more in your photos.
3. Avenue de Cameons
Here’s another great Instagrammable Eiffel Tower photo spot! It’s right next to the Trocadero and combines pretty columns, a staircase, and classic Parisian architecture with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower!
When we visited around 9:30 am, we were pretty much the only people here, too! That was a huge relief following our Trocadero experience (aka tourist central).
4. 22 Rue de Universite
This street is right next to the Eiffel Tower and gives a dreamy larger-than-life version of the monument. The first photo is one we captured in 2017. Since then, the street has actually been blocked off to cars, which I appreciate- though it has become quite the popular Eiffel Tower photo spot.
Now that more and more people know about it, it’s harder to get a photo here. But it’s worth it when you do! Just make sure you’ve packed plenty of patience.
We got the second photo in October- I wanted to include both photos so that you can see the difference the leaves make!
5. Au Canon des Invalides
Eiffel Tower photo spots #5 (this one) and #6 on this list are both charming Eiffel Tower street views framed by adorable Parisian cafes.
Au Canon du Invalides gives your photos more neutral colors with a pop of red, while the next spot has a darker, more colorful facade. Photograph both, or choose based on which vibe you prefer!
6. Le Recrutement Café
Like I said earlier, this spot will give you a very colorful view of the Eiffel Tower, with a big ‘ol pop of red! How stunning is this sunset shot at Le Recrutement Café?
7. Arc D’Triomphe
The Arc d’Triomphe is relatively close to the Eiffel Tower, which is good when it comes to viewing it. It definitely makes it a prime Eiffel Tower photo spot while also giving you tremendous 360-degree views of the city!
But if you’re wanting to be in the picture, just know there are huge spikes that will be in your photo. You can see them here (what you can’t see is that I’m on my tip-toes so that the spikes don’t take over the whole photo! And I’m 5’6″ for reference).
If you’re looking for a standalone photo of the Eiffel Tower, bring a zoom lens and you’ll be able to capture something like the second photo here!
8. Banks of the Seine
There are so many places along the banks of the Seine where you can capture a great photo of the Eiffel Tower, but this spot, in particular, is my favorite!
You get both the cool bridge architecture and the Eiffel Tower itself!
How to get to this Eiffel Tower photo spot: it’s just to the right of the Pont d’Iéna bridge. Before you cross the bridge, as you’re approaching from the Trocadero, you’ll see a staircase! Simply go down that staircase and voila! You’re here!
9. Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Somehow, at the time of writing, not too many people have posted this spot on Instagram. So I’m especially excited to bring it to your attention! If you’re looking for the coolest rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower, look no further.
Head to the roof of Galeries Lafayette for this view! It’s free to access, and you’ll most likely see people catching rays up here if it’s a sunny day!
Definitely one of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots if you ask me!
10. Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is perfect for pictures along the Seine with Eiffel Tower views. The architecture of the bridge is also stunning and adds to any photo you’re taking! The style of the bridge makes this one of the most romantic Eiffel Tower photoshoot locations if you ask me!
11. Bir Hakeim Bridge
The Bir Hakeim Bridge frames the Eiffel Tower in such a dreamy way with the bridge beams and the hanging lamp. You can also get a cool shot of the bridge straight on since the architecture is so cool (though you won’t have the Eiffel Tower in that kind of shot).
12. Square Rapp
You used to be able to get the dreamiest shot of the Eiffel Tower in Square Rapp from behind the fence (not pictured above; it’s behind me as I take this photo). However, they’ve since posted “no photography” and “private property, no trespassing” signs. Such a bummer because it was truly the cutest Eiffel Tower view!
Nevertheless, you can still get a cool angle of the Eiffel Tower here, just from the street instead.
13. Pont d’Iéna
Crossing over from the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be footing it across the Pont d’Iéna bridge. Though this isn’t really a spot for a full photoshoot per se, you can definitely get a cute shot or two here!
14. Printemps Haussman
This Eiffel Tower spot is actually from the outdoor balcony of a huge department store, the Printemps Haussman men’s part of the building. On the seventh and eighth floors, you’ll find the food court area, which has an outdoor balcony with the views seen here. (We took these photos a few years apart which is why the lighting is so different!)
You can also go all the way up to the rooftop to check out the views from Perruche, a gorgeous rooftop restaurant!
15. Place Jacques Rueff
For a completely urban view of the Eiffel Tower, Place Jacques Rueff crosses over Champs de Mars and gives you the view you see here. When the leaves are on the trees, it’s particularly pretty!
16. Champs De Mars
You simply cannot go wrong with this Eiffel Tower photo spot. Champs de Mars is the large grassy/walkway covered area right in front of the Eiffel Tower. It stretches for quite a long way, so there are endless photo opportunities here!
Whether you set up a picture-perfect picnic, do a couples photoshoot, or simply pose for a quick shot with the tower, you can’t go wrong here!
The only catch: when we visited in March, the grass sections were fenced off temporarily as the grass grew in following the winter. But you can still get shots like the ones above!
And I’d say that Champs de Mars is especially beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!
17. Eiffel Tower Carousel
Though it’s currently fenced off, you can still get a gorgeous shot of the carousel with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
18. Avenue Silvestre de Sacy
If you’re a fan of low-angle shots or close-ups, you’ll love this spot! At Avenue Silvestre de Sacy, you’ll get up close and personal with the Iron Lady herself!
19. The Peninsula’s Rooftop Restaurant
The Peninsula Hotel’s Michelin-rated restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, makes for a stunning dining photo! The views here are simply breathtaking!
Note that you’ll almost certainly need a reservation and that this place is pretty pricy, so keep those two things in mind!
20. Montparnasse
Another cool view of the Eiffel Tower is brought to you by Montparnasse, the tallest building in Paris! Tickets start at 16 euros per adult and you’ll get 360-degree views over Paris from its observation deck, 210 meters (689 feet) up in the sky! Just keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower will be pretty small if you’re using a non-zoom lens.
If you get their day and night pass, this is one of the coolest places to take Eiffel Tower pictures at night, since it lights up and stands out so clearly!
21. Notre Dame (once it’s repaired)
For the sake of making this post accurate for years to come, I’m throwing Notre Dame in here. Unfortunately, Notre Dame isn’t set to be completed until 2024! But once it’s ready, you can bet it’ll resume its spot as the most visited monument in Paris.
In terms of getting an Eiffel Tower photo with you in it, there are a few things you should be aware of. While there are great views of the city from Notre Dame, know that this wired cage will be in every single photo! Also, this spot also requires a lot of stair climbing: 387 steps to be precise!
Your Eiffel Tower questions answered
Before we wrap this post up, let’s go over some FAQs:
When is the best time to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower?
Early morning is the best time to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower if you want to avoid crowds. Later on in the day, you’ll often have to wait your turn in the more popular photo spots.
Nighttime is also a great time to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower, particularly when the tower lights up.
When does the Eiffel Tower light up?
Starting at dusk, light sensors on the tower signal it to light up until 1 am. The lights turn on within ten minutes of it becoming dusk. So check what time the sun sets on the day you plan on visiting, and add in a ten-minute buffer.
The Eiffel Tower also sparkles at night for five minutes every hour on the hour. This is a particularly dreamy time to capture video!
What is the best place to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower?
The Trocadero is the most classic spot to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
Additionally, I’d say that the best spot to take pictures is Champs de Mars, the banks of the Seine, or Pont Alexandre III.
Where is the best street view of the Eiffel Tower?
The best street view of the Eiffel Tower is on Rue Saint-Dominique.
While Rue de l’Université gives a great view, this area is usually very crowded, so you’re better off at one of the classic Parisian cafes on Rue Saint-Dominique. Au Canon des Invalides and Le Recrutement Café are two great places with street views of the Eiffel Tower.
What is the best Eiffel Tower rooftop view?
The Sacre-Coeur offers the best view of the Eiffel Tower from its dome. But if you want a classic rooftop, Galeries Lafayette has the best rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
In conclusion…
There you have it: the 21 best Eiffel Tower photo spots! Which of these are you most eager to photograph?
And if you know of more great places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower, let me know in the comments below!
Safe travels!
Jasmine
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One Response
Nice article and beautiful photos! However during my trip to Paris we attempted to visit #4 on the list, 22 rue de l’université and…. I think you meant **222**!!! We should have checked our map because 22 is nowhere near the tower 😅