Like Sabrina, the character Audrey Hepburn played in the iconic Billy Wilder movie, once said, "Paris is always a good idea." There is a laundry list of reasons why one should visit Paris. From exploring the historic neighborhood of Marais to admiring the stained glass windows of Saint-Chapelle and visiting the mecca of culture and art, Musée du Louvre, Paris is a city for everyone. And while you are here visiting the many bucket list attractions, don't forget to soak in the sight of the Paris skyline. And the city's skyline is simply not complete without the magnificent Eiffel Tower.
Granted that climbing the Eiffel Tower is an experience that should not be missed, what you don't get to quite enjoy from here is the view of the tower itself, and it is a sight to behold. So here is a guide to the best spots in the city to see the famous structure from afar.
Situated across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Place du Trocadero arguably offers the greatest view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No matter where you stand, be it at the steps, the gardens, the parvis (forecourt), or in front of the Warsaw Fountain, you are guaranteed some of the best direct views of the Tower. Being a public space it can be accessed for free. The downside? It is an extremely popular attraction so you can expect crowds at all hours. It is still worth it, because the view of the Eiffel from the Trocadero, especially during sunrise, as the sun rises from behind the Tower, is unlike anything you have experienced before. But if crowds are an absolute no-no, get here before sunrise. Afterward, you can head to Carette for hot chocolate and delicious pastries.
Address: Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France (Find on Map)
Discover the Trocadero GardensSeine River Cruises that go past the Eiffel offer one of the best views of the Tower. Away from the crowd and in the comfort of your cruise, Seine cruises allow you to take in stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from more than just one perspective. The Seine flows along the edge of the Eiffel Tower before it turns east around it, bringing you a stone’s throw away from the Tower. Seine cruises also allow you to see other iconic Parisian monuments such as the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, and the Orsay Museum, amongst others.
Tip: If you’re going for a Seine Cruise, opt for one in the evening. You will have the chance to see the Eiffel Tower lit up majestically in the Paris night sky.
Book a Seine River CruiseThe tallest structure in Paris, except the Eiffel Tower, is the Montparnasse Tower, located in the 15th arrondissement of the city. This skyscraper is not the most attractive building in the city, but it does offer a stunning panoramic view of the city. While it is a private building that functions as an office space, the rooftop is open to the public. Head to the top, soak in the city, and watch the world go by around you. There is also a restaurant and bar at the observation deck, Le Ciel de Paris, where you can grab a drink while you enjoy the view. You may want to consider going up around the late afternoon hours so you can enjoy the sunset and night view of the Eiffel Tower. Best part? Since the tower is almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower, this is one of the best places to enjoy unobstructed views of the tower.
Address: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France (Find on Map)
One has to shop if they are in Paris and Printemps, a French department store chain, is a great place to head to for all things related to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. The flagship store at the Boulevard Haussman is the one to head to if you want to catch a view of the Eiffel Tower. It is also a historical monument with 10 domes, making it a worthwhile visit in itself. Head to the Printemps Rooftop Terrace to rest your feet and grab a cup of coffee while you enjoy the stunning views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. You can also cross the street to Printemps L’Homme (the men’s store), and head to the terrace for a great view as well!
Address: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France (Find on Map)
The Champs de Mars is a large, open green space that sits in front of the Eiffel Tower. Flanked by the Tower on one end and École Militaire on the other, Champs de Mars allows you to take in complete, uninterrupted views of the Eiffel - from the Esplanade to the top. During the summers, you will often find people enjoying a picnic on the Champs de Mars in the company of the Eiffel Tower. Of course, if the weather permits, you must enjoy a picnic on the lawns around the Tower's base and stay till the Tower sparkles for the first time. If you are here during spring, make sure you capture the Eiffel Tower with the cherry blossoms or magnolias that adorn it in the forefront.
Address: 2 All. Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France (Find On Map)
Arc de Triomphe offers some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. One of the most iconic attractions in Paris, it offers unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and the city. Climb 284 steps to the top of the monument to experience this spectacular view. You will also be able to spot the Champs-Élysées and the La Défense, a major business district in Paris. If you manage to get here as the sun starts to set, you can catch the view of the Eiffel Tower as it starts to sparkle for the first time that evening. And, after the sunset, you can go for a stroll at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, just below the Arc de Triomphe.
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France (Find on Map)
Visit Arc de TriompheA favorite among wedding photographers thanks to its light-filled arches, Pont de Bir Hakeim is one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. It is especially known for the unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower. The tower itself is at the Pont d’Iéna bridge but continue one bridge further to the south and we promise that you won't be disappointed. In case you are trying to place where you have seen the bridge before, think of the scene in Inception when Elliot Page's character, Ariadne learns how to build dreams. Go early in the morning so you have the best lighting to view the Tower. If you are an early bird, try to be there for the sunrise so you can view the Tower against the sky bright with varied shades of pink, yellow, and orange.
Address: Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris (Find on Map)
The Notre Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is easily one of the most iconic attractions in Paris. So visiting the cathedral is a no-brainer if you are in Paris. However, if you want to catch a view of the Tower from the cathedral, come prepared. You will have to climb about 387 steps to get to the top of the tower. We guarantee that it is worth the hassle, as from the top you can view the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, and over to Sacré-Cœur. After your workout, treat yourself to some French delicacies and a glass of wine at the Le Quasimodo Notre Dame.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (Find on Map)
Paris is magical at night. It comes to life with a unique glow, and this sight is pronounced by the Eiffel Tower decked in its golden hue and shimmering lights. The Tower is impossible to miss from almost any corner of the city, but here are some of the best viewpoints to see the Eiffel Tower at Night: