Top 10 best viewpoints in Paris: the most stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the Eiffel Tower! Plus, the top 3 Eiffel Tower best Instagram spots.
“Paris is always a good idea.”
Audrey Hepburn
There’s no denying that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From the ornate architecture to the lush gardens, there’s something special about every corner of this city.
If you are looking for the best places for a city break or a romantic honeymoon location, or you want to visit one of the best girls’ trip destinations in Europe, Paris will not disappoint you. It offers something special for everyone – check out these best things to do in Paris for the most amazing attractions and activities that should not be missed.
And if you’re on a business trip or looking to network, you can enjoy private dining in Paris, combining professional connections with the city’s culinary charm.
And while the streets of Paris already provide a stunning panorama, seeing the Eiffel Tower enthroning like an Iron Lady over the roofs of the city… that’s truly something else.
Luckily, you don’t need to book a hotel with Eiffel Tower views to be granted this magnificent view. Many locations all over town are perfect for taking in this sight; let me show you around! Here’s for you a list of 10 of the best viewpoints in Paris!
1. The Parvis Of The Sacre Cœur
The Sacre Cœur sits on top of Montmartre, a charming neighborhood that winds around a 130m high hill – hence, it makes a fantastic viewpoint to see Paris stretching out at your feet.
The white basilica is also a wonderful place to see the sunset over Paris. Just stock up on some wine and snacks, take a seat on the stairs in front of the church, and wait for the spectacle to begin.
If the highest hill in Paris is not high enough, you can climb the Sacre Coeur bell tower for an even better view.
A word of advice: when walking up to the Sacre Cœur, you likely will cross some con artists who either want you to sign a petition or try to tie a friendship bracelet around your wrist. Just ignore them and walk past them.
2. The Tour Montparnasse
Tour Montparnasse is – to be honest – one of the ugliest buildings in Paris, but it’s also one of the best places to head to if you are looking for a fabulous spot to see the Eiffel Tower.
You can head up to the observation deck on the 59th floor for a 360° view of Paris, or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can enjoy breakfast at Ciel de Paris.
The restaurant is located two floors below the observation deck, and it offers a good breakfast with coffee, freshly pressed juice, brioche, croissants, and different jams. Plus, the breakfast cost is less than the ticket to the observation deck.
So, if you’re in for a treat that won’t break the bank but grants you amazing views, Tour Montparnasse is the perfect place for you.
3. The Arc De Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and for a good reason. Situated atop the Champs-Élysées in the middle of the city’s busiest roundabout, the Arch offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The visitors’ platform is a perfect place to see the Eiffel Tower and get a good view of the Parisian Historical Axis. It’s a straight line that leads from the Pyramid of the Louvre to the Grand Arc de la Defense, crossing the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe on its way.
But climbing up isn’t for the faint of heart; the only way up is by a spiral staircase with 284 steps! The elevator is only for visitors with reduced mobility and the elderly.
However, knowing that the Arc de Triomphe sits in the middle of a roundabout, don’t attempt to cross it on foot! Be sure to use the underground pedestrian passages to get to the entrance.
4. Best Viewpoints In Paris: The Eiffel Tower
There’s no denying that the Eiffel Tower is the first location that pops into everyone’s mind when thinking about viewpoints of Paris. And rightly so, the view is simply breathtaking!
So, if you’re looking for the best views of the city, there’s no better place to head than up to the top of this towering structure. Whether you take the stairs or the elevator, a journey to the second floor will give you stunning panoramas of Paris by day or night.
For an even more breathtaking panorama, take the elevator to the summit and enjoy the City of Lights in all its glory.
By day, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. And by night, the illuminations are simply magical.
Be sure to catch the sparkles that happen every full hour after dusk, too – it’s a truly unforgettable experience!
Just remember that popular time slots get booked quickly, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to watch the sunset from up high.
5. The Park Belleville
If you want a little adventure off the beaten path that includes great views in Paris, head to Belleville. It’s a great and under-the-radar neighborhood located in the east of Paris.
This hidden gem in Paris is not a tourist hotspot, but it is still a great place to visit. The district is located on a hill, similar to Montmartre, and the Park on top is perfect for marveling at the skyline of Paris.
On your way up to the top of Belleville, where the Parc de Belleville is located, you can’t help but notice the incredible street art that borders your path. The neighborhood is, in fact, the epicenter of the Parisian street art scene. But it’s also known for its many little cafés and bars, making the area a good spot in Paris. You will definitely enjoy your time here.
6. The Rooftop Of The Galerie Lafayette
The best things in life are free, including one of the best views in Paris. Le Rooftop of Galerie Lafayette is a wonderful viewpoint that will cost you nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Simply take the stairs until you reach the last floor, and you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the City of Light. You can even see the Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier building, but also the Sacre Coeur.
And while the view is always spectacular, it can be especially enchanting if you visit Paris in winter because of the seasonal events.
So next time you’re looking for a breathtaking way to spend an afternoon, don’t forget about the Rooftop of Galerie Lafayette.
7. The Grand Arc At La Defense
Le Grand Arc is a massive structure in La Defense, the business center near Paris. This Arc, which marks the end of the Axis Historique de Paris, is even more than double as high as the Arc de Triomphe.
It is a very popular photo spot of the Arc de Triomphe and the skyline of Paris.
Even though you can visit the Arc de la Defense observation deck to get the full experience, the location also grants you wonderful views from ground level.
And if you are already there, you can visit the large shopping mall, have lunch or see a movie. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for some retail therapy or entertainment.
And if you’re interested in seeing some modern architecture, La Defense is definitely worth a visit. This area is filled with skyscrapers and other very modern buildings.
8. From Board Of A Bateau Mouche
You don’t always have to climb high to get the best views of Paris because there’s something truly magical about seeing Paris from the Seine.
You’ll get a front-row seat to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks as you glide down the river. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre will all pass by before your eyes.
But it’s not just the big sights that make this experience special. You’ll also get a glimpse of the everyday life that unfolds along the river banks. Parisians walking their dogs, children playing in the park, and couples enjoying a romantic picnic – it’s all part of the Seine’s unique charm.
And whether you experience it during the day or at night, you’ll surely love it.
9. The Palais De Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary and modern art museum in Paris, located right by the Trocadero and facing the Eiffel Tower. If you are an avid lover of modern art, you shouldn’t miss the exhibitions, but you also should reserve a moment to admire the views.
The Museum has two spots that are wonderful viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower.
Firstly, from the courtyard of the Museum that lies right by the Seine just across the Tower.
The second spot for amazing views is from the edge of the restaurant right from the entrance of the Museum, where you see the Eiffel Tower popping up above the neighboring houses.
10. The Panthéon
The Panthéon sits on “Mount Sainte-Geneviève” in Paris, and even though calling this little mound “mountain” is completely over the top, the view is wonderful. But to enjoy it, you have to visit the monument.
It was originally built as a church but transformed into a mausoleum after the French Revolution in 1789. Now, it holds the remains of the most important French citizens: Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas, Marie Curie, and, since 2021, Josephine Baker, who entered the honorable hall as the 6th woman.
The Panthéon is right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Hence, seeing Paris from the cupola of the Panthéon is wonderful because the entire city shines around you.
Et voilà, these are the ten best viewpoints in Paris!
But rest assured that when wandering the streets of the beautiful French Capital, you’ll discover so many more: The Eiffel Tower or the Sacre Cœur popping up unexpectedly between two buildings, the view of the Seine when crossing one of the many bridges, or even a glimpse on a busy Parisian Boulevard when shopping on the 2nd floor of a retailer.
Paris never runs out of spots to admire its beauty, but if you visit the viewpoints above, you are definitely getting the quintessence of Paris’ magic.
About The Author Of “10 Best Viewpoints In Paris That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop”
Lena fell in love with Paris 16 years ago and is eager to show you her adopted home beyond the Eiffel Tower. On her website Salut from Paris, she provides you with many valuable local Paris insider tips and essential Paris tips, bas well as hotel recommendations, itineraries, neighborhood info, and things to know and avoid.
I hope you have enjoyed this post as much as I did! Lena clearly knows the most beautiful secret spots and hidden gems of Paris. I will definitely be visiting these best viewpoints in Paris on my next trip!
I just wanted to add three more of my favorite closer views of the Eiffel Tower. These are some of the most popular Instagram spots in Paris, and I am also guilty of spending hours hanging out there and torturing my husband for that perfect Insta-worthy shot (see below)!
Top 3 Eiffel Tower Instagram Spots
1. Rue De L’Université
The first spot is at Rue De L’Université. This cobblestone street with beautiful Parisian-style architecture creates the perfect surroundings for taking an absolutely stunning shot of the Eiffel Tower.
The street is usually full of cars and people, so you must be patient and wait for the right moment to take your photos.
2. Place Du Trocadéro
The second location is on the stairs by the Place du Trocadéro.
What you don’t see in the pictures is that there is a massive drop on the other side of the stairs, so please be careful!
3. Carousel Of The Eiffel Tower
It does not get any more Insta-worthy than a colorful traditional French merry-go-round with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop! The carousel is situated right below the Eiffel Tower.
All three of these Eiffel Tower Instagram spots are located within walking distance of one another. The Eiffel Tower’s closest metro station is Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel on line RER C. You could also take metro line 9 or 6 and get off at Trocadéro station.
Before you go, you may also want to check out these unique things to do in Paris.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your next trip to Paris!
Magda
xoxo
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