On the hunt for the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower?

When in Paris, there are so many pictures to take, especially photos of the Eiffel Tower – and of course, you’ll probably be itching to get some trendy pics for “the gram” while you’re here.

eiffel tower and parisian rooftops blue sky — View of the Eiffel Tower from the top of Le Centre Pompidou in May 2019

Not sure where to go in the city for the best view of the Iron Lady?

I’ve got you covered!

As someone living in Paris, you’re probably unaware of all the hidden locations to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower – but I’m going to share my secrets in this Eiffel Tower photo guide to make sure you get the best pictures during your trip to Paris.

Here’s my ultimate list of the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower:

15 Best Places to Take Pictures of the Eiffel Tower

Le Centre Pompidou

If you guys read my blog a lot, then you’ll know this is one of my favorite spots in Paris. Le Centre Pompidou is a big, ugly museum near the center of Paris – meaning you can’t miss it while exploring the city!

centre pompideou view of parisian rooftop buildings and eiffel tower — View of the Eiffel Tower from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France; June 2021

Do I need a ticket to go inside the Centre Pompidou?

No, you do not need to purchase a ticket to go inside the Centre Pompidou or go up to the top to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower. Just make sure you get in the line that says, “billets non réservés” or “non-reserved” tickets. There is a small section of security to go through, but I have never had a problem bringing food or water in.

Just don’t make the mistake I made a few times during my early days living in Paris; you don’t need to buy a ticket to go up. Just go through security, and follow the escalators to the left all the way up to the top.

There’s a little outdoor spot to sit for free too if you follow the signs!

There’s also a modern French restaurant called “Le Georges” at the top where you could enjoy the view with a meal.

Why is the Centre Pompidou a good place to take pictures of paris?

The Centre Pompidou is a good place to take pictures of Paris and the Eiffel Tower due to it’s central location, allowing you to see Notre-Dame, Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre, and other iconic Parisian monuments.

Overall, this is one of my favorite 100% free views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris.

Note: The Centre Pompidou is currently under construction until 2030 . Le Georges — the rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of the Centre Pompidou — is also currently closed indefinitely. You can check updates on the restaurant here .

2. Galleries Lafayette Haussmann

For years, I was trying to come here – and the men would always say it’s closed. It’s not.

You don’t even have to pay for this view of the Eiffel Tower – just take the elevators all the way up to the top floor.

galleries lafayette eiffel tower view summer flowers — View of the Eiffel Tower from Galleries Lafayette in Paris, France; July 2021

Honestly, if you can – this rooftop is prettiest in the spring and summer months. Otherwise, you risk the chance of it being too grey to see the Eiffel Tower from afar.

I love to take pictures near the flowers!

galeries lafayette purple flower grey sky — View of Paris from Galleries Lafayette in Paris, France; July 2021

Which Galleries Lafayette has the rooftop view?

Remember, there are two locations in Paris with a Galleries Lafayette (which is a department store similar to Nordstrom in the U.S.) – one is on Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement and the other is on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. For pictures of the Eiffel Tower, you want to go to the one on Boulevard Haussmann.

3. Top of Le Arc de Triomphe

This Eiffel Tower photo spot is a little on the expensive side, running €23,50 a ticket to go to the top – but it’s worth to do it at least once.

view of paris from the top of the arc de triomphe with eiffel tower on the left — View of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France; July 2021

selfies from the top of the arc de triomphe eiffel tower in background — Taking a selfie at the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France; July 2021

Is it worth it to go up the Arc de Triomphe?

Yes, going up the Arc de Triomphe is worth it for it’s stunning views of Paris and to learn more about the history behind this iconic Parisian monument. However, bear in mind that the line to enter the Arc de Triomphe can get long on free-entry days or weekends – meaning it’s best to go early in the morning and plan accordingly to avoid long lines.

4. Le Grand Rue at Jardin des Tulieres

This might be my all-time favorite view of Paris now.

view of eiffel tower and big green park with pond in middle — View from the Ferris Wheel in Paris, France; July 2021

Is it worth it to go on the Ferris Wheel in Paris?

This Ferris wheel is totally worth the €20 ticket! This is because Le Grand Rue at Jardin des Tulieres is smack in the center of the city, meaning you’ll be able to see every monument everywhere you turn – including Notre-Dame, Le Lovure, Invalides, Sacré Cœur, and more.

