Where to Get the Best Views of the Eiffel Tower

Seeing the Eiffel Tower against the skyline is worth a trip to Paris—here are the best spots in the city to see the famous structure from afar.
  • This image may contain Landscape Outdoors Nature Scenery Aerial View Architecture Tower Building Spire and Steeple
    © Carin Olsson

    Arc de Triomphe

    After climbing 284 steps to reach the top of the monument, you’ll be greeted by one of the most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower—for a second or two, it looks like the tower is floating on top of the Parisian rooftops. From here, you can also see down the Champs-Élysées and all the way to La Défense, a major business district in Paris. The best time to visit is when the sun is starting to set over the city. If you’re really lucky, you'll see the Eiffel Tower sparkle for the first time that evening.

    Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
    Métro stop: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (line: 1, 2 and 6)

  • © Henk Meijer / Alamy

    Tour Montparnasse

    Tour Montparnasse isn't the prettiest building in Paris, but the 689-foot skyscraper does offer some impressive views of the city (and it’s one of the few places with elevator access to the top). Take in a 360-degree view from the 56th floor; and if you dare, continue up to the terrace, which is the highest viewing platform in Paris.

    Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
    Métro stop: Montparnasse–Bienvenüe (line: 4, 6, 12 and 13)

  • Courtesy Hôtel Raphael

    Hôtel Raphael

    Paris has its share of luxury hotels with magnificent views, but there’s something special about the experience from the rooftop terrace at Hôtel Raphael. Take a seat beneath rose-covered trellises and enjoy a drink or two with the Eiffel Tower looming on the horizon. This terrace is best during warm spring days and the summer (naturally), and it’s always a good idea to make a reservation for the terrace.

    Address: 17 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris (16th arrondissement)
    Métro stop: Kléber (line: 6)

  • © Jeff Greenberg 5 of 6 / Alamy

    Printemps

    From the terrace at shopping center Printemps (located on the roof, not far from the beauty products and home décor), you’ll be able to see both the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur, among other sites. Take a pause in between shops and rest your feet at the department store’s café, also located on the terrace.

    Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
    Métro stop: Havre–Caumartin (line: 3 and 9)

Trending Stories
  • © blickwinkel / Alamy

    Pont de Bir-Hakeim

    Pont de Bir-Hakeim, which connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements, offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. This now quite famous bridge (thanks to movies like Inception) has a symmetrical design—plus, you know, stunning views of the tower and the Seine—that makes it a popular spot for photographers.

    Address: Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris
    Métro stop: Bir-Hakeim (line: 6)

  • © Roland Nagy / Alamy

    Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

    Notre Dame is breathtaking on its own, but it also affords one of the best views in the city. Come prepared: You’ll have to climb about 387 steps to get to the top of the tower, but from there, you can see all along the Seine, to the Eiffel Tower, and over to Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Treat yourself to a few cream puffs at Odette or a warm cappuccino from Coutume Café (at the Finnish Institute) after your workout.

    Address: Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
    Métro stop: Saint-Michel/Cité (line: 4)

Trending Stories
  • © Carin Olsson

    Rue Saint-Dominique

    There’s nothing too spectacular about the view down Rue Saint-Dominique (in the 7th arrondissement), but it’s still one of the loveliest spots to admire the tower from afar. Some of the best gems in the city are right here, including Hôtel Thoumieux and its excellent brasserie and the sweet shop Aux Merveilleux de Fred.

    Address: 79 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
    Métro stop: La Tour-Maubourg (line: 8)

  • © Carin Olsson

    Trocadero

    All roads seem to lead to the Trocadero for a view of the Eiffel Tower's light show. As soon as the first twinkle starts, you’ll hear the crowd gasp and cheer while pulling out their phones and cameras to capture the magical moment. It’s free, always open, and accessible to everyone. To warm up frozen fingers and toes afterward, head to Carette for hot chocolate and macarons.

    Address: Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris
    Métro stop: La Tour-Maubourg (line: 6 and 9)

Trending Stories
  • © Carin Olsson

    Champ de Mars

    The most classic view of the Eiffel Tower might be the one you’ll get from walking along the Champ de Mars. Some might call it boring, but we call it timeless. A picnic on the lawns around the tower’s base is a must once the weather allows it. Bring a bottle of champagne, bread, cheese, and charcuterie and stay until the tower sparkles for the first time that evening. It never gets old.

    Address: Place Jacques Rueff, 75007 Paris
    Métro stop: École Militaire (line: 8)