16 Best Places to Take Pictures of the Eiffel Tower (2023)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Wondering what the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower are? You’re in the right place.

Paris is beautiful from every angle, but the Eiffel Tower stands out as one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in the world. From the ground or from a rooftop, this grand structure is a photographer’s dream.

Whether you’re an amateur photographer trying to capture memories or a professional seeking that perfect shot, there are plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos of the Eiffel Tower.

Keep reading to learn all about the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower, from travelers who have been to those very locations!

Best Places to Take Pictures of the Eiffel Tower

Pont de Bir Hakeim Bridge

The Pont de Bir Hakeim Bridge offers a breathtaking setting to capture stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower. It is typically a little less crowded, especially in the evening, and not as well known as a photo opportunity in Paris.

Here, you’ll have the Eiffel Tower gracing the background, complemented by the flowing river, creating a truly picturesque scene. It provides quite a classical Paris look that captivates and captures its industrial beauty.

After living in Germany – only a 2-hour train ride from Paris, it has been one of my beloved and treasured spots to visit that should be on any new traveler’s bucket list to Paris.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply a tourist looking for an unforgettable experience, this bridge offers a distinct perspective on the Eiffel Tower, leaving a lasting impression and memories to cherish.

Contributed by Stephanie from Adventures with Nienie

Avenue Rapp

Avenue Rapp is one of the best places to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris that is located within the seventh arrondissement, 

In particular, Square Rapp is particularly special and can be found between 33 and 35 Avenue Rapp. 

This is a great spot to take a photo with the Eiffel Tower since this stunning square features a well-maintained garden, exquisite iron gates, and a delightful fountain.

Plus, as you stand in the square, you can capture a lovely photo of the gardens in the foreground with the city’s Haussman-style architecture and the Eiffel Tower behind it.

However, this is a quiet neighborhood, so please limit the noise you make when you visit. You will also want to arrive early in the morning to avoid people walking into your shot. 
Additionally, you’ll want to stop at the nearby Lavirotte Building to enjoy the gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture Paris is known for during your 5 days in Paris.

Contributed by Linda from Linda on the Run

Avenue de New York

Avenue de New York is just a few minutes walk from the base of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a perfect place to take some classic shots of the most famous landmark in Paris. Avenue de New York is opposite the Eiffel Tower on the right bank of the Seine, the ideal location for you to take beautiful photos of the river with the tower in the background.

For the best images, head towards the point where Avenue de New York meets Pont d’Iéna. Finding a spot to pause for an uninterrupted view of the Eiffel Tower is very easy there.

This location will bring you close enough to get great photos without being so close that the tower is distorted in your image. Visit in the afternoon when the sun will be behind you for the best lighting. 

Contributed by Fiona from Following Fiona

Avenue de Cameons

Avenue de Cameons has to make the list as one of the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower while in Paris! It’s a great quick photo stop since the viewpoint is so close to other tourist stops like the Trocadero and Pont d’iena bridge. A small side street next to the Trocadero, there are beautiful Parisian-style buildings surrounding this photo stop. 

The look of the buildings around you with the Eiffel Tower tucked away in the background makes for one of the best classic and romantic Parisian photos. And while it is a popular photo spot, it usually doesn’t get as crowded as some of the other hot spots around the city with Eiffel Tower views. 

Plus, there’s a fantastic ledge that makes for one of the most picturesque places to hop up on to strike a pose. Go in the late afternoon near golden hour to get great lighting of the Eiffel Tower from this spot.

Contributed by Kate from Kate Roams the World

Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars is one of the best and most classic places to view the Eiffel Tower. The Champ de Mars is the long greenspace right in front of the Eiffel Tower and is one of the best parks in Paris to relax and spend time in.

There are multiple sections of grass that you can lounge out on and enjoy a leisurely lunch, wide walking paths lined with trees, lots of park benches, and amenities like bathrooms, drinking fountains, and crepe stands. 

You can get a good picture any time of day in the Champ de Mars – the large space means that it usually doesn’t get crazy crowded, although of course, earlier in the day means there will be fewer people. Get a unique shot of you enjoying a picnic on the grass with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Contributed by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

Sunset Seine River Cruise

Capture stunning shots of the Eiffel Tower on a sunset Seine river cruise right in the heart of the city! The boat passes right by the Parisian structure, offering unparalleled photo ops. 

Picture this: The sun begins to set, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. As the darkness creeps, watch as the tower begins to sparkle, you won’t want to put your camera down! 

Tip, bring a tripod and capture a timelapse of the sun going down.

As you cruise along the river, you also get to take in all the other amazing sights, like the gorgeous bridges and beautiful historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie. 

And guess what? You have the freedom to customize your experience. Pack your favorite snacks and a bottle of vino for a relaxed and casual vibe. Or, for a touch of luxury, go all out on a dinner cruise. 

Contributed by Olivia from Defining Decade

Rue de l’Université

If you’re looking for the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower, look no further than Rue de l’Université.

Rue de l’Université, a major street in Paris, turns into a dead-end street just as you arrive at the Champs de Mars, the park that surrounds the Eiffel Tower. As a result, you find yourself in the perfect location to grab a stunning photo with the tower in the background.

With its cobblestone street, stunning architecture, and the tower directly behind you, this location provides an impressive and unique perspective of the Eiffel Tower.

Due to its popularity, this spot can get quite busy. Arriving early in the morning will certainly help to avoid some of the crowds.

For those looking for an impressive backdrop of the Eiffel Tower in their picture, Rue de l’Université is a must-visit spot that will result in a truly impressive view of this famous landmark.

Recommended by Julie from Toronto to Anywhere 

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is my favourite bridge in all of Paris. It’s the most decadent, extravagant bridge, with flying golden angels, art nouveau lamp posts, ornate cherubs, nymphs, and even winged horses!

And, of course, it has a great view of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. This bridge is perfect for taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at sunset, and you’ll find plenty of spots to take pictures from, even if there are loads of tourists.

The pavement is very wide, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. It’s also great if you have a zoom lens, but you might have to be a little more patient with this one as the photographer will need to stand farther back; best to do that one in the morning.

Just lean against the railing (the best view is on the north side near Monument à Lafayette) with your photographer, and people will be able to walk around you. And voila! There you have it—the picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.

Contributed by Adriana from Wanderlicious

Pont des Invalides

A great underrated Eiffel Tower photo spot is the Pont des Invalides. If you’re tired of the major tourist flocks at Rue de l’Universite and Trocadero, the Pont des Invalides is a great low-key alternative.

The Pont des Invalides is located near the Hotel des Invalides: an iconic military complex and museum. The bridge spans the Seine River connecting the 7th and 8th arrondissement.

It’s a great spot because it’s less touristy, and you’ll be able to capture the Gothic tower of the American Church in Paris in your shot which is totally unique!  This church was the first American church established outside the U.S. Pretty awesome stuff.

First, start off with a picnic at l’Esplanade des Invalides. It’s a huge grass field that Parisians love socializing at when the weather warms up. Grab a baguette, humus, and vegan snacks, and enjoy the scenery and gorgeous architecture surrounding you. 

There are great vegan food option supermarkets and a fresh food market at Motte-Picquet and Rue Cler respectively.

After enjoying your picnic, it’s time to immortalize your perfect day! Head to the Pont des Invalides for that well-deserved shot of the Eiffel Tower you’ve earned. 

Contributed by Latifah from Gimme Confetti

Tour Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) has the reputation of being the ugliest building in Paris. It sticks out like a sore thumb and you can spot it from pretty much anywhere in the city. In its defense, however, it should be pointed out that its panoramic terrace offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in town, and the best part of it is that Montparnasse Tower itself won’t be in the photo!

The tower is located on 33 Av. du Main, in the 15th arrondissement. The closest metro station is Montparnasse-Bienvenue station. It is open daily, though opening hours vary depending on the season.

You can access two levels (there is a fee to pay for that): floor 56th, which has a bar and is all closed with glass windows, and the terrace above, which is also mostly closed with the occasional opening through which you can catch the views and take photos. There even are telescopes.

Plan to be there about one hour before sunset for the best experience.

Contributed by Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is one of the city’s coolest and most popular museums, thanks to its large collection of works by Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. However, that’s not its only highlight: the art museum is also a unique place from which to view the Eiffel Tower. 

Both the museum and tour are located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. Most visitors are focused on the artworks on the walls, and surprisingly few take a look out the windows at the stunning city views. From the upper floor of the museum, looking west, the tower stands tall above the rooftops of nearby apartment buildings. 

The museum is open from 9am to 6pm most days (closed Mondays). For those hoping for a sunset view, the hours are extended to 9.45pm on Thursdays.

