13 Best Views of Paris You Can't Miss: A Local’s Guide
Having lived in Paris for years, the cinematic charm of the city truly never gets old – with views of the Sacré-Cœur in the distance or the Eiffel Tower peeping out through the street, it makes you wonder if there even is a single best view of Paris to be found in the city.
View of Eiffel Tower from Place de Nation in Paris, France; June 2026
Common tourist attractions like the Champs-Élysées or Eiffel Tower are great for a first trip to Paris, but are those really the best views of Paris that you can find?
After living here for several years, I’m going to share what I believe are the best views of Paris: from local rooftop bars, lesser known observation decks, and residential parks that offer beautiful views of Paris – often without breaking the bank.
What’s a better way to enjoy views of Paris than for them to be free?
🗼📸 BEST VIEWS OF PARIS AT A GLANCE 🇫🇷
| If You Want Views Of... | Go Here |
|---|---|
| 🏙️ The city as a whole | Sacré-Cœur Steps (Montmartre) |
| 🗼 The Eiffel Tower | Trocadéro |
| 🌳 Paris' green spaces & monuments | Parc de Belleville |
| 🌆 A 360° panorama of Paris | Le Tout-Paris (Cheval Blanc) |
| 🌉 The Seine & Paris' bridges | Pont de la Concorde |
| 🦅 A bird's-eye view of the city | Montparnasse Tower |
If you want to find the most magical views of Paris, here are some of my favorite spots to have a “pinch me” moment and remind myself that I live I the most beautiful city in the world.
13 Best Views of Paris (According to a Local)
Centre Pompidou
🚇 Nearest Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11)
💸 Price: Free viewpoint
🕒 Opening Hours: Closed until 2030
🥂 Best For: Free rooftop views of central Paris.
🗼 You'll See: Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, the Eiffel Tower, and the rooftops of Le Marais.
✨ My Local Tip: Once it reopens, simply go through security and ride the escalators—you don't need a museum ticket or restaurant reservation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]
This is one of my all-time favorite views on Paris. I’ve been coming here for years on end, both when I was a tourist in the city and would also just pop-up here at random times when I would pass by the neighborhood running errands.
View of Paris from the Centre Pompideou in Paris, France; June 2022
Contrary to what many people think, you don’t need to fine dine at the fancy restaurant on the top floor or pay a ticket for an exhibition – you simply need to walk in, go through security, and take the escalators to the left all the way up to the top for stunning views of Paris.
Note box, unfortunately, the centre pompideou is closed until 2030 – but time will fly. Leave this on your list for a future return to paris, because I promise – you won’t want to miss it!
2. Panthéon
🚇 Nearest Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
💸 Price: €16 (when open)
🕒 Opening Hours: Panorama currently closed (as of 2026)
🥂 Best For: Central panoramic views over Paris.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, Notre-Dame, and central Paris.
✨ My Local Tip: Sadly, the panorama remains closed as of 2026, but it's worth keeping on your Paris bucket list for a future visit. :contentReference[oaicite:1]
This was one of those spots in Paris that I could believe I hadn’t been up until I had finally made my way to the top.
After going up to the top of the Pantheon in Paris with my uncle and cousin, I quickly realized this was one of the most beautiful views of Paris.
View of Paris from the Panthéon in Paris, France; June 2024
As the Panthéon is very centrally located, it offers dead-on views of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of the city.
Note box, Sadly, as of 2026 – the pantheon panorama is closed. When I asked a worker (in French) when it would be up and running again, he said it would be closed for the rest of the year at least – and this checks out, as the website says it’s closed indefinitely as well.
3. Le tout de paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Pont Neuf (Line 7)
💸 Price: €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM
🥂 Best For: Luxury rooftop drinks with 360° city views.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Seine, Pont Neuf, and Sacré-Cœur.
✨ My Local Tip: Reserve a table around sunset—the views become even more magical as Paris begins to light up. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
I’ve explored my fair share of rooftop bars in Paris, but if I had to pick one with the best overall views of Paris – it would have to be Le Tout de Paris.
View of Paris from Le Cheval Blanc rooftop bar in Paris, France; June 2026
Offering sweeping, 360 ° views of the city – this rooftop bar found right near Pont Neuf inside the coveted Cheval Blanc hotel is the place to be for views of Paris of all kinds: from the Eiffel Tower, Seine, Notre-Dame, and even the Sacré-Cœur.
4. Top of the Arc de Triomphe
🚇 Nearest Metro: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (Lines 1, 2 & 6)
💸 Price: €22
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM–11 PM
🥂 Best For: Seeing one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, La Défense, Montmartre, and twelve Parisian avenues radiating from the monument.
✨ My Local Tip: Book your ticket ahead of time and come first thing in the morning before the crowds build. :contentReference[oaicite:2]
The Arc de Triomphe is beautiful on its own, and has its own chaotic vibe (especially when driving around in the lane-less traffic circle) – but did you know that you could go to the top for amazing views of Paris?
View of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop bar in Paris, France; September 2025
It’s a steep price of 22€ to go all the way to the top, but trust me – it’s a view that’s well worth it. In all of the views I have seen of Paris, this is the one that gets as close to the Eiffel Tower as possible – emanating the feeling of being able to touch it and see all of its lace-like intricacies from afar.
5. Montmartre: Steps at the Sacré-Cœur
🚇 Nearest Metro: Anvers (Line 2)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7
🥂 Best For: Sunset views and people watching.
🗼 You'll See: Nearly the entire Paris skyline stretching across the city.
✨ My Local Tip: Come early in the morning or at sunrise if possible—the steps become incredibly crowded from the afternoon onward. :contentReference[oaicite:5]
I’m here to confirm that this commonly shared tip is true: the view from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur is one of the most enchanting and eye-opening views of Paris in the entire city.
View of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France; May 2024
It truly is one of the best places in Paris to watch the sunset, as Montmartre is perched on a hill – allowing you to take in jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city.
As Montmartre is jam-packed with a lot to see, I really recommend exploring it with Voice Maps. I’ve tested these tours myself in Paris and was amazed at the local knowledge and intuitiveness of the app, as it actually starts and stops speaking depending on your location and the direction you’re walking in!
Just bear in mind, the steps are often packed – especially on weekends, as even locals like myself enjoy this view in Paris!
6. Parc de Belleville
🚇 Nearest Metro: Pyrénées (Line 11)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily (hours vary slightly by season)
🥂 Best For: Quiet viewpoints away from the tourist crowds.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, and Paris' beautiful green rooftops.
✨ My Local Tip: Pair your visit with the cafés and art galleries around Belleville—it's one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Paris. :contentReference[oaicite:0]
Located far off on the east side of Paris away from the majority of tourist attractions, Parc de Belleville offers a gorgeous view of the green side of Paris alongside views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
View of Paris from Parc de Belleville in Paris, France; April 2025
The great thing about coming to this area is that it’s lined with local cafés and art galleries, making it a fun and underrated place to see in Paris in addition to discovering the beautiful surrounding views the neighborhood and park have to offer.
7. Montparnasse Tower
🚇 Nearest Metro: Montparnasse–Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12 & 13)
💸 Price: €23
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–11:30 PM (hours vary slightly by season)
🥂 Best For: Panoramic bird's-eye views of Paris.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, Invalides, and the Paris skyline.
✨ My Local Tip: Visit around golden hour so you can watch Paris transition from daylight into the sparkling city lights after sunset.
I remember on my first trip to Paris, I went up the Montparnasse Tower near the tail end of my first visit – and seeing the city from above like this was what finally sealed the deal in knowing deep down I would want to live here someday.
View of Paris from Montparnasse Tower in Paris, France; May 2017
As Montparnasse Tower stands at a whopping 689 feet (210 meters) tall, you’ll be able to get views of Paris like you won’t be able to anywhere else in the city – as it’ll make massive attractions like the Arc de Triomphe feel miniscule from a distance.
8. Musée d’Orsay
🚇 Nearest Metro: Solférino (Line 12)
💸 Price: €16
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–6 PM (late Thursday)
🥂 Best For: Museum lovers and iconic Paris photography.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower and the famous giant clock overlooking Sacré-Cœur.
✨ My Local Tip: Visit first thing in the morning before both the museum and viewpoint become busy. :contentReference[oaicite:6]
Musée d’Orsay happens to be my favorite museum in all of Paris, as it’s home to classics like one of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” paintings – and also has exceptionally pretty views of Paris.
View of Paris from Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France; March 2024
When I came here for the second time with my mom a couple of years ago, we were wondering about the exhibits on the upper floords and came across windows with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.
Also, if you’ve seen that famous picture of the Sacré-Cœur peeking through an old antique-looking clock: this is where it is. You can find this unique view of the famous Parisian Basilica at the restaurant inside Musée d’Orsay on the 5th floor.
9. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
🚇 Nearest Metro: Chaussée d'Antin–La Fayette (Lines 7 & 9)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily during department store opening hours
🥂 Best For: Free rooftop views in central Paris.
🗼 You'll See: Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.
✨ My Local Tip: Go in the morning if you want photos without dozens of other people crowding the rooftop. :contentReference[oaicite:7]
This is one of those views of Paris that is plastered all over Tik Tok, but honestly – it is indeed a classic worth sharing time and time again.
View of Paris from Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France; July 2021
From the nifty views of the cool Opéra rooftop to your left and the Eiffel Tower in the distance to your right – this is a view in Paris for the books.
Not to mention, this is another entirely free view of Paris: all you have to do is ride the escalator or elevators all the way up to the top until you hit the final view.
Just bear in mind, this gets extremely busy on the weekends and at night – I really recommend coming as early as possible if taking good photos is your utmost priority to avoid the crowds.
10. Printemps Rooftop
🚇 Nearest Metro: Havre–Caumartin (Lines 3 & 9)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily during department store opening hours
🥂 Best For: A quieter rooftop experience than Galeries Lafayette.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and Paris rooftops.
✨ My Local Tip: If Galeries Lafayette is packed, simply walk a few minutes here for a much calmer rooftop experience. :contentReference[oaicite:8]
Another beautiful view of Paris, of which many tourists skip as their too preoccupied with visiting Galeries Lafayette – is the nearby rooftop found at the department store called “Printemps”.
View of Paris from Printemps in Paris, France; November 2025
A quieter, but just as breathtaking view of the city – Printemps offers a cute little backyard-garden-style patio in the summer and a winter-wonderland alongside a small ice wink in the winter to let tourists and locals alike marvel in the views of the city.
11. Trocadéro
🚇 Nearest Metro: Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7
🥂 Best For: Classic Eiffel Tower photos.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and the Seine.
✨ My Local Tip: Sunrise is absolutely worth the early alarm—you'll have far fewer people in your photos. :contentReference[oaicite:9]
One of the most classic views of Paris is to visit Trocadéro, which is best known for its commanding views of the Eiffel Tower – making it an undeniably incredible place to take pictures of the infamous monument and its surrounding city-scape.
View of Paris from Trocadéro in Paris, France; May 2019
You can wander the steps and the nearby gardens too to enjoy either a miniature photoshoot or a picnic to soak in sublime views in front of you.
I would come here all of the time during my early years in visiting Paris, as it really does have a magnetic and alluring aura that makes you wonder if the city and its beauty is even real.
12. Pont de la Concorde
🚇 Nearest Metro: Concorde (Lines 1, 8 & 12)
💸 Price: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7
🥂 Best For: Peaceful Seine views without the crowds.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Seine bridges, Les Invalides, and river reflections.
✨ My Local Tip: This is one of my favorite viewpoints in Paris because surprisingly few tourists stop here. :contentReference[oaicite:10]
This is one of those views of Paris that I am always stumped when passing by as to why there aren’t more tourists taking photos.
View of Paris from Pont de la Concorde in Paris, France; May 2019
What I honestly consider to be one of my personal favorite views of Paris, as I love to gaze at the reflection on the seine and the shimmering Eiffel Tower whenever I cross Pont de la Concorde.
This is perfect if you want a view of Paris that immediately is recognizable, but isn’t muddled with people trying to take endless photos – which can’t be said of other more touristic places in Paris, like the top of the Eiffel Tower itself.
13. Ferris wheel at Fête des Tuileries
🚇 Nearest Metro: Tuileries (Line 1)
💸 Price: €20
🕒 Opening Hours: Opens around 11:00 AM during the Fête des Tuileries (summer) and Christmas fair; closing time varies, typically late evening.
🥂 Best For: A unique panoramic view of Paris.
🗼 You'll See: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Panthéon, Sacré-Cœur, and much more.
✨ My Local Tip: I treat myself to this Ferris wheel every year on my birthday. It may seem touristy, but the panoramic views are genuinely among my favorites in all of Paris. :contentReference[oaicite:11]
What I probably consider to be one of the most unique and panoramic views of Paris out of all of these, is one that’s only available at certain times of the year – and it’s the Ferris Wheel, better known as La Grande Roue, at Jardin des Tulieries.
View of Paris from the Ferris Wheel in Paris, France; July 2026
Don’t let the 20€ ticket to go up fool you into thinking this is a common tourist trap. As a local, I treat myself to going up the Paris Ferris Wheel once every year on my birthday to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
There’s nothing you won’t be able to see from up here. From the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Pantheon, and even the Sacré-Cœur – a ride on the Ferris Wheel in Paris will give you some jaw-dropping views of the city like no other.
Popular Views in Paris to Avoid
What I am about to say may sound contradictory, but as someone who lives near the Eiffel Tower and who has scoured the city for every best view of Paris – I am telling you: don’t go up Eiffel Tower if you want the best views of the city.
I’m going to tell you what I tell every tourist I run into while they’re sightseeing in my neck of the woods. The reason why the Eiffel Tower is not the best view of Paris is because the best views of Paris have the Eiffel Tower in them.
Without the iconic Iron Lady in your city-scape shot of Paris, something will inherently feel lacking – because it is. That’s why all of the places I recommended above have the Eiffel Tower in them.
🗼✨ MY TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST VIEWS OF PARIS 🇫🇷
🌅 Go Early
Avoid visiting most viewpoints after 3:00 PM, as crowds become much heavier later in the day. This is especially true for the steps of Sacré-Cœur, the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and the Musée d'Orsay, all of which are much more enjoyable earlier in the morning.
🎟️ Book Ahead
Reserve tickets for attractions like the Musée d'Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe in advance whenever possible. Not only will you save yourself from long queues, but you'll also have more flexibility to visit at the best times of day.
🚶 Wander Without a Plan
Don't be afraid to simply explore. Some of the prettiest streets and unexpected viewpoints I've found in Paris happened completely by accident while wandering around the city. Check out my guide to the prettiest streets in Paris if you're looking for inspiration before you head out.
View of Paris from Le Toit de la Tour in Paris, France; July 2026
🗼📸 Best Views of Paris FAQ 🇫🇷
Looking for more information and Paris and France as you plan your trip?
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.
Additional articles you may find helpful include:
10 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train (From a Local's Perspective)
15 Best Rooftop Bars in Paris You’ll Actually Want to Visit in 2026
10 Best Neighborhoods in Paris: Where to Stay (A Local’s Guide)
Your Guide to a First Trip to Paris: A Local-Approved 5-Day Itinerary
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Last updated: July 25, 2026