In the heart of Paris, where the River Seine gracefully winds its way through the city’s iconic landmarks, stands the Eiffel Tower—an ever-present symbol of romance, the city’s timeless allure, and architectural splendor. It’s no wonder, then, that millions flock to Paris each year to see the Eiffel Tower and find the best angles to capture the perfect Eiffel Tower photo.
The quest for the most Instagrammable locations to get a photo with the Eiffel Tower has become a paramount pursuit. That isn’t to say that it’s hard to find a location with a great view of the Eiffel Tower—since it’s located in the middle of Paris, you’d be hard-pressed to not see it.
But this guide is all about the best places to grab a photo with the Eiffel Tower. From streets and viewpoints, there are lots of hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems that offer unparalleled glimpses of this Parisian icon. Because if you’re going all the way to Paris, you’d better leave with nothing but the best Instagram pics, right?
I’ll also be covering the optimal times to visit each spot and how to navigate the varying degrees of crowds. Some of these locations will be bursting with tourists at all times; others are so quiet that you won’t see a single other person. But let’s be clear about one thing: whether it’s in the golden hues of sunrise, sparkling against the night sky, or embraced by the glow of twilight, each location offers a unique and romantic new angle to admire the Eiffel Tower’s timeless elegance.
Trocadero
The Trocadero emerges as an unparalleled vantage point for soaking in the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. It has rightly earned its reputation as one of the best locations for capturing iconic Eiffel Tower photos in Paris!
Positioned across the River Seine from the majestic structure, the Trocadero’s vast esplanade provides ample space for visitors to frame their perfect photo with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, allowing for all kinds of creative compositions.
Due to its amazing view and accessibility, the Trocadero is one of the most crowded spots in all of Paris. If you want to get shots here with no one else in them, make sure you show up at sunrise. Even then, there might be a few people!
And make sure to watch your bags. The Trocadero is an infamous spot for pickpockets. We’ve been pickpocketed in Paris before, so we always make sure to have one hand on our things!
Best time to visit: sunrise
Rue de l’Universite
In recent years, this quiet residential street with a dead-on view of the Eiffel Tower blew up on social media. It’s not hard to see why: Rue de l’Universite is positioned essentially just a block or two down the street from the Iron Lady herself, and the quintessential Parisian buildings and cobblestone streets impart an instantly recognizable French vibe.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of locations with too much exposed stone, so we passed on Rue de l’Universite on my last trip to Paris. However, if you want to get your own shot here, you’ll need to show up as early in the morning as possible! To say that it becomes crowded during the day is an understatement. I recommend showing up as close to sunrise as possible.
Also, please don’t forget that while this a popular place to grab Eiffel Tower photos, it is first and foremost a residential street. Avoid making too much noise and be respectful to the inhabitants of the area!
Best time to visit: sunrise or just after sunrise
Avenue de Camoens
Avenue de Camoens might have my favorite Eiffel Tower view. This charming cobblestone dead-end street offers a wonderful opportunity for Eiffel Tower photos with its stone railing, iconic lamppost, trees that are stunning in autumn, and surrounding Parisian buildings. I especially love the colors here in the fall; the trees at Avenue de Camoens are some of the first trees to turn in Paris every year, and their lovely rust color ushers in the rest of the foliage season.
Despite being a residential street, Avenue de Camoens has become a popular spot to get a photo with the Eiffel Tower among casual viewers and influencers alike. You don’t have to show up early in order to get a picture, but you might have to wait a few minutes if you want an empty shot.
Best time to visit: morning
Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower Carousel used to be nestled within the Trocadero Gardens, but in recent years it has been moved to Pont d’Iena, directly underneath the Iron Lady herself.
This unique Eiffel Tower photo spot is a whimsical gem that adds a touch of magic to your Eiffel Tower photos. This charming merry-go-round, with its ornately adorned horses and classic charm, provides an irresistible backdrop for capturing the romance and playfulness of Paris.
Best time to visit: anytime
Metro Line 6
Taking the metro line #6 in Paris might constitute the most beautiful subway ride in the world. Between the stops Passy and Bir-Hakeim, you’ll be treated to a stunning view over the river of the Eiffel Tower outside of the metro car windows. If you’re taking the train from Passy to Bir-Hakeim, stand on the left side. If you’re taking the train from Bir-Hakeim, then make sure you stand or sit on the right.
On a side note, you can also take the RER C and get the same view, but the windows aren’t as large and I don’t think the view is as good. Either way, it’s one of the best 2 euros you can spend for such a romantic view!
Best time to visit: anytime
Passerelle Debilly
Passerelle Debilly is a lesser-known bridge over the Seine that has a great view of the Eiffel Tower. While it’s not exactly a replacement for the famous love lock bridge in Paris, lots of people have started affixing locks to the metal railings. It’s also an excellent spot to see the sparkling nightly light show at the Eiffel Tower at night because only a few people stop on this bridge.
Best time to visit: anytime
Café Le Recrutement
For a more subtle nod to the Eiffel Tower while still capturing the iconic essence of Paris, take a walk over to Café Le Recrutement. This charming café, tucked away in the heart of Paris, provides an ideal setting for capturing photos with the Eiffel Tower. Whether it’s a shot of your exquisite meal against the backdrop of the iconic landmark or a candid moment of sipping coffee while admiring the view, Café Le Recrutement adds a gourmet touch to your Eiffel Tower photo collection.
You don’t even need to dine here if you so choose—simply standing in the street in front of the café is enough to capture the iconic red awnings and sidewalk dining chairs that make Paris so…well, Parisian. And of course, you’ll catch the Eiffel Tower standing daintily in the background!
Best time to visit: morning for the cafe, anytime otherwise
Seine River Cruise
Many of the Seine River Cruises depart from directly underneath the Eiffel Tower, making this a great spot to take photos with the Eiffel Tower as well as an activity that is both picturesque and informative. A Seine River cruise provides a unique opportunity to capture stunning Eiffel Tower pictures from a different angle, showcasing the iconic landmark against the backdrop of Parisian landmarks.
I recommend choosing a cruise in the early evening, where you’ll see the City of Lights slowly come alive with the sunset in the background. Plus, with the cruise’s audio guides, you can immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of Paris and learn more about the history, culture, and landmarks of Paris.
Best time to visit: late afternoon/early evening
Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Ascend to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for an unrivaled panoramic perspective that elevates your Eiffel Tower pictures to new heights. From this iconic vantage point, capture the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower against the sprawling tapestry of Paris.
I firmly believe that the Arc de Triomphe has the best view of Paris! Why would you pay so much money to go up the Eiffel Tower when you can’t even see the Eiffel Tower itself? Even though the Eiffel Tower isn’t large from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, the sweeping views from the observation deck more than make up for it.
It does cost 20 euros to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but you can go for free if you have a Paris Museum Pass.
Best time to visit: anytime
📰 The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris aside from the Eiffel Tower and thus deserves a visit on every Paris itinerary! Read my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris here.
Pont d’Iena
Pont d’Iéna, with its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower both above and below, offers two settings for capturing Eiffel Tower photos. On the bridge itself, you can catch the structural elegance and symmetry of the Eiffel Tower rising directly above you. It’s safe to stand directly in the middle of the street to get a perfectly balanced shot of the tower, but make sure to watch out for traffic. It can also get quite busy here during the day and in the evening.
Venture underneath the bridge to either side to find a totally different view of the Eiffel Tower. The tower appears to sit on the River Seine, elegantly placed for captivating Eiffel Tower pictures. The promenade along the river is quite long and expansive, so you never have to worry about crowds here!
Below Pont d’Iena is also one of my favorite places to watch the Eiffel Tower at night because there aren’t many people around, so you can watch the sparkling nightly show in romantic peace and quiet.
Best time to visit: morning on the bridge, anytime below the bridge
Avenue de New York
Avenue de New York is another charming walkway that offers Eiffel Tower views while strolling along the Seine. This tree-lined avenue is popular due to its unique framing opportunities, as well as the cute “Avenue de New York” sign that is trendy for Instagrammers and engagement shoots.
The plentiful trees along Avenue de New York add a touch of romance and natural whimsy to your Eiffel Tower photos. As you wander down the picturesque path, frame your shots to embrace the harmonious blend of architectural beauty and the timeless allure of the Eiffel Tower.
Best time to visit: anytime
Rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette
Experience Parisian chic from the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette, where fashion meets panoramic Eiffel Tower views. Elevate your Eiffel Tower pictures with the backdrop of the city’s skyline and the iconic landmark. Although the Eiffel Tower is extremely small from the top of the Galeries Lafayette, this is a unique opportunity to capture the Parisian skyline and architecture from a high vantage point in the city for free.
I do personally think that the top of the Arc de Triomphe has better views, but if you don’t want to spend money or want to specifically capture more of the iconic Opéra district, this is the spot for you!
Of course, the inside of the Galeries Lafayette is also extremely beautiful, especially during the holidays when they go all-out on decor. Make sure to take a walk around the central rotunda and admire the gorgeous stained-glass dome from inside.
Best time to visit: anytime
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a unique metal bridge that passes by the Eiffel Tower. It has a cinematic allure and offers a captivating backdrop for framing Eiffel Tower scenes. I personally adore the metal framework that makes the bridge instantly recognizable, and the metro that passes overhead looks so beautiful with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Golden hour is particularly stunning here!
This is another Eiffel Tower photo location where lots of people tend to congregate, but the bridge is large enough that you’ll have plenty of space unless you’re very picky about your spot. I actually shot my photos by myself on a tripod and didn’t have too much trouble.
Best time to visit: golden hour for best lighting