Contributed by Melanie from Postcards & Places

Pompidou Centre

The Pompidou Centre is known for its remarkable architecture – but it is also a great place from which to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower.

Even if you’re only spending two days in Paris, it’s worth checking out this contemporary landmark and enjoying the view from the top.

The building is famous for its ‘inside-out’ construction, where the functional workings of the building, including ducts and pipes, are exposed on the exterior of the structure. The building houses an art gallery and there’s a lovely restaurant on the top floor, with a good view of the gothic Tour Saint-Jacques.

However, from the terrace on the west side of the building, there is a great view of the Eiffel Tower, standing tall above the rooftops of Paris. A good time to photograph here is in the middle of the day, to capture the classic blue-grey tones of the rooftops.

The Pompidou Centre is in the 4^th arrondissement and access to the terrace is free.

Contributed by Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com

Pont d’Iéna Bridge

One of the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower is hidden in plain sight. To the left of the Pont d’Iéna bridge (Jena Bridge) you’ll find steps down to the banks of the River Seine that most tourists walk right by. This overlooked spot is the perfect place to capture the Eiffel Tower in its full grandeur, without hundreds of tourists in the shot.

When you’re walking from the bustling Trocadero, you cross the traffic lights at Voie Georges Pompidou, to the left of the bridge, the wall has a small gateway to Port Debilly with steps leading down to the riverbank.

Whether you’re capturing the beautiful morning light or there in the middle of the day, it’s an excellent vantage point to set up your camera (or take that quick selfie!) away from the throngs of people. It’s one of the best places in Paris to take pictures of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Contributed by Kaz from The Honeymoon Guide

Arc de Triomphe

For one of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots, head to another of Paris’ most famous landmarks – the Arc de Triomphe!

The Arc de Triomphe is located on the western end of Champs-Élysées. Many visitors will only visit the Arc for a quick photo stop, but climbing to the top is one of the best things to do in Paris – especially since you get such a great view of the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets are required to visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop. They aren’t timed, so you can visit at whatever time works best for you. I recommend timing your visit at dusk so that you can see the first Eiffel Tower sparkle of the evening.

After climbing the 284 steps to the top, you’ll emerge to one of the best views in Paris. 

The Eiffel Tower is located directly south of the Arc de Triomphe. The elevated view of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop is a great vantage point for photos as you can see how the Eiffel Tower towers over the city streets below.

Contributed by Sydney from A World in Reach

Galeries Lafayette

Paris’ most iconic shopping center, Galeries Lafayette, has a rooftop with a prime view of the Eiffel Tower. While it is a small chain department shop, Paris’ Galleries Lafayette on the 9th arrondissement is the flagship store. 

The Terrace is the rooftop that showcases the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Paris’ other skyscrapers. It is located on the 8th floor, and the best time to visit is during the sunset. If you want to avoid the crowds, come at 10 am when Galeries Lafayette opens. Taking photos of the Eiffel Tower from the Terrace is a photographer’s dream. 

Enjoy a romantic dinner with your love while fawning over the view. During the holiday season, you can go ice skating on the Terrace since the rink opens up specifically for the season.

Along with shopping at Galeries Lafayette, make sure to take a snapshot at the Terrace for an extra souvenir!

Contributed by Hanna from Hannah on Horizon

Trocadero

One of the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower is Trocadero.  Trocadero is home to the Palais de Chaillot which is a building on top of Chaillot Hill.  It’s the large balcony (so to speak) on the Palais de Chaillot that offers a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower.  

As you can imagine, a place with a spectacular view of the architectural icon of Paris can get crowded.  Your best bet to getting photos here with few to no people in them is by getting there in the early morning.

6 am-7 am is best if you’re able to be up that early!  Though it’s crowded in the evening, Trocadero is a great place to enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkling at the top of each hour.  

Trocadero is located off of the “Trocadero” metro stop on lines 9 and 6.  The view of the Eiffel Tower is easily walkable from the metro exit.  

Enjoy the fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero!

Contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Take Pictures of the Eiffel Tower

Paris is a city full of wonders, and the Eiffel Tower makes it all the more special. From its vast terrace and gardens to the iconic view from Trocadero, there are plenty of places to take amazing pictures of this majestic structure.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture some breathtaking moments at the Eiffel Tower!