In addition to this, the Ferris wheel will take you up to the top twice – meaning you’ll have more than one chance to take some marvelous photos of this magical city.

When should I go up the Ferris wheel in Paris?

I ultimately recommend going up the Ferris wheel in Paris during the summer over the winter – as I’ve been up it during both seasons and found it to be too cloudy in December to fully enjoy the views of the city and the Eiffel Tower. Remember, Le Grand Rue in Paris is there during the summer and again during Marché de Noël des Tuileries – which is a well-known Christmas market in Paris. If you do decide to go the Ferris wheel between November or January, try to pick a clear day for the better visibility of the city.

Note: The Grande Roue — the large Ferris wheel in Paris — is only installed seasonally. Typically, you’ll find it in Paris during the summer months from June through August, and again during the holiday season from late November through early January.

5. Pont de la Concorde

Another place to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower is at Pont de la Concorde.

Before sunrise is nice…

eiffel tower silver with gold bridge over the seine river — View of the Eiffel Tower from Pont de la Concorde in Paris, France; July 2021

… but I absolutely adore marveling in my city at night from this spot.

eiffel tower lit up at night lights on the water — View of the Eiffel Tower from Pont de la Concorde at night in Paris, France; July 2021

6. Avenue de Saxe

I just found this wandering around my neighborhood one afternoon…

dead center view of eiffel tower on quiet street — View of the Eiffel Tower from Avenue de Saxe in Paris, France; July 2021

… Paris never gets old.

7. Tower Montparnasse

Many people know this is another old time favorite of mine.

view of eiffel tower and rest of paris cloudy day — View of the Eiffel Tower from Tower Montparnasse in Paris, France; June 2021

Is it worth going up Tour Montparnasse?

Yes, it’s absolutely worth going up Tour Montparnasse. This Parisian skyscraper is worth the visit – as it’s one of the tallest buildings in Paris, which can offer you a well rounded view of the city. It’s expensive, costing around 25€ for a standard ticket – but you’ll never get a better dead-on view of the Eiffel Tower.

There’s a nice rooftop bar called Skybar Paris up there, too!

8. Pont Alexandre III

Everyone knows this one; I can’t tell you how many times I walk on this bridge and wedding photos or commercials are being shot.

pont alexandre iii orange sunset bridge on water — View of the Eiffel Tower from Pont Alexandre III in Paris, France; July 2021

Clearly, there’s a good reason why!

9. Rue de l’universite

Seriously, one of my all-time favorite photo spots for the Eiffel Tower.

girl standing underneath eiffel tower sparkling at night — Admiring the Eiffel Tower at Night on Rue de Universite; June 2021

How do I find the Rue de l’universite Eiffel Tower Photo Spot?

To get to the Rue de l’Universite Eiffel Tower photo spot from the metro you are most likely to arrive at, École Militaire, simply walk straight all the way down Avenue de la Bourdonnais until you see the Eiffel Tower on your left.

As one of the most popular places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, this section of Rue de l’Universite and Avenue de la Bourdonnais is always crowded – and can be tricky to find if you don’t know the neighborhood.

I love to walk here with friends!

10. Avenue Bosquet

I can’t tell you how much I love to run and suddenly see the Eiffel Tower as my view and motivation.

eiffel tower in the middle of the street up close — View of the Eiffel Tower on Avenue Bosquet; September 2025

Located in the same neighborhood as Rue de l’Universite, this is a much less crowded Eiffel Tower photo spot and offers stunning views of the Iron Lady.

Simply walk to where Rue Edmon Valentin and Avenue Bosquet intersect for this incredible place to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower.

11. Square Rapp

This Eiffel Tower photo spot is like a little pocket of Spain in the seventh arrondissement!

eiffel tower in square with leady green trees and iron gate fences — View of the Eiffel Tower from Square Rapp in Paris, France; July 2021

12. Rue Grenelle

Every time I walk back from the city center of Paris, I love to marvel in this view, even after years of living in the city…

sunset pink clouds with view of eiffel tower — View of the Eiffel Tower near Musée de L’Armée in Paris, France; July 2021

To find this secret Eiffel Tower photo spot, walk towards Musée de L’Armée towards Esplanade de Invalides.

13. Rue Saint-Dominique

Adjacent to Rue Grenelle and known as the more touristic street to take photos of the Eiffel Tower – Rue Saint Domonique is a also fantastic spot for Eiffel Tower pictures!

Whether it be sunrise, during the day, or at night – it’s one of the best places in all of Paris to take beautiful pictures of the Eiffel Tower.

View of the Eiffel Tower during different times of the day in Paris, France; May 2026

14. Quai Branley

Walking around here near Pont L’alma is sure to get you a good picture of the Eiffel Tower.

eiffel tower with leafy green trees and blue sky — View of the Eiffel Tower near Pont L’alma in Paris, France; July 2021

15. Avenue de New York

Over in the 16th arrondissement and on the quieter side of Paris, there are stunning views of the Eiffel Tower along the seine – which offers a more tourist-free photo opportunity as most people congregate at Trocadéro.

eiffel tower on seine leafy green trees and small boat — View of Eiffel Tower from Avenue de New York along the seine; July 2021

And there you go!

These are just a few of my favorite places to spot the Eiffel tower and take a fantastic picture.

I actually have a few more…but you’ll just have to keep reading or watching to find them all.

Eiffel Tower at night at Champs des Mars in Paris, France; July 2021

Tips for Visiting Places for the Best Eiffel Tower Pictures

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for someone who has been living near the Eiffel Tower and taking pictures for years:

Beware of Pickpockets: Petty theft is relativelty common in Paris, even for locals. While it’s more likely to happen on the metro, it could also happen near some of these places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower – so be sure to still keep your wits about you while snapping those photos, no matter how magical the Eiffel Tower is!
Avoid Crowds & Arrive Early in the Morning: If you want to avoid crowds in your Eiffel Tower pictures, be sure to arrive to these photo spots on the early side. In general, as someone who lives in the neighborhood where tourists often dwell to take photos of the Eiffel Tower – it’s emptiest in the early morning, busiest around the late afternoon, and then lightens again as the sun goes down.
Don’t Be Afraid of Locals: Many of these places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower are in residential and international family-friendly neighborhoods – meaning there might be a kind person from time to time (such as myself) offering to take the picture for you. I promise, we’re not trying to steal your phones – we just don’t want to see you struggling to take a selfie with the Eiffel Tower behind you!

🇫🇷✨📸 FAQs on the Best Photo Spots in Paris 📸✨🇫🇷

🥐 Should I eat near the Eiffel Tower?

Honestly, as someone living here — the best places to eat near the Eiffel Tower are usually tucked away on side streets instead of directly on the main boulevard. I’ve been to all the major cafés in the area, such as Café Le Dôme, Bistrot de la Tour Eiffel, and Le Champ de Mars, but they aren’t necessarily the best. I recommend places nearby but deeper into the Gros-Caillou neighborhood, like Le Comptoir de la Traboule or even Café Esplanade near Invalides.

🌅 What time of day should I see the Eiffel Tower?

As someone living near the Eiffel Tower, I personally love seeing it at sunset or at night. Sunrise can be beautiful too, but the light doesn’t always hit the same way.

📷 What time of day is the Eiffel Tower empty?

If you want a nearly personless picture of the Eiffel Tower at a popular photo spot like Rue de l’Université, you’re going to have to commit to waking up early. I run past this infamous photo spot almost every day on my runs, and let me tell you — it is almost never empty. I would suggest going before 8 AM if you really want it to feel quiet.

✨ What time does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

The time that the Eiffel Tower sparkles depends on the time of year and how much daylight is outside. For instance, in December it’ll usually sparkle around 6 PM sharp — but in June, it’s often as late as 11 PM. I always see tourists thinking the Eiffel Tower will simply sparkle for five minutes on the hour, but that’s not exactly the case. If the Eiffel Tower isn’t already glowing gold when the hour strikes, it’ll be another hour until the light show. You can read more about Eiffel Tower sparkle times in my trip to Paris guide .

Want to see the best places to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower in real-time? Watch my YouTube video below to see all of these photo spots & MORE (there are some extra special Eiffel Tower photo locations I shared in the video…) in action!

Looking for more information about Paris as you plan your trip to France?

Click here to discover more, as I have several articles like this to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris and the rest of France.

